A Benchmark Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Public Procurement System (PPS) in Cameroon: Views from Suppliers

Abstract

Purpose: This scientific research article examines the effectiveness of public procurement practices in Cameroon, focusing on the extent of compliance to regulatory framework, transparency, efficiency, competitiveness, value for money, timeliness and accountability of the system. Design/methodology/approach: This study collected primary data from private entities involved in the public procurement system in Cameroon and analysed the data using Benchmark Analysis of Variance. Findings: The analyses revealed that the PPS in Cameroon was found to perform significantly lower than the benchmarks for all the parameters of the effectiveness of a PPS provided by the respective regulatory frameworks. It was therefore recommended that the government of Cameroon needs to strengthen measures to improve on the compliance of the entities to the regulatory frameworks in the country, transparency and accountability, efficiency, value for money, timeliness and competition in the system. Originality: The study contributes to knowledge by empirically assessing the effectiveness of the public procurement system in Cameroon and providing guide to the government of Cameroon to improve on its effectiveness using multidimensional indicators. Research limitations/implications: However, an extension of the study could be in the public sector so as to give a more comprehensive assessment of the system.