Perceived Benefits of Participation in Public Electronic Procurement: A Comparative Analysis of Vendors in Ilala District, Tanzania

Abstract

Public electronic procurement (PEPS) is an emerging technology in public procurement for efficiency and value assurance. Vendors’ participation has been un-avoidable for true realisation (benefits) of PEPS; however, studies are still inconclusive regarding perceived benefits contributions on participation for participants and non-participants vendors. This study therefore did a comparative analysis on perceived benefits contributions for participants and non-participants vendors’ participation in PEPS. The study adopted across-sectional research design and Ilala District was a study area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents with 73 participants and 227non-participants vendors. A purposive sampling technique used to select three key informants, each one from Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Government Procurement Service Agency (GPSA) and Medical Stores Department (MSD). The structured questionnaire and Key informant Interview guide were used for collecting quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Quantitative data used multiple response analysis and independent samples t-test for analysis while content analysis technique analysed qualitative data. The Findings have revealed a significant difference (p< 0.05) between participants and non-participants on perceived benefits (transparent, paper reduction, cost control and corruption control). The study therefore concludes that, perceived benefits have contribution for vendors’ participation in PEPS. The study recommends to non-participants vendors to consider participating in PEPS in order to gain significant perceived benefits. The study also to PPRA to make sure the PEPS offer the perceived benefits for vendors’ participation. This can be done once the system stakeholders improve impacting benefits knowledge to vendors, hence attracts more vendors to participate in PEPS.