'Wagging the dog': supply chain management and service delivery

Abstract

SUPPLY CHAIN management (SCM) regulations for public sector procurement of goods and services have greatly improved the transparency of procurement procedures, increased the opportunities for alternative suppliers and reduced the potential for corrupt procurement practices. There is evidence, however, that these regulations are often not implemented to best effect. In particular, it would seem that the SCM process, if allowed to be, is often the primary cause of extended delays in the appointment of contractors, leading to delays in the delivery of services. The SCM “tail” would appear on those occasions to be “wagging the dog”, namely service delivery.