Influence of Inventory Management Practices on Resource Allocation Efficiency in Public Primary Schools in Kayonza District, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v14n11.009Keywords:
inventory management, resource allocation efficiency, primary schools, Rwanda, Kayonza District, educational resourcesAbstract
This study assessed the influence of inventory management practices on resource allocation efficiency in public primary schools in Kayonza District, Rwanda. Despite national investments in basic education, rural schools face persistent challenges including delayed resource delivery, material shortages, and inefficient utilization often linked to weak inventory systems. Using a mixed-methods approach combining descriptive survey and phenomenological designs, the study examined four inventory management dimensions: planning, record-keeping, control procedures, and auditing mechanisms. A sample of 152 participants (including local education authorities, headteachers, accountants/bursars, storekeepers, and inventory committee members) was selected from 58 public primary schools using purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis, then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics alongside thematic analysis. Findings revealed that all four inventory management practices significantly and positively influence resource allocation efficiency. Inventory planning showed the strongest effect (R = 0.712, R² = 0.507, B = 0.842, p < .001), explaining 50.7% of efficiency variation. Record-keeping practices demonstrated strong influence (R = 0.674, R² = 0.454, B = 0.692, p < .001), while control procedures (R = 0.612, R² = 0.374, B = 0.561, p < .001) and auditing mechanisms (R = 0.684, R² = 0.468, B = 0.674, p < .001) also significantly predicted resource allocation efficiency. However, implementation varied considerably across personnel categories, with accountants/bursars showing high adherence (78.6–82.2% agreement) while storekeepers and committee members demonstrated moderate compliance (60.7–67.8% agreement), indicating uneven implementation across operational levels. The study concludes that strengthening inventory management practices particularly through capacity building for storekeepers and inventory committees can enhance transparency, reduce wastage, and improve timely distribution of learning materials. Recommendations include implementing inclusive planning processes, standardizing record-keeping templates, enforcing strict control measures, conducting regular audits, and investing in digital inventory systems. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for improving resource governance, accountability, and educational service delivery in rural primary schools in Rwanda.
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