★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★Open research. Global perspectives.
Management and Economics OPEN ACCESS

Procurement Efficiency and Firm Competitive Advantage: Moderated Mediation Analysis of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology: A Study in Ghana, Ashanti Region.

Emmanuel Ampong Afoakwah
PhD, Sunyani Technical University, Ghana
Kwabena Adjei
PhD , Sunyani Technical University, Ghana
Ernest Kwaku Agyei
PhD Scholar, Sir Padampat Singhania University, India
tajmei 2025
VOL. 7 / NO. 07 JULY
VOLUME 7
ISSUE 07
YEAR 2025
PAGES 08-24

Abstract

This study explored how procurement practices relate to competitive advantage within organizations, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to understand the role of technology in supply chain management. Researchers employed a quantitative approach, analyzing 245 responses from 100 regional universities using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between effective procurement methods and competitive advantage, leading to improved financial performance, return on investment, and profit margins. Regression analysis confirmed that efficient procurement strategically enhances economic performance. The UTAUT model highlighted that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating factors influence the adoption and use of procurement technology. The study demonstrates how aligning procurement digitalization with the UTAUT framework can optimize sourcing, foster innovation, and boost overall profitability in supply chain management. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the link between procurement practices and achieving a competitive edge in organizational supply chain management.

Keywords

Strategic Procurement Supply Chain Management Competitive Advantage UTAUT Procurement Efficiency

References

  1. Ab Hamid, M. R., Sami, W., & Mohmad Sidek, M. H. (2017). Discriminant Validity Assessment: Use of Fornell & Larcker criterion versus HTMT Criterion. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 890, 012163. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/890/1/012163
  2. Abideen, A. Z., Sorooshian, S., Sundram, V. P. K., & Mohammed, A. (2023). Collaborative insights on horizontal logistics to integrate supply chain planning and transportation logistics planning – A systematic review and thematic mapping. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9(2), 100066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100066
  3. Acquah, I. N., Asamoah, D., Kumi, C. A., Akyeh, J., & Agyemang, P. (2023). Untangling the nexus between supplier relationship management and competitive advantage: Insights on the role of procurement performance and supply chain responsiveness. International Journal of Emerging Markets. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-03-2022-0459
  4. Addy, M. N., Addo, E. T., Abdulai, S. F., Kwofie, T. E., Aigbavboa, C. O., & Adade-Boateng, A. O. (2024). E-procurement acceptance in the Ghanaian public sector: An application of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) in the construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-08-2023-0373
  5. Agrawal, T. K., Kumar, V., Pal, R., Wang, L., & Chen, Y. (2021). Blockchain-based framework for supply chain traceability: A case example of textile and clothing industry. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 154, 107130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2021.107130
  6. Ahmad, R., & Haq, A. U. (2023). Quantifying the Impact of Measurement Errors in Consistent Linear Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling: A Monte Carlo Investigation. iRASD Journal of Economics, 5(4), 905–923. https://doi.org/10.52131/joe.2023.0504.0169
  7. Akinnuwesi, B. A., Uzoka, F.-M. E., Fashoto, S. G., Mbunge, E., Odumabo, A., Amusa, O. O., Okpeku, M., & Owolabi, O. (2022). A modified UTAUT model for the acceptance and use of digital technology for tackling COVID-19. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 118–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2021.12.001
  8. Al Halbusi, H., Al-Sulaiti, K., Abdelfattah, F., Ahmad, A. B., & Hassan, S. (2024). Understanding consumers’ adoption of e-pharmacy in Qatar: Applying the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-03-2023-0042
  9. Alnasser, E. M., Alkhozaim, S. M., Alshiha, A. A., Al-Romeedy, B. S., & Khairy, H. A. (2024). Intellectual capital and organisational resilience in tourism and hotel businesses: Do organisational agility and innovation matter? Current Issues in Tourism, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2024.2378970
  10. Althabatah, A., Yaqot, M., Menezes, B., & Kerbache, L. (2023). Transformative Procurement Trends: Integrating Industry 4.0 Technologies for Enhanced Procurement Processes. Logistics, 7(3), 63. https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics7030063
  11. Amaya, N., Bernal-Torres, C. A., Nicolás-Rojas, Y. W., & Pando-Ezcurra, T. T. (2024). Role of internal resources on the competitive advantage building in a knowledge-intensive organisation in an emerging market. VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 54(5), 1153–1169. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-01-2022-0029
