Procrastination over Prudence: The ‘Customary’ Way in Public Procurement
Abstract
This case describes a delay in the procurement of crawler dozers, a type of heavy earth-moving machinery, by a public sector undertaking of the Government of India in the mining sector. The chronology of events over 6 years highlights the underlying factors, including procrastination in initiating the procurement process, the time taken to prepare technical specifications, complaints from bidders and multiple-tiered queries. The most important learning outcome is that while arbitrary decisions are discouraged in any procurement, procrastination in decision-making should be equally discouraged. The case underlines the necessity of extensive, all-embracing standard operating procedures or definite guidelines.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Public Procurement and Policy
Construction Project Management and Performance
Quality and Supply Management
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Vikalpa The Journal for Decision Makers
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 175–181
- Publication date
- 15 February 2026
- Language
- EN