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Analysing the Literary Representation of Women's Influence in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Full text linkPredictors of Parental Involvement in School Feeding Programs in Tanzania: A Case of Mara Region
Full text linkIn Tanzania, school feeding programs (SFPs) have been introduced to improve children's nutrition, support school attendance, and enhance learning. However, these programs often rely heavily on donor support and external institutions, while parental involvement has remained limited. This raises concerns about long-term sustainability and local ownership. This study explored factors associated with parental involvement in school feeding programs in primary schools in the Mara Region of Tanzania. It was guided by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (1979, 2001) and used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 500 parents from 20 primary schools using a questionnaire adapted from Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler's parental involvement model, previously validated in the Tanzanian context. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine how different factors, such as parents' motivators, school-related invitations, and life context variables, are related to parental involvement. The results showed that parents' self-efficacy, positive attitudes toward school (valence), and skills and knowledge related to school feeding were significantly associated with higher levels of parental involvement. School-related factors were also significant, especially school invitations (such as communication and engagement efforts). However, invitations from children and teachers were not significant predictors. These findings suggest that parents' beliefs, confidence, knowledge, and how schools actively involve them may be important in supporting their participation. Strengthening school-community relationships may require clear communication, practical guidance, and trust-building. The 2021 National Guidelines on School Feeding and Nutrition Services could benefit more by clearly defining and supporting parental roles. This study adds to the growing body of evidence on the need for locally grounded and multidimensional strategies to meaningful parental involvement in education
Exploring Paradigmatic Philosophical Foundations for Better Research Quality in Tanzania Universities via Grounded Theory
Full text linkThis study investigated how Tanzanian Master's students' research paradigms impact their dissertation composition, supervision, defense, and final grades. It highlights that researchers often neglect the importance of paradigm clarity and relevance in the knowledge creation process, affecting thesis assessments. Using Charmaz's 2006 Grounded Theory (GT) with inductive logic research, a qualitative approach, and multivariate descriptive design were employed. The study saturated sampled size involved 67 students, 6 external examiners (EEs), and 14 supervisors through triangulated sampling techniques. The Kaiser Oklin Measure (KMO) and Bartlets' tests ensured sample size adequacy and data relevancy. Multiple methods of: interviews, primary documents, and observations collected data. Data were collected via multiple methods of: semi structured interviews, documents, and observations. Interviews, primary documents, observation schedules and non parametric Likert scale intruments collected data. Multiple methods of: sorting, coding, memoing, theme building analysed qualitative data. The triangulated descriptive analysis techniques analysed the ordinal and nominal data. The analysis revealed that students who clarified their research paradigm and design theme received higher grades (A or B+), boosting their GPA. In contrast, students who failed to clarify these themes were graded lower, with scores implying B (Flat), C, D, or E grades, reducing their GPA. The findings suggested that examiners implicitly base their grading on paradigm clarity. The study three outcomes included: generated a mid-range Grounded Theory, three fresh hypotheses and a holistic model to address the lack of clarity in paradigms within universities. It urges further research to improve a substantive theory emerged, test the three new hypotheses and to try a constituted holistic model of: paradigm, ontology, epistemology, methodology, axiology, logic, rhetorical language (POEMALoR) for easening paradigm attributes’ clarity among university novice researchers .This paper is organised on subsections of: Introduction covering: study background, objectives, literature review, significance and methodology. Then follows data findings and discussion, it ends with conclusion and recommendation
The Impact of Servant Leadership Behaviours on Secondary School Students' Academic Achievement in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study examined the impact of servant leadership on students' academic achievement in public secondary schools in the Mpanda Municipal Council, Tanzania. The study assessed the prevalence of servant leadership behaviours and their relationship with teacher empowerment and student performance. Using a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 187 participants and analysed through descriptive statistics and linear regression using IBM-SPSS. The null hypothesis that servant leadership behaviours are rarely practised in public secondary schools was rejected, confirming the presence of such leadership practices. The study concludes that servant leadership is evident, as school heads consistently prioritise their subordinates when addressing school-related matters. The study recommends that school heads proactively address their subordinates' needs to cultivate a culture of self-giving among teachers, which, in turn, can contribute to improved student achievement
Effect of Digital Media on Spelling Skills Among Lower Primary Pupils of Dodoma City in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study investigated the effect of digital media, particularly video clips, on enhancing sound-spelling skills among lower primary school pupils (grades one and two) in Dodoma City, Tanzania. The objective was to evaluate how digital media can support early literacy development. An experimental design was employed, involving 160 pupils from two public schools, 80 in the experimental group and 80 in the control group. Stratified sampling was used to select pupils who had received F grades in previous writing assessments. A standardised test was used to collect data before and after the intervention. The study was based on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, highlighting the value of integrating visual and auditory content into the learning process. Data were analysed using correlation and the Univariate General Linear Model. Findings showed that pupils who engaged with video clips significantly improved their spelling skills more than those who did not. The analysis also revealed a strong positive relationship between digital media use and spelling performance. The study concludes that incorporating video-based digital media into classroom instruction can effectively enhance spelling skills among early-grade learners. It recommends that education stakeholders, including policymakers and curriculum developers, consider integrating such tools into early literacy programs
