Procurement Opportunities Research Articles

Supplier Communication and Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County,Kenya

The study investigates the relationship between supplier communication and the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Supplier communication was found to play a pivotal role in the operational efficiency and overall performance of MSMEs, especially in dynamic markets. Despite adopting Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices, many MSMEs continued to experience challenges such as poor record management, unclear expectations, and a lack of timely feedback. These communication issues contributed to delays, misunderstandings, and increased costs, which negatively impacted business growth. The study applied the Communication Accommodation Theory to explain how MSMEs adapted their communication styles in both high-context and low-context cultures. Using a cross-sectional research design, the study collected data from 373 MSMEs under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between supplier communication and performance, with regression analysis showing that supplier communication explained 58.7% of the variance in MSME performance. The findings aligned with previous studies, emphasizing the importance of communication for successful supplier collaboration and supply chain management. The study concluded that frequent, transparent communication with suppliers improved product and service delivery and operational efficiency. Recommendations included investing in technologies that enhance communication and developing policies to support ongoing supplier relationship management. Further research could explore the impact of digital technologies on supplier communication and how communication with international suppliers influences MSME performance.

Social media marketing and performance of youth owned SMES in Nairobi County, Kenya

Fast technological evolution and intensity of competition oblige companies to constantly seek for new ways to differentiate and offer added value to their customers. With the increasing popularity of social media, companies have started to consider this means as a new way to communicate with their customers and increase their brand reputation. One of the most notable phenomena of new media is how it has increased and created new forms of social interaction.In Kenya, despite the critical role played by the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country, research has shown that 90% business startups fail in their third year and especially those owned by the youths The general purpose of the study was to establish the influence of social media marketing on performance of small and medium businesses in Nairobi’s industrial area. This study adopted a descriptive research design. Official records of AGPO as at December 2023 showed that there are 13,011 youth-owned businesses registered in the county of Nairobi with the Youth Access to Government Procurement Opportunities Program (YAGPO). The study used the 10-30% Mugenda Sampling principle to calculate the sample size of 130 SMEs. The first specific objective was to establish the extent Social Media Platforms Influence the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. A Pearson correlation analysis was done to establish the relationship between social media platform on performance of SMEs and the result established a significant positive relationship between social media platform used and the performance of SMEs (r=.811, p value =0.000). The second specific objective was to establish the extent bloggers influence the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. A Pearson correlation analysis was done to establish the relationship between blogger influence on performance of SMEs and the result established a significant positive relationship between blogger influence and the performance of SMEs (r=.730, p value =0.000). The third objective was to establish the extent social media messaging factors influence the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. A Pearson correlation analysis was done to establish the relationship between messaging factors on performance of SMEs and the result established a significant positive relationship between social media messaging factors used and the performance of SMEs (r=.359, p value =0.000). The study concluded that use of social media marketing has a positive influence on performance of SMEs and recommended that there is need for SMEs to embrace the use of social media to market their products and that the government should support SMEs by providing affordable internet services.

PetroSahand International Group: the dilemma of outsourcing for EPC activities

Learning outcomes After reading the case and answering the case assignments, students will be able to understand and explain the challenges and opportunities for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors and their subcontractors; understand and critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of insourcing and outsourcing of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; determine which situations merit insourcing or outsourcing within each of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; understand and identify the competencies and qualifications that a subcontractor must possess if any EPC activity is outsourced to them; and develop a decision-making framework to determine which EPC activities must be kept in-house or outsourced in EPC projects. Case overview/synopsis In mid-March 2021, PetroSahand International Group, a leading EPC contractor specializing in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industries in Iran, encountered significant challenges with its subcontractors in engineering and construction. These issues resulted in widespread repercussions for the company, including project delays and mounting debts. At the peak of these crises, PetroSahand’s senior management embarked on a thorough examination of whether to insource or outsource various aspects of their operations, such as engineering, procurement and construction. Their objective was twofold: to prevent similar setbacks in future projects and to navigate existing projects with minimal disruption to the company’s reputation. To address this critical dilemma, PetroSahand enlisted the expertise of a consulting team from Sharif University of Technology. Comprising esteemed professors, graduates and students from one of Iran’s most respected institutions, this team undertook an exhaustive analysis of the insourcing versus outsourcing debate across EPC domains. Subsequently, they presented their comprehensive findings, thereby confronting PetroSahand’s senior management with a pivotal choice regarding the optimal approach for each activity. Complexity academic level The audience of this work is undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in project management courses, both fundamentals and advanced. In addition, this case helps senior managers of EPC contractors gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of insourcing or outsourcing different project activities. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 7: Management science.

