The Impact of Employee Proficiency on Tanzanian Procurement Contract Management; Evidence from Higher Learning Institutions

Abstract

The impact of employee proficiency on Tanzanian procurement contract management; Evidence from higher learning institutions. Interviews, documentary reviews and questionnaires were used as the methods of data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 22 was used specifically for the purpose of analyzing the quantitative, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that an employee should be committed and well-skilled and also that an employer should train their staff on different issues related to procurement contracts management, assigning these tasks to the employees who are experienced enough, as all this leads to effective procurement contracts management. Staff competency has a significant positive influence on performance in procurement contracts management. The more the staff become competent in managing procurement contracts, the more the performance is improved. This indicated that staff are the key factors that will enable the organization to achieve its procurement contractual goals. It was discovered that many staff attended various training and seminars offered by regulators like Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and other professional bodies like the Procurement Supplies Professional and technician Board (PSPTB), therefore it was their fault that affected the effective management of procurement contract in Tanzania higher learning institutions. The study recommended that there must be regular training on procurement contract management for the public staff. The public sector should ensure that their employees are well-trained and educated on procurement contract management issues as it will enable the organization to have employees who will formulate and execute procurement contracts effectively and enable the organization to improve its procurement performance. Higher learning institutions should ensure their procurement officers receive procurement training frequently as needs arise due to frequent changes in procurement policies, procedures or laws. Higher learning institutions should train their employees to increase their skills in the interpretation of the contract. It is considered that well-experienced personnel in contract management are likely to perform great and enable the organization to perform well in contracts.