Procurement Personnel Research Articles

Effect of procurement devolution process of medical supplies on the technical efficiency of public health facilities in Nakuru and Baringo Counties of Kenya

This study analyzed the effect of procurement devolution process of medical supplies on the technical efficiency of public health facilities in Nakuru and Baringo Counties of Kenya. Although increased government expenditure was expected to improve efficiency and better health outcomes, Kenya’s public health sector remains inefficient. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive research design that targeted 3199 employees in 401 level 2-5 public health facilities (PHFs). Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 355 was proportionately sampled. While secondary data was obtained through desk review, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires that were administered to different cadres of employees. Primary data was coded and analyzed using STATA/SPSS. To compute technical efficiency of PHFs, the two-stage Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multivariate logistic regression was adopted. Study findings show that devolution has improved demand for medical supplies, enhanced procurement efficiency, and promoted ethical procurement. However, complaints from patients have not reduced while training of procurement personnel has not increased. Regression analysis indicates a significant relationship between human capital and technical efficiency. The coefficient of human capital development was 0.199 (T-value= 9.514, p- value= 0.000< 0.05 significant level); implying a positive effect of procurement devolution process on technical efficiency. This study concludes that despite increased health expenditure in Kenya, public health healthcare services have deteriorated due to inefficiency of the public health sector. This study recommends increased financial and human resource support to Kenya’s public health care.

Effect of procurement devolution process of medical supplies on the technical efficiency of public health facilities in Nakuru and Baringo Counties of Kenya

This study analysed the effect of the procurement devolution process of medical supplies on the technical efficiency of public health facilities in Nakuru and Baringo Counties of Kenya. Although increased government expenditure was expected to improve efficiency and better health outcomes, Kenya's public health sector remains inefficient. The study used a quantitative descriptive research design that targeted 3199 employees in 401 level 2-5 public health facilities (PHFs). Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 355 was proportionately sampled. While secondary data was obtained through desk review, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires that were administered to different cadres of employees. Primary data was coded and analysed using STATA/SPSS. To compute the technical efficiency of PHFs, the two-stage Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multivariate logistic regression were adopted. Study findings show that devolution has improved demand for medical supplies, enhanced procurement efficiency, and promoted ethical procurement. However, complaints from patients have not been reduced, and the training of procurement personnel has not increased. Regression analysis indicates a significant relationship between human capital and technical efficiency. The coefficient of human capital development was 0.199 (T-value= 9.514, p- value= 0.000< 0.05 significant level), implying a positive effect of the procurement devolution process on technical efficiency. This study concludes that despite increased health expenditure in Kenya, public health healthcare services have deteriorated due to the inefficiency of the public health sector. This study recommends increased financial and human resource support for Kenya's public health care.

Public procurement policies of Nigeria and Ghana: an analysis of the administrative challenges in achieving value for money

PurposeThis study aims to focus on public policy concerning the implementation of public procurement policies in Nigeria and Ghana toward achieving value for money in the procurement of goods, services and works. It specifically analyzes some major administrative challenges Nigeria and Ghana are faced with in the administration/implementation of public procurement policies toward achieving value for money. It looks at the relationship between the state (regulatory authorities) and substate (procurement entities) in the public sectors of Nigeria and Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA comparative case study approach is adopted, where the two countries are compared in terms of achieving value for money. Data was collected from multiple sources, including in-depth interviews. The use of official documents and direct observations at the procurement regulatory authorities and entities’ premises.FindingsThis study found Nigeria often used the four Es – economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity while Ghana mainly used the traditional five rights (right quantity, right quality, right price, right place and right time) as their criteria for ensuring value for money. The major administrative challenges found include corruption, low capacity of procurement personnel and poor knowledge of the procurement laws.Social implicationsIt recommends effective collaboration between government and civil society groups in the fight against corruption in procurement-related activities, with the implication that there is a need for periodic training for public procurement officials.Originality/valueIt adds to the field of public procurement in terms of value for money in the procurement of goods, services and works in developing countries context.

