Unravelling procurement skills and capacity constraints in an open distance learning (ODL) environment

Abstract

Competitive economies depend on skilled procurement professionals to develop and sustain integrated strategies. Such professionals are in short supply in South Africa and globally. It is for this reason that the skills improvement of procurement employees in an ODL context becomes essential. Despite the strategic importance of ODL institutions in capacity development, procurement skills growth initiatives in such institutions seem to be lagging behind. This article seeks to unravel the skills and capacity constraints in the procurement division of an ODL institution. A qualitative approach was used following a single case design. The findings revealed a paucity of skilled capacity in the procurement division at an ODL institution in South Africa. It is recommended that effective skills and capacity development initiatives, such as education and training, be implemented in order for the institution to curb procurement inefficiencies and realise a sustainable competitive advantage.