DO PUBLIC ENTITIES NEED SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS? EVIDENCE IN UGANDA CASE: UGANDA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Authors

  • Rashid Senvuma Uganda Management Institute
  • Alex Nduhura Uganda Management Institute
  • John Paul Settumba Uganda Management Institute
  • Paul Wanume Uganda Management Institute

Abstract

This study investigates the link between supplier relationship management and contract performance in the public sector, focusing on the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). While supplier relationships are well-
studied in general, their importance and dynamics within the public sector remain underexplored. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the research employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including surveys and semi-structured interviews with 104 respondents from UNBS. Findings reveal a significant positive
relationship between effective supplier relationship management and contract performance. Key elements such
as prompt payments, clear communication, well-defined roles and responsibilities, and trust-building emerged as
critical factors enhancing this relationship.
The correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.525, p < 0.01) between
supplier relationship management and contract performance, suggesting that improved communication, clear
role delineation, and trust can substantially boost organizational performance. However, challenges such as
communication gaps and regulatory constraints were noted, which may hinder the full realization of these
benefits. The study underscores the importance of fostering strong supplier relationships to enhance service
delivery and organizational performance in the public sector.
Recommendations include enhancing communication channels, trust and transparency, clearly defining roles and
responsibilities, building and maintaining trust through prompt payments and feedback mechanisms,
performance measurement and evaluation, capacity building, and supplier relationship management
framework. By adopting these strategies, public entities like UNBS can significantly improve their contract
performance and service quality, thereby contributing to the effective regulation and development of quality
standards in Uganda.

Author Biographies

Rashid Senvuma, Uganda Management Institute

Rashid Senvuma is a Senior Procurement Officer at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management and Holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. He also completed and was awarded Masters in Management Studies (Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Uganda Management Institute.

Alex Nduhura, Uganda Management Institute

Institute and Head, Department of Procurement Logistics and Marketing , School of Business and Management . He holds a PhD in public Management and Governance, MBA and Chartered Qualifications from CIPS and CILT UK. He also serves as the Chairman, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) community in Uganda and previously worked as Country Representative for the Singapore Institute of Materials Management in Uganda Rwanda and South Sudan. He is a local and international consultant and trainer with more than 18 years’ experience in consulting, training, and research on public private partnerships, state owned enterprises, public procurement, supply chain management, operations management, public management and corporate governance. She has led consulting teams in Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Somalia and South Africa. Key organizations worked for and consulted for include Stanbic Bank, member of standard Bank Group, Sothern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, Trocaire Rwanda, CIMERWA Rwanda (cement producer), Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Baylor College of Children’s Medicine Foundation, Mengo Hospital, Uganda Martyrs Hospital –Lubaga  in Uganda. Nduhura has published journals books https://www.amazon.com/Public-Private-Partnerships-Africa-Exploring-Potential/dp/1666931284 and book chapters.

Paul Wanume, Uganda Management Institute

Lecturer, Procurement & Logistics Management

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Published

2024-07-16

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 1(39) (2024)

Section

Public administration