Effect of Sustainable Supply Chain Management on Procurement Environmental Performance: A Perspective on Resource Dependence Theory

To reduce medical waste, attention must be paid to the environmental friendliness of products during procurement. Thus, environmental awareness among hospital procurement personnel is crucial. Sustainable development, which effectively utilizes limited external resources, is the common goal of hospitals and suppliers. This study aims to establish a research framework that combines the theories of resource dependence and environmental relationship quality, incorporating environmental factors, subjective environmental norms, and perceived environmental values. Whether the environmental awareness of hospital procurement personnel is related to the quality of supplier relationships was investigated using a questionnaire survey method with hospital procurement personnel as the subjects. A total of 443 valid questionnaires were collected, and structural equation modeling was used to verify the hypotheses. The results show that (1) substitutability and uncertainty have a positive and significant effect on environmental relationship quality; (2) environmental subjective norms have a positive and significant effect on environmental relationship quality; (3) importance and perceived environmental value have a positive and significant effect on environmental commitment; (4) environmental relationship quality has a positive and significant effect on environmental performance. These results provide a reference for the promotion of relevant policies, education, and training in medical institutions.

Promoting transparency and accountability towards anti-corruption in pharmaceutical procurement system: does e-procurement play a significant role?

PurposeUnderstanding the interplay between transparency, accountability and e-procurement and their collective contribution to anti-corruption efforts in public procurement is crucial for developing effective strategies and policies. This research seeks to investigate whether e-procurement plays a significant role in enhancing transparency and accountability and subsequently reducing corruption risks in the public pharmaceutical procurement system.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey to gather data from 274 procurement personnel and pharmacists working in 28 government-owned hospitals in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The collected data were then analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the Hayes PROCESS macro to test the study hypotheses.FindingsThe study findings revealed a negative and significant relationship between transparency and procurement corruption (ß = −0.117, p < 0.008). Moreover, accountability negatively and significantly affects procurement corruption (ß = −0.162, p = 0.006). Furthermore, the findings indicate that, at a high degree of e-procurement system implementation, transparency and accountability have a stronger impact on procurement anti-corruption measures.Practical implicationsPolicymakers and decision-makers should implement robust mechanisms that enhance transparency, accountability and anti-corruption efforts. These may include providing clear and accessible information on procurement processes, efficient mechanisms for monitoring and reporting procurement irregularities and continuous improvement of e-procurement systems. By incorporating these measures and nurturing collaboration amongst procurement stakeholders, it becomes possible to foster a procurement environment characterised by integrity, fairness, accountability and reduced corruption.Originality/valueWhilst previous studies delved into exploring the effect of transparency and accountability on procurement anti-corruption, the novelty of this study is the inclusion of e-procurement as a moderating variable in the relationship between transparency, accountability and anti-corruption. By so doing, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge regarding anti-corruption measures and offers valuable practical insights for policymakers and professionals aiming to enhance transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within the public pharmaceutical procurement system.

Analysis of challenges faced by procurement of goods, work and services using centralized procurement: The case of a five-star hotel in Malawi - Umodzi park & resorts

The research questions in this paper seek to address the challenges faced by Umodzi Park & Resorts in their centralized procurement system in order to bring efficiency and effectiveness to their day-to-day operations. This paper used empirical and explanatory research methods, which included the collection of primary data through a questionnaire, interviews with procurement personnel, and observations from procurement documents that provided the guidelines and process of procurement. A secondary source of data comes from written and electronic sources. This survey looks at the effectiveness of the centralized procurement system at Umodzi Park & Resorts by comparing the centralized model to the decentralized model and the centralized model to the combined centralized and decentralized models. The sampling type used is quota sampling, which only works with procurement personnel from the head office and its other two branches in Malawi. This study concludes with a recommended combined system of centralized and decentralized procurement and guidelines to follow for a successful procurement system.

