Examining the Effects of Procurement Delays on Services Delivery at the Department of Government Printing in Zambia

Efficient public procurement is critical for timely service delivery, transparency, and value for money in government institutions. In many developing countries, including Zambia, procurement inefficiencies continue to undermine public sector performance. The Department of Government Printing plays a pivotal role in disseminating essential government information, yet persistent procurement delays have disrupted the printing of national budgets, gazettes, and examination materials. Despite legislative reforms, such as the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 and the introduction of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, the department continues to experience delays due to procedural bottlenecks, poor planning, supplier non-performance, and limited digital adoption.

The study aimed to examine the effects of procurement delays on service delivery at the Department of Government Printing. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between procurement planning and service delivery timelines, evaluated the effects of supplier selection and contract management on service quality, and analyzed the influence of adherence to public procurement regulations on accountability and client satisfaction. Guided by Institutional Theory, the research sought to understand how formal rules, regulatory frameworks, and organizational norms shape procurement behavior and operational outcomes.

A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 100 staff members using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize responses. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between key variables and service delivery outcomes.

Findings revealed a weak and statistically insignificant relationship between procurement planning and service delivery timelines, indicating that planning alone does not guarantee timely outcomes. Supplier selection and contract management also exhibited limited influence on service quality, likely due to systemic inefficiencies and narrow supplier markets. In contrast, adherence to public procurement regulations demonstrated a significant positive effect on accountability and client satisfaction, highlighting the critical role of compliance in enhancing operational performance. The study concludes that improving service delivery requires not only effective planning and supplier management but also robust institutional compliance, digital adoption, and capacity building.

These findings provide practical insights for policymakers, procurement officers, and departmental managers seeking to strengthen procurement processes, reduce delays, and enhance public trust in government services. They also contribute to academic literature by offering a department-specific analysis of procurement inefficiencies within a developing country context.