ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT ADOPTION ON SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT WITHIN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN GHANA UNDER A REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT (THE STUDY OF TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL).

Abstract

E-procurement adoption can be a successful concept for any organization's performance if it is well practiced. It paves way for better procurement processes, brings about effective monitoring, improved communication that increases the ability to coordinate remote processes, help save cost and time through effective and efficient procurement procedure. This research analyzed the effects of e-procurement adoption on supply chain management with specific focus on Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). This research is a cross-sectional study and employed quantitative research strategy and deductive research approach due to its design. Data was collected through questionnaires on a five-point Likert scale. A survey was then carried out and 70 responses were received and the main variables were prepared and processed with SmartPLS 3.2.3. The findings of the study indicate, e-procurement and supply chain management have a positive relationship. However, e-procurement adoption is a difficult journey because it involves overcoming numerous barriers, and the costs of adoption limit overall organizational success. Nonetheless, the regulatory environment could be of help to companies that wants to achieve the overall benefits of an e-procurement approach by reducing setbacks caused by end users' lack of technological literacy. Basically, the study can support policymakers to understand the effects of e-procurement adoption on supply chain management. Therefore, a facelift should be given to e-procurement scheme as well as procurement experts and policymakers should be empowered to make sure that regulatory environment is enhanced to reap the benefits of e-procurement adoption in Ghana's public hospital. Government and other regulatory agencies should provide support to public hospitals to implement e-procurement system to enjoy the high benefits it comes with.