Assessing the Implementation of Republic Act 9184 in the Procurement Stages of Fishery Post-Harvest Infrastructure Facilities in the Philippines

In line with the Philippine government's thrust to reduce post-harvest fish losses, properly implementing Republic Act (RA) 9184 is important for ensuring timely and systematic procurement of government fishery post-harvest infrastructure facilities. This quantitative, descriptive-comparative study analyzes the current implementation of RA 9184 in the procurement of said facilities, focusing on procurement stages: pre-procurement (procurement planning), actual procurement, and post-procurement (procurement monitoring). It also examines differences in the respondents' assessment of procurement stages when grouped according to demographic and professional profiles. The respondents from this study included 70 procurement personnel from fishery-related government agencies, selected through purposive sampling. Survey questionnaires, validated by experts, were administered and collected online via Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistical tools. Respondents rated the actual procurement stage as "Fully Implemented," while the pre-procurement (procurement planning) and post-procurement (procurement monitoring) stages were rated as "Moderately Implemented." Differences in perceptions were found based on age and agency affiliation for the pre-procurement (procurement planning) and actual procurement stages and on age, agency affiliation, and roles for the post-procurement (procurement monitoring) stage. The findings recommend creating an action plan focused on establishing a uniform procurement policy, adopting technological improvements, strengthening procurement monitoring, and professionalizing and evaluating procurement personnel to ensure procurement efficiency.

Implementation of public procurement standards in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects

This study delves into the challenges and prospects associated with implementing public procurement standards in Nigeria. Public procurement plays a crucial role in acquiring goods, services, and works essential for public service delivery and development. However, Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges including inadequate legal frameworks, corruption, capacity deficiencies, and weak monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. These challenges compromise transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the allocation of public resources. Despite these challenges, there are promising prospects for improvement. Legal reforms, harmonization of regulations, and technology adoption are key strategies. Strengthening transparency and accountability through e-procurement systems, whistleblower protection, and public participation is critical. Additionally, capacity building and professional development for procurement personnel, as well as collaboration with international partners, offer avenues for progress. Drawing lessons from successful cases such as Singapore and the United Kingdom, Nigeria can adapt international best practices to its context. By addressing challenges and embracing prospects, Nigeria can create a procurement landscape that ensures transparency, efficiency, and fairness, contributing to sustainable development and the well-being of its citizens. However, achieving this requires collective commitment, adoption of best practices, and a determination to enhance public procurement standards.

Highlights from the 12th congress of the international pediatric transplant association, Austin, Texas 2023.

The 12th Congress of the (IPTA) event in Austin, Texas, had over 400 attendees from 40 countries. The attendees included a diverse mix of pediatric transplant professionals from several specialties including physicians, surgeons, scientists, nurses, organ procurement personnel, advance transplant providers, pharmacists, administrators, fellows, residents, and students. The 4-day event featured nearly 200 abstracts, 90 oral presentations, 24 mini oral presentations, and more than 80 poster presentations. All of these presentations encouraged vibrant discussions and supported the exchange of new clinical and basic science information regarding clinical care management, basic science research, socioeconomic, and ethical and organ donation issues relevant to pediatric transplantation. We briefly describe here the highest scored presented abstracts at IPTA 2023 that are divided into two categories: clinical and basic sciences.

Non-destructive detection of polysaccharides and moisture in Ganoderma lucidum using near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning algorithm

Ganoderma lucidum, the fruiting body of the Poraceae fungi G. lucidum or Ganoderma sinense, has a long history of use in promoting health and longevity in Asian countries. However, traditional methods for detecting polysaccharides and moisture in G. lucidum are complicated, time-consuming, and damaging (to the sample). In this study, rapid and nondestructive near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (700–2500 nm) was uesd to directly scan the back of the G. lucidum cap without powdering. Thereafter, we used synergy interval partial least squares to select the performing band and the ant lion optimization (ALO) algorithm to optimize the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model for these two components. The results showed that the ALO-LSSVM model could predict the total polysaccharide and moisture content with high accuracy. The correlation coefficient for calibration were both >0.9 and their ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) values of prediction were 2.6 and 3.6, respectively, indicating the non-destructive determination of polysaccharides and moisture in G. lucidum will provide great convenience for on-site testing by procurement personnel. This shows the combination of NIR spectroscopy and the ALO-LSSVM algorithm has potential applications for the rapid and nondestructive analysis of natural products.

