The Influence of Continuous Training Programs on Enhancing Financial Accountability Skills in Managing E-Procurement Practices among Heads of Public Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
Fatuma Mbwambo *
Department of Education, Jordan University College, P.O. Box 1878, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Onesmo Amos Damka
Department of Education, Jordan University College, P.O. Box 1878, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Maua Joseph Mpiza
Department of Education, Jordan University College, P.O. Box 1878, Morogoro, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Effective management of electronic procurement (e-procurement) in public secondary schools requires financial accountability, transparency, regulatory compliance and appropriate digital competencies among school heads. Continuous training programmes may strengthen these competencies and improve procurement management practices. However, limited context-specific evidence exists on how such training enhances financial accountability skills among heads of public secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. This study examined the influence of continuous training programmes on financial accountability skills in managing e-procurement practices among school heads in the municipality. This study investigated how continuous training programmes enhance financial accountability skills in managing e-procurement practices among heads of public secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. The study was guided by Human Capital Theory and adopted a qualitative research approach with a single-case study design. The sample comprised 82 respondents: a District Education Officer, the Head of the Procurement Management Unit, 10 school heads and 70 procurement team members. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) and analysed thematically. The results showed that continuous training programmes can strengthen four dimensions of financial accountability skills: management and collaboration, transparency and integrity, procurement documentation and reporting, and the reduction of procurement errors and non-compliance. The study concludes that continuous training programmes can enhance financial accountability among heads of public secondary schools by supporting effective procurement, compliance with rules and regulations, proper record-keeping and prudent use of public resources. The study recommends continuous training as a capacity-building intervention to strengthen accountability skills and facilitate resource management in public secondary schools.
Keywords: Continuous training programmes, financial accountability, E-procurement, public secondary schools, procurement compliance