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Students Access to Information Communication Technologies in Open and Distance Learning mode in Tanzania: A case of The Open University of Tanzania
No full textThe success of open and distance learning programmes relies heavily on having an efficient and reliable delivery channel to reach out students. The utilization of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool to deliver services to the students provides efficient and reliable delivery channel which is also cost effective. A study was undertaken to assess the utilization of ICT facilities existing in the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). A sample of 97 from The University of Tanzania at Dar es Salaam, Mbeya and Arusha regional centers were interviewed. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design by using open and closed ended questionnaires and focus group discussion (FGD). Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The study found out that a number of admitted students who access computers at OUT computer labs is very small, and those who do visit the labs at most visit it once a week. Internet access was also found to be a problem. Majority ranked Yahoo their favourite wesite, followed by OUT website, and Google as favoured websites. In the OUT website the most surfed/used resources were Students Academic Registration System (SARIS). The resources which focus more on academic issues were visited less frequently. It is recommended that ICT knowledge and skills to be encouraged to OUT staff and students in order to ensure both stakeholders benefit in improving the quality of education offered through ODL Programmes at OUT
Studies on Animal Health Delivery Systems in Pastoral Areas in Manyara, Tanzania
No full textA study to identify animal health delivery systems to show how marginalized pastoral communities are accessing animal health services was conducted in Babati, Hanang and Mbulu Districts of Manyara Region. It was shown that livestock was the principal economic activity for pastoralists in Mbulu, Babati and Hanang and that pastoralists are located in relatively remote areas. Animal diseases, in particular parasitic infections, viral/bacterial epizootics and scarcity of water and pasture are among the major constraints that these pastoralists face. Despite of such problems, reliable animal health delivery system lacks in these areas and handling of almost all animal husbandry services, treatment and control of diseases is exclusively carried out by farmers that are quite skilful home grown animal para-veterians. Efforts to improve animal health and productivity and thus economy and livelihood of these pastoral farmers will succeed through their involvement in solving the problems. It was observed that there is a high illiteracy rate among the pastoralists; hence education for all is essential for success of any developmental project to be implemented in the pastoral areas. In summary the information available in the present study validates the need for planning of an effective and sustainable animal health delivery system in the pastoral farming systems in Manyara region and Tanzania as a whole
Research Supervision Practices and Functional Challenges among Graduate Distant Students at the Open University of Tanzania
Get PDFThe study investigated practices and challenges of graduate students in research supervision in Tanzania using the Open University of Tanzania as an example. The research emphasis was to assess graduate students’ conception of research in general, to examine graduate students’ research supervision practice at the Open University of Tanzania and to find-out ways suggesting the best practice for future research supervision of graduate students. Mixed method approach was adopted using the case study design to investigate the researched problem. 200 participants including academics and students volunteered participation in research. Participants were selected on random and purposive procedures. Data collection involved questionnaires, semi-structured and documentary reviews. Concurrent analysis framework was adopted to ensure complementarity in research process. Results were presented in different formats: graphs, themes and percentages and discussed accordingly. Results showed that academics demonstrated limited research knowledge and skills that called for the need of research-based training opportunities to the OUT academicians. Several recommendations were made including the need for research policy innovation at the institution, investment priority in research, and bench marking the postgraduate programmes to improve supervision of graduate students at the University
Trade Liberalization and Economic Performance in Nigeria: Evidence from Agricultural and Manufacturing sectors
No full textThis study examines the impact of trade liberalization on performance in the Nigerian economy, with special reference to agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Simultaneous models were developed to capture the joint effects of trade liberalization on the two sectors. The Generalized Method of Moment technique was used to estimate the role of trade liberalization on the performance of the selected sectors. The study shows a significant positive impact of trade liberalization on the output of agricultural sector while a negative but significant relationship exists between measures of trade liberalization and manufacturing output in Nigeria. The study also reveals that exchange rate exerts a positive but insignificant impact on agricultural output while the effect of inflation on agricultural output is positive and significant within the study period. Unlike the agricultural output, both exchange rate and inflation have negative impact on manufacturing sector’s output. Moreover, finding from the study also confirmed the possibility of substantial economic linkage between the two sectors, as their magnitudes were positive and significant which suggests some significant level of interdependence between them in the Nigerian economy. The study concludes that government should embark on programmes that promote local production to fully harness the opportunity presents by trade liberalization
