Plant and Equipment Procurement in Selected Tertiary Institutions in North Western Nigeria: An Analysis of Lean and Agile Process

Abstract

The intense global competitive environment seeking efficient and effective operations has pushed management practices to be driven generally by economies of scale principles. In this regard, lean and agile methods are increasingly being adopted by both private sector practitioners as well as public institutions. The main objective of this study is to determine the applicability of lean and agile strategies in enhancing risk-reduced plant and equipment procurement in tertiary institutions in North Western Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive case study design and three research questions were formulated to identify the efficient metrics that affect procurement performance, through the implementation of lean and agile strategies designs.The study found that the diversity of the work involved in public procurement necessitates that procurement stakeholders need to be competent in generic procurement skills.  The findings further support the fact that a lean and agile system will provide an efficient procurement of plant and equipment through the better supply chain, elimination of waste, minimising cost, increasing value for money and fitness for purpose which work toward a just-in-time process. It is recommended that there isthe need to identify, assess and develop the competencies of procurement stakeholders in public procurement to ensure that procurement activities are efficient, compliant with regulations and obtaining value for money. Further recommendations are there is need to review Government policies on plants and equipment procurements in Nigeria with regard to direct procurements to improve value for money; Professional engineers should be involved in plant and equipment procurement as consultants to reduce cost and delay in completion, as well as to increase quality, improve risk control and management; creation of new procurement models that will enhance just-in-time delivery of projects and improve procurement process timelines; and in a situation where companies are faced with longer lead times, and demand is predictable, a lean strategy should strictly be applied.