Influence of the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) on Employees’ Performance in Public Higher Learning Institutions

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) on employee performance within selected public higher learning institutions, specifically Mzumbe University (Mbeya Campus College) and the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (Mbeya Campus). Using a quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected from 117 staff across procurement-related departments through structured questionnaires. Constructs examined included NeST usage, IT readiness, software quality, management policy, procurement effectiveness, reduction in imperfections, and employee performance. Reliability analysis confirmed strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha > 0.70), and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariable binary logistic regression. Findings revealed that NeST is only occasionally used, with the highest utilization in e-tendering and least in e-contract management. Logistic regression results showed that software quality and reduction in imperfections significantly and positively influenced employee performance, while IT readiness had a negative effect. The model exhibited moderate explanatory power (Nagelkerke R² = 0.353) and passed the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for goodness-of-fit. These findings underscore the importance of technological robustness and system efficiency in enhancing staff performance, while highlighting the need for improved readiness, training, and policy flexibility. The study contributes to the limited body of literature on the human impacts of e-procurement systems in higher education and offers practical recommendations for optimizing digital transformation in public institutions.