Supply chain resilience: the role of supplier development in the form of contract farming in fast-food outlets in Zimbabwe

PurposeThe study sought to determine the possibility of supplier development in the form of contract farming as a determinant of supply chain resilience in fast-food outlets. This is against the background of the restaurant having been designated as one of the industries that remained operational when the other industries were affected by the two-decade-long economic meltdown and more recently COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using questionnaires from the consenting restaurants with the most senior procurement personnel in target restaurants as the informants and analysed using analysis of moment structures (AMOS) software.FindingsThe results revealed that indeed supplier development in the form of contract farming leads to supply chain resilience as indicated by improved supply chain visibility, supply chain flexibility, and supply chain redundancy. Fast-food restaurant businesses that have not yet adopted supplier development in the form of contract farming are therefore encouraged to adopt it as a way of enhancing their resilience to traditional supply chain disruptions such as transport shortages, droughts, and more recently COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueIt is to the best knowledge of these researchers, that no studies have attempted to analyse the three drivers of supply chain resilience, namely supply chain redundancy, supply chain flexibility, and supply chain visibility in a single study and link them to a single antecedent.

Effect of Uncertainty, Supplier Involvement, Supplier Performance and Partnership Quality on Buyer-Supplier Relationship

The research is undertaken to evaluate the aspects of Uncertainty, Earlier Supplier Involvement, Supplier Performance and Partnership quality on Buyer dependence on the Supplier. In this explanatory research, a model is developed to validate the premise that by drafting value creating supplier relationship in order to help and implement strategies in supply chain management in manufacturing and non-manufacturing companies which will increase the buyer’s dependency of the suppliers. The study used data from atleast 228 procurement personnel from various industries. The results show that early supplier involvement, partnership quality, supplier performance have a significant and positive impact on buyer’s dependence. Whereas, uncertainty has also a positive but insignificant relationship with buyer dependence. To increase buyer dependency suppliers should be involved in early stage of the design and production of the product. Partnership quality and supplier performance also have significant impact on buyer dependence so management should consider the factors.

Gender, family background, cynicism and ethical sensitivity of future procurement professionals in a developing country context: evidence from Ugandan universities

PurposeSome scholars argue that ethical awareness increases alongside work experience,whereas others agree that ethics education shapes ethical awareness and that cheating in college predicts unethical behaviour in subsequent professional environment. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate the level and antecedents of ethical sensitivity of future procurement professionals.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory descriptive survey of a sample of 303 final year procurement students from the two largest public Universities in Uganda was conducted. Using Statistical Package for (SPSS) and Amos Version 27, data were analysed by using means, standard deviations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlation analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that future procurement professionals exhibit low levels of ethical sensitivity. However, contrary to the general observations from the extant literature, gender and family background of students do not determine both ethical sensitivity and cynicism. Moreover, this study establishes that cynicism is positively associated with instances that depict low ethical sensitivity.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to providing an empirical understanding of the derivation of unethical behaviour in procurement practice. Grounded in Aristotle’s organic theory of state and moral habituation, this argues that future procurement professionals posses natural proclivities that trigger their social instincts and membership to multiple associations in actualising their innate potential for ethical behaviour. This supports the notion that humans are potentially virtuous, whereby morality is learned, imitated, emerges and perfects through repetitive actions and is therefore incremental.Practical implicationsThe findings mirror what prevails in practice in Uganda, where procurement practitioners have been implicated in unethical practices regardless of their gender and family background. This signals that managers should not recruit or deploy procurement personnel based on gender or family background.Originality/valueWhile research on ethical sensitivity of students has been focussed on other disciplines such as accounting, nursing and other business studies, this paper focusses on ethical sensitivity of procurement students aspiring to join a professional environment that is severely marred with unethical practices. Further, Aristotle’s moral habituation and organic theory of state invoked in this study underline the synergies of both nature and nurturing in inculcating ethicality in procurement professionals.

