Quality improvement in public procurement

As part of a research project, SQMA and CTF have studied how the procurement of elderly care services can be improved by applying quality models, such as the SIQ Management Model.

– CTF researcher Carolina Camén has been part of the research behind the development of using the SIQ Management Model in public procurement and, in recent year, also the research on quality and partnership. The SIQ Management Model has been used as a model to be applied in public procurement, says Anders Fundin, Director of Research at SIQ and Professor at Mälardalen University.

In public procurement, the price is often the most crucial factor, but an evaluation of the ability to improve quality over time during long-term contracts could present a fairer picture.

– There is a great need for a model that includes working methods with a dynamic approach and a leadership that supports improvements within organisations, says Carolina Camén, researcher and senior lecturer in Business Administration. Our SIQ Management Model is an example of a quality model that provides this and can create better conditions for partnerships and quality where both parties co- create value.

Results of the research have been published by SIQ in the report “Kvalitet och partnerskap – offentlig Carolina Camén
Anders Fundin   upphandling och uppföljning av äldreomsorg” (Quality and partnership – public procurement and follow-up of elderly care services).

– Our research could be useful in public procurement where more weight is placed on quality than price. And above all, provide conditions for a dynamic view of quality that develops during long- term contracts, and that can provide citizens with more adapted and need-based services during that time, says Anders Fundin. Developing the culture in a partnership between clients and providers of procured services can also create conditions for greater employee satisfaction.

In addition to research on quality improvement in public procurement, SQMA and CTF have plans for a joint graduate school.

– With the energy crisis, increased inflation rates and risk of an approaching recession, the need for innovation and adaptability in businesses and organisations increases, says Anders Fundin. Management models must be developed with new sustainable principles that apply new working methods. The graduate school will focus on this important transition.