Proceedings of ICLT 2017

SMES PARTICIPATION AND SUCCESS OBSTACLES IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Elham Aliabadi; Vinh V. Thai & Zaheed Halim

School of Business IT & Logistics, RMIT University, 445 Swanston St., Melbourne 3000, Victoria; School of Business IT & Logistics, RMIT University, 445 Swanston St., Melbourne 3000, Victoria

International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2017, Bangkok, Thailand, pp. 358-365

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Abstract

Purpose: There are numerous factors which have been identified in the literature as potential obstacles for SMEs participation and success in public procurement market. This study systematically reviews these factors and proposes some directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach: The research is conducted employing the critical and systematic review of the extant literature, encompassing studies conducted across business sectors. Future research directions are proposed accordingly. Findings: Several factors have been identified as potential obstacles for SMEs participation and success in public procurement market. These factors could be classified into six categories. These obstacles generally affect SMEs success in public procurement market in two different phases. While some of these obstacles hinder SMEs from participating in the market, others may affect their success in the contract bidding and competition phase. Research limitations: The main limitation of this research lies in its current method of literature review. A subsequent empirical validation is necessary to assure the reliability and validity of this research. Originality/value: This research is original as it provides a comprehensive and systematic review and understanding of factors affecting SMEs participation and success in public procurement market. Based on this, the recommended research directions provide indications for future studies as well as guidelines for SMEs in their preparation for successful public procurement projects.

Keywords

small and medium enterprises (SMEs); public procurement; public procurement participation; public procurement success; critical factors

Citation

Elham Aliabadi; Vinh V. Thai & Zaheed Halim (2017). SMES PARTICIPATION AND SUCCESS OBSTACLES IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2017), Bangkok, Thailand, pp. 358-365.