The interplay of social influence and top management support on suppliers' behavioural intentions in e-procurement usage

The advancement of information technology has revolutionised most aspects of public procurement, including the way suppliers are involved in public procurement opportunities. This study explores the link between social influence and behavioural intention in the usage of the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) among suppliers. The study also examines the moderating effect of top management support (TMS) in the relationship between social influence and behavioural intention. Based on cross-sectional data collected from 447 small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam through structured questionnaires and analysed quantitatively using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the study confirms the positive relationship between social influence and behavioural intention in e-procurement usage. Additionally, the study confirms that TMS strengthens the relationship between social influence and behavioural intention. Specifically, suppliers with a high level of TMS experience a greater effect of social influence on their behavioural intentions compared to those with a low level of TMS. Therefore, both social influence and TMS play significant roles in amplifying behavioural intention. These insights provide crucial implications for practitioners and policymakers who are involved in e-procurement, and academics interested in public procurement.

Arms acquisition in the Baltic States and transfers to Ukraine: balancing national security

ABSTRACT Three Baltic States (3Bs), like most eastern NATO countries, treat the war in Ukraine as a strong national interest: if Russia is stopped in Ukraine, it will not be capable of inflicting any harm to them. As a result, national decision-makers are making hard choices on which military capabilities need to be transferred to Ukraine and what must remain for national needs. The results indicate that 3Bs Defence Ministers understand the importance of supporting Ukraine with lethal and non-lethal items. 3Bs acquire major arms from various countries with different spending levels and have limited ability for combined procurement opportunities, although they seek to develop similar military capabilities. It is assessed that 3Bs will not deliver newly acquired major arms to Ukraine and will continue delivering reliable legacy systems. Therefore, allocating funds for combined major arms procurements implemented by the third party like the U.K.-led International Fund for Ukraine, is the most viable option to continue supporting Ukraine.

Challenges and Opportunities In Government Procurement Law In The Digital Era

Procurement of government goods and services is one of the important activities that must be carried out by the government to meet its needs in carrying out its duties and functions. Government procurement of goods and services also plays a role in spurring economic growth and improving community welfare. The aim of this research is to analyze the legal challenges and opportunities for government procurement of goods and services in the digital era. This research uses normative juridical research methods. The data collection technique used in this research is literature study. The data analysis technique used in this research is qualitative analysis. The research results show that the digital era has brought changes and new challenges in the procurement of government goods and services, including cyber security, unclear regulations and competitive inequality. Meanwhile, legal opportunities for government procurement of goods and services in the digital era include efficiency and effectiveness, transparency and accountability, and increased participation.

Shared Perceptions on Upstream Factors that Influence Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Hispanic Families in the Greater Washington, DC, Metro Area: Qualitative Results From Focus Group Discussions

