Green procurement practices and organisational performance of food processing companies in South Sudan. A case of Victory Star General Trading Company Limited.

Abstract

The study examined the effect of green procurement practices on the organizational performance of food processing companies in South Sudan, focusing on Victory Star General Trading Co Ltd. The research was driven by three key objectives: to determine whether lean supply chain management, the procurement of recyclable products, and e-procurement positively contribute to organizational performance. The study was grounded in the Natural-Resource-Based View (NRBV) theory, which emphasizes the importance of pollution prevention, product stewardship, and sustainable development as key drivers of competitive advantage. A mixed-method research design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data to explore complex issues comprehensively. The case study strategy was adopted to conduct in depth analysis within the real-life context of Victory Star. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews, and the sample size consisted of 92 respondents selected using both random and census sampling techniques. The quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data was examined with thematic patterns. The findings revealed that lean supply chain practices had a moderate positive correlation with organizational performance (0.572), indicating that while lean practices enhance operational efficiency, other factors also play a significant role. The procurement of recyclable products showed a strong positive correlation (0.694), demonstrating its significant contribution to improved operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. E-procurement was the strongest predictor, with a correlation of 0.793, emphasizing its critical role in reducing costs, improving supplier communication, and streamlining procurement processes. The study concluded that green procurement practices significantly enhance the organizational performance of Victory Star General Trading Co Ltd. Lean supply chain practices improved efficiency but require further refinement to optimize inventory management. Recyclable product procurement reduced environmental impact and operational costs, aligning well with sustainability goals. E-procurement emerged as the most influential factor, driving substantial improvements in process efficiency and financial performance. Based on these findings, the study makes four key recommendations: Victory Star should fully integrate lean supply chain practices with advanced inventory management systems to maximize resource utilization; the company should expand its procurement of recyclable materials and strengthen waste management initiatives to improve sustainability; management should provide ongoing training for staff on sustainable procurement practices to ensure alignment with organizational objectives