Identifying e-procurement implementation hurdles: Insights from focus group discussion

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to analyze the challenges that Bangladesh faces in implementing an electronic procurement system successfully. constructing feasible recommendations for updating the e-GP policy. Survey data from 51 samples of procurement entity (PE) bidders obtained through Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data from eleven zones in Bangladesh's Roads and Highways Division (RHD) population were gathered. The FGD analysis revealed that 71% of the majority of bidders had not received the necessary e-procurement training, and small and medium-sized bidders had not received RHD awards. The results also revealed that bidders are uploading tender-related fraud documents to the e-GP system. This study is the first attempt to determine the struggles bidders perceive in public procurement. The study's findings will be helpful to procurement professionals. The upcoming review, implementation, and modification of e-GP guidelines and enhanced procurement policies will also be supported by the proposed recommendations.