Title: Barriers to the implementation of environmentally sustainable procurement in public universities

Authors: Joshua Ayarkwa; Kofi Agyekum; De-Graft Joe Opoku; Ama Amponsah Appiagyei

Addresses: Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract: Most public institutions are faced with numerous challenges in trying to implement environmentally sustainable procurement practices. This study examines barriers to successful implementation of environmentally sustainable procurement in public universities. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was used as a case for the study. Semi-structured interviews with six procurement experts at KNUST procurement office was conducted. Data obtained was analysed using thematic template analysis. Findings from the study suggest that inconsistencies in decision making; centralised/decentralised decision making; difficulty in imposing change; difficulty dealing with government agencies; collusion among stakeholders; lack of planning; lack of budgetary allocation; and inadequate training of procurement professionals and suppliers are the eight key barriers that hinder the successful implementation of environmentally sustainable procurement in public universities. The findings should provide an enabling environment for measures to be put in place to successfully implement environmental sustainability in procurement activities.

Keywords: environmental sustainability; sustainable procurement; public procurement; public universities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2020.105201

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2020 Vol.13 No.1, pp.24 - 41

Received: 18 Oct 2018
Accepted: 26 Dec 2018
Published online: 14 Feb 2020 *

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