Article by Ivan Zammit Executive MBA 2013-2015.
I have completed my Diploma in Management at the University of Malta in 2012. During this period, I was thinking
if I should pursue with my wish to proceed further with my studies to a higher grade. However, this implied that I
either had to pay this from own my savings or obtain a bank loan in order to pay for my studies. Luckily, just
before starting my MBA, the Master It! Scholarship scheme was launched. I applied and managed to be one of
those to benefit from this sponsorship, which resulted in having to incur only the fees of the last semester of
MBA. The rest has been paid at the start and during the reading of my studies by the Master It! Scholarship
through the co-financing by the European Union’s European Social Fund.
My Masters study is composed of Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Operations Management,
Research Methods for Businesses, Managing Strategy, Marketing, and Project Management, amongst other
subjects. The elective subjects consisted of three particular areas which are: e-Law and e-Government; Decision
making and Risk Analysis; and Management and Supply Chain Integration. In my dissertation “Introduction of
GPP in the Local Government Procurement System – An Analysis”. This focuses on the local scenario were
environmental governance in the public sector (through GPP) and its impact on economic operators is
concerned. From the research made, it seems that no other similar investigations / analysis have taken
place from the local perspective and this should serve as a benefit for all stakeholders involved.
Quantitative data analysis have been used to identify what is the current status of Maltese economic
operators vis-a-vis GPP in Malta and to compare and contrast with other economic operators within the EU
Member States.
Apart from personal benefit to the awardee and the skills learned during the study, the sponsorship will
also be of benefit to those who interact with the awardee since his work is related to procurement and
which GPP is an integral part in the work at his organisation. In this respect, the knowledge obtained could
easily be passed on to others in his organisation and also those in other departments. The knowledge
obtained can be passed on to them in this interaction.
Since the dissertation is also of interest to all government departments in particular to the Department of
Contracts and the GPP Office, these can easily refer to this in order to better understand any implications
that GPP has brought about to economic operators who are interested in adopting GPP or require to be
compliant in tenders which are published and request GPP as part of the specification criteria.
In the long run, one can humbly state that apart from the awardee the sponsorship adds value for a
number of stakeholders which had no direct connection with the Master It! Scheme but who can benefit
through the analysis made.
The following is an abstract from my dissertation:
The aim of this study is an analysis of the Introduction of the Green Public Procurement (GPP) in the
Local Government Procurement System (LGPS), and any effects that are being experienced by the
Maltese Economic Operators (MEO) vis-à-vis the GPP measures taken by the GM four years ago. The
quantitative research analysis, highlights outcomes that are encountered by the bidders when
submitting their bids.
The analysis explores how well EO are informed on GPP and if requirements are being met, whilst also
compares the level of progress of MEO and foreigners from the European Union. The study analyses if
MEO rely on foreign suppliers or these have their own systems and possess verifications to provide
green products / services. The investigation addresses the level of competitiveness, when the EO
participate in the LGPS and other European countries. The researcher took into account other factors,
such as economic implications, and the opinion of the EO regarding investments in products meeting
GPP criteria.
Proof that the tenders meet the GPP criteria is a requirement. Having these verifications mean
competitive advantages and benefits like cost savings in consumption and improved overall operating
conditions. Most EO depend on orders that come from the GM. EO are encouraged to consider the
GPP seriously, since it results that the European Commission (EC) has completely embarked on the
issue of the GPP as part of the EU 2020 Strategy. Thus, the GPP can soon experience an increase in
thresholds. Results indicate that EO are not proactive and innovative, since very few own licenses /
verifications such as EU Ecolabel, EMS and EMAS.
Some EO experienced an increase in their business activity since the introduction of the GPP,
nevertheless the majority remained passive since most of these rely on foreign suppliers to provide
green products. Should the demand for GPP tenders increase further, the EO will encounter difficulties
in their operations in terms of competitiveness.
These do not feel well prepared, as some think that green products do not achieve an increase in
competitiveness and thus, may result in loss of business.
The analysis suggests that the R&D should be part of the investments and solutions for innovation to
put forward the green economy. Consequently, this safeguards competitiveness whilst also creates
green jobs. The researcher suggests that incentives and assistance shall be provided for EO who apply
for EU programmes (GAP) and encourage SMEs in the shift towards GPP, whereas offer networks for
market growth and discover new ways of reducing costs whilst creating green jobs. This should result
in a positive outcome in terms of environmental and economic benefits and hence, offering a win-win
situation for EO, Public Authorities and stakeholders in the Maltese society.
In my opinion by completing this MSc it has also opened doors to engage in further research about the
topic related to my dissertation.
The research work disclosed in this publication is partially funded by the Master it!
Scholarship Scheme (Malta). This Scholarship is part-financed by the European Union
–
European Social Fund (ESF) under Operational Programme II
– Cohesion
Policy 2007-2013, “Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality Of Life.
Finally, I take this opportunity to thank all those involved in all stages starting from the selection process
and also during the implementation of the scheme for their work and assistance.
Ivan Zammit
Awardee