Problems affecting the operational procurement process: A study of the Zimbabwean public sector

Micheline J.A Naude,Abel Dzuke

doi:10.4102/jtscm.v11i0.255

Micheline J.A Naude, Abel Dzuke

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v11i0.255

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Abstract

Background: The public sector occupies a key role in the economy comprising the appropriation of state revenue to purchase goods and to render services productively, while ensuring the optimum utilisation of available funds and resources to benefit the inhabitants of the country. Problems in the Zimbabwean public procurement sector that detract from service delivery are key contemporary issues. This is evident from the numerous complaints of poor service delivery received by the public that can be attributed to public procurement.Objective: The purpose of this article was to report on a study that investigated problems in the different stages of the operational procurement process in the Zimbabwean public sector that detract from service delivery, the extent of these problems and how the public procurement process can be improved to enhance service delivery.Method: This descriptive and exploratory study followed a quantitative approach. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire administered to all public entities in Zimbabwe. Data were analysed using SPSS. Results: The majority of the identified problems in the public procurement sector that detract from service delivery are found in the advertising, bid evaluation and contract stages.Conclusion: As only a few studies on this topic have been conducted in Zimbabwe, the findings of this research add a significant perspective to the existing body of knowledge and can assist stakeholders with regard to how the public procurement process can be improved in order to enhance service delivery through public procurement process reform and restructuring.

Highlights

Introduction and problem statementGlobally, public procurement performs a key function in service delivery and the performance of government departments
As only a few studies on this topic have been conducted in Zimbabwe, the findings of this research add a significant perspective to the existing body of knowledge and can assist stakeholders with regard to how the public procurement process can be improved in order to enhance service delivery through public procurement process reform and restructuring
This study has provided a number of insights and made some recommendations, which, if adopted, can lead to the improvement of service delivery in the Zimbabwean public sector

Summary

Introduction

Public procurement performs a key function in service delivery and the performance of government departments. Since public procurement accounts for a significant proportion of overall demand for goods and services (Uyarra & Flannagan 2010:3), monetary values involved are significant, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that resources are utilised in the most efficient, transparent and ethical manner to promote sustainable development of both the economy and standards of living (Seidu, Fatawu & Ahmed 2014:4). The public sector occupies a key role in the economy comprising the appropriation of state revenue to purchase goods and to render services productively, while ensuring the optimum utilisation of available funds and resources to benefit the inhabitants of the country. Problems in the Zimbabwean public procurement sector that detract from service delivery are key contemporary issues. This is evident from the numerous complaints of poor service delivery received by the public that can be attributed to public procurement

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion