The impact of “procurement with impact”: measuring the short-term effects of sustainable public procurement policy on the environmental friendliness of tenders

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacco Robbert Jan van Berkel ◽  
Fredo Schotanus
Keyword(s):  
Central Government ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Policy Document ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Procurement Policy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Municipal Level ◽  
Short Term Effects

Purpose This paper aims to study the short-term effects of a new procurement policy document on the inclusion of environmental requirements and green award criteria in tenders. The policy document is named “Procurement with Impact” and was released by the Dutch central government to further stimulate Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). Design/methodology/approach Central government tenders were quantitatively analyzed in the six months prior and after the release of the new policy on their inclusion of environmental concerns. This judgment was made based on the role of environmental concerns in the requirements and the award criteria. As a control group, the same was done on a municipal level, for which the new policy document does not apply. Each of the four samples contained 60 tenders. Data was acquired via the European public procurement database TED. In the analysis, a chi-square test was used to measure whether a significant difference exists between the two periods for each group. Findings Results show that central government has procured in a more environmentally concerned way after the release of “Procurement with Impact.” Within a year, the number of green tenders conducted by central government significantly increased from 30% to 55%. No significant difference was found on a municipal level. Social implications SPP has received increasing attention over the past few decades but has not led to implementation of its principles in most public tenders. As SPP can have a major impact on a more sustainable and social society, it is important to understand how policy can influence the sustainability of tenders. The findings of our study show that “Procurement with impact” had a significant positive short-term effect on the inclusion of green award criteria and requirements in public tenders. Implementing similar SPP policies in other government sectors and other countries could have a substantial effect on the worldwide uptake of SPP. Originality/value “Procurement with Impact” contains a clear sustainable vision embracing the principles of SPP. This government policy takes into account several SPP barriers and drivers and satisfies several policy theory conditions. The authors show in the paper that this policy is an effective instrument for increasing the inclusion of environmental concerns in tenders. As the difference is already significant within a year, this could also reflect the readiness of tenderers to turn to SPP once there is a clear organization wide policy.

Public procurement and competitiveness of women-owned businesses: a structural equation model (SEM) for gender-responsive procurement in Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pross Nagitta Oluka ◽  
Michael Okoche ◽  
Godfrey Mugurusi
Keyword(s):  
Significant Influence ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Contract Management ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Procurement Policy

PurposeSeveral intergovernmental organizations claim that the involvement of women in public procurement has a direct impact on sustainable development and growth, especially in the developing world, yet we know very little of such claim. This study aims to empirically examine how public procurement can contribute to women empowerment by boosting the competitiveness of women-owned businesses (WOBs) in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a cross-sectional survey method is used. Quantitative data were gathered from a sample of 371 respondents in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and a section of women entrepreneurs in Uganda's capital Kampala. From the literature review, six hypotheses were formulated and tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). A research model is developed and presented.FindingsAll hypotheses, except for one, were supported. Procurement policy had a significant influence on evaluation criteria, contract management and most importantly, on the competitiveness of WOBs. Within the procurement process, evaluation criteria had a significant influence on the competitiveness of WOBs, while the influence of contract management on competitiveness of WOBs was not statistically significant. We, therefore, concluded that public procurement can indeed enhance women empowerment through a gender-responsive procurement policy. Above all, pre-contract award interventions such as streamlining evaluation criteria to ease access of WOBs to public procurement contracts seem have the most significant impact to competitiveness of WOBs compared to post-ward interventions during contract management.Originality/valueThis study offers a research-based model that articulates the role of procurement policy as an enabler for competitiveness of WOBs in developing countries. The model proposes a combination of both policy (a direct influence) and interventions in the supplier selection process (an indirect influence) to boost the competitiveness of WOBs.

scholarly journals Firms’ experience of SME-friendly policy and their participation and success in public procurement

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 616-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Flynn ◽  
Paul Davis
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Procurement Policy ◽  
Irish Context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between firms’ experience of small- and medium-size enterprise (SME)-friendly policy and their participation and success in public procurement. Design/methodology/approach – Hypothesised relationships between SME-friendly policy and three outcome variables – frequency of tendering, success rate in public contract competitions, and commercial orientation towards the public sector – are tested using survey data from 2,755 SME respondents. Findings – SME-friendly policy is found to be significant in explaining success rates and commercial orientation towards the public sector marketplace. It is not significant in explaining frequency of tendering. Research limitations/implications – The context for the study is Ireland. However, given institutional similarities in national public procurement regimes, particularly among EU Member States, the findings have relevance beyond the Irish context. The research design is cross-sectional and so does not allow for any causal claims to be made. Originality/value – This study puts forward and tests an original model of SME-friendly procurement policy and its associated outcomes for firms. It develops a comprehensive 16-item instrument to measure SME-friendly procurement policy. It uses SMEs as research informants instead of public buyers.

