Bertie Greer accepted for publication in Journal of Public Procurement
Mike Ilitch School of Business Associate Dean for Strategy and Planning and Associate Professor of Global Supply Chain Management Bertie Greer has had an article accepted for publication in the Journal of Public Procurement, which covers aspects of public procurement at local, regional, national and international levels from the perspectives of management, law, economics and politics.
The article, “Strategic Procurement Collaboration for the Common Good: Private and Public Procurement Relationship during a Pandemic,” was co-authored by Amelia Carr and Karen Eboch of Bowling Green State University and Chad Rutkowski of the United Way of Greater Toledo.
Abstract
This study aims to highlight and validate the importance of strategic procurement and its value to both public and private firms. We discuss a collaborative private-public partnership (PPP), Supply Chain Advisory Committee (SCAC), established during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in order to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies for a donation center in Toledo, Ohio, United States. This center serves the community and small businesses. We discuss the strategies, process, and framework that were created in order to procure the needed items under a short lead-time. The process of the partnership and outcomes are transferable and capable of being used by others to benefit society.
The Supply Chain Advisory Council (SCAC) private-public partnership (PPP) was formed under a humanitarian agenda to meet the needs of the Lucas County Emergency Operation Center (EOD) during the global pandemic. Committee members represented Fortune 500 Auto suppliers, public universities, health Care industries, Logistic companies, the United Way of Greater Toledo and Engineering Companies.
The case study methodology was used to investigate and summarize the actions and events of the SCAC. The case presented was tracked from the initial call to action from a local emergency response organization, Lucas County Emergency Operation Center (EOC), through the first 6 months of the committee’s work. Data collection was completed through a triangulation of sources.
The findings of the study reveal that public firms are vulnerable in a crisis. A crisis exposes the inequities in the supply chain and the need for public and private collaboration to use innovative procurement strategies. Our study suggests that private-public partnership (PPP) procurement professionals benefit from working together. Both can learn from the limitations and benefits of collaborating.
