Title: E-procurement implementation: analysing the applicability of the EPOS method on the efficiency of public sector organisations - a comparative study

Authors: Samuel Pule; Andrew Bakkabulindi

Addresses: Department of Procurement and Logistics, Cavendish University Uganda, P.O. Box 33145, Kampala (U), Uganda ' Department of Procurement and Marketing, Ndejje University Uganda, P.O. Box 7088, Kampala (U), Uganda

Abstract: This article analyses the differences in the use or applicability of the electronic procurement organisational suitability (EPOS) method between Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Ministry of Water and Environment (MOWE). Specifically, the paper examines the differences in organisational e-willingness, e-readiness, and the level of efficiency between URA and MOWE. To ascertain this, the researchers employed a quantitative paradigm that used descriptive and case study research designs. Means were used to measure the extent of applicability for the EPOS method and levels of efficiency among the two organisations. The independent t-test on the other hand, was devised to determine variations among the study variables. Findings revealed a high extent of using the EPOS method (average mean = 4.37) with negligible differences in its applicability (F value 12%, and sig. 0.021). However, high differences in favour of MOWE were noted in areas of e-readiness (F value = 58% and sig. 0.019) though the e-willingness dimension remained with low levels of variation (F value of 4%, and sig. 0.041) between the two organisations. In view of this, the researchers conclude and recommend a balanced approach in the implementation of any e-solution if effective results are to be realised.

Keywords: e-procurement implementation; EPOS method; organisational e-willingness; organisational e-readiness; public sector organisations; organisational efficiency; electronic procurement; online procurement; Uganda.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2017.082783

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2017 Vol.10 No.2, pp.135 - 149

Received: 13 Jul 2015
Accepted: 14 Nov 2015

Published online: 12 Mar 2017 *

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