An investigation into factors influencing procurement performance in Zambian councils : a case study of Luanshya municipal council.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing procurement performance within Luanshya Municipal Council, located in the Copperbelt region of Zambia. To achieve this aim, the research had several objectives, including analysing the relationship between procurement planning and performance, assessing the impacts of political interference on procurement outcomes, and examining the tendering process's effects on overall procurement performance. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The sample size consisted of 41 respondents, comprising staff members from various departments within the municipal council. Participants were selected based on their involvement in procurement-related activities and their willingness to participate in the study. Findings from the research highlight significant correlations between factors such as the tendering process, information technology utilization, and political interference with procurement performance. Additionally, the study identifies areas for improvement and offers recommendations aimed at
enhancing procurement practices at Luanshya Municipal Council, including strengthening procurement planning processes, mitigating political influences, and leveraging technology for better procurement outcomes. Overall, the study contributes valuable insights to the understanding of
procurement dynamics in Zambian municipal councils and provides actionable recommendations for improving procurement performance in the public sector.