Public buying decisions: A framework for buyers and small firms

McKevitt, David, Flynn, Anthony ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1755-7986 and Davis, Paul 2014. Public buying decisions: A framework for buyers and small firms. International Journal of Public Sector Management 27 (1) , pp. 94-106. 10.1108/IJPSM-11-2012-0144

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Business (Including Economics)
Publisher:	Emerald
ISSN:	0951-3558
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 September 2019
Date of Acceptance:	1 January 2014
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 05:59
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/125136

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