Procurement

About: Procurement is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 25669 publications have been published within this topic receiving 334145 citations.

The Adoption of Electronic Procurement in Singapore

Abstract: The emergence of new Internet technologies has far-reaching ramifications on the way business is conducted. Notably, it has given rise to e-commerce, which is the transaction of business via the Internet. Recognizing the importance of the Internet as a powerful business tool, many Asian companies have moved quickly to take advantage of electronic commerce. This study explores the role of business-to-business e-commerce, with an emphasis on e-procurement among companies in Singapore. It examines the impact of Internet-based technology on the buyer side of the procurement function, how e-procurement is helping organizations to enhance their competitiveness and the challenges to its adoption. The study also presents the findings from a survey conducted to gain insight into the adoption of e-procurement among companies in Singapore. Specifically, it seeks to uncover the prevalence of and extent to which companies in Singapore are adopting e-procurement, the benefits reaped and the barriers encountered in the course of implementation.

Purchasing in the International Marketplace: Implications for Operations

Abstract: Purchasing in the International Marketplace: Implications for Operations Internationalization of the marketplace, global competition, and changes in the business environment have contributed to the increase in international purchasing. U.S. firms, recognizing these trends, are entering the international arena in increasing numbers. Simply stated, domestic suppliers alone cannot meet all the competitive needs of a multinational corporation. As a result, international sourcing has emerged as a critical component of corporate strategy, aimed at reducing costs, raising product quality, increasing manufacturing flexibility, and improving designs. This article discusses the strategic importance of international purchasing, describes procedural and managerial issues of concern in international procurement, and delineates the significant differences between buying from foreign and domestic sources. The importance of the linkage between the purchasing function and the other functions within a firm is becoming more evident with each passing year.[1] Firms are becoming acutely aware that purchasing decisions impact many cross-functional decisions, such as capacity requirements and equipment needs (make-versus-buy decisions), product cost(*) and quality performance, (source selection and qualification decisions), delivery reliability (mode and carrier decisions), and product innovation (supplier partnering decisions). This awareness has been generated by the strategic emphasis placed on product quality, cost competitiveness, and the just-in-time[2] approach to manufacturing and delivery. U.S. firms, recognizing these trends, are entering the arena of international purchasing in increasing numbers. Simply stated, domestic suppliers cannot meet all the competitive needs of a multinational corporation. As a result, international sourcing has emerged as a critical component of corporate strategy, aimed at reducing costs, increasing product quality, increasing manufacturing flexibility, and improving product designs.[3] This article, based largely on extensive field interviews, discusses the strategic importance of international purchasing, describes procedural and managerial issues of concern in international procurement, and delineates the differences between buying from foreign and buying from domestic sources. A CHANGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT There are several reasons for the emergence of international purchasing as a strategic weapon in the restructuring of manufacturing operations in U.S. firms. Most of these reasons are related directly to the efforts of U.S. manufacturing firms to gain, or regain, competitive strength and market share by improving their strategic posture in response to a changing business environment. The principal changes in the environment that underlie the move by manufacturing firms to develop new corporate strategies are summarized in Table I. TABLE I A CHANGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT New Challenges to Corporate America * Intense international competition * Pressure to reduce costs * Need for manufacturing flexibility * Shorter product development cycles * Stringent quality standards * Ever-changing technology Competition Intense competition from abroad, pressures stemming from the need to reduce trade deficits through exports, and the interdependence of global economies have all served to internationalize the marketplace. Surviving and thriving in today's global markets require that manufacturing firms be truly "world class." There is evidence that the United States no longer enjoys an unequaled advantage in manufacturing and in manufactured goods. Steel, semiconductor, automobile, and consumer electronics industries all have fallen victim to international competition and have seen their market shares erode. Cost Reduction Most manufacturing firms are striving to be low cost, high quality producers. …

The challenge of competitive procurement: value for money versus small business support

Abstract: Both UK government and small firms believe that public sector procurement is a good way of helping to support small business and may even lead to improvements in service delivery. The article begins by examining the extensive government literature on procurement-related policies and initiatives, followed by a brief consideration of the SME policy context. It then presents and discusses evidence of procurement practice from public sector organizations, and assesses the implications for the small business sector.

Construction Cost Management: Learning from Case Studies

Abstract: Part 1: Introduction 1. Introduction and Overview 2. Reports and Recommendations Part 2: Management of the Pre-contract Stage 3. Selecting the Cosultants and Contractors 4. Pre-contract Cost Management 5. Cost Management on PFI Projects 6. Contractor's Estimating and Tendering Part 3: Key Tools and Techniques 7. Value Management 8. Risk Management 9. Whole-life Costing Part 4: Procurement Strategies 10. Organizational Methods 1 11. Organizational Methods 2 12. Payment Systems and Contract Administration Part 5: Management of the Post-contract Stage 13. Contractors' Cost Control and Monitoring Procedures 14. Change Management - Valuing Variations 15. Claims Management Part 6: Contracts and Case Studies 16. The Engineering and Construction Contract 17. FIDIC Standard Forms of International Construction Contract 18. Case Study: Heathrow Terminal 5