Received on 11 March 2024; revised on 20 April 2024; accepted on 22 April 2024 | Amaka Justina Obinna and Azeez Jason Kess-Momoh
This study presents a comparative technical analysis of legal and ethical frameworks in AI-enhanced procurement processes. The research aims to evaluate existing legal and ethical frameworks governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement and identify best practices for ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with procurement professionals and legal experts, is adopted to provide a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and practical strategies. The findings indicate a growing recognition of the need for clear guidelines and regulations to govern AI in procurement, despite the potential benefits of improved efficiency and cost savings. Concerns about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and lack of transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes are also highlighted. Based on these findings, the study recommends several strategies, including developing clear guidelines, providing training, and establishing monitoring mechanisms. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating legal and ethical considerations into AI deployment to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on AI governance and provide practical insights for policymakers, procurement professionals, and other stakeholders involved in AI-driven procurement processes.This study presents a comparative technical analysis of legal and ethical frameworks in AI-enhanced procurement processes. The research aims to evaluate existing legal and ethical frameworks governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement and identify best practices for ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with procurement professionals and legal experts, is adopted to provide a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and practical strategies. The findings indicate a growing recognition of the need for clear guidelines and regulations to govern AI in procurement, despite the potential benefits of improved efficiency and cost savings. Concerns about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and lack of transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes are also highlighted. Based on these findings, the study recommends several strategies, including developing clear guidelines, providing training, and establishing monitoring mechanisms. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating legal and ethical considerations into AI deployment to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on AI governance and provide practical insights for policymakers, procurement professionals, and other stakeholders involved in AI-driven procurement processes.