Whistle-blowing intentions and behaviour in Ugandan public procurement

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-130
Author(s):  
Brenda Tumuramye ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Moses Muhwezi
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Ethical Climate ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
Ethical Climates

Purpose This study aims to investigate the whistle-blowing behaviour in Ugandan public procurement by using whistle-blowing supporting institutions, procuring and disposing entity (PDE) ethical climate and whistle-blowing expectancy. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sample of 118 drawn from a population of 179 central government (PDEs). Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, resulting in 222 usable questionnaires from 70 PDEs, representing a response rate of 62.71 per cent. Findings The results reveal that the whistle-blowing supporting institutions and PDE ethical climate are significant predictors of whistle-blowing intentions and behaviour, accounting for 30.2 per cent of the variance. The authors therefore recommend that whistle-blowing supporting institutions, like the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, should be reviewed and strengthened to promote whistle-blowing intentions and behaviour. This could be done through reviewing the Act to make it enforceable, giving power to the whistle-blowers, strengthening policies, developing safeguards against retaliation by making every chief executive officer in the public sector accountable, increasing whistle-blowing incentives and providing whistle-blowing hotlines for anonymous whistle-blowers. PDEs should also create conducive ethical climates that encourage people to voice their concerns internally or externally, and ethical committees should be established within PDEs and other bodies such as the Inspector General of Government for ensuring that whistle-blowing systems are in place and promoted. There is a need to increase whistle-blowing expectancy through the effective handling of reported cases to their conclusion and the use of role models.

The red packet interaction and brand attitude in the brand communities on WeChat

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guowei Zhu ◽  
Yaru Liu ◽  
Li Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Brand Attitude ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Communities ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Community Pressure

Purpose Monetary incentives have been widely adopted by brands to promote consumer engagement in their brand communities on social networking sites. This paper aims to explore how the interactions triggered by an emerging monetary incentive, red packets, affect consumers’ brand attitude in the context of WeChat brand groups (WCBGs). Design/methodology/approach According to whether brands ask for commercial returns from consumers, two types of interactions were identified, namely, exchange red packet interaction (ERPI) and communal red packet interaction (CRPI). The corresponding influences on brand attitude were examined in three experiments. Findings Compared to CRPIs, ERPIs elicit greater normative community pressure, inducing a less favorable brand attitude. Moreover, this impact is moderated by the time frame of brand communities. In the long-term WCBGs, a significant difference exists between ERPIs and CRPIs, while such difference attenuates or even disappears in short-term WCBGs. Practical implications When using red packets as an engagement strategy, brand managers should be alert to their potential negative influence. Specifically, in short-term brand communities, ERPIs enable managers to acquire commercial returns without hurting brand attitude. In long-term brand communities, managers are advised to implement CRPIs to foster a positive brand attitude. Originality/value This study investigates red packet interactions in brand communities, which have been widespread but unexplored. The results expand the literature by addressing the undermining effect of ERPI and the moderating effect of the time frame.

Influences of customer participation and customer brand engagement on brand loyalty

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 332-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Andrine Apenes Solem
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Engagement ◽  
Short Term Effects

Purpose Value co-creation assumes that customers take active roles and create value together with firms. This paper aims to investigate the short- and long-term effects of customer participation on brand loyalty, through brand satisfaction. Participation effects were also examined among social media-using customers with the additional explanatory factor of brand engagement. Design/methodology/approach Two studies were conducted among insurance customers: a cross-sectional study using a nationwide sample (N = 954) and a subsample of social media users (N = 145) to examine short-term effects, and a longitudinal study using data from three assessment timepoints (N = 376) to enable empirical long-term testing. Findings The cross-sectional study showed positive short-term effects of customer participation on brand loyalty, mediated by satisfaction. Among customers using social media, positive participation effects gained from brand engagement strengthened brand satisfaction. The longitudinal study did not show similar positive long-term effects of customer participation. Practical implications These findings help deepen service marketers’ understanding of the possible short-term effects of customer participation and customer brand engagement, and caution them to not expect that customer participation will have long-term positive satisfaction and loyalty effects. Originality/value This research provides interesting short- and long-term findings, due to the complementary cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs.

scholarly journals Soil hydrophysical properties as affected by solid waste compost amendments: seasonal and short-term effects in an Ultisol

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dewpura A.L. Leelamanie ◽  
Chinthani U. Manawardana
Keyword(s):  
Water Potential ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Hydraulic Properties ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Soil Matrix ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Compost Amendments ◽  
Properties Of Soil ◽  
Short Term Effects

