This upper-level open access textbook uses an interdisciplinary perspective to discuss the ‘what and why’ of public procurement, providing insight into the ‘how’ of contemporary procurement in the public sector. The authors use theories and exemplary practices to show the next generation of public procurement professionals how public value can be created via the acquisition of works, supplies, or services by organizations operating in the public domain. Perfectly tailored to university students in public administration, law, economics, or management and those in executive education, the book first describes and explains the public procurement process, the concept of public value, the legal context of procurement and how the procurement function is organized in public organizations. The book subsequently explains how a procurement policy can be developed and translated into a procurement strategy, how tenders can be organized, suppliers selected, and contracts designed and evaluated. Afinal discussion chapter addresses the changes and developments in public procurement and how public procurement is moving forward. The reader of this innovative and accessible book will therefore not only learn what public procurement entails, but also how they can become a professional change agent in the field of public procurement. Forward-thinking and comprehensive, this book offers ideal reading for anyone interested in public procurement.
This upper-level open access textbook uses an interdisciplinary perspective to discuss the ‘what and why’ of public procurement, providing insight into the ‘how’ of contemporary procurement in the public sector. The authors use theories and exemplary practices to show the next generation of public procurement professionals how public value can be created via the acquisition of works, supplies, or services by organizations operating in the public domain. Perfectly tailored to university students in public administration, law, economics, or management and those in executive education, the book first describes and explains the public procurement process, the concept of public value, the legal context of procurement and how the procurement function is organized in public organizations. The book subsequently explains how a procurement policy can be developed and translated into a procurement strategy, how tenders can be organized, suppliers selected, and contracts designed and evaluated. Afinal discussion chapter addresses the changes and developments in public procurement and how public procurement is moving forward. The reader of this innovative and accessible book will therefore not only learn what public procurement entails, but also how they can become a professional change agent in the field of public procurement. Forward-thinking and comprehensive, this book offers ideal reading for anyone interested in public procurement.
Explains the complexity of public procurement and how it contributes to public value creation Inspires the next generation of procurement professionals to become change agents and lead public procurement Grounds public procurement theory in real world examples, offering implications and tools for practice This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access
Jolien Grandia
procurement Public contracting Public purchasing public sector Tender Open Access
"There is no doubt that public procurement is an important field of research and practice; its economic significance impacts well beyond the value of contracts placed by governments through formal, regulated public procurement processes with their immediate suppliers. The supply chains and networks that are activated to supply goods and services to the public sector represent substantial percentages of GDP in economies globally. But economic activation is not the only impact – societies can benefit, and broader government policies can be implemented through public procurement. I welcome the broad perspective taken of public procurement in this text, how governments might influence it and how its governance has changed over time.
By bringing together multiple perspectives of public procurement (legal, economic, political, value-based views) and addressing multiple levels (policy, strategy, management and operations) this text will help readers improve their understanding of the complexity of public procurement. It is a multi-level, complex system, often dealing with conflicting policy objectives nationally and internationally. But also, good practice of the operational process of public procurement is described in a clear, concise way.
Over and above the topics covered in the text, there is a passion within the writing for public procurement researchers and practitioners to, not only embrace, but also participate actively in the dynamically changing space of public procurement. I do not hesitate to recommend “Public procurement – theories, practices and tools” for practitioners, researchers and students."
- Prof. Dr. Christine Harland, Politecnico di Milano
"Those of us who concentrate on public management and organizational analysis need to be well-informed about public procurement, a crucially important topic in contemporary government. Jolien Grandia’s and Leentje Volker’s and their colleagues’ Public Procurement – Theories, Practices and Tools provides a valuable resource for those of us who want to enhance our understanding of the topic. It can serve as an effective supplemental reading in courses on public management and many related topics. The authors provide multidisciplinary expertise, including specific practical guidance along with concepts and frameworks that support broader systematic and strategic thinking about procurement."
- Hal G. Rainey, Alumni Foundation Distinguished Professor Emeritus, The University of Georgia