Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP): digital transformation of public procurement - a case study of the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), Bangladesh

Abstract

This study examines e-GP's impact on SRDI procurement, assessing benefits, challenges, and prospects using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative and qualitative insights. The survey showed that most SRDI staff had a good understanding of e-GP (83.3%) and actively participated in e-GP procurement (75%). In terms of procurement activities, 50% procurement personnel gave opinion for less than 50 procurement done in Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), 41.7% think 50 to 100, and 8.3% managed over 100 activities annually. The average cost of a single procurement activity was estimated to be 25-50 lakh BDT (41.7%).The study revealed some of e-GP's benefits: such as increased transparency, improved efficiency (75%), enhanced accountability (91.7%), reduced paperwork (91.7%), and better access to suppliers (91.7%) in SRDI. Challenges included internet connectivity issues (50%), technical problems (75%), and lack of training and support (100%). Adequate change management programs and enhanced training are recommended to address these challenges. The study's t-test showed a significant difference (p = 0.015) in Completion time between manual and e-GP systems. The e-GP system (mean 23.4 days) was much faster in tender evaluation compared to the manual system (mean 45.8 days), highlighting its efficiency. The study recommends a change management program for a smooth e-GP transition, CPTU server upgrade for better speed, addressing connectivity issues, and improving cyber-security. Comprehensive training for contractors and SRDI personnel, along with enhanced stakeholder engagement, is vital. In conclusion, e-GP positively impacts procurement, but addressing challenges is crucial for optimal utilization. Implementing recommendations enhances SRDI's practices and objectives.