AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PURCHASING SYSTEM EMPLOYED BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN ZIMBABWE

Authors: Janet Moyo, Mlisa Jasper Ndlovu & Loveness Paulos

ABSTRACT

The study sought to measure the effectiveness of the purchasing system employed in the public sector in Zimbabwe. The problem springs from the criticism hailed against public procurement over its failure to effectively deliver quality services to the society.  The corporate world yearns for a system that will address properly the needs of the populace making them realise the value for their money. The objectives of the research were to; identify procurement challenges in the Zimbabwe public sector that runs down service delivery; evaluate the value of the procurement function to the public sector; and to come up with strategies that can be put in place to improve the public procurement process. This research was guided by pragmatist philosophy. Pragmatism uses both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. A total number of 39 respondents were used as the sample population to represent public sector procurement at public works. Both stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to allow the researchers to gather the relevant data required in the research. The researchers employed the use of the questionnaire and interviews to gather data. The study established that despite the major reforms in public procurement challenges still persist. Public procurement suffers from outdated systems of operation. This has a cascading effect; as it leads to long and inconvenient processes that delay the procurement of essential materials. Budgeted monies are preyed upon by inflation due to lack of urgency in procurement. Having noted such challenges, the researchers recommend that the Government prioritizes the implementation of e-procurement as this will help enhance public service delivery.

Keywords: purchasing system, public procurement, public sector, service delivery, e-procurement.

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