  12. Anna A. Filipova. (2023). Expectancy Theory in Organizations. Springer Nature Link.
  13. Aparicio, M., Costa, C. J., & Moises, R. (2021). Gamification and reputation: Key determinants of e-commerce usage and repurchase intention. Heliyon, 7(3), e06383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06383
  14. Arun, K., & Yildirim Ozmutlu, S. (2024). The effect of environmental competitiveness, customer and competitor orientation on export performance. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 39(2), 142–160. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-01-2022-0019
  15. Asare, S. O., Fobiri, G., & Bondinuba, F. K. (2024). Enhancing fairness, transparency and accountability during tendering under Ghana’s procurement system: A systematic review. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-04-2024-0107
  16. Asif Kamran. (2024). Does E-Procurement Adoption Help Textile Industry of Pakistan for Recruitment. Springer Nature Link.
  17. Ayaz, A., & Yanartaş, M. (2020). An analysis on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology theory (UTAUT): Acceptance of electronic document management system (EDMS). Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 2, 100032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2020.100032
  18. Bajunaied, K., Hussin, N., & Kamarudin, S. (2023a). Behavioral intention to adopt FinTech services: An extension of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9(1), 100010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100010
  19. Balkhi, B., Alshahrani, A., & Khan, A. (2022). Just-in-time approach in healthcare inventory management: Does it really work? Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 30(12), 1830–1835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2022.10.013
  20. Beldad, A. D., & Hegner, S. M. (2018). Expanding the Technology Acceptance Model with the Inclusion of Trust, Social Influence, and Health Valuation to Determine the Predictors of German Users’ Willingness to Continue using a Fitness App: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 34(9), 882–893. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2017.1403220
  21. Bhandari, N., Garza-Reyes, J. A., Rocha-Lona, L., Kumar, A., Naz, F., & Joshi, R. (2022). Barriers to sustainable sourcing in the apparel and fashion luxury industry. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 31, 220–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2022.02.007
  22. Brandon-Jones, A., & Kauppi, K. (2018). Examining the antecedents of the technology acceptance model within e-procurement. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38(1), 22–42. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-06-2015-0346
  23. Camilleri, M. A. (2024). Factors affecting performance expectancy and intentions to use ChatGPT: Using SmartPLS to advance an information technology acceptance framework. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 201, 123247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123247
  24. Charpin, R., Lee, M. K., & Wu, T. (2021). Mobile procurement platforms: Bridging the online and offline worlds in China’s restaurant industry. International Journal of Production Economics, 241, 108256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2021.108256
