Assessing the Relevance of Existing E-Procurement Models and Critical Attributes: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic review evaluates existing e-procurement models, focusing on identifying the critical attributes that contribute to their effectiveness. As digital solutions increasingly shape procurement processes, understanding these models and their key attributes is essential for enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with organizational goals. The review follows PRISMA guidelines and synthesizes studies published between 2012 and 2022. A thorough search across multiple electronic databases was conducted, focusing on e-procurement models and their critical attributes. The study employs a variety of research designs to ensure a comprehensive analysis, identifying key models and critical attributes such as system integration, user-friendliness, and security features that influence their success. The findings reveal substantial variation in the suitability of different models based on organizational size, industry, and specific procurement needs. This paper uniquely consolidates e-procurement literature by emphasizing model relevance and critical attributes. It provides a structured framework for organizations to evaluate and select e-procurement solutions that best fit their needs, enriching theoretical discussions by linking model selection and critical attributes to procurement effectiveness. The review offers a deeper understanding of how procurement technologies align with business objectives. For practitioners, the review serves as a practical guide for optimizing e-procurement practices by informed model selection and prioritization of key system attributes tailored to specific organizational contexts. By improving procurement processes, the findings contribute to broader economic benefits, such as cost savings and enhanced supply chain management, which are vital for sustainable business practices.