Effect of Outsourcing Strategy on the Supply Chain Performance of Public Universities in Western

Supply chain management as a discipline has attracted both international and national business attention. The current global and local business environment is challenging. The challenges are brought about by global and local economic and political environment, stiff competition and technological disturbances. Amidst such challenges, investigation of supply chain strategies and supply chain performance in organizations has become imperative. Reviewed studies link supply chain management strategies and supply chain performance though limited studies have been done about public universities in Western Kenya. The main purpose of this study was therefore to establish the effect of outsourcing on the supply chain performance of public universities in the Western Kenya region. The study was anchored on resource-based theory. The correlational research design was adopted to guide the study. The study adopted a census approach to data collection; all 82 staff in procurement and finance departmentsin the ten public universities in Western Kenya took part in the study. The data was collected by use of questionnaires and scheduled interviews. A multi- model approach was adopted. The validity of the study was assessed by the use of expert opinion and the reliability of the research instrument was assessed by undertaking a pilot test where a threshold of 80% Cronbach’s statistics was applicable. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and structural equation modelling methods. Quantitative findings were presented using tables while qualitative results were presented in verbatim reports and discussed. The study will offer insights to scholars, professionals in the procurement discipline and policy makers among others.