Abstract:
Computerized systems are gradually overtaking manually driven systems. This move has
been highly motivated by efficiency and convenience. The traditional system of tendering
is time consuming and has cost implications. In the traditional system, the buyer as well
as the seller has to go through manual system of tendering. This exposes the system to
unfairness and as a result affects the construction industry in Ghana. The main aim of this
research was to explore the benefits of electronic tendering over the traditional method of
tendering and recommend the best practices for its implementation in Ghana. A literature
review was undertaken which covered the inefficiencies in the traditional tendering
process in the construction industry and the benefits of e-tendering. The survey approach
was used in the investigation using questionnaires as the main tool of data collection.
Focusing on the Kumasi Metropolis as the case study area, fifty four questionnaires were
retrieved out of sixty distributed representing a ninety percent response rate. The data
were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics only. High levels of risk, abuse of
tendering process, increased errors, low involvement of contractor at design stage, lack
of adoption of new tendering methods and low level of professionalism were ranked to be
the most severe challenges of traditional tendering. Furthermore, the findings also
pointed out that potential for time saving; better financial control; reduced
administrative costs; reduced manpower required and greater efficiency of activities
were the most important benefits of e-tendering. The findings from the study are useful
for construction stakeholders, helping them to know the benefits of electronic tendering
over the traditional method of tendering and the best practices for its implementation in
Ghana. In spite of the significance of these findings, there are unavoidable limitations and
shortcomings due to the scope and manner in which it was undertaken. These limitations
are intended to be the basis for recommendations for future research works. It is
recommended that there is the need to develop a capacity building knowledge backbone
to drive the adoption of e-tendering
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION, submitted
to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy
(Construction) degree.
AUGUST, 2016