AN ASSESSMENT OF THE UP -TO- DATE CORPORATE USAGE OF PUBLIC SECTOR TENDERING PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES :A CASE STUDY OF THE MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS IN ZIMBABWE

Abstract

This research study evaluated the use of tendering in public sector procurement using the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (MLGPW) as the case study in Zimbabwe. The objectives were to explore the current extent of tendering procedures on influencing the acquisition of goods and services at competitive prices; assess the effect of tendering on the quality of products and services; and examine the impact of tendering on the security of supply at the MLGPW. Contemporary literature was reviewed in line with the research purposes. The study adopted a quantitative approach and an explanatory survey design. The target population was MLGPW employees in the procurement function. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 61 respondents selected using systematic sampling. Data analysis performed using SPSS revealed that tenderers scout for opportunities to reduce costs in their value chain to enable them to submit the lowest price. It came out that attempts by tenderers to outcompete each other induce self-drive to reduce costs for fear of losing contracts. The study found that tendering embeds minimum technical scores and quality standards which have to be met as part of the pre-selection process thus enhancing quality. It was revealed that tendering affords opportunities to negotiate favorable delivery terms for public entities as conditions for awarding the tender which enhanced the security of supply. The research study concluded that tendering has a strong positive influence on lowering the cost of goods and services, quality of products and security of supply for public entities. This study recommended that the MLGPW priorities tendering as the public procurement process for goods, services, utilities and works; deepen procurement negotiation skills and capabilities with its procurement staff; and develop collaborative supplier relationships. It was suggested that a further study could be conducted with a higher number of public ministries entities such as the ministry of trade and commerce, ministry of primary and secondary education and ministry of health and child welfare.