  25. Davit Marikyan. (2023). Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.
  26. De Oliveira, U. R., Espindola, L. S., Da Silva, I. R., Da Silva, I. N., & Rocha, H. M. (2018). A systematic literature review on green supply chain management: Research implications and future perspectives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 187, 537–561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.03.083
  27. Ding, K., Gong, X. Y., Huang, T., & Choo, W. C. (2024). Recommend or not: A comparative analysis of customer reviews to uncover factors influencing explicit online recommendation behavior in peer-to-peer accommodation. European Research on Management and Business Economics, 30(1), 100236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iedeen.2023.100236
  28. Duarte, P., & Pinho, J. C. (2019). A mixed methods UTAUT2-based approach to assess mobile health adoption. Journal of Business Research, 102, 140–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.05.022
  29. Dwivedi, A., Dwivedi, P., Joshi, K., Sharma, V., Sengar, A., Agrawal, R., Sharma, P. K., Dixit, G., & Barthwal, M. (2022). Local leader’s impact on adoption of renewable energy generation technology by rural communities in the Himalayan region. Journal of Cleaner Production,
  30. Dwivedi, Y. K., Ismagilova, E., Hughes, D. L., Carlson, J., Filieri, R., Jacobson, J., Jain, V., Karjaluoto, H., Kefi, H., Krishen, A. S., Kumar, V., Rahman, M. M., Raman, R., Rauschnabel, P. A., Rowley, J., Salo, J., Tran, G. A., & Wang, Y. (2021d). Setting the future of digital and social media marketing research: Perspectives and research propositions. International Journal of Information Management, 59, 102168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102168
  31. Evangelista, P., Kianto, A., Hussinki, H., Vanhala, M., & Nisula, A.-M. (2023). Knowledge-Based Human Resource Management, Logistics Capability, and Organizational Performance in Small Finnish Logistics Service Providers. Logistics, 7(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics7010012
  32. Foerstl, K., Kähkönen, A.-K., Blome, C., & Goellner, M. (2021). Supply market orientation: A dynamic capability of the purchasing and supply management function. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 26(1), 65–83. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-06-2019-0233
  33. Fragkiskaki,. (2024). Big data and analytics in enhancing procurement and supply chain efficiency: PSEPHEDA.
  34. Gaudenzi, B., Pellegrino, R., & Confente, I. (2023). Achieving supply chain resilience in an era of disruptions: A configuration approach of capacities and strategies. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 28(7), 97–111. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-09-2022-0383
  35. Gumasing, Ma. J. J., & Ilo, C. K. K. (2023). The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Creating a Sustainable Workplace: An Empirical Analysis of Organizational Commitment and Lifestyle Behavior. Sustainability, 15(13), 10283. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310283
  36. Hiran, K. K., & Dadhich, M. (2024). Predicting the core determinants of cloud-edge computing adoption (CECA) for sustainable development in the higher education institutions of Africa: A high order SEM-ANN analytical approach. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 199, 122979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122979
  37. Hm, A. J., Kb, A., & Vr, H. (2024). Technology Adoption in Material Procurement: An Empirical Study Applying the UTAUT Model Among Construction Companies in India. Global Business Review, 09721509241244989. https://doi.org/10.1177/09721509241244989
  38. Hoang, H., & Le Tan, T. (2023). Unveiling digital transformation: Investigating technology adoption in Vietnam’s food delivery industry for enhanced customer experience. Heliyon, 9(9), e19719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19719
  39. Hussam Al Halbusi. (2022). Assessing Factors Influencing Technology Adoption for Online Purchasing Amid COVID-19 in Qatar: Moderating Role of Word of Mouth. Frontiers in Environmental Science.
  40. Ikpe, V., & Shamsuddoha, M. (2024). Functional Model of Supply Chain Waste Reduction and Control Strategies for Retailers—The USA Retail Industry. Logistics, 8(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8010022
  41. Kelly, S., Kaye, S.-A., & Oviedo-Trespalacios, O. (2023). What factors contribute to the acceptance of artificial intelligence? A systematic review. Telematics and Informatics, 77, 101925. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2022.101925
  42. Khatri, P., Dutta, S., Kumari, P., Duggal, H. K., Thomas, A., Cristillo, I., & Nobis, S. (2023). Modeling intellectual capital-based intrapreneurial ability of working professionals through servant leadership and self-efficacy. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 24(6), 1485–1505. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-10-2022-0208
  43. Khedr, A. M., & S, S. R. (2024). Enhancing supply chain management with deep learning and machine learning techniques: A review. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(4), 100379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100379
  44. Kumar, S., Goel, U., Joshi, P., & Johri, A. (2024). Factors affecting Information & Communication Technology (ICT) adoption among MSMEs. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(1), 100205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100205
  45. Kumar, V., Ashraf, A. R., & Nadeem, W. (2024). AI-powered marketing: What, where, and how? International Journal of Information Management, 77, 102783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2024.102783
  46. Kumar, V., Sharma, K. V., Kedam, N., Patel, A., Kate, T. R., & Rathnayake, U. (2024). A comprehensive review on smart and sustainable agriculture using IoT technologies. Smart Agricultural Technology, 8, 100487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2024.100487
  47. Li, K., Zhang, L., & Huang, H. (2018). Social Influence Analysis: Models, Methods, and Evaluation. Engineering, 4(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2018.02.004
  48. Liu, W., Cao, Y., Hou, J., Cheng, Y., Chan, H. K., & Tang, O. (2024). Green procurement or green supply? A meta-analysis of their impacts on firm sustainability performance. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2024.2351027
  49. Marc Hockings. (2021). Developing capacity for a protected planet. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
  50. Mashat, R. M., Abourokbah, S. H., & Salam, M. A. (2024a). Impact of Internet of Things Adoption on Organizational Performance: A Mediating Analysis of Supply Chain Integration, Performance, and
  51. Mikalef, P., Krogstie, J., Pappas, I. O., & Pavlou, P. (2020). Exploring the relationship between big data analytics capability and competitive performance: The mediating roles of dynamic and operational capabilities. Information & Management, 57(2), 103169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2019.05.004
  52. Mohsen, B. M. (2023). Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Supply Chain Management Performance. Journal of Service Science and Management, 16(01), 44–58. https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2023.161004
  53. Moshtari, M., Altay, N., Heikkilä, J., & Gonçalves, P. (2021). Procurement in humanitarian organizations: Body of knowledge and practitioner’s challenges. International Journal of Production Economics, 233, 108017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2020.108017
  54. Mulvihill, Emily, Preview author details, & . (2023). The Role of Leadership in Implementing Social–Emotional Learning in the Online Classroom: A Qualitative Study. American College of Education.
  55. Neves, C., Oliveira, T., Cruz-Jesus, F., & Venkatesh, V. (2025). Extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology for sustainable technologies context. International Journal of Information Management, 80, 102838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2024.102838
  56. Nwali, Nwanyieze, Preview author details, & . (2021). Process Factors Influencing Informed Consent for Participation in Clinical Research. University of Northumbria at Newcastle (United Kingdom).
  57. Oduro, S., De Nisco, A., & Mainolfi, G. (2023). Do digital technologies pay off? A meta-analytic review of the digital technologies/firm performance nexus. Technovation, 128, 102836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102836
  58. Pattanayak, D., & Punyatoya, P. (2019). Effect of supply chain technology internalization and e-procurement on supply chain performance. Business Process Management Journal, 26(6), 1425–1442. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-04-2019-0150
  59. Puyana-Romero, V., Larrea-Álvarez, C., Díaz-Márquez, A., Hernández-Molina, R., & Ciaburro, G. (2024). Developing a Model to Predict Self-Reported Student Performance during Online Education Based on the Acoustic Environment. Sustainability, 16(11), 4411. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114411
  60. Raden Edi, S. (2022). Performance expectancy of E-learning on higher institutions of education under uncertain conditions: Indonesia context. Springer Nature Link.
