Innovation in Economy & Policy Research

Digital Procurement Systems Impact on Non-Governmental Organisation Performance in Acoliland, Mid-North Uganda

Peter Adoko Obicci — 2026-03-13

Digital procurement systems have increasingly been adopted by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in procurement processes. This study examines the impact of digital procurement adoption on public service performance among selected NGOs operating in Acoliland, mid-north Uganda. The study aimed to determine how key e-procurement components, including e-order processing, e-tendering, e-evaluation, and e-contract management, affect organizational performance. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to 120 staff members across five non-governmental organizations to collect measurable data on E-procurement practices and organizational performance. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques using SPSS. The findings indicate that e-procurement strongly enhances public service performance, with e-evaluation accounting for the largest variation in performance at 65%, followed by e-order processing at 57%. E-tendering and e-contract management also significantly impact performance, contributing to improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability, though the latter has a moderate impact. The study recommends targeted capacity building, policy support, and institutionalization of digital procurement practices to sustain high performance. The study contributes to understanding the critical role of digital systems in improving organizational efficiency and accountability in human-centred contexts in northern Uganda.

Gender Disparities in Educational Institutions in Tanzania: Trends Analysis

Donald Mwambeleko — 2026-03-24

This study investigates gender parity in Tanzanian education institutions by analyzing the Gender Parity Index (GPI) across four levels: primary, lower secondary, higher secondary, and higher learning institutions. Utilizing secondary data from official sources such as the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), and the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), the research examines GPI trends for both student enrollment and academic staff representation over a multi-year period. The data were cleaned, harmonized, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to assess patterns and relationships between education levels and gender balance. Findings indicate varying degrees of gender parity across the educational continuum, with notable disparities emerging at higher levels of education, particularly among academic staff. The study reveals a moderate positive correlation between student and staff GPI, suggesting that institutional gender imbalances in enrollment may mirror staffing patterns. These insights contribute to ongoing discussions on educational equity and underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to promote gender inclusiveness throughout Tanzania’s education system.

Antecedents of Managerial Abilities of University Boards towards the Success of Private Universities in Ghana

Constance Phyllis Puttick — 2026-04-08

This paper investigates the antecedents of managerial abilities of university boards and their influence on the success of private universities in Ghana. It focuses on how factors such as technical competence, human and managerial skills, leadership qualities, and administrative and organisational skills shape board effectiveness and institutional outcomes. The study adopted a quantitative research design with a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 114 respondents, including governing council members and senior administrators, across three private universities accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). A structured questionnaire, adapted from validated governance and performance scales, was used. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and SPSS were employed to test the relationships between governance antecedents and university success. The results show that technical competence, human and managerial skills, and leadership qualities of board members significantly enhance private university performance, while administrative and organisational skills have a weaker but still positive association. The findings highlight that board members’ knowledge, decision-making, and leadership capacities are crucial for improving academic quality, financial sustainability, and stakeholder satisfaction. The study suggests that private universities in Ghana should prioritise recruiting board members with strong technical, managerial, and leadership abilities, while also institutionalising continuous governance training. Strengthening these capabilities will improve strategic oversight, accountability, and institutional competitiveness. This research is among the first in Ghana to empirically examine the antecedents of managerial abilities of university boards in the context of private universities. It provides fresh insights into how governance capabilities directly contribute to institutional success and offers practical recommendations for governance reforms in emerging higher education systems.