The role of transparency in public procurement process Literature review

The role of transparency in public procurement process - Literature review Example In a nonprofessional language, transparency alludes to the kind of operations that are open to every person and where others can easily see what one is doing. For instance, when one goes to a shop and carries out a transaction, the exchange of the good/service with currency is done in a very transparent manner where both the buyer and the seller is entitled to confirm through counting the amount received as change or as the pay for the products bought. The verification through counting and confirmation that a right currency is in use would illustrate transparency in the simplest way. A close analysis of transparency shows that it is universally applied concept in such fields as in management, corporate, research, technology, sports, politics and media among other fields. In management and corporate circles, transparency may imply the openness in disclosure of information concerning revenues, wages and administration while in research; it may allude to ease of access to and sharing of information. It has almost a common meaning to all other disciplines with ease of accessing and sharing information in a manner that is not hidden to any person. It is a concept that dates far back in history where it has been mostly applied in morality and ethics to allude to openness as against secrecy. However, the application would reveal some minor differences in application from one field to another. Accountability is often used concurrently with transparency where the latter is used in transactions for the purpose of accountability1. It is actually seen as a precondition to ensuring that public officials uphold high standards of accountability especially in matters of public procurement, tendering and awarding of contracts. In order to effectively participate in public procurement process, the public requires to have access to the most available and necessary information as possible. Transparency in this regard therefore ensures that the public get the information and hence are in a position to contribute in the procedures of decision-making. In this regard, the discipline of public procurement is greatly dependent on accountability and as such relies much on transparency. In such a case as the public procurement, the authorities involved have a responsibility of ensuring that transactions carried out are done in the most open manner possible and that the information engaged is available to the scrutiny of the public and the government. Transparency confers power to the third party just as to the parties involved to raise a concern and question the procedures followed in transacting public deals. Transparency therefore entails availing the public procurement information and the mechanisms followed in according tenders to particular bidders to the public for possible scrutiny. This therefore ensures accountability of public resources while undertaking such transactions that involves the public as against private resources2. Literature review In a study to evaluate these aspects the republic of Serbia was put into perspective within the context of the global economic crisis by Rikalovic, Knecevic as well as Mikic. One of the findings to this study was that proper procurement practices would lead to large savings off the budgetary

Islam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Islam - Essay Example Thus, although there is no sign at all that Mohammed and his followers were blood descendants of Abraham, Islam is clearly associated with the biblical times, characters and traditions; even if the Bible has not had that profound effect on Islam as upon Christianity (Peters, 2004). Having developed from events that took place some 1400 years ago in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam is currently a world faith with over one billion followers worldwide (Gordon, 2003). On the other hand, although the Islamic religious doctrine, practices, and institutions have been the subject of numerous, if not countless, writings and discussions (Gordon, 2003), Islam remains the most misinterpreted, hence misunderstood religion, especially in the light of recent events such as the 9/11 attacks and the consequent ‘war on terror’. Therefore, this paper attempts to get an insight into the Islamic religion, highlighting some of the most contentious points of the doctrine. Historical Background In order to understand the essence of Islam as fully as possible, one would need to take into consideration first and foremost its historical context in which this religious cult has originated and matured; by the way, this is equally valid as far as any other religious tradition is concerned. Mohammed was born in Mecca about 570 AD, in the Hashim clan of the Quraish tribe which possessed a distinguished status in the town (Schimmel, 1992, p. 11). By that time, the wealth and ancient glory of the Arabian Peninsula, most notably the powerful trading kingdom of Saba (â€Å"The Kingdoms of Ancient South Arabia,† n.d.), was already too far gone (Schimmel, 1992). The religious life of the Arab tribes, particularly in Central Arabia, was still dominated by a rather primitive religion, whose rituals were performed in numerous tribal sanctuaries, including the shrine in Kaaba which appeared the center of the pagan cult; additionally, there were certain Jewish and Christian influences (S chimmel, 1992, p. 7). Arabia was situated in the sphere of influence of its trade partners by then – Persia and Constantinople (Schimmel, 1992). There were also a number of Jewish settlements not far from Medina, and even – according to some authors – the kings of Saba had reportedly converted to Judaism; the latter inter alia indicates a quest of a higher faith (Schimmel, 1992). Somewhere in his forties, Mohammed was overcome by visions and voices, realizing that he was entrusted with a divine mandate – to proclaim, like some Hebrew prophets of earlier times, most notably Amos, the forthcoming Day of Judgment when the human beings will face the one omnipotent God, their Lord, to answer for their actions (Schimmel, 1992, p. 12). The obvious parallel between Mohammed – the last prophet – and the first Hebrew prophet of judgment, Amos, is not only in theological terms, but also in terms of historical necessity. Thus, having seen the decline in Arabia’s power and wealth, likely brought about by the Arab tribes’ disunity and internal feuds, Mohammed found the ultimate means of unification – the belief in one omnipotent God – and saw himself at first as a God’s messenger to the Arabs, a prophet being sent to warn them (Schimmel, 1992, p. 15); later on, however, he put his visions into practice, embarking on a decisive move towards uniting the