BackgroundHispanics in the United States are among those with highest consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and lowest consumption of water. These dietary disparities are rooted in systemic influences that must be identified and addressed. ObjectiveThe study aimed to describe how Hispanic parents currently living in the greater Washington, DC, metro area and born outside of the United States, perceived upstream factors that influenced their current beverage choice. DesignSix qualitative focus groups were conducted in Spanish in 2021. Participants/settingHispanic parents (n = 31) of children enrolled in Early Head Start in the greater Washington, DC, metro area were recruited (all women, born outside the United States, and spoke Spanish as a first language). Statistical analysisVerbatim transcripts were analyzed deductively using the Community Energy Balance Framework. ResultsThe five key findings were: Growing up (in their countries of origin in Central America and Mexico) participants were used to drinking water, often gathered it from the source, and liked its flavor. Relatives passed down their knowledge about potabilization of water, the health benefits of drinking water, and health consequences of drinking SSBs. Growing up, prepackaged SSBs were not as accessible compared with where they now live in the United States. Participants perceived that sociocultural hospitality norms dictated that guests should be served SSBs and not water. Participants noted that messages regarding juice and water across US public health programs and policies were not aligned. ConclusionsThese findings suggest there are opportunities for public health messaging and procurement of safe, palatable drinking water in lieu of SSBs and juice.

Role of Food System Planning in Facilitating Local Food Procurement for School Meals

Farm to School (F2S) programs seeks to connect students with their local food system and community. Providing local food to schools, however, relies on the continuity of local food production in British Columbia (B.C.), as well as the capacity and willingness of farmers to support this “alternative market.” Planners have an important role to play in supporting farmers’ ability to sustain local food systems. At the provincial level, planning for farmland preservation through the Agricultural Land Reserve has helped to secure some of the farmland needed to support local food production into the future. However, preserving farmland is only one part of the solution to sustain local food systems. Drawing upon key informant interviews (n=21), this paper identifies planning-related barriers and opportunities for local food procurement in schools. This research emphasizes the invaluable roles that farmers, government, and planners can play in reimagining a just and sustainable food system transition.

Impact of a disability-targeted microentrepreneurship programme in Kenya: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of the InBusiness programme

BackgroundThere is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of livelihood interventions amongst people with disabilities. In many countries, self-employment or microentrepreneurship is a dominant source of livelihoods for people with disabilities and their caregivers. However, this group may face heightened barriers to successful microentrepreneurship, including discrimination, exclusion from training or inaccessible transport, infrastructure and communication systems. The InBusiness programme is a livelihoods programme targeted to microentrepeneurs with disabilities or their caregivers delivered by a consortium of non-governmental organisations. The programme focuses on improving the skills, practices and opportunities of microentrepreneurs while linking them with procurement opportunities with private and public institutions. This protocol describes a randomised controlled trial of the InBusiness programme in eight counties of Kenya.MethodsThe randomised controlled trial will involve 495 microentrepreneurs who have been verified as eligible for InBusiness by programme implementers. Individuals will be randomised within counties, either being invited to enrol in InBusiness in March 2023 or allocated to a control group. Participants in the control arm will receive information about compliance with business-related laws and available social protection programmes. The trial will assess the impact of InBusiness on household consumption and individual economic empowerment (primary outcomes) as well as food security, well-being, social attitudes, unmet need for disability-related services and microenterprise profits (secondary outcomes). Baseline was conducted in March 2023, and follow-up will be 24 months from baseline (12 months from completion of the programme). Analysis will be through intention to treat. A process evaluation will explore fidelity, mechanisms of impact and the role of context, and complementary qualitative research with participants will be used to triangulate findings across the trial.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence on the impact of a large-scale disability-targeted livelihood programme on household and individual financial security and well-being. Currently, there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of livelihood programmes amongst people with disabilities, and so this trial can help inform the design and delivery of InBusiness as well as other livelihood programmes targeted to people with disabilities.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN13693137. Registered on April 24, 2023.

Do internet marketing capabilities interact with the effect of procedural capabilities for public procurement participation on SMEs’ sales performance?

