Gloria Mothibi, Irvine Langton, Chengedzai Mafini
Abstract
Procurement is the primary supply chain management (SCM) area where technology has gained momentum. This has been realised using e-procurement systems. However, the adoption and implementation of e-procurement can be achieved more effectively if available technology adoption models are considered. This study tested a conceptual framework integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in implementing e-procurement practices in the South African public sector. The study adopted a quantitative survey design to evaluate relationships between the research constructs. The survey involved 263 SCM professionals drawn from the public sector in Gauteng Province. Hypotheses tests showed that five factors, namely, perceived use, self-efficacy (SE), facilitating conditions (FC), personal competence (PC) and external assistance, positively predicted attitudes towards using e-procurement systems. However, perceived ease of use (PEOU) was statistically insignificant. Attitudes towards system use predicted behavioural intentions, influencing actual e-procurement system use. The theoretical framework fusing the TAM and UTAUT models provides useful insights for other researchers. It adds valuable knowledge regarding the factors that might contribute to adopting e-procurement in the South African public sector. The study further echoes the SCM challenges the public sector faces and demonstrates how adopting e-procurement could improve the system while reducing service delivery inequality.