How Does Public Procurement Planning Shape University Governance? Evidence on Efficiency and Transparency in Decentralized Contexts

Efficiency and transparency in university public procurement depend largely on sound and consistent strategic planning. This research analyzes the level of planning in remedial actions in the university sector and its relationship with institutional perceptions of efficiency and transparency in the period 2019–2024. It is applied in nature, with a quantitative approach, non-experimental design, and descriptive-correlational level. A structured Likert-type questionnaire was administered to 152 officials from administrative, technical, and academic units, complemented by a documentary analysis of contractual files and a regulatory review. The results show that planning is perceived as moderate, with critical gaps in the preparatory stages. A positive and significant correlation was identified between planning and the perception of efficiency/transparency (ρ = 0.566; p < 0.01), which reinforces the strategic role of planning as an enabler of good governance. In addition, similarities were found between national and international standards, although limitations persist in terms of sustainability, citizen participation, and results-based evaluation. The recommendations propose institutionalizing the assessment of the Annual Procurement Plan, strengthening the preparatory phase, digitizing procedures, and training staff. The study provides empirical evidence from a university environment with structural vulnerabilities, contributing to the design of more efficient and transparent public policies.