Inventory Management Practices, Responsible Use of Resources and Operational Efficiency in a Cebu-Based Private Higher Educational Institution

Effective inventory management is increasingly important in higher education because the availability, control, and use of institutional supplies can affect operational continuity. The study examined the influence of Inventory Management Practices on Operational Efficiency and assessed whether Responsible Use of Resources mediated this influence in a Cebu-based private higher educational institution. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design was employed with 62 faculty members, administrative staff, and office or academic unit heads selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made instrument and analyzed using jamovi through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis. Inventory Management Practices, Responsible Use of Resources, and Operational Efficiency were all perceived at high levels. The structural results showed that Inventory Management Practices significantly and positively influenced Responsible Use of Resources and Operational Efficiency. Responsible Use of Resources, however, did not significantly influence Operational Efficiency. The indirect effect of Inventory Management Practices on Operational Efficiency through Responsible Use of Resources was also not significant, indicating no mediation. The findings suggest that the contribution of inventory management to operational efficiency was primarily direct rather than transmitted through responsible resource use. The study extends the Resource-Based View by highlighting inventory-related systems, routines, information, and controls as organizational capabilities that support operational efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening inventory planning, record accuracy, stock monitoring, storage, replenishment, receiving, and tracking within higher education institutions.