Public sector (PS) procurement : improving the outcomes of procurement

Addy, Stuart Nigel

Abstract

The UK public sector spends approximately 12.5% of GDP buying goods and services. Failures in procurement activity are not uncommon. The economic shock of 2008 and now the consequences of Covid-19 mean that preventing failure with better value for money matters more than ever. Failures usually lead to Government inquiries and studies by appointed ex-civil servants or businessmen and women. However, the ‘lessons learned’, recommendations and methods used to reach them are seldom subjected to academic scrutiny. The lessons are consistent and while some recommendations have been implemented, many have not. There appears to be an assumption that the lessons re-shape strategy and that revised policy mandated from ‘the centre’ will then result in beneficial change. One of the key theories in this study is that strategy must be generated simultaneously from top and bottom if it is to be effective, and the input from the bottom has been missing. Most academic studies into public sector procurement have focussed on a single subject in a reductionist manner. Whilst that may be helpful, only an analysis at the macro- level, throughout the structures of procurement is likely to highlight obstacles preventing beneficial change. Critical realism offers an ontology and emerging methodological approach that can tackle such a broad subject at the macro level. This study adds to academic knowledge because by taking a ‘bottom up’ approach using a critical realist methodology, it illuminated obstacles to beneficial change. It finds that the vital role of ‘commissioner of procurement’ is neither defined nor properly being undertaken. This missing role prevents a vital feedback loop and so prevents beneficial change. It also highlights that the increasingly devolved nature of procurement further diminishes the power of the ‘top-down approach’ and that there is a strong case for the professionalisation of the commissioning and procurement function.

Citation

Addy, S. N. Public sector (PS) procurement : improving the outcomes of procurement. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222789

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Feb 12, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Business
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222789
• Additional Information: Business School, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Aug 1, 2020