Public buying decisions: a framework for buyers and small firms
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 7 January 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to explore the factors that influence buyer decision-making in public procurement. The objective is to better understand the processes and conditions that support different supply arrangements, which maximise SME participation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses case study evidence of contract awards across multiple organisational contexts including: a local authority, commercial semi-state, police force, and a tourist agency.
Findings
National policy and the role of procurement exerted mixed effects upon the cases. The procurement processes were broadly similar and included cross-functional teams, consideration of trade-offs and market research.
Research limitations/implications
The paper highlights the transition of public organisations toward strategic procurement including supplier engagement.
Practical implications
This offers buyers a decision support tool that promotes equal opportunities for SME participation, a key goal of EU procurement. The implications for suppliers of each buying decision are also outlined. The concept of practical rationality is used to support the framework.
Originality/value
A normative framework of public procurement decision-making is generated from the cases. Buying complexity and supplier engagement are two conditions that support a 2×2 decision framework. The framework extends efficient and central-buying decisions to include adapted and balanced decisions. This range offers buyers a decision support tool that promotes equal opportunities for SME participation, a key goal of EU procurement. The implications for suppliers of each buying decision are discussed.
Keywords
Citation
Mark McKevitt, D., Flynn, A. and Davis, P. (2014), "Public buying decisions: a framework for buyers and small firms", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 94-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-11-2012-0144
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited