Implementing Supply Chain Management: a case study of the Department of Roads and Public Works - Eastern Cape 2010-2012

Supply Chain Management was introduced in 2003 to government departments, municipalities and public entities as means of transforming public sector procurement practices. In some public institutions compliance with the regulatory framework has been limited to mere establishment of Supply Chain Management Units. Some of these units are not compliant with the National Treasury guidelines and are not properly staffed with personnel with the required skills and qualifications. Staff employed in Supply Chain Management units are either not provided with the required training in order to fulfill their employment obligations or do not see self-development in Supply Chain Management as of great importance. Supply Chain Management Policies do not evolve from within the institutions but more copies of the guidelines provided by the National Treasury. Staff do not get involved in policy development processes. This is a non-conclusive case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Roads of Public Works which is aimed at establishing the extent the department has complied with prescribed guidelines pertaining to establishment of Supply Chain Management, training of personnel and the development of policies and procedures on Supply Chain Management