Effect of E-Procurement Practices on Institutional Efficiency in Complying with Procurement Principles; A Case of Rwanda Polytechnic (2021-2023)

The study examined the effect of e-procurement practices on institutional efficiency in adhering to procurement principles, with a specific focus on Rwanda Polytechnic from 2021 to 2023. grounded in transaction cost theory, resource-based view and institutional theory, the research provides a theoretical lens through which the relationship between e-procurement systems and organizational performance is explored. These theories collectively explain how e-procurement reduces transaction costs, leverages internal capabilities, and responds to institutional pressures for improved governance. The study pursued several objectives: to assess the extent to which e-tendering influences institutional efficiency in complying with procurement principles; to evaluate the effect of e-evaluation processes on procurement compliance; and to determine the impact of e-contract management on institutional efficiency. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving a structured questionnaire administered to 128 respondents selected through stratified purposive sampling from a target population of 188 procurement staff. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to enrich and validate the findings. Findings revealed that e-tendering significantly enhances transparency and competition, as evidenced by an average respondent score of 4.3 on a 5-point Likert scale. E-evaluation promotes accountability and fairness by minimizing human bias through automated processes, with regression analysis showing a strong positive coefficient (β = 0.78). Additionally, e-contract management was found to streamline operations, reduce contract-related risks, and boost compliance with procurement regulations, with 87% of respondents affirming its effectiveness in improving accountability. Overall, the study established a strong positive correlation (r = 0.82) between e-procurement practices and institutional efficiency in compliance with procurement principles. The study recommends increased investment in capacity building through staff training, continuous system upgrades to address technological challenges, and regular policy reviews to align e-procurement practices with international standards. The findings underscore the strategic value of e-procurement in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability within public sector procurement. Keywords: E-procurement practices, institutional efficiency, procurement principles, Rwanda Polytechnic