EFFECT OF E-PROCUREMENT ON THE TECHNOLOGICAL KNOW-HOW IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN ENUGU STATE.

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of e-procurement on the technological know-how in Small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Enugu state. The specific objectives were to: evaluate the effect of Einforming on the development of production; and ascertain the effect of Etendering on the operation of the Product in small and medium Enterprises. The study used the descriptive survey design approach. The primary source of data was the administration of questionnaire. A total population of 323 selected owners and employees of the study organisations. Two hundred and eighty (280) owners and employees returned the questionnaire and accurately filled. Data was presented and analyzed using Likert Scale and the hypotheses using Z – test. The findings indicated E-informing had significant positive effect on the development of production in Small and medium Enterprises. Z (95, n = 280) 7.052 < 8.367, p < 0.05 and E-tendering had significant positive effect on the operation of the Product in small and medium Enterprises Z (95, n = 280) 6.155 < 9.024, p < 0.05. The conclusion of the study was based on its findings which showed that e-informing and e-tendering had significant positive effect on the development of production and operation of the production in small and medium enterprises. The study recommended among others that the small and medium enterprises should make use of E-informing to improve communication and coordination between buyers and suppliers, more efficient and effective decision making, increased transparency and accountability, and reduced costs