The Role of Contract of Management Practices on Procurement Performance of Public Organisations: A Case of Jinja City Council Central Division in Uganda

Abstract

This research explored the roles of contract management practices on procurement performance at Jinja City Council Central Division, focusing on effective communication, risk management, and contract monitoring and evaluation. The study aimed to assess how these practices influence procurement outcomes, such as cost efficiency, compliance, and timely delivery which ensured best value for money (Schramm, 2014). The study was done using a cross-sectional descriptive research design that involved a sample of 66 respondents from various departments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), along with correlation and regression analyses which were analyzed using SPSS version 22.The findings indicated that effective communication significantly improves procurement performance, with a high mean score of 4.1 and a strong positive correlation (r = 0.72). Risk management practices, particularly risk identification, assessment, and mitigation, also positively impact procurement performance, as evidenced by a mean score of 3.9 and a moderate to strong correlation (r = 0.65). However, there is variability in responses, suggesting that risk communication and review processes need improvement.Contract monitoring and evaluation were identified as the most influential factors, showing the highest mean score of 4.3 and the strongest correlation with procurement performance (r = 0.81). Regression analysis further confirmed that monitoring and evaluation have the greatest impact (coefficient = 0.67), emphasizing the importance of systematic oversight in ensuring compliance, quality, and cost control.The study also showed that all three practices are crucial, monitoring and evaluation have the most substantial effect on procurement performance, followed by communication and risk management. It recommends improving risk communication and using digital tools to enhance engagement and efficiency. It also acknowledges limitations such as confidentiality concerns, limited participant availability, and reliance on quantitative methods, suggesting future research should explore other factors influencing procurement performance and adopt mixed-method approaches.ABSTRACTThis research explored the roles of contract management practices on procurement performance at Jinja City Council Central Division, focusing on effective communication, risk management, and contract monitoring and evaluation. The study aimed to assess how these practices influence procurement outcomes, such as cost efficiency, compliance, and timely delivery which ensured best value for money (Schramm, 2014). The study was done using a cross-sectional descriptive research design that involved a sample of 66 respondents from various departments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), along with correlation and regression analyses which were analyzed using SPSS version 22.The findings indicated that effective communication significantly improves procurement performance, with a high mean score of 4.1 and a strong positive correlation (r = 0.72). Risk management practices, particularly risk identification, assessment, and mitigation, also positively impact procurement performance, as evidenced by a mean score of 3.9 and a moderate to strong correlation (r = 0.65). However, there is variability in responses, suggesting that risk communication and review processes need improvement.Contract monitoring and evaluation were identified as the most influential factors, showing the highest mean score of 4.3 and the strongest correlation with procurement performance (r = 0.81). Regression analysis further confirmed that monitoring and evaluation have the greatest impact (coefficient = 0.67), emphasizing the importance of systematic oversight in ensuring compliance, quality, and cost control.The study also showed that all three practices are crucial, monitoring and evaluation have the most substantial effect on procurement performance, followed by communication and risk management. It recommends improving risk communication and using digital tools to enhance engagement and efficiency. It also acknowledges limitations such as confidentiality concerns, limited participant availability, and reliance on quantitative methods, suggesting future research should explore other factors influencing procurement performance and adopt mixed-method approaches.