E-procurement Practices Research Articles

Factors Influencing E-Procurement Practice in Pakistan

The concept of E-procurement has been widely spread with the growing use of informational technology in every field. Organizations are adopting methods of procurements that are more reliable, less time consuming and relatively stronger than the traditional methods. This quantitative study investigates factors influencing e-procurement practice in Karachi, Pakistan. A sample of 319 respondents was taken to observe the influence of internal organizational support, integration with suppliers’ electronic systems, supplier willingness, perceived improvements to purchasing tasks and supplier pressure on e-procurement intention. The results information indicates that internal organizational support, supplier willingness and perceived improvements to purchasing tasks significantly influences e-procurement intentions. However, the factors integration with suppliers’ electronic systems and supplier pressure does not have any significant impact on e-procurement intention. The result recommends the use of e-procurement system for organizations to facilitate the current practices of procurement.

A developed software agent-knowledge-assisted procurement management tool for retailing enterprise

PurposeThis study aims to develop a software agent-knowledge procurement management tool to address uncertainties from external and internal environments, such as record failure, slow logistics auditing and distribution delay toward improving procurement management in retailing enterprises.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative methodology was used to collect data using a self-administered survey from randomly selected procurement staffs, marketers and customers to measure their perception regarding the feasibility and acceptance of the implemented agent-knowledge-based procurement management tool.FindingsResults from empirical analysis reveal that the implemented tool facilitates collaboration and interaction among buyers, sellers and procurement managers toward enhancing procurement managers’ flexibility to handle unexpected exceptions. In addition, results confirm the feasibility of the implemented tool in supporting procurement management toward handling inventory failure exception, which occurs in traditional procurement approaches. Moreover, descriptive results from user acceptance test verify that the tool was accepted by the respondents.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study is that the implemented tool is evaluated using data collected from respondents in Malaysia retailing enterprise only; thus, the results cannot be generalized to other enterprises and country. In addition, research implications from this study design a methodological and comprehensive software agent-knowledge-based model that support buyers, sellers and procurement managers with information to facilitate buying and selling operations.Practical implicationsPractically, the designed software agent-knowledge-based model describes how software agents collaborate with each other to facilitate procurement tasks and also use the knowledge base in the implemented tool to provide information sharing platform that manages the dynamics of procurement operations.Social implicationsThis research integrates software agents which are autonomous programs that carryout pre-defined task on behalf of end users. Socially, this study would be useful for procurement managers in developing mechanisms for instilling insights in retailing operations.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to attempt to develop a software agent-knowledge-based model to support procurement management in the retailing enterprise domain. It contributes to promote e-procurement practices by implementing a software agent-knowledge-oriented tool to address uncertainties experienced in retailing enterprise. It is envisaged that this study will provide basis for future research into e-procurement practices for retailing businesses in Malaysia and beyond.

INFLUENCE OF E-PROCUREMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF PARASTATALS IN KENYA

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of e-procurement on performance of parastatals.Methodology: This research study adopted a descriptive research design approach. The researcher preferred this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. For this study census was used, all the 187 heads of procurement in all parastatals were issued with questionnaires. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression model was used to show the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Data generated was be keyed in and analysed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 to generate information which was presented using tables, charts, frequencies and percentages.Results: The findings of the study indicated that e-sourcing, e-informing, e-payments and e-tendering have a positive relationship with performance in parastatals.Conclusion: Based on the study findings, the study concludes that performance of parastatals can be improved by e-sourcing, e-informing, e-payment and e-tendering. Policy recommendation: Finally, the study recommended that public institutions should embrace e-procurement practices so as to improve their performance and further researches should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.

INFLUENCE OF E-PROCUREMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF PARASTATALS IN KENYA

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of e-procurement on performance of parastatals.Methodology: This research study adopted a descriptive research design approach. The researcher preferred this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. For this study census was used, all the 187 heads of procurement in all parastatals were issued with questionnaires. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression model was used to show the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Data generated was be keyed in and analysed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 to generate information which was presented using tables, charts, frequencies and percentages.Results: The findings of the study indicated that e-sourcing, e-informing, e-payments and e-tendering have a positive relationship with performance in parastatals.Conclusion: Based on the study findings, the study concludes that performance of parastatals can be improved by e-sourcing, e-informing, e-payment and e-tendering. Policy recommendation: Finally, the study recommended that public institutions should embrace e-procurement practices so as to improve their performance and further researches should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.

