Contribution of personnel qualities in attaining value for money through force account method in public procurement in Tanzania:

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the contribution of personnel qualities in attaining value for money through force account method in public procurement. The specific objectives of the study were to find out the contribution of academic qualifications of personnel’s in attaining value for money through force account method, to determine the contribution of professional experience of personnel’s in attaining value for money through force account method and to examine the contribution of competencies of personnel’s in attaining value for money through force account method. Descriptive research design was applied and mixed research approach was used as the research approach. Both primary data and secondary data were utilized whereas questionnaire and interview were used to capture 55 respondents’ views from VETA and the Vocational Training Centers in Dodoma region, using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaire was obtained from both heads of departments and operational staff while interview was conducted only to the heads of departments. Data were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis. The study found staff with required qualifications are aware of rules and regulations of force account which ensures value for money at VETA, organization has skilled staff and labors with qualified academic qualification who enable proper utilization of fund to achieve value for money. The study also revealed procurement staff have been certified by the professional body and thus they perform better to achieve value for money under force account projects. The study further indicated that there are professional competent staff who contribute positively in force account projects in attaining value for money. The study concludes that qualifications of personnel’s, professional experience of personnel’s and competencies of personnel’s are necessary and play vital role in attaining value for money through force account method. The study recommends for policy makers of the organization to continue strengthening the policy practice particularly policy related to the selection and recruitment as it was established that academic qualifications, professional experience of personnel’s as well as competences of personnel’s are necessary in order to ensure that value for money is attained through force account method.