Factors Affecting Effective Implementation of Procurement Plan in Tanzanian Public Sector

Abstract

The procurement function plays a vital role in the performance of the public sectors not only in Tanzania but also all over the world. Public procurement helps public sectors to achieve their intended objectives whenever procurement planning is well planned and effectively implemented accordingly. The general objective of this study was to Assess the Factors affecting the Effective Implementation of a procurement plan in the public sector in Tanzania; a case of the Tanzania Revenue Authority. This study specifically focused on four specific objectives namely identifying how the involvement of the user department, resources allocation, management support, and staff competence influence effective implementation of the procurement plan. The study employed a descriptive research design, with a sample of 40 respondents from a target population of 106 people from Tanzania Revenue Authority Arusha Region. Both Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. Data were collected through interviews, observations, documentary reviews, and questionnaires, and then data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 computer software. The study findings revealed that in Tanzania Revenue Authority procurement plan is affected by user departments who are not properly involved in both budgeting processes and implementation of the procurement plan. It has further revealed that staff from user departments have little knowledge on PPA No.7 of 2011 and amendment 2016 and it's Regulation due to lack of exposure on training and hence fail to understand their role as required by law in implementing procurement plan. The findings also revealed that the implementation of the procurement plan in TRA was affected by resource allocation through budgeting, management support, and competence of PMU staff. Basing on the findings, the researcher concluded that the factors affecting implementation of procurement plan in Tanzania Revenue Authority are poor involvement of user department, staff competence on preparation and implementation of procurement plan, resources allocation and management support. The researcher recommended that management should ensure staff from the user department are trained on PPA No.7 of 2011 amendment 2016 and its regulation to impart them with knowledge on their roles and responsibilities in procurement processes. The management should allocate required resources effectively to ensure timely implementation of the planned activities.