Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The study sought to examine the impact of mobile procurement technologies on
procurement process efficiency in TANESCO - Arusha Region. The specific objectives of
the study were to identify the current forms of mobile procurement technologies integrated
into the procurement process in TANESCO, to evaluate the challenges associated with
the implementation of mobile procurement technologies in TANESCO and to establish
strategies for improving the use of mobile procurement technologies in procurement
process of TANESCO. The study used a descriptive research design whereas mixed
research approach to include qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive and
simple random sampling techniques were used to select 154 respondents. Both primary
data and secondary data were applied whereas questionnaire and interview were used to
gather data from the respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive, inferential and
content analysis. The study found that mobile procurement technologies have improved
the efficiency of the procurement process. In the same trail mobile procurement
technologies have contributed to reducing errors in the procurement process. A number of
challenges were identified such as it is difficult to integrate mobile procurement technologies
into existing procurement systems, resistance to change is a major challenge in implementing
mobile procurement technologies and the security risks associated with mobile procurement
technologies make implementation challenging. On the strategies, findings indicated that there
is a need to develop training programs to improve the use of mobile procurement technologies. The study concludes that despite the identified challenges, mobile procurement technologies
play significant role on procurement process efficiency. The study recommends that there
is a need to develop clear policies and procedures for the use of mobile procurement technologies
can increase their usage.
