Title: E-government: an e-reverse auction case study

Authors: Steve Jones, Ray Hackney, Zahir Irani

Addresses: Information Technology Department, Conwy County Borough Council, Bodlondeb, Conwy, LL32 8DU, UK. ' Brunel Business School, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. ' Brunel Business School, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: This paper presents the findings from an exploratory in-depth case study with regard to e-Reverse Auctions (eRAs) in the UK public sector. An eRA is an internet-based, online and dynamic auction, in which suppliers bid against each other to provide products or services at the lowest price to the procurer. This is an important and current issue due to the call from central government to both improve and maximise efficiency from the procurement process. Indeed, for the first time, central government has set targets in relation to procurement savings. These findings highlight that eRAs can improve procurement processes, realise cost savings and reduce delivery times. The research also notes that eRAs can produce disbenefits, including poor buyer and supplier relationships and social implications. The paper elicits lessons learnt from the case study analysis. These are presented with the aim to inform theory and practice.

Keywords: e-government; eGov; electronic government; e-reverse auctions; eRAs; procurement; reverse auctions; case study; UK public sector; United Kingdom; cost reduction; delivery time reduction; buyer-supplier relationships.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2007.015035

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2007 Vol.4 No.4, pp.412 - 422

Published online: 05 Sep 2007 *

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