Exploring the lesson learnt by implementing e-tendering: A review of literature

Abstract

For the success of a construction project, the selection of the most suitable contractor is vital. The process of selecting the most suitable contractor is called tendering. Unexceptional to other industries, the construction industry all over the world is also being urged to move to advanced information technologies to compete in the global market. Addressing globalization along with the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM), it becomes crucial for the tendering process to move from traditional to electronic tendering (e-tendering). This study identifies the application of e-tendering in different countries and the outcomes and readiness of Sri Lanka to accept e-tender through an extant literature review. It was concluded that e-tendering benefits through high transparency and accountability, less corruption, less cost, time and paperwork, and easy evaluation of submitted tenders if rightly implemented addressing the challenges such as legal and security issues, resistance to change, less investment in Information Technology, unawareness of the process of e-tendering and non-identical software and formats. Further, considering Sri Lanka’s readiness in adopting etendering, the country’s government has considerably progressed towards e-government but not has been fully implemented. This study would be beneficial for the government and private clients who are willing to practice e-tendering.