Factors hindering the implementation of the procurement plan in a selected national research utility

Abstract

Background: The management and funding of research in South Africa are managed at the national level by a dedicated public utility. However, the procurement plan implementation at the utility has been unsatisfactory and is hindered by various factors. The institution requests funding, but by the end of the financial year, not all of the funds would have been used up. Funds not utilised by the end of the financial year are returned to the National Treasury, which reflects poor performance in the Supply chain management unit. Objectives: This study examines the factors hindering the implementation of the procurement plan at the National Research Foundation. This is crucial because National Treasury SCM Instruction 2 of 2016 and 2017 stated that some government institutions sorely undermine and weaken the ethos of the Public Finance Management Act and ultimately waste scarce resources that are intended to improve service delivery. Method: A qualitative approach with interviews being the major data collection technique was applied. Results: The findings revealed that there is a lack of support from SCM managers and that SCM officials lack dedication to their work. In addition, the results also reveal a knowledge barrier between Scientists and SCM practitioners. Conclusion: The study recommends that SCM managers arrange quarterly meetings with project managers to discuss the progress of projects on the procurement plan. The National Research Foundation (NRF) business heads should offer support to SCM officials in an effort to assist them to fulfil their responsibilities. The SCM officials should train Scientists on SCM regulations, which would break the knowledge barriers existing between them.