Effects of supplier selection and supplier monitoring on public procurement efficiency in Tanzania: a cost-reduction perspective

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the role of supplier selection and supplier monitoring in public procurement efficiency in terms of cost reduction in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional survey data from 179 public procuring entities in Tanzania. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the collected data. Findings – The findings revealed that supplier selection and supplier monitoring are positive and significant predictors of public procurement efficiency in terms of cost reduction. Research limitations/implications – This study was conducted in Tanzanian public procurement contexts, so generalisations should be made with caution. Also, this study collected cross-sectional data; other studies may consider longitudinal data. Practical implications – This study provides procurement practitioners with insights into selecting the proper suppliers and embracing suppliermonitoring to achieve procurement efficiency in terms of cost reduction. Originality/value – This study examines the effects of supplier selection and supplier monitoring on procurement cost reduction as a measure of public procurement efficiency in the Tanzanian context. Consequently, it provides empirical evidence of supplier management practices in the public procurement context.