Evaluating Tender Using Sustainable Products Model in Goods Procurement: A case of the electricity distributor in Ghana.

Sam, Raymond

Abstract

Sustainability challenges confronting developing countries are numerous and substantial and appear to be exacerbating overtime. Sustainable Public Procurement could be of significant strategic importance to developing countries such as Ghana who spend substantial proportions of their Gross Domestic Product in public procurement. In the tapestry of Ghana's development, the electricity distribution organisation emerges as a vital thread, interweaving economic progress and societal welfare.
This case study research will assess the level of knowledge and appreciation by internal and external stakeholders in sustainable product procurement to identify relevant qualitative factors to achieve Best Value for Money procurement. The aim for this study is to investigate how sustainability factors are not considered as key factors of importance when procuring goods and include it within the Ghanaian electricity distribution organisation. Main objectives are therefore:
1. To find Sustainable Product key factors for tender evaluation in the electricity distribution organisation in Ghana.
2. To find a Model that will use factors obtained in objective 1 to evaluate tenders for goods procurement.
3. To test the aforementioned model on goods procurement tenders process for the electricity distribution organisation in Ghana.
The premise for choice of approach to this research was influenced by the search for alternatives to tackle industry problem through practical and hands-on solution.
The research philosophy in this qualitative study shaped the researcher's approach to understand and interpret social phenomena, influenced the choice of methods and data analysis techniques, and acknowledged the role of the researcher in the research process. It explained how the researcher gained meaningful insights into the complexities of human experiences and behaviour in the research process and discussed the specific research strategy employed, detailing the qualitative methods and techniques used to gather and analyse data.
From the identification of sustainability drivers to the exploration of barriers hindering seamless integration, the literature review aimed to unravel the multifaceted dimensional mix that defined sustainability within the public procurement processes and importance of infusing sustainability into tender evaluations.
The inductive approach to data collection was elaborated. A pilot study in the form of qualitative interviews was discussed. The use of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software e.g., NVivo 12 & 14, in analysing data from the pilot to the main study was discussed along with how rigor was ensured.
A reflective learning cycle approach, which was subjected to the ‘Gibbs’ reflective cycle, was used to navigate professional development in the 5-year doctoral journey to alter the underlying, governing variables and assumptions in the procurement strategy.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 21, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2025
• Keywords: Sustainable Procurement, Sustainability, Tender Evaluation, Goods Procurement
• Award Date: Jan 23, 2025