Analysis of Construction Auctions Data in Slovak Public Procurement

Abstract

The requirement for efficient public spending leads contracting authorities to use electronic reverse auctions (e-RA), a tool that allows achieving financial savings. In this study, we aim to explore the relationships between the different acting e-RA variables and to check for predictive models in order to infer on the savings amount in construction public procurement. Data on real construction auctions in Slovakia were statistically analysed by means of graphics tools, multiple regression analysis, test, and statistics for measuring the association between categorical variables. The results revealed that one should take the type of contract into account when considering the use of e-RA. This research provides several implications for purchasing practitioners in the area of construction procurement, especially with regard to the level of competition in the auction and estimation of savings potential. Presented findings aid managerial decision-making process of e-RA adoption. At the end, recommended future research directions in the investigated area are outlined.

The requirement for efficient public spending leads contracting authorities to use electronic reverse auctions (e-RA), a tool that allows achieving financial savings. In this study, we aim to explore the relationships between the different acting e-RA variables and to check for predictive models in order to infer on the savings amount in construction public procurement. Data on real construction auctions in Slovakia were statistically analysed by means of graphics tools, multiple regression analysis, test, and statistics for measuring the association between categorical variables. The results revealed that one should take the type of contract into account when considering the use of e-RA. This research provides several implications for purchasing practitioners in the area of construction procurement, especially with regard to the level of competition in the auction and estimation of savings potential. Presented findings aid managerial decision-making process of e-RA adoption. At the end, recommended future research directions in the investigated area are outlined.