The Prevalence of Students' Guesswork in Multiple-Choice, Matching Items, and True-False Test Formats: Implications for Academic Performance in Tertiary Institutions in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study examines the prevalence of guessing impact on performance in multiple-choice (MC), matching items (MI), and true-false (TF) test forms among Tanzania's university students. Since educational tests increasingly rely on objective test forms, the impact of guessing on test scores and student performance is worth understanding. In a correlational research design, data were collected from 121 participants from various programs in three institutions of higher learning in the Dodoma region. Data were collected using questionnaires designed to quantify students' guessing behaviour and perceived effects on examination performance. Data analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) revealed that 76% of students indicated guessing during examinations, and only 24% said they never did. The analysis also uncovered a statistically significant weak negative correlation (rs = -0.281, p = 0.002) between students' confidence in guessing and their belief about its impact on examination marks. This means that students who are more confident in their guessing strategies are less likely to view guessing as detrimental to their performance. The findings also indicate that guessing can threaten the validity of test outcomes such that correct answers do not accurately represent students' actual knowledge. It therefore implies that in this research, instructors should employ tactics that minimise guesswork behaviours
Strategies and Factors Influencing SME Sustainability : A Case Study of TSANG Company in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo
Full text linkMedium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, these businesses are pivotal in sustaining the country's economic growth through job creation and alleviating poverty. Inasmuch as this fact stands, Congolese SMEs face a myriad of economic and political dynamics that intimidate their existence and essentially viability. The paper will highlight how TSANG, one of the prominent SMEs in Butembo, undertook strategies to remain competitive amid such a difficult environment and what would be some determinants of its sustainability. Guided by these following research questions : "What strategies does TSANG implement to ensure its sustainability ? " and "What factors influence the success of these strategies ? A qualitative and descriptive case study methodology was used, involving a literature review and semi-structured interviews with the company's manager. The study identified four main sustainability strategies : diversification, differentiation, long-term planning, and choice of financing method. Also, inside things like manager skills and worker motivation ; outside things such as stakeholder links and how fast you can get money all played big roles in whether these plans worked. The study wraps up by saying a mix of badly done plans and the skill to handle inside and outside factors is key for keeping SMEs in tough times. It suggests that to make their long-term success chances better and be more competitive, SMEs should work on building strong plans that deal with both their internal strengths and external challenges
Influence of Electronic Human Resource Management on Supporting Staff Job Performance among Selected Tanzanian Public Universities
Full text linkFire Disaster Preparedness and First Aid to Fire Burn Victims: A Case of Primary Schools in Morogoro Municipal and Mvomero District, Tanzania
Full text linkThe rising number of fire incidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities, has raised public concern regarding fire outbreaks in schools. This study aimed to evaluate the level of fire disaster preparedness among primary school students at Morogoro municipal and Mvomero district. The research methodology is based on an empirical quantitative approach, using surveys as data collection instruments. The survey employed structured questionnaires consisting of closed-ended questions to elicit responses from pupils and to gain insights into their awareness, knowledge and attitude. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings revealed that majority of respondents, 287(73.8%), were aware that fire accidents can occur within the school premises. Furthermore, 290(74.6%) acknowledged that fire outbreaks can cause damage to properties, including homes, schools, and marketplaces. Interestingly, a majority of participants, 322(82.5%), expressed a belief that they have limited ability to prevent fire incidents due to the absence of fire training in schools. The study concludes that while a majority of respondents, 316 individuals (81.2%), understand the adverse impact of wildfires on the environment, the local community remains a source of environmental destruction. The study findings emphasize the strong recommendation for prioritizing public education on fire prevention, emphasizing its significant importance. It is crucial to integrate fire prevention education into the school curriculum as a proactive measure. It is essential to provide training to the school community, including both students and parents, on the appropriate actions to take in the event of a fire outbreak. The training should cover specific steps tailored to different types of fires, ensuring preparedness and safety measures are in place
The Role of Boda Bodas in Shaping Residential Patterns: A Case Study of Urban Expansion in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study explores the social and cultural implications of bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) on residential patterns in Tanzania, focusing on how this informal mode of transport has reshaped urban spaces, influenced social cohesion, and altered patterns of daily life. Specifically, it examines the role of bodabodas in shaping residential patterns in Goba and Chanika, two peri-urban areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. These areas, previously considered remote due to poor infrastructure, have experienced significant growth and urbanization, largely facilitated by the advent of bodabodas. The study employs a qualitative case study design, using interviews and focus group discussions with residents and bodaboda operators. Findings reveal that bodabodas have enabled residents to transport building materials, commute to urban centers, and establish homes in areas that were once inaccessible. Beyond enhancing our understanding of urban expansion, this research offers insights into how technological and infrastructural shifts reshape community structures, influence social networks, and transform cultural practices. Despite their positive impact on mobility and urban expansion, the study also highlights the risks associated with bodabodas, including accidents, fatalities, and involvement in criminal activities. Drawing on theories of Urban Ecology and Lefebvre's Production of Space, the study analyzes the socio-spatial transformations driven by these informal transport systems. It concludes with recommendations for improving safety, regulating the sector, enhancing road infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable urban growth. These steps aim to mitigate the risks associated with bodabodas while maximizing their contribution to the urbanization process in Dar es Salaam