Choosing the most economically advantageous tender using a multi-criteria decision analysis approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and test a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach based on an additive value function (AVF) to select the most economically advantageous tender under European Union public procurement regulations.Design/methodology/approachA case study in which the AVF tender evaluation model is constructed by the procurement personnel and the results of the original, real-life public procurement evaluation model are compared to those discovered by the MCDA approach.FindingsThe AVF model captures the preferences of the procurement authority in a more reliable and transparent manner than commonly used evaluation models based on scoring formulas.Practical implicationsWhile commonly used in public procurement, relative scoring formulas can neither present the preferences of a procurement unit accurately nor do they enable bidders to draft bids according to these preferences. The proposed MCDA approach can achieve both.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is threefold. First, the successful construction of the AVF model with procurement personnel is introduced. Second, the model is used in an actual, real-life case. Third, a thoughtful comparison of features, structures and results of the AVF model and the evaluation model using scoring formulas is presented.

Influence of Supplier sustainability on Organizational Performance in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Companies in Kenya

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of supplier sustainability on organizational performance in food and beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya. Supplier sustainability is part of emerging issues in the dynamic business world as it is part of the Triple Bottom Line approach that wants businesses to not only focus on their profitability and the planet, but is also in the people aspect-which in this study is the supplier in their business operations. Sustainability philosophy points at the importance of not only doing business now and succeeding, but also ensuring the business continues into the distant future. Supplier sustainability in the food and beverage manufacturing arena is important since most industries depend on the contracted farmers, in this study, the supplier for their input materials. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study used systems theory. The target population was 534 respondents comprising of 217 procurement managers and 217 procurement officers from 217 food and beverage manufacturing companies. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 230 respondents comprising of 115 managers and 115 procurement officers was selected from 115 food and beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya. Simple random sampling was used to get the sample for the study. Purposive sampling was used to get top procurement personnel in the food and beverage manufacturing firms. Primary data was collected by the use of a questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using descriptive and regression analysis. From the model, (R2 = .490) shows that supplier sustainability accounts for 49% variation in organizational performance in food and beverage manufacturing companies in Kenya. There was a significant influence of supplier sustainability (?=.520) on performance of food and beverage manufacturing companies. The study concluded that supplier sustainability influences the performance of food and beverage manufacturing companies. The study recommends that Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry in Kenya and also organizations that are non-manufacturing should ensure that their suppliers are sustainable and have an environmental management system that both buyer and supplier understand. The study proposes further research in other manufacturing sectors and also proposes that data is collected from the supplier side to corroborate research in this area.

Understanding regional variation in the use of local food in public catering

PurposeThe main aim of this study is to identify the factors that can affect regional differences in the procurement of local food in public catering. Understanding how some regions procure more local food products than others could help promote the use of local food in public catering. Regions with a lower share of local food can learn from regions that have a higher local food share.Design/methodology/approachThe studied phenomenon is complex; therefore, we used several approaches to identify the share of local food procurement and the reasons behind the regional differences. The study gathered survey data and used fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), a computable general equilibrium model and several data sources.FindingsThe share of local food within the total food procurement varies markedly between regions. The highest local food shares can be linked to a combination of three factors: sufficient and suitable supply, adequate organisational conditions and a political atmosphere that encourages the use of local food. In addition to limited political incentives, poor supply or inadequate organisational conditions effectively characterise why some regions use very few local food products. Hence, a move towards using more local food in public catering requires political decision makers, food producers and procurement personnel to demonstrate a common will and take cohesive action.Originality/valueBy examining regional variation, the results of this study offer a new perspective on the use of local food in public catering.

