Risks of Using Computer-Based Procurement
Every complex project requiring the collaborative effort of an organization involves the use of materials, goods, and services that are integrated within the overall project design. The procurement process used to obtain these vital resources is central to the successful accomplishment of project objectives, because every aspect of the management process, from sourcing supplies to shipping products to customers is contingent on procuring the most productive third-party partnerships. The vendor selection process is used to aid project managers in the effective procurement of essential items and services, with a rigorous screening methodology used to identify the most competent and qualified shipping companies, manufacturers, distributors, and equipment suppliers. Another way project managers have refined the procurement process is through the implementation of computer-based tools, with advances in technology enabling researchers to identify a project's critical path through a complex series of algorithms, software...
249). Although the advantages of using the internet and other computer-based resources to develop precise predictive models that enhance procurement practices have been widely established, there are a number of risks and concerns which must be considered before a project's likelihood of success can be inextricably linked to their use. By ranking these risk factors according to their potential impact on a project's ability to balance the triple constraint of scope, schedule, and budget, as well as their chances of occurring, one can objectively balance the merits of using computer-based procurement tools against the risks of this relatively novel innovation (Sollish & Semanik, 2011, pg. 7).
Most Likely Risks to Occur:
Inadvertently Revealing Proprietary Data -- The advent of cloud computing has alleviated much of the traditional risks associated with data theft, piracy, and other content issues, but anytime computers are used to augment the procurement…