The impact of e-Procurement practice in Indonesia government: A Preliminary Study (The case of Electronic Procurement Service at Bekasi District)

In digital economy, government of Indonesia uses the internet to deliver services and to communicate with citizens and organizations. One of applications are e-Procurement and LPSE is a unit to hold the service system of e-Procurement. Procurement of goods and services electronically in addition will increase transparency and accountability, improve market access and healthy competition, as well as improving the efficiency of the procurement process. Based on the background and specific objectives to be achieved, then the research will be viewed from e-Marketplace participation, Trust and its impact on the performance of existing procurement within the institution. Methods of data analysis used in this research is by using analysis of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) by using the program Partial Least Square (PLS) to examine the relationship between variables. The population used in this study is an enterprise as well as other clients using the system LPSE Bekasi District. There are three part in this study population, namely the provision of a company, customer, and supplier of LPSE users amounted to 60 users. From data analysis, there are one hypothesis that rejected. The implication of this study are implementation of e-procurement and e-marketplace participation giving impact to procurement performance.

Local Government E-Procurement Practices in Indonesia: Accountability, Efficiency, and Barriers

E-procurement (electronic auctions) aims to cut the chain of bureaucracy and make public sector spending more effective and efficient. This paper discusses the implementation process of e-procurement in four regencies in East Java: Sampang, Kediri, Surabaya, and Jember with emphasis on the accountability and efficiency issues. There are two main aspects to the process of implementing e-procurement that hampered e-procurement acceleration and raised the potential for corruption in the process of implementing e-procurement: the user (end user of e-procurement) and the mediator [Procurement Services Unit—Unit Layanan Pengadaan (ULP) of each government institution]. These two elements play a crucial part in the process of e-procurement that is accountable, efficient, transparent, and fair. This paper suggests three points for improving the current practice of e-procurement in Indonesia: first, creating indicators/criteria of transparency and accountability in the internal e-procurement implementator; second, injecting the value and the importance of leadership and personal integrity; third, it needs to reformulate a new system of e-government that compatible or supporting e-procurement; fourth, increasing the role of the government monitoring unit.

Investigating Adoption of E-Procurement Systems

This paper attempts to provide insights into current E-procurement practices. A survey was conducted among 342 members of Institute of Supply Management –Western Washington (ISM-WW), the local chapter of the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). This paper reports on the findings of the survey conducted. The research helped the author to identify numerous critical success factors to effective implementation, key factors in making the decision to implement E-procurement systems, problems encountered during the implementation, and unanticipated things that were not considered in a company's original plan to implement E-procurement systems as well as the benefits that the companies gained as a result of successful E-procurement implementation. The author's aspiration is that the results of the survey will help companies develop a better understanding of use and implementation of E-procurement systems and avoid the problems encountered by other firms.

Exploring e-Procurement Value for Construction Companies in Malaysia

E-Procurement is gaining popularity in business practice and a variety of benefits have encouraged its adoption, such as increasing competitiveness and reducing costs. Previous research claim that e-Procurement could bring significant value to firms, but we know very little empirically about the actual outcomes of its implementation in the construction industry. This paper addresses this gap in knowledge through a survey of 120 construction firms in Malaysia, all of which have moved beyond the basic stages of e-Procurement. The finding indicates that the value of e-Procurement's value is generally limited to improvements in operational and tactical areas. Improvements in market access and customer/supplier relationships were not noted by a majority. These empirical findings provide useful guidelines for construction firms that wish to embark upon and e-Procurement adoption journey. Furthermore, the measures produced here may be used as a benchmarking exercise for the firms who have already adopted e-Procurement practices.

A study on usage of IT and its implications on e-procurement in Indian organisations

Information technology (IT) plays a crucial role in the adoption of e-procurement. This paper reports the findings of a survey carried out in 36 Indian organisations to ascertain the impact of IT on e-procurement practices. The findings of the survey suggests that the deployment of IT in Indian organisations is of a level that can be quite helpful in improving internal business process efficiency such as better inventory control, reduced cost and time and improved customer service. While the organisations seem to have the necessary strength (IT infrastructure and flexibility) for adoption of e-procurement, the technological barriers (security concerns and incompatibility) are still to be surmounted. Internet security concerns, loss of information sharing, and legal legitimacy issues are the three most important factors that needs to be addressed properly for building trust on internet. However a grey area, as identified by the survey is that use of IT by small and medium enterprises is low and it needs to be increased.

