An analysis of de-dollarization on procurement practises in Zimbabwe: A case of Radio Solutions

Abstract

The purpose of the research study was to examine procurement challenges during de-dollarization. Radio Solutions a private company that specialise in digital security systems was used a case study of reference. The study made use of mixed research approach. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used in the study. The sample size for this study was 25 non-executive and 5 executive employees. Interviews and questionnaires were used as a data collection instrument. From the findings, it was noted that that procurement challenges during de-dollarization are depressing as limited goods to procure at an expensive rate means business will operate to just barely survive. Unique procurement challenges during de-dollarization include cash shortages as a result of market speculators who may try to chance on the exchange rates fluctuations. These unique procurement challenges during de-dollarization are unfortunately not novel as they have been documented in the literature although theoretical. This study confirmed the impact of those procurement challenges during de-dollarization therefore prudent for companies to have strategies in place to curb some of the discussed effects. The study concluded that the economy of Zimbabwe has faced quite a complex phase in terms of economic performance. This means that the quality of service delivery is affected due to lack of means that cannot simply be substituted by some of the suggested procurement challenges solutions such as brand awareness or procurement budget. The study recommended that may be prudent for local companies to convince their employees who are cynical of foreign accounts on why they are important especially in a volatile economy. In addition, the study concluded that, it is necessary for Radio Solutions to also educate its employees about the value of intellectual property such as their brand as evidence show that they did not think it was an important solution to curb some of the procurement challenges such as lack of goodwill. Having good publicity means companies can give goods on credit with an understanding of the situation, a privilege only reserved to those with good reputation.