Inventory management practices and education service delivery in higher institutions of learning in Uganda: A case study of Kabale University

Abstract

The study set out to examine the relationship between inventory management practices and education service delivery in institutions of higher learning taking a case study of Kabale University. The study was motivated by the fact that Universities receive and manage inventories of different types to be able to offer services. Inventory management practices as a variable was conceptualized to include inventory planning, stock level maintenance and stock handling. Service delivery was conceptualized to include customer satisfaction, service quality and responsiveness. The study was cross-sectional in nature and it employed both correlational and case study survey designs. The target population was Kabale University staff and students where a sample of 213 respondnets was drawn using simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides that were pre-tested through validity and reliability. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS and qualitative data was analysed by content analysis method having got a response rate of 85.7%. From the quantitative perspective the study found out that all inventory management practices were positive and significantly related to education service delivery with r = .374**, .219** and .367** at p value of .001, .001and .001respectivelly. It was also found out from regression that as on aggregate, inventory management practices contribute to variations in educatuion service delivery by 23% and the remaining percentage is by other factors. The statistical findings were confirmed and strengthened by the qualitative findings. The study concluded that inventory management practices are positively and significantly related to service delivery in the context of institutions of higher learning. The study recommends that the public institutions need to institute participatory planning, there is need for sensitization of stakeholders mainly heads of department and lecturers on how to manage inventory and strengthening the linkage between service departments and the central store to avoid issues of stock-outs that negatively affect the process of service delivery.