Procurement Training in Higher Institutions of Learning and Workplace Performance: A case study of Makerere University Business School (MUBS)

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine how Procurement Training is conducted in Higher Institutions of Learning and its influence on Workplace Performance, taking a case of Makerere University Business School (MUBS). Three specific objectives directed its course; 1) to examine how Procurement Training is undertaken in MUBS, 2) assess the influence of Procurement Training in MUBS on Workplace Performance and 3) determine how Procurement Training in MUBS can be aligned to Workplace Performance. The research was descriptive in nature with a qualitative approach based on a sample of 101 respondents encompassing Lecturers, Library staff Students {second and third year of study plus masters Students), Graduates already working as well as their respective Managers/Supervisors. These were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques with an exception of the students who were selected using random sampling. Data were collected using interviews, focus group discussions and documentary analysis. The main findings revealed that most of the training is done theoretically with limited practical aid. The Graduates were unable to perform the different Procurement tasks unless put under on job-training by their employers. This was mainly because the training they were subjected to in MUBS was theoretical in nature. On the part of the influence training has over performance, many Graduates confessed that all the theoretical principles of study were vital in their work life but lacked a practical experience on how to apply them. The University has a number of measures in place to align Procurement training to the needs of the workplaces such as fi e ld attachments , vocationalisation of course content as well as recruitment of experienced Leaching staff. The outcomes of the research may have practical implications for MUBS and Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) or educational policy makers to ensure that Procurement Graduates are equipped with workplace skills that enable performance. The research concludes that practical training is an essential part of knowledge provision and should therefore be embraced by management of MUBS. The research recommends that MUBS Vocationalises Procurement Training because it is a vocation in itself. With that, pedagogical principles of teaching will be applied in teaching which will then produce competent Procurement Graduates.