Assessing the Factors Affecting Effective Use of Tanzania E-Procurement System in Conducting Procurement by Procuring Entities:

Abstract

The study assessed factors affecting the effective use of TANePS in conducting procurement by procuring entities at TANAPA in Arusha. The study identified and compared leading factors affecting effective use of TANePS in conducting procurements, analysed the relationship between the leading factors and the effectiveness of TANePS in conducting procurement. The study was theoretically guided by the Technology Acceptance Model and the Generic Supply Chain Model. The study used the descriptive research design and utilized the concurrent mixed-method approach. Data was collected through questionnaire from a sample of 84 respondents drawn among TANAPA staff from its Headquarters in Arusha, and from Tarangire and Arusha National parks. The study used both probability and non-probability sampling methods. Descriptive statistics was used to identify and compare leading factors affecting the effective use of TANePS. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between the identified leading factors and the effectiveness of TANEPS in conducting procurement. Content analysis was used to examine qualitative data. The findings revealed that effective use of TANePS in conducting procurement is affected by data management, data security, information transparency, accountability, staff competence, financial resources and effective communication. Data management is the factor with the highest effect on TANePS in conducting procurement, followed by data security and information transparency. The regression model revealed a significant relationship between data management, data security, information transparency, accountability, staff competence, financial resources and effective communication with effectiveness of TANePS in conducting procurement. it is concluded that data management, data security, information transparency, accountability, staff competence, financial resources and effective communication significantly affects the effectiveness of TANePS in conducting procurement at TANAPA. Procuring entities should provide periodic training to staff dealings with procurements, and allocate enough financial resource to ensure all necessary infrastructures and system upgraded are carried out as required to ensure effective use of TANePS in conducting procurement. A study to examine impact of TANePS in enhancing value for money in public projects is suggested.