Critical skills for infrastructure procurement: insights from developing country contexts

PurposeEffective procurement of infrastructure is partly dependent on infrastructure procurement personnel having the skills that are important for the discharge of their role. Addressing the infrastructure deficits in developing countries, therefore, calls for an understanding of the skills that are important for the discharge of the roles of public personnel that are involved in infrastructure procurement. This study aims to investigate these skills from the perspective of public infrastructure procurement personnel in the sub-Saharan African region.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey of procurement personnel yielded 590 useable responses, which were analysed using t-tests and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).FindingsEFA established eight key components of important infrastructure procurement skills to include skills related to: project success factors; social and environmental sustainability; marketing and e-procurement; project phase management, the application of procurement laws and procedures; soft skills, ICT and communication; and data analysis and team building.Originality/valueThe findings are crucial in developing infrastructure procurement capacity building programmes that would be appropriate for infrastructure procurement personnel in developing country contexts. Infrastructure procurement personnel ought to engage more in capacity development training that is aligned to enhancing skills within the eight components.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND ABANDONMENT

The Nigerian Government is developing infrastructure guided by the United Nations (UN) call for sustainable development. However, uncompleted government infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings, dams and others) projects litter the entire landscape of the country. This research investigates the causes of infrastructure abandonment in Nigeria through literature review and distribution of questionnaire. It also posits possible solutions to the menace of abandoned infrastructure. Findings from the literature review revealed inefficient procurement processes, defective design, cost overrun, and changes in government (election). From 129 questionnaire distributed to Architects, Engineers, Project Managers, Surveyors, Builders and Construction Procurement Personnel in the built environment both in the public and private sectors in Nigeria, 80 responses were received and analysed with SPSS Pearson Correlation Analysis. The findings from the survey showed that inadequate planning, change in government, faulty procurement, corruption and politics are some of the causes of abandonment. “Changing procurement method” ranked highest in the recommendation for addressing the abandoned infrastructure projects followed by designing with deconstructability in mind. Amongst other recommendations are using innovative management tools and refurbishment of abandoned projects. This research is imperative for the revitalisation of abandoned infrastructure environmentally, economically, and socially and the integration of innovative management tools for the future sustainable procurement of infrastructure.

IMPLEMENTASI ASAS KETERBUKAAN DALAM PENYUSUNAN PERATURAN DAERAH

The principle of openness is the principle that determines that every activity and the final result of one example in making a regional regulation must be accountable to the people as the highest sovereignty. One of the main features in the formation of regional regulations must be transparency. One of the important elements in the context of realizing good governance is the existence of good regional regulation management. The government is required to be open and guarantee access to control holders to various information regarding the public policy process, budget allocations for policy implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation. There are 2 factors that influence the implementation of the principle of openness of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) in the preparation of Regional Regulations, there are 2 supporting factors, namely the availability of adequate facilities and infrastructure, the willingness of experts and procurement personnel on duty, and the presence of DPRD members (on time). Inhibiting factors are the lack of understanding or uneven understanding of DPRD Members on the preparation of Regional Regulations, ineffective communication patterns, late submissions of Budget Work Plans from the City Government, some DPRD members seem to prioritize party interests rather than those of the people, and DPRD still consider the results of the stipulation of Regional Regulations. (document) is confidential.

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories Presents Abstracts from Its 2021 Annual Meeting Connect and Collaborate through Biobanking: Powering Innovation and Discovery May 10–14, 2021

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories Presents Abstracts from Its 2021 Annual Meeting Connect and Collaborate through Biobanking: Powering Innovation and Discovery May 10–14, 2021