FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: A CASE OF TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Electronic procurement has a greater potential to be valued as compared to the manual procurement system. The adoption of electronic procurement makes the activities of procurement more effective in terms of cost, time, and content management within the institutions. This study aimed at identifying the right factors for the system of e-procurement implementation in the Tamale Teaching Hospital as well as the revealing factors that could militate against its implementation successfully. The study employed the survey strategy where the questionnaire and interview guide was used in data collection. The key study findings have shown that e-procurement comes with several benefits such as: improvement of the supply chain management and an increase in the confidence level of the public and suppliers in procurement processes of the hospital. The e-procurement system implementation by the Tamale Teaching Hospital was due to clear accountability, the existence of information system specialists and the involvement of stakeholders in the procurement process. Based upon the findings of the study, it is recommended that management of the hospital upgrade the level of Information Communication and Technology in the hospital and widen the scope of internet connectivity to cover every department that uses e-procurement applications. It was also recommended that the National Communications Authority should implement a nationwide internet connection that allows the small-scale businesses or suppliers and rural enterprises engage in e-procurement. This will increase the level of competition of which the rural enterprises are a part, thereby introducing high quality products and/or services procured. The study further recommended that the hospital should consider the training needs of employees, especially the workers who are involved directly in the processes of procurement.