A Dissertation Submitted to Mzumbe University Dar Es Salaam Campus
College in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Masters Science
Degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management (MPSCM) of Mzumbe
University
This study on “The Practice of International Procurement in Public Sectors” was
conducted at the Tanzania’s Immigration Department Headquarters in Dar es
Salaam. The main objective of this study was to investigate the issue of international
procurement in public sector. The specific objectives are to: determine public
perception on the practice of international procurement; determine techniques and
procedures used in the practices of international procurement; analyze challenges
hindering the practicability and handling of international procurement; and assess the
extent to which the adoption of international procurement affects the performance of
Public Sector in Tanzania. This study used a descriptive research design. The study
involved 96 purposively sampled respondents drawn from among the different staff
cadres such as Supplies staff, Stores, Accounts and Administration Department who
were able to provide relevant information on International Procurement. During data
collection and analysis, the study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Both primary and secondary sources of data were consulted using questionnaire,
interview and documentary instruments. Instruments such as scheduled interviews,
focus group discussions and observations were used for data collection. The essence
of an efficient public sector procurement system no doubt is to create wealth and
efficiency, transparency and accountability within the procurement system as well as
adherence to procurement laws. The study revealed that the Public Procurement Act,
somewhat, succeeded in harmonizing the process of procurement in the public
entities to secure fiscal transparency, efficiency, and increase competition among the
local industry. The challenges identified at the Immigration Department represents a
bigger problem at all government ministries, agencies and departments, among other
things, it tends to limit the realization of efficiency and value for money in
procurement processes. This study recommends that there is a need for management
to ensure transparency in procurement activities in Immigration Department in
Tanzania. Management should ensure the minimization of corruption, frauds and
other forms of irregularities in procurements. Management should ensure continuous
education of staff of the procurement department to improve the corporate image of
the Immigration Department in Tanzania and improve its finances.