The Dynamic Effects of Monetary Policy on Real Variables in Namibia
No full textThe study develops a small macroeconometric model for Namibia by using labour market and monetary variables for the period 1980 to 2013. The study shows the process through which monetary policy affects real (labour market) variables. Using the structural vector autoregression methodology (SVAR), a small macroeconometric model is developed using three modular experiments, namely; the basic model, and models that incorporate demand and exchange rate channel variables to the basic model and specification of the macro-econometric model. The study finds that demand and exchange rate channels variables have important additional information, which explains the monetary transmission process and that shocks to labour market variables affect monetary policy in Namibia
Understanding the Barriers Limiting SMEs’ Capacity to Participate in Formal Training: A Perspective from an Emerging Market
No full textWhilst SMEs are known to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of most economies of the world, they are also known to face many challenges which limit their full effectiveness. The present study seeks to explore the factors that limit SMEs’ capacity to participate in formal training programmes from the Ghanaian perspective. The study seeks to identify the extent to which the barriers to training compare and contrast with existing studies, although the extant literature argues that some barriers are more specific to some regions. The study is based on a purposive sample of 85 owner-managed SMEs drawn from the capital of Ghana, Accra. Using the principal component analysis, coupled the mean rankings of the respondents’ average score as the main analytical tools, the results show that among the eight main barriers that were found, lack of accessibility to training, lack of funds to fund training programme and a negative perception of owner-managers regarding the usefulness of training were the three most important barriers accounting for why SMEs from Ghana find it difficult to participate in formal training and therefore remain inefficient and ineffective compared to their counterparts’ large firms.Â
Product diversification, Capital structure and Dynamic adjustments: Empirical evidence from Tanzania
No full textThis study assessed the role of product diversification on capital structure variability and its dynamic nature. It used static, dynamic and hierarchical regression techniques. Both fixed effects and general methods of moments’ estimators were employed. Related product diversification was significantly negatively related to capital structure while unrelated and total product diversification was significantly positively related to it. Hierarchical regression indicated that product diversification had a significant share of contribution to capital structure variability. These findings highlight the significance of co-insurance and monitoring effects implicit to product diversification. Related diversification is risky and thus associated with internal financing. Unrelated product diversification is less risky. It highlights the fact that the type of product diversification has different effects on firm financing. The speed of adjustment of capital structures was low, indicating that firms are slowly adjusting their capital structures towards optimum levels
Factors Affecting Adoption of Prepaid Electronic Payment Cards in Tanzania: The Case Study of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC)
No full textThis paper aimed at investigating the factors affecting adoption of Electronic Payment System (EPS) at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). The crosssectional and descriptive correlational study designs were adopted where 150 clients at the outpatient clinics were selected for an interview. A structured questionnaire which was constructed based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used. Data were analyzed by using descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. The study reveals that a majority of the clients (59%) preferred using EPS. Also, about 75% of clients indicated their intention to use EPS. The study further indicates that previous experience with the use of EPS and being banked were significant factors influencing both preferences of EPS and intention to use EPS. Moreover, middle-aged clients and high monthly income earners were the main users of EPS. The study also reveals that common barriers that hinder the adoption of EPS were poor internet connectivity and power fluctuations. This study recommends that in order to hasten the adoption of EPS it is important to address the identified barriers and also to encourage clients to use banks to keep their money. This study also recommends that KCMC should allow their clients to use mobile money transaction to pay for treatments charges.Â
Environmental Health Risks Due to Anthropogenic Metals in Mtoni Estuary Ecosystem and its Environs, Tanzania
No full textMangrove sediment samples from Kizinga and Mzinga creeks of Mtoni estuary were analysed for metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Cd and Pb) to determine their current levels and their anthropogenic impact in a tropical estuarine environment. Standard sampling techniques were used. Samples were digested