Abstract Application of compost is known to improve the hydraulic characteristics of soils. The objective of this study was to examine the seasonal and short-term effects of solid waste compost amendments on selected hydrophysical properties of soil during dry and rainy seasons and to explore any negative impacts of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) amendments on soil hydrophysical environment concerning Agriculture in low-country wet zone, Sri Lanka. Eight (T1–T8) MSWC and two (T9, T10) agricultural-based waste compost (AWC) samples were separately applied in the field in triplicates at 10 and 20 Mg ha−1 rates, with a control (T0). Field measurements (initial infiltration rate, Ii; steady state infiltration rate, ISS; unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, k; sorptivity, SW) were conducted and samples were collected (0–15 cm depth) for laboratory experiments (water entry value, hwe; potential water repellency: measured with water drop penetration time, WDPT) before starting (Measurement I) and in the middle of (Measurement II) the seasonal rainfall (respectively 5 and 10 weeks after the application of compost). The difference in the soil organic matter (SOM) content was not significant between the dry and rainy periods. All the soils were almost non-repellent (WDPT = <1–5 s). The hwe of all the samples were negative. In the Measurement I, the Ii of the T0 was about 40 cm h−1, while most treatments show comparatively lower values. The ISS, SW, and k of compost amended samples were either statistically similar, or showed significantly lower values compared with T0. It was clear that all the surface hydraulic properties examined in situ (Ii, ISS, SW) were higher in the Measurement I (before rainfall) than those observed in the Measurement II (after rainfall). Water potential differences in soils might have affected the surface hydrological properties such as SW. However, water potential differences would not be the reason for weakened ISS and k in the Measurement II. Disruption of aggregates, and other subsequent processes that would take place on the soil surface as well as in the soil matrix, such as particle rearrangements, clogging of pores, might be the reason for the weakened ISS and k in the Measurement II. Considering the overall results of the present study, compost amendments seemed not to improve or accelerate but tend to suppress hydraulic properties of soil. No significant difference was observed between MSWC and AWC considering their effects on soil hydraulic properties. Application of composts can be considered helpful to slower the rapid leaching by decreasing the water movements into and within the soil.

Snoezelen: Its Long-Term and Short-Term Effects on Older People with Dementia

1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 213-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Baker ◽  
Zena Dowling ◽  
Lesley Ann Wareing ◽  
Jeannette Dawson ◽  
Julian Assey
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Short Term Effects

A randomised controlled trial was conducted to investigate the long-term and short-term effects of the Snoezelen environment on the behaviour, mood and cognition of elderly patients with dementia, and to gain an understanding of the processes occurring within Snoezelen. Patients participated in either eight Snoezelen or eight activity sessions. Pre-trial, mid-trial, post-trial and follow-up assessments were carried out at home and at the day hospital. Ratings of behaviour and mood were also made before, during and after each session. In the long term, the main benefits for Snoezelen patients were in the domain of socially disturbed behaviour. In the home setting, there was a highly significant difference between the two groups in favour of Snoezelen, and in the hospital setting it was nearly significant. Short-term improvements in behaviour and mood were evident for both groups after sessions, and communication was significantly better during Snoezelen sessions in comparison with activity sessions. The processes occurring within Snoezelen sessions seemed to involve facilitation of verbal expression and memory recall.

Argentine mining moves aim to boost investment

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Investment ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mining Investment ◽  
Export Taxes ◽  
Near Term ◽  
Mining Projects ◽  
The Government

Subject Outlook for the mining sector. Significance The new administration has eliminated export taxes on mining, as part of its efforts to lure foreign investment to revive a stagnant economy. Mining export taxes were set at 5-10% over the past 14 years, and their removal will cost the government some 220 million dollars annually. Impacts Low global metals prices will hinder short-term efforts to boost mining investment. Environmental concerns will continue to drive hostility to mining projects. Lithium will drive mining growth in the near term.

scholarly journals Short-Term Effects of Hydrokinesiotherapy in Hospitalized Preterm Newborns

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Welcy Cassiano de Oliveira Tobinaga ◽  
Cirlene de Lima Marinho ◽  
Vera Lucia Barros Abelenda ◽  
Paula Morisco de Sá ◽  
Agnaldo José Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Respiratory Rate ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Preterm Newborns ◽  
Short Term Effects

Background. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment, preterm newborns are subject to environmental stress and numerous painful interventions. It is known that hydrokinesiotherapy promotes comfort and reduces stress because of the physiological properties of water.Objective. To evaluate the short-term effects of hydrokinesiotherapy on reducing stress in preterm newborns admitted to the NICU.Materials and Methods. Fifteen preterm newborns underwent salivary cortisol measurement, pain evaluation using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), and heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation measurements before and after the application of hydrokinesiotherapy.Results. The mean gestational age of the newborns was34.2±1.66weeks, and the mean weight was1823.3±437.4 g. Immediately after application of hydrokinesiotherapy, a significant reduction was observed in salivary cortisol(p=0.004), heart rate(p=0.003), and respiratory rate(p=0.004)and a significant increase was observed in peripheral oxygen saturation(p=0.002). However, no significant difference was observed in the NIPS score(p>0.05).Conclusion. In the present study, neonatal hydrotherapy promoted short-term relief from feelings of stress. Neonatal hydrokinesiotherapy may be a therapeutic alternative. However, this therapy needs to be studied in randomized, crossover, and blinded trials. This trial is registered withNCT02707731.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document