Re-Designing The Tendering Process Within The Department Of Transport – A Case Of Procurement Management

Abstract

Background: In South Africa, government procurement of own or local requirements (materials, equipment and services) is decentralised to departments, provinces and municipalities to a large extent. When one considers the number of cases of tender fraud and a lack of services at all levels of government, one should question whether these parties have the knowledge and/or the intention to get the best value for taxpayers’ money. The study was an attempt to explore the electronic tendering (e-tendering) process in procurement management and to relook at the current tender process in terms of the challenges.

Objectives: The study objective was to evaluate the elements which contribute to the model of tendering process within KwaZulu Natal Department of Transport.

Method: Quantitative research was undertaken for the study and data were collected using a questionnaire-based Likert-type scale to develop questions. The research population was the employees of construction companies and engineering firms providing service to the KwaZulu Natal Department of Transport in the form of road construction and employees of KwaZulu Natal Department of Transport. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools.

Finding: The findings are that the perceived usefulness of electronic tendering and its ease of use significantly leads to the adoption or use of electronic tendering. Furthermore, the use of the electronic tendering process would positively influence buyer/supplier relationships, procurement process, and operational delivery status.

Conclusion: KwaZulu Natal Department of Transport should discuss the perceived usefulness of E-tendering with the main stakeholders so that electronic tendering replaces the paper-based tendering.