Examining the Challenges of Price Quotation as a Procurement Method in Tertiary Institutions in Ghana

Purpose: The study identifies challenges encountered in using price quotations (PQ) as a procurement method in government tertiary institutions. This is expected to create awareness of the challenge associated with the use of PQ in government tertiary institutions and enhance the possibility of achieving value for money. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative approach was adopted for data collection and analysis. The questionnaire was administered to purposively sampled respondents, analysed and conclusions were drawn. Findings: The findings revealed 22 challenges in using the price quotations method in government tertiary institutions. The top three challenges were: (i) Poor records keeping for procurement and expenditure documents; (ii) Lack of planning for the required goods; and (iii) Embezzlement of funds under the pretext of low-value items. Research Limitation/Implications: The study was limited to six regions with accredited government tertiary institutions in Ghana. A study of this nature would have been more informative if it had covered all government institutions, including local institutions (civil society organisations), across the sixteen (16) regions of Ghana. Practical implication: The study results inform procurement practitioners of the challenges associated with the use of PQ as a method of procurement. This can serve as a basis for recommending effective ways of addressing challenges and thus, ensure maximum value for money and fairness in the process. Originality/Value: The study contributed to knowledge by filling in the lacuna in research by identifying the challenges of PQ as a procurement method in government tertiary institutions. This is expected to set the pace for further research on how these challenges could be addressed.