Prospects and Challenges of Procurement Performance Measurement in Selected Technical Universities in Ghana

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the prospects and challenges of procurement performance measurement in selected technical universities in Ghana. The study employed exploratory and descriptive research designs and non-probability sampling techniques to select 120 participants. Primary data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The study found all technical universities periodically assess procurement contribution to the university’s performance as a metric of measuring procurement performance. Majority of the employees consider the performance measuring metric is important. Also, quality of purchase is considered in procurement performance measuring metrics as important. The technical university uses response time to user demand, supplier lead times, compliance to university’s procurement guidelines, and contributions of procurement to corporate competitiveness, supplier relations and customer satisfaction as a metric of measuring procurement performance. Concerning the prospects of measuring procurement performance, the study found that 93% of procurement officers agreed that procurement prospects enhance procurement efficiency. The majority 89% indicated that procurement prospects promote better procurement control processes. Regarding the challenges, study found that lack of relevant performance indicators, difficulties in measuring supplier lead times as this was affected by various factors, inability to account for the contribution of other functions in the procurement process e.g. users and finance, lack of transparency in the procurement process was a challenge faced when measuring procurement performance. The study concludes that there are adequate measures in place to assess procurement performance in technical universities in Ghana. The study recommends that management should ensure total compliance with the public procurement act to enhance procurement efficiency.