Factors affecting procurement performance of public higher education institutions: the case of Jimma University

Public procurement is a key tool to the overall achievements of development goals such as reducing poverty and providing health, infrastructure, education and other services hence immensely contribute to best utilization of public resources. The limited public resources should be properly managed to get the most out of these resources. Despite its importance, limited scientific research has been undertaken to examine the factors that influence procurement performance in public institutions in the case of higher public institutions. This study aimed to examine factors that affect procurement performance in public higher institutions a case of Jimma University. Specifically, the study sought to examine the variables procurement planning, resource allocations, staff competency, information technology, procurement process and procurement follow-up mechanisms that affect the performance of procurement. The study was conducted through a descriptive design of research. The study employed purposive sampling technique to select the respondents. The sample size of the study is 257 respondents from academic and administrative staffs who currently working at management position and have direct relationship with procurement activities. A structured questionnaire and interview as a data collection instrument were used. The field data was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative summary analyses. Findings indicate that procurement planning, employee competency, Information technology, procurement process, procurement follow up mechanism and organizational structure are highly affect the performance of procurement function and resource allocation or budget allocation affect the procurement process at minimum level. Key Words: Procurement Performance, procurement planning, employee competency, Information technology, procurement process, Organizational structure