  61. Rana, G., & Arya, V. (2024). Green human resource management and environmental performance: Mediating role of green innovation – a study from an emerging country. Foresight, 26(1), 35–58. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-04-2021-0094
  62. Rashid, M. R. A., Hasan, M., Islam, M. A., Tasnim, S. T., Taifa, R. J., Mahbub, S., Mansoor, N., Ali, M. S., Jabid, T., Islam, M., & Islam, M. M. (2024). Transforming agri-food value chains in Bangladesh: A practical application of blockchain for traceability and fair pricing. Heliyon, 10(21), e40091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40091
  63. Rejeb, A., Suhaiza, Z., Rejeb, K., Seuring, S., & Treiblmaier, H. (2022). The Internet of Things and the circular economy: A systematic literature review and research agenda. Journal of Cleaner Production, 350, 131439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131439
  64. Rozemeijer, F. (Frank). (2000). Creating corporate advantage in purchasing. Technische Universiteit
  65. Shabalov, M. Yu., Zhukovskiy, Yu. L., Buldysko, A. D., Gil, B., & Starshaia, V. V. (2021). The influence of technological changes in energy efficiency on the infrastructure deterioration in the energy sector. Energy Reports, 7, 2664–2680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.05.001
  66. Sharma, A., & Sharma, S. (2023). Digital marketing adoption by small travel agencies: A comprehensive PLS-SEM model using reflective and higher-order formative constructs. European Journal of Innovation Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-09-2022-0532
  67. Sivarajah, U., Kamal, M. M., Irani, Z., & Weerakkody, V. (2017). Critical analysis of Big Data challenges and analytical methods. Journal of Business Research, 70, 263–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.08.001
  68. Slam, Md. R. I., Monjur, Md. E. I., & Akon, T. (2023). Supply Chain Management and Logistics: How Important Interconnection Is for Business Success. Open Journal of Business and Management, 11(05), 2505–2524. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbm.2023.115139
  69. Soori, M., Dastres, R., & Arezoo, B. (2023). AI-powered blockchain technology in industry 4.0, a review. Journal of Economy and Technology, 1, 222–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ject.2024.01.001
  70. Susitha, E., Jayarathna, A., & Herath, H. M. R. P. (2024). Supply chain competitiveness through agility and digital technology: A bibliometric analysis. Supply Chain Analytics, 7, 100073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sca.2024.100073
  71. Sweeney, E., Grant, D. B., & Mangan, D. J. (2018). Strategic adoption of logistics and supply chain management. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38(3), 852–873.
  72. Trizano-Hermosilla, I., & Alvarado, J. M. (2016). Best Alternatives to Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability in Realistic Conditions: Congeneric and Asymmetrical Measurements. Frontiers in Psychology, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00769
  73. Uyen Nguyen, T. T., Van Nguyen, P., Truong, G. Q., Ngoc Huynh, H. T., & Hoang Le, T. P. M. (2024). Investigating the impact of citizen relationship quality and the moderating effects of citizen involvement on E-government adoption. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(3), 100372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100372
  74. Vincenzo Varriale. (2023). Critical analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence integration with cutting-edge technologies for production systems. Springer Nature Link.
  75. Wang, M., Wood, L. C., & Wang, B. (2022). Transportation capacity shortage influence on logistics performance: Evidence from the driver shortage. Heliyon, 8(5), e09423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09423
  76. Wang, S., Cheah, J.-H., Wong, C. Y., & Ramayah, T. (2024). Progress in partial least squares structural equation modeling use in logistics and supply chain management in the last decade: A structured literature review. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 54(7/8), 673–704. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-06-2023-0200
  77. Yeh, T.-M., Pai, F.-Y., & Wu, L.-C. (2020). Relationship Stability and Supply Chain Performance for SMEs: From Internal, Supplier, and Customer Integration Perspectives. Mathematics, 8(11), 1902. https://doi.org/10.3390/math8111902
  78. Yogesh K., D. (2023). Social Media Adoption, Usage And Impact In Business-To-Business (B2B) Context: A State-Of-The-Art Literature Review. Springer Nature Link.
  79. Yum, K., & Yoo, B. (2023). The Impact of Service Quality on Customer Loyalty through Customer Satisfaction in Mobile Social Media. Sustainability, 15(14), 11214. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411214
  80. Zhang, Z., & Takahashi, Y. (2024). How and when team-member exchange influences knowledge hiding behaviors: A moderated dual-pathway model. Heliyon, 10(7), e28373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28373
  81. Zhou, H., Wang, R., Zhang, X., & Chang, M. (2024). The impact of digital technology adoption on corporate supply chain concentration: Evidence from patent analysis. Finance Research Letters, 64, 105413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2024.105413