Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic Transformation

This study explores the application of the dynamic capabilities (DCs) sensing, seizing, and transforming in strategic public sector procurement (SPSP) and examines whether these capabilities represent a tangible reality or a conceptual myth. Drawing on qualitative data from six Welsh local authoriti...

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Main Authors: Vera Ndrecaj, Issam Tlemsani, Mohamed Ashmel Mohamed Hashim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Administrative Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/15/4/134
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author Vera Ndrecaj
Issam Tlemsani
Mohamed Ashmel Mohamed Hashim
author_facet Vera Ndrecaj
Issam Tlemsani
Mohamed Ashmel Mohamed Hashim
author_sort Vera Ndrecaj
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the application of the dynamic capabilities (DCs) sensing, seizing, and transforming in strategic public sector procurement (SPSP) and examines whether these capabilities represent a tangible reality or a conceptual myth. Drawing on qualitative data from six Welsh local authorities (WLAs), this research investigates the extent to which DCs enable organizations to navigate complex procurement environments and achieve strategic transformation. The findings reveal significant variations in the operationalization of DCs. Larger authorities demonstrated robust sensing and seizing capabilities, leveraging market intelligence, collaborative initiatives, and innovative procurement strategies to align with broader organizational objectives. Conversely, smaller authorities faced institutional barriers, such as resource limitations and leadership turnover, which hindered their ability to implement and sustain DCs effectively. While transformative initiatives, including category management and innovative service models, were evident in some cases, challenges in leadership stability and cultural adaptability limited their widespread application. This study highlights the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to building DCs in diverse public sector contexts. By mapping procurement DCs and proposing an integrated conceptual framework, this research contributes to the literature on strategic management in public procurement and offers actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. Future research should explore DCs in broader public sector settings.
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spelling doaj-art-1a05751a4776477d9ff9938c052c6d832025-08-20T02:17:14ZengMDPI AGAdministrative Sciences2076-33872025-04-0115413410.3390/admsci15040134Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic TransformationVera Ndrecaj0Issam Tlemsani1Mohamed Ashmel Mohamed Hashim2Cardiff School of Management Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaf Campus, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UKThe Centre of International Business, Gateshead NE8 1AN, UKCardiff School of Management Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaf Campus, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UKThis study explores the application of the dynamic capabilities (DCs) sensing, seizing, and transforming in strategic public sector procurement (SPSP) and examines whether these capabilities represent a tangible reality or a conceptual myth. Drawing on qualitative data from six Welsh local authorities (WLAs), this research investigates the extent to which DCs enable organizations to navigate complex procurement environments and achieve strategic transformation. The findings reveal significant variations in the operationalization of DCs. Larger authorities demonstrated robust sensing and seizing capabilities, leveraging market intelligence, collaborative initiatives, and innovative procurement strategies to align with broader organizational objectives. Conversely, smaller authorities faced institutional barriers, such as resource limitations and leadership turnover, which hindered their ability to implement and sustain DCs effectively. While transformative initiatives, including category management and innovative service models, were evident in some cases, challenges in leadership stability and cultural adaptability limited their widespread application. This study highlights the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to building DCs in diverse public sector contexts. By mapping procurement DCs and proposing an integrated conceptual framework, this research contributes to the literature on strategic management in public procurement and offers actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. Future research should explore DCs in broader public sector settings.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/15/4/134dynamic capabilitiespublic sector procurementperformance effectiveness
spellingShingle Vera Ndrecaj
Issam Tlemsani
Mohamed Ashmel Mohamed Hashim
Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic Transformation
Administrative Sciences
dynamic capabilities
public sector procurement
performance effectiveness
title Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic Transformation
title_full Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic Transformation
title_fullStr Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic Transformation
title_full_unstemmed Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic Transformation
title_short Unveiling Dynamic Capabilities in Public Procurement: Myths, Realities, and Strategic Transformation
title_sort unveiling dynamic capabilities in public procurement myths realities and strategic transformation
topic dynamic capabilities
public sector procurement
performance effectiveness
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/15/4/134
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AT issamtlemsani unveilingdynamiccapabilitiesinpublicprocurementmythsrealitiesandstrategictransformation
AT mohamedashmelmohamedhashim unveilingdynamiccapabilitiesinpublicprocurementmythsrealitiesandstrategictransformation