Title: The key enablers for the adoption of lean thinking by public purchasing departments

Authors: James K. Agbodzakey; Clifford P. McCue

Addresses: H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Carl DeSantis Building, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA ' School of Public Administration, College for Design and Social Inquiry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 31432, USA

Abstract: The complex and multifaceted nature of public procurement to some extent negate efficiency and effectiveness in serving the public purpose. The mandate to deliver different types of services to various segments of society and the need to do more with less resources place responsibility on public purchasing departments to be innovative. Lean thinking thereby offers viable opportunities for value creation through intentional strategies, techniques and tools to enhance process, product and outcomes. However, the decision to adopt lean thinking is contingent on multiple variables. This study attempts to identify key enablers for the adoption of the lean approach in the public sector. The study relies on data garnered from various public purchasing departments in North America. Multivariate analysis of the evidence suggests strategic, management, and individual level factors are essential for the adoption of the lean approach. The onus now rests on various professionals and relevant stakeholders associated with public procurement to initiate measures that will facilitate adoption of lean thinking as a conduit to responsive management and beneficial outcomes for society.

Keywords: lean thinking; procurement management; waste reduction; customer satisfaction; value creation; key enablers; purchasing departments; public procurement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2015.072386

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2015 Vol.8 No.6, pp.666 - 687

Received: 24 May 2014
Accepted: 10 Aug 2014

Published online: 12 Oct 2015 *

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