User Involvement in Procurement Planning and Procurement Performance in Zanzibar local government authorities: The moderating effect of user competence

The paper aims to study the influence of user involvement in procurement planning on procurement performance, while also examining the moderating effect of user competence.This study employed a quantitative approach.The primary data were collected from 159 heads of departments in Zanzibar Local Government Authorities using a structured questionnaire, and the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis.The results reveal that user involvement in procurement planning (UIPP) (β = 0.560, p = 0.000) significantly influences procurement performance (PP).Regarding the moderating effect of user competence, it positively moderates the relationship between UIPP and PP (β = 0.181, p = 0.000).Based on the main results, it was concluded that procurement planning and user competence are significant factors for the procurement performance in ZLGAs.This study provides empirical evidence of user participation in procurement planning and user competence in the previously unexplored context of Zanzibar.Additionally, policymakers are using the findings to develop targeted policies that promote user participation and relevant training for all stakeholders to enhance procurement performance.The study recommends that ZLGAs ensure user participation by adhering to procurement rules and regulations and employing well-equipped, adequately skilled personnel.