PurposeThis study aims to examine the influence of procedural capabilities for public procurement participation on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) sales performance in Tanzania. Also, the study establishes the interaction effect of internet marketing capabilities on the relationship between procedural capabilities and sales performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted confirmatory factor analysis and PROCESS macro for simple interaction analysis to analyse cross-sectional data that were obtained through questionnaire from surveyed SMEs’ managers. The included SMEs are those that are involved in supplying goods, services and works to public entities in Dodoma, Tanzania.FindingsThe findings reveal that procedural capabilities for participation in public procurement enhance SMEs to improve sales performance. Also, there is a significant and positive relationship between internet marketing capabilities and sales performance. Lastly, internet marketing capabilities strengthen the relationship between procedural capabilities and sales performance.Social implicationsThis study is a wake-up call to SMEs to better comprehend public procurement procedures and e-business practices to use the available public procurement opportunities. It is argued that SMEs should invest in technology to market their businesses through social media and online platforms. According to the study, SMEs may benefit from improving their sales performance by fully utilising their internet marketing capabilities and participating in public procurement opportunities.Originality/valueThis study adds to the two main streams of literature that emphasise harnessing public procurement opportunities for SMEs (through public procurement participation) and leveraging internet marketing capabilities for SMEs to improve their sales performance.

Role of Public Procurement Preference Scheme on the Growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Nyamira County, Kenya

The focus of the study is to investigate the role of public procurement preference schemes in enhancing the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The general objective of the study was: To investigate the role of public procurement preference schemes in enhancing the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in Nyamira County, Kenya. The specific objectives included; establishing the role of 30% preference on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, to investigate the role of waiver of bid bond on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, to establish the role of local firm preference on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and to assess the role of easy access to procurement opportunities registration on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The study was guided by agency theory. A descriptive research design was applied to the study. The study population included 35700 registered and licensed SMEs, from where a sample of 391 was arrived at by Yamane’s formula. Data collection involved the use of self-administered questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to perform data analysis. The results of the model summary indicate that R2 equals 0.498 at a 0.05 significance level, thus revealing that 49.8 % of the SME growth can be accounted for by the public procurement preference scheme. The study concluded that there was a positive influence of public procurement preference schemes on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The study recommended that SMEs may team up with one another under joint bidding in order to get higher chances of preference and also compete with large-sized firms for public procurement opportunities

Determinants of Implementation of Special Groups’ Procurement Contracts in Public Universities in Kenya

The purpose of the study was to find out the determinants of the implementation of public procurement opportunities for special groups in the public universities in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: information access, finance access, technical readinesses and finally compliance enforcement in relation to the implementation of public procurement opportunities for special groups in public universities in Kenya. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted by the study and both qualitative and qualitative methods was applied.The target population was all 39 public universities in Kenya.A sample of 68 procurement as well as finance officials from public universities was used. Questionnaire was used to collect the data. A pilot study was carried out to measure both reliability and validity of the research instruments. Tables and graphs was used to present the results.Regarding access to information, the study established that access to information had a significant and positive effect on the implementation of public procurement opportunities for special groups.The study established that access to finance had a significant and positive effect on the implementation of public procurement opportunities for special groups.The study also established that technical readiness had significant and a positive effect on the implementation of public procurement opportunities for special groups..The study finally established that compliance enforcement onhad significant and a positive effect on the implementation of public procurement opportunities for special groups .The study recommends that public universities in the country should effectively integrate procurement functions with ICT based systems that can enhance implied tendering requirements through application of e-procurement methods; use of automated procurement systems as well as implementation of supportive ICT infrastructure for encouraging adoption of ICT based procurement systems. In addition, the study recommended that the public universities in the country should enhance efficient and effective procurement structures, policies and procedures as well imposing sanctions for violation of procurement rules that will boost implementation of public procurement opportunities for special groups.

Current Practices and Opportunities for More Sustainable Public Food Procurement: A Qualitative Study among Danish Municipalities and Regions.

