Abstract
The use of e-Procurement in the acquisition of construction works and services has witnessed a tremendous growth in the past three decades across the world. However, in a developing country like Nigeria, there is the lack of understanding of the different types of e-Procurement systems and specific technologies used to support the execution of construction procurement tasks. This study, therefore, relied on a questionnaire survey of 759 users of e-Procurement to systematically identify the different types of e-Procurement systems and technologies used in the Nigerian construction environment. The results of data analysis revealed that whereas the common e-Procurement systems used in the study area are those that help in disseminating/receiving information on tender opportunities, exchanging construction project information/data, submitting tenders, awarding contracts, placing orders and making/receiving payment for materials/equipment and services, the use of systems that help in tracking the movement of materials/equipment and monitoring the progress of work on construction sites was not very common. In addition, it was also found that the main e-Procurement technologies used to support the execution of construction procurement activities in the study area were e-Mails, websites and web portals. The study concludes that the over reliance on simple e-Procurement technologies such as e-Mail and websites/portals with limited capacity to engender collaboration, integration and coordination of tasks is inconsistent with the growing sophistication and advancement in construction procurement activities and processes and that this has a tendency to limit the benefits associated with e-Procurement in construction project delivery in Nigeria.
Highlights
The Nigerian construction environment is witnessing a significant change as a result of globalization and advancement in technology
This study investigated the different types of e-Procurement systems and technologies used by stakeholders in the Nigerian construction environment
The second conclusion is that e-Mail, websites and electronic funds transfer are the predominant e-Procurement technologies used by people in the Nigerian construction environment to support the execution of construction procurement activities
Summary
The Nigerian construction environment is witnessing a significant change as a result of globalization and advancement in technology. Aspirations and expectations have compelled professionals and other stakeholders in the industry globally and locally to rethink the way construction businesses are carried out.Previous studies [1- 2] have indicated that the emergence of new level of complexity in the industry, communication, different relationships, partnering, markets and global business standards and rules have made it necessary for the construction industry to leverage the prevailing digital climate to improve the fortunes of the sector in meeting the needs and expectations of its clientele in the delivery of buildings and infrastructure projects in a sustainable manner. The foregoing suggests that there is a growing body of scientific knowledge on e-Procurement in construction, there is still a knowledge gap in the area of the specific types of e-Procurement systems and technologies currently in use in the Nigerian construction environment. The findings of this research are expected to inform intending users as well developers and vendors of e-Procurement systems within and outside Nigeria on the availability and deployment of the different types of e-Procurement systems and technologies in this country’s construction environment
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