Business‐to‐business online auctions: key issues for purchasing process improvement

Abstract

Describes the process for conducting downward price business‐to‐business online auctions over the Internet for direct material purchasing and presents common issues, process improvement opportunities, and the interpretation of auction results. Comparisons are made between online auctions and traditional procurement process. Also discussed are stakeholder reactions and the organizational issues generated when online auctions are introduced to traditional purchasing organizations, as well as the benefits to buyers and sellers. The author proposes that online auctions will delay the adoption of modern supply chain management methods and the implementation of lean production that are needed by both buyers and suppliers in order to truly eliminate waste and reduce total costs.

Citation

Emiliani, M.L. (2000), "Business‐to‐business online auctions: key issues for purchasing process improvement", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 176-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540010347299