Public food procurement has been emphasized as a powerful tool to promote a healthier and more sustainable food system, but there is still a long way to go to reach full potential. This study aimed to investigate practices and opportunities for sustainable and healthy public food procurement. A qualitative cross-sectional study was performed among Danish municipalities and regions stratified and randomly selected to cover standard practice (n = 17). In addition, interviews were performed among selected best-practice municipalities (n = 5) providing examples of ambitious goals and well-defined processes for obtaining sustainable food procurement. Large differences were observed in the cross-sectional analysis in relation to policy support and goals for sustainable food procurement, including organic purchase. Generally, there was a great attentiveness to reduce food waste and many valued the use of local food, especially among rural municipalities, whereas experience with climate impact reduction and shifts towards more plant-based menus was still in an early implementation stage. Results suggest a possible synergy effect between the use of organic food and efforts to reduce food waste and climate impact and emphasize the importance of local government policies to promote healthy and sustainable food procurement. Enabling factors to move sustainable food procurement forward are discussed.

Effect of Knowledge of Tender Process on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities by Women, Youths and People Living with Disability in Ol-Kalou Sub-County, Kenya

Effect of Knowledge of Tender Process on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities by Women, Youths and People Living with Disability in Ol-Kalou Sub-County, Kenya

Does online food delivery improve the equity of food accessibility? A case study of Nanjing, China

The increasing popularity of online food delivery (OFD) has led to drastic changes in conventional foodscapes. There is yet a limited understanding regarding if the new form of food ordering and delivering through third-party platforms improve the equity of food accessibility or exacerbate existing, if not generate new, equity issues. In this paper, we attempt to answer this question based on a case study of Nanjing, China. We first adapt the widely used spatial accessibility measure, enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA), to quantify food accessibility that accounts for both onsite and online food services. We then examine if and how OFD changes the spatial and social disparities in food accessibility with different transport modes. The results show that OFD improves the equity of food accessibility in general but exacerbate existing spatial disparities between urban and rural communities. Socially disadvantaged groups remain vulnerable to food procurement opportunities. The empirical findings have important implications on developing hybrid onsite-online strategies for food service provisions.

Managing Emergency Procurement Using Option Contract under Supply Disruption and Demand Uncertainty

Effective and flexible procurement and production strategies are capable of alleviating and mitigating supply disruption and demand risk. Considering the price fluctuation caused by environmental change, we investigate the optimal procurement and production strategies under supply disruption and demand uncertainty based on option contract in a two‐stage supply chain consisting of a retailer who has two procurement opportunities and a supplier who has the emergency production chance. We explore the value of option contract by comparing it with the optimal decision making under no option contract. The result shows that option ordering and emergency procurement can coordinate the optimal strategies under uncertain environment, improving the economic performance of whole supply chain. When the disruption probability is high or the price of emergency procurement is lower, the higher option price can stimulate the supplier to produce more products to satisfy the retailer’s emergency order at a low price, which is beneficial to both, and the value of option ordering is greater. Otherwise, the emergency procurement is worth more for the core enterprise. The moderate exercise price is conducive to the long‐term cooperation of the supplier and the retailer.

INTERNATIONAL AND INTERDISCIPLINARY ∙ A Working Definition of ‘Barriers’ to Small Business in Public Procurement:

Measures to open up public procurement opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are often justified by a perceived need to remove ‘barriers’ to participation in the world of public contracting. The word ‘barrier’ features extensively in the literature on this topic, and in the speeches and policy papers of politicians advocating for various ‘pro-SME’ measures. However, the language used is often inconsistent when it comes to expressing just what ‘barrier’ means in this context. Any business may experience a range of advantages or disadvantages as it tries to succeed in the market, but what makes a particular factor a ‘barrier’ that justifies government intervention? This paper explores the language of ‘barriers’ in the context of public procurement in the EU single market and the UK (as a jurisdiction that was, until very recently, a full participant in that market). Some relevant cases of the Europan Court of Justice (ECJ) are considered that shed light on the court’s view on the difference between an unfair obstacle that should be put right, and a natural disadvantage that does not justify intervention. Finally, in light of these observations, a working definition of an ‘SME procurement barrier’ is suggested. Keywords: SMEs; barriers; EU; UK; fair treatment; suppliers; fair market share

Analysis of sustainable procurement in supplying recycled content: A case study in Western Australia

