Effects of the E-tendering in Public Procurement Performance at Iruwasa
Abstract
This study examined the effects of e-tendering on public procurement performance at the Iringa Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (IRUWASA), to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing procurement efficiency, transparency, and supplier participation. Guided by the Technological Advancement Theory and the Digital Divide Theory, a quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 96 IRUWASA employees selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and organisational records, and analysed with SPSS version 20, with reliability and validity confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha and the KMO and Bartlett’s tests. Findings indicate that e-tendering significantly reduced procurement cycle times, increased bidder participation, and enhanced transparency, thereby strengthening operational efficiency and accountability. However, challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and occasional system interruptions were reported as barriers to optimal performance. The study recommends establishing a dedicated NEST Implementation Team, providing continuous training, ensuring adherence to e-tendering procedures, and promoting proactive supplier engagement to maximise the system’s benefits. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts of e-tendering and conduct comparative studies across multiple public procurement entities in Tanzania
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Copyright (c) 2025 Menyauli Peniel Salekwa, Yasinta Kassimba, PhD, Bahati Golyama, PhD
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