African Journal of Procurement, Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Effect of Inventory Control on Medical Supply Chain Performance: The Moderating Role of Information Technology among Medical Stores Department Customers in Tanzania

Stephano Mwashiuya , Alban D. Mchopa , France A. Shayo — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Efficient inventory control is essential for ensuring the consistent availability of essential medicines and improving the performance of public healthcare supply chains. This study investigates the effect of inventory control (INC) on medical supply chain performance (MSCP) in Tanzania while examining the moderating role of information technology (IT). Grounded in the Resource-Based View and Institutional Theory, the study explores how internal capabilities and external institutional pressures interact to influence supply chain outcomes. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising closed-ended items measured on a five-point Likert scale, adapted from validated instruments in existing literature. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents from stakeholders involved in the medical supply chain in the Songwe Region, with a sample size of 289. Quantitative data were analysed using SmartPLS 4.1.

The findings revealed that inventory control positively and significantly affected medical supply chain performance. Information technology also exhibited a strong direct positive effect on MSCP. However, IT negatively moderated the relationship between INC and MSCP, indicating that misalignment between digital systems and operational capacity may undermine performance gains. These findings underscore the importance of strategic alignment between IT investments and inventory practices. The study contributes to the literature by empirically validating the interaction between inventory control and IT in public health supply chains. It offers practical insights for enhancing supply chain performance in resource-constrained settings like Tanzania.

Public Procurement and Fiscal Discipline: An Evaluation of Ghana’s Public Financial Management System

Eric Boafo Dadzie , Isaac Yornu — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Public Procurement is an integral part of governments’ fiscal policies aimed at achieving prudent public financial management through its intended effects (indicators). Concerns are that procurement currently does not achieve its intended objective. For this reason, the study examined the intended effects of public procurement on public financial management in Ghana. The objectives of the study are (1) to identify the intended effects of public procurement on prudent public financial management; (2) to identify the effects of implementation of Public Procurement on public financial management; and (3) to identify the challenges associated with procurement process that make it impossible to manage public finance in Ghana prudently. A quantitative research method was adopted for the study, and with a sample size of 68, 68 questionnaires were administered, and 46 were retrieved, indicating a response rate of 67.65%. Data collected was analysed with SPSS, and descriptive statistics were used. The significant findings identified included transparency, planning and budgeting, controls, competition and procurement audit with prudent public financial management. Abuse of the procurement law was seen as an implementation effect of procurement. Mismatched annual procurement plans and budgets, political interference and bureaucracy are the challenges associated with the procurement process. These findings imply that a fundamental problem with the public procurement system needs urgent attention. Effective planning, budgeting, transparency, and controls should be ensured. Anti-corruption measures should be enhanced and promoted in this direction.

Effective Auditing Report and Economic Growth: The Role of Technological Integration

Ofori Issah, Samuel Agyei Baah — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: The quality and reliability of auditing reports are crucial in promoting financial transparency and fostering economic growth. An effective auditing report provides stakeholders with an accurate representation of an organization’s financial position, which is essential for making informed economic decisions. In developing and emerging economies, where financial markets are still evolving, the accuracy of audit reports can significantly influence the financial stability and growth of both individual firms and the broader economy. However, despite the established importance of auditing, challenges in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of audit reports persist, particularly in environments where manual processes still dominate auditing practices. As a result, economic growth in such regions may be stunted due to lack of investor confidence, increased risk, and limited access to capital.

Methodology: The sample size for this study is 255 respondents, selected from a population of auditors, financial analysts, regulatory bodies, and technology specialists within the financial and auditing sectors.

Findings: The study revealed a positive and significant effect of Effective Auditing Reports on Economic Growth. Similarly, the study found a positive effect of Effective Auditing Reports on Technological Integration. Furthermore, the findings confirmed that Technological Integration positively influences Economic Growth. Lastly, the study established that Technological Integration partially mediates the relationship between Effective Auditing Reports and Economic Growth.

Unique Contribution: It contributes to the growing body of literature by bridging the gap between technological adoption in auditing and its broader economic implications. policymakers must ensure that auditing practices align with new technological trends to maintain financial integrity and accountability.

Digital Technology and Financial Institutions’ Sustainability: The Mediating and Moderating Effect of Staff Competency and Training Programs

Ofori Issah, Samuel Agyei Baah , Chrales Asare Asare — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: The financial sector is critical in driving sustainable economic growth, yet it is increasingly challenged by global environmental concerns, economic uncertainties, and evolving customer demands for more efficient and transparent services. Sustainability in financial institutions encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions, aiming to minimise negative impacts while enhancing long-term value creation. Adopting digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data analytics has emerged as a vital strategy for addressing these challenges, promoting operational efficiency, reducing resource consumption, and fostering financial inclusion.

Method: The study adopts a positivist research philosophy, which emphasizes objectivity, quantifiable observations, and statistical analysis to test hypotheses. Due to its efficiency in accessing participants within financial institutions, a convenience sampling technique is employed to select respondents. A sample size of 275 respondents was used for the study. Primary data was collected through a structured survey questionnaire, utilising a Likert scale to measure responses.

Findings: The study concluded that digital technology significantly enhances financial institution sustainability by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting innovation. The study shows a strong relationship between digital technology and staff competency, which significantly contributes to sustainability outcomes. Training programs significantly strengthen the impact of digital technology on staff competency. Staff competency fully mediates the relationship between staff competency and the relationship between digital technology and financial institution sustainability.

Unique Contribution to theory, practice and policy: Managers should view digital transformation not just as a technological shift, but as an enabler of holistic sustainability. Financial institutions should prioritize deploying advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and mobile banking platforms. The study provides evidence-based insights for formulating policies that promote the strategic integration of digital technologies into financial institutions' operations to achieve sustainability goals.