Extensive construction activities across Australia have resulted in an unpreceded rate of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation. A fraction of this waste is currently being recycled and supplied to the market. However, the reports indicate that the Australian market is not prepared to uptake such a quantity of recycled content (RC). A successful policy approach in increasing RC uptake in the construction industry is sustainable government procurement. However, the benefits of this policy instrument have not been fully realised in Australia. Therefore, this study aims to understand the dynamics of sustainable procurement using the Roads to Reuse (RtR) Program managed by Western Australia Main Roads as a case study. This public organisation is responsible for managing road networks across Western Australia. The study employs an interview with a senior sustainability advisor of this organisation. The interview is guided by a framework for enabling sustainable procurement seeking transformation in behaviour, culture, context and processes in the government and industry sectors. The results of the study shed light on sustainable procurement opportunities and challenges in the Australian context. Furthermore, a series of recommendations proposed to improve the status quo towards a more sustainable future. The findings can be used by policymakers, government procurement experts, and industry practitioners to drive sustainable procurement planning and practices changes.

Thank you for sharing! Unravelling the perceived usefulness of word of mouth in public procurement for small and medium enterprises

Purpose Over time, the concept of word of mouth (WOM) has spread beyond marketing into other disciplines. This is because WOM is important in decision-making at both the individual and organisational levels. Also, people are more likely to trust recommendations from their peers than those from companies. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived usefulness of WOM messages for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) suppliers in participating in Tanzanian public procurement opportunities. Design/methodology/approach The study collected cross-sectional data from 214 SME suppliers who supply common use items to public procuring organisations in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct relationships between study variables, and Hayes' PROCESS macro was used to test for the indirect effect of WOM message delivery on WOM attributes and the perceived usefulness of WOM. Findings WOM attributes that include expertise differential, perceptual homophily, and trustworthiness are related to the perceived usefulness of WOM. Also, WOM message delivery mediates the relationship between the WOM attributes and the perceived usefulness of WOM in enhancing public procurement participation. Therefore, the study's findings revealed that WOM is applicable in the public procurement context, under which public buyers act as senders and suppliers act as receivers. The latter finds out about public procurement opportunities and responds to them, while the former gives suppliers whatever information they need to respond to public procurement tenders that have been advertised. Research limitations/implications Because the study was cross-sectional, it was difficult to determine whether the opinions gathered over time remained consistent. Furthermore, only suppliers who are parties to framework contracts under Government Procurement Services Agency were included in the study. Therefore, the sample was limited to only suppliers supplying common use items to various public organisations in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Originality/value This paper integrates the concept of WOM from the marketing discipline and public procurement. As a result, the study adds to the understanding of the use of information transmission in terms of the contribution of WOM messages from public buyers to suppliers to enhance small and medium enterprises' participation in public procurement opportunities.

Food in the cold: exploring food security and sovereignty in Whitehorse, Yukon

ABSTRACT Harsh weather patterns that are unpredictable owing to climate change, remoteness, dependence on food imports and limited local food production place Arctic and Subarctic food systems under serious pressure. The model of food sovereignty provides a surprisingly interesting contribution to address the food insecurity in these regions; it promotes long-term stable provision of healthy foods (sustainable) that are accessible to all (equity) and fosters local food production–consumption patterns (localisation). This study aims to deepen the understanding of food insecurity in the Subarctic regions and explores the possibilities for a food sovereignty approach at both individual and regional level. The study focuses on Whitehorse, capital of Yukon, Canada, and uses a cross-sectional online survey among residents of Whitehorse and semi-structured in-depth interviews with food-systems experts in Yukon. The findings indicated a need for affordable year-round local food production. Application of food sovereignty has provided the opportunities for local food procurement, innovation hubs, and several types of greenhouses including hydroponics and vertical farming, to work towards a more localised food system, thereby improving food security and sovereignty in Yukon. The findings constitute the scientific knowledge base for the formulation of prospective scenarios in the spirit of the food sovereignty theory.