Purpose – The purpose of this research is to use a case‐based approach to develop an improved understanding of the conditions under which municipal purchasing departments can be meaningfully involved in acquisition processes for consulting services. Design/methodology/approach – Data were...

Over the last several decades, lean thinking has been credited with several advancements in the practices of private sector organizations. Only recently have researchers begun to report on lean thinking as it applies to the public sector. For public procurement research, the concept remains...

Presented herein is a tool for assessing the value contributed by public sector purchasing departments throughout various stages of competitive acquisition processes for consulting services. Both direct and indirect measures are included in this assessment tool. Although direct contributions are...

This paper could have implications for both public service managers and academics alike. Some of the most difficult challenges facing public purchasers, including those associated with public sector procurement, purchasing consulting services, and purchasing department involvement are discussed....