An analysis of procurement policies and procedures at the North West University

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse procurement policies and procedures at the University of North West. This analysis might assist the university to formulate a procurement policy that would be effective, efficient and cost effective. There was a need to assess the role that the university of North West procurement policy and procedure play with regard to the procurement of goods and services so that any gaps or limitations can be addressed. The study was conducted at the University of North West from which the sample for the survey was drawn. This is an institution of higher learning in the Republic of South Africa. It is situated in the Capital of North West Province, Mafikeng. In this study three principal methods of enquiry in investigating or exploring the university of North West procurement policies and procedures were used. These were; .literature survey, document study and an empirical investigation which entailed the development of questionnaires. The questionnaire were constructed and distributed to UNW staff members who are responsible for buying in their respective departments. The questionnaire contained thirty seven (37) questions which attempt to validate the research objectives. A total number of seventy (70) potential respondents were targeted and only forty six (46) staff members returned completed questionnaires to the researcher. The sample size for this study was therefore forty six (46). The results were analysed and the findings reflected that in general university of North West procurement policies and procedures need to be reformulated with full participation of the relevant stakeholders. The researcher recommends that the procurement policies and procedures of the university of North West must be revised and user departments must be involved in the whole process. The policies and procedures should also be formulated in line with the government preferential procurement policy framework Act no.5 of 2000.