A survey on supplier relationship in e-procurement in Indian organisations

A good e-procurement provides a systematic way for open communication and conduct with the suppliers during a business process. This paper reports the findings of a survey carried out in 36 Indian organisations to ascertain the impact of supplier relationship on e-procurement practices. Indian organisations are giving importance to collaborative relationship with their suppliers that leads to better communication and interaction between the buyer organisation and suppliers on every issue. Indian organisations do strongly believe in taking the suppliers into confidence before taking any major decisions or initiating for embarking on any thing new. This approach would definitely build a sense of confidence, pride and belongingness in the minds of the suppliers.

Implementation of regulation-based e-procurement in the Eastern Cape provincial administration

The study focuses on e-procurement as government is currently in the process of transforming procurement practices in line with national economic strategy. In order to address various socio-economic challenges, government is turning to technology to address issues such as outdated procurement practices. E-procurement promises the introduction of internationally accepted best practices to help government deliver on its mandate to its constituency. An in-depth background of South African legislation that governs the procurement practices in line with National Economic Development Initiatives is sought to give an insight into this paper. The paper explores how best Eastern Cape Provincial Administration can succeed in achieving the national and provincial socio-economic growth objectives. Reports and other primary sources of data were consulted, and expert interviews were conducted to answer this question. It was found that measurable benefits of supply chain management have not yet been realized due to general limited understanding of how supply chain management concept works within government environment. Other limitations to mention but a few include lack of understanding in the implementation of policy and legal framework that govern procurement, obsolete, disparate procurement systems and ICT infrastructure. Key words: E-procurement practices, e-government, supply chain management.

Use of E-procurement in Local Authorities' Purchasing and Its Effects on Local Economies: Evidence from Cumbria, UK

In the past decade, there has been an increasing interest shown by the Government and Local Authorities in issues concerning the implementation of new technologies and means of communication in the public administration. Several operations have been moved online, including some significant purchasing functions and procedures. Electronic procurement, or e-procurement, indicates the use of electronic tools or practices during each stage of the purchasing process. E-procurement is seen as a powerful instrument to achieve efficiency and cash savings. While e-procurement helps public sector bodies to achieve their budget targets, it also increases the level of competition among public sector suppliers. This may influence the level of economic activity generated at local levels and potentially reduce the level of business provided to local firms. In the worst case, this situation could produce a knock-on effect especially in peripheral and remote areas, where the public sector is often the major purchaser. This paper focuses on the significance of e-procuring and e-tendering practices among Local Authorities in Cumbria, North-West England. The paper explores how the tendency to use e-procurement may vary among public sector suppliers with regard to business characteristics such as size, headquarter location and sector of activities. In addition, the author investigates the suppliers' ability to deal with e-procurement practices and procedure, and examines how e-buying and e-tendering in the public sector affects Local Authorities' patterns of spend.

Adopting e-Procurement technology in a chain hotel: An exploratory case study

As the lodging sector evolves into a more technology-oriented industry, the need to understand e-Procurement practices becomes more important. The main purpose of this study was to understand the challenges faced by decision makers at a chain hotel company in its adoption and implementation of e-Procurement. Results indicated that the company suffered from a lack of purchasing standardization across properties. Furthermore, this study suggests that not all vendors of e-Procurement solutions may be ready to partner with hotel companies. e-Procurement offers considerable potential for the industry but uncertainties such as those exhibited in this case must be addressed before significant resource commitments are made to e-Procurement.

E-procurement management in state governments: Diffusion of e-procurement practices and its determinants

State governments have begun to introduce various eprocurement tools to improve inefficient and ineffective procurement management; however, few empirical studies have documented the diffusion of e-procurement. This study uses data collected from state procurement agencies to examine which e-procurement tools state governments are using as well as to explore what factors affect the adoption of these tools. This study confirms that simple innovations are more rapidly diffused than those that are technically or legally complex. State governments that are more likely to adopt e-procurement tools tend to be larger, managerially innovative, and to have a strong centralized procurement office. Overall, e-procurement is promising technology, but managerial and technical challenges still remain.