The Effect of Information and Communication Technology on Procurement Enhancement. A Case Study of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital – Kumasi.

Abstract

The emergence of technology and its advancement has completely changed ways things are done in the business world.  The proliferation of the internet and related technologies today have made it possible and simple for companies to do business over the internet and it’s even easier and faster with both supplier as well as customers. With the advent of electronic business (e-business), most companies including the public sector have instituted various forms of applications such as e-procurement and many others.  According to Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) manual, e-procurement is defined as using the internet to operate the transactional aspects of requisitioning, authorizing, ordering, receiving and payment processes for the required goods, works and services. This study assesses the effect of ICT on procurement enhancement functions and its strategic operating resources for Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s (KATH) procurement processes. A non-probability sampling method (purposive) was used with both primary and secondary sources to obtain data and was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and adoption of Microsoft Excel 2007 for creation of the charts and figures. From the study, it was found out that KATH was using e-procurement system alongside the traditional system of purchasing items.  Also the introduction of e-procurement has brought some changes in KATH’s procurement system even though e-procurement is not hundred percent utilized in KATH procurement processes. It is therefore recommended that KATH reduce manual paper-based purchases to reduce errors and use electronic purchase orders in order to eliminate repetitive work and certain corrupt practices associated with manual tendering.

Keywords: Supply Chain management, e-procurement, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Traditional Method, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s (KATH)