The Impact of E-procurement on Supply Chain Performance of Non-government Organizations

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to explore the impact of e-procurement on supply chain performance within the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a humanitarian organization that operates in different parts of the world. The study sought to achieve three specific objectives: to examine the relationship between e-procurement and supply chain performance, to investigate the roles of electronic order processing on supply chain performance, and to identify the challenges encountered in the implementation of e-procurement at IRC. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods research approach was adopted. Data was collected through a pre-tested close ended questionnaire and interviews with procurement staff at IRC and other departments. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between the adoption of e-procurement processes and improved supply chain performance at IRC, with a significant relationship between the two. The results indicated that e-procurement contributes significantly to reducing time taken to procure goods and services, leading to faster delivery times and better coordination between procurement departments and other supply chain activities. In examining the impact of electronic order processing on supply chain performance at the International Rescue Committee, the research findings reveal that electronic order processing has played a crucial role in enhancing the supply chain performance of the organization. One of the significant benefits is the reduction of transactional costs as it eliminates the need for physical paperwork and its ability to reduce the lead time for procurement. However, the study also identified a number of challenges encountered during the implementation of e-procurement at International Rescue Committee. This included resistance to change from the staff, data security breaches, high cost of implementation and integration of the new system with existing systems and processes. The study recommends that the International Rescue Committee look into strengthening the training of staff, invest in more advanced e-procurement systems that provide real-time visibility of the procurement process, achieve integration of e-procurement throughout the supply chain. The study also provides practical recommendations for organizations that are considering implementing e-procurement to enhance their supply chain performance.