ELECTRONIC -PROCUREMENT IMPLEMENTATION MODELFOR PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Procurement accounts for a large percentage of Nigerian Government expenditure at all levels and in the Nigerian construction industry, most construction works are procured using the traditional procurement system.This traditional method was said to be characterized with high cost of lithographic works and unethical practices. It became evident that to eliminate problems from the procurement process, there is need to employ a procurement system within the Nigerian construction industry that will be purpose driven with a view to eliminate unethical practices, minimize construction costs and guarantee efficiencies in the process that will support the implementation of new business ideas, through modern information and communication technologies. This study aimed at developing a model for e-procurement implementation with a view to enhancing the procurement process and ensuring effective contractexecution in the public sector construction projects.Themixed method approach was employed in which the Delphi method was employed as the qualitative method while the questionnaire was the quantitative method. The final survey questionnaire was birthed from a sequential exploratory mixed method. Data collected from the final survey were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (mean item scores, factor analysis, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression). The study further employed the use of smart PLS- SEM (smart partial least square structural equation modelling) to validate the conceptual framework and also to examine if there were statistically significant relationships that exist between the six (6) constructs of the model. The study concluded that the constructs that determine effective implementation of e-procurement are: external variables: Technology, people and process, drivers, benefits and operational requirements. From the model, eight out of the twelve path relationships tested were statistically significant, the model had an overall predictive value of 45.0% which is acceptable for effective implementation.The model is thus capable of predicting effective implementation of e-procurement in the public sector construction projects in Nigeria. The public sector construction in Nigeria can adopt the developed model to ensure effective implementation of e-procurement. The study further recommended that professionals in the MDAs should be kept abreast of the numerous benefits of e-procurement implementation through trainings so as to enable them accept new technologies and accept change.The top management shouldalso give its support and commitments so that electronic contracts could be enforced.