Background: Supply chain management (SCM) was introduced as a remedy to irregularities of the past procurement models in public sector. Since its inception, literature has exposed a number of irregularities and deficiencies in the acquisition management processes within SCM in this sector. Objectives: This article explores a case study of KwaZulu-Natal to ascertain the current status of SCM in the aspect of acquisition of goods and services in relation to issues of good governance and human resource capital. It aims to determine the underlying factors that have given rise to the reported irregularities and deficiencies. Method: This article draws on quantitative data collected using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire, from ‘1’ strongly disagree to ‘5’ strongly agree. The study sample consisted of 129 participants. The data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences tool. Results: The findings of the study indicate that there is (1) a notable human resource deficiency, (2) inadequate knowledge regarding the processes employed in the acquisition of goods and services within SCM and (3) a lack of adequate training. The study also notes best practices such as (1) a high level of accountability, (2) conformity of relevant laws, (3) transparency, (4) responsiveness and (5) participation. Conclusion: This study rejects the current assumptions that the acquisition process of the SCM system is flawed, and rather confirms the forever growing assumptions related to human resources capacity, knowledge and skills deficiencies as possible root causes of the reported irregularities and deficiencies.

中文翻译：

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供应链管理在治理中的作用：公共部门的观点

背景：引入了供应链管理（SCM），以纠正公共部门过去的采购模式中的违规行为。自成立以来，文献揭露了该部门SCM内部购置管理流程中的许多违规和缺陷。目标：本文探讨了夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省的案例研究，以确定与善政和人力资源资本相关的商品和服务采购方面供应链管理的现状。它旨在确定导致所报告的违规和缺陷的潜在因素。方法：本文利用使用五点李克特量表收集的定量数据，从“ 1”强烈反对到“ 5”强烈同意。研究样本包括129名参与者。使用“社会科学统计软件包”工具对收集的数据进行了分析。结果：研究结果表明，存在以下问题：（1）明显的人力资源不足；（2）关于在供应链管理中获取商品和服务所采用的流程的知识不足；（3）缺乏适当的培训。该研究还指出了最佳实践，例如：（1）高水平的问责制；（2）相关法律的符合性；（3）透明度；（4）响应能力；（5）参与。结论：这项研究拒绝了目前关于供应链管理系统的获取过程存在缺陷的假设，而是证实了与人力资源能力，知识和技能缺陷有关的不断增长的假设，这些假设可能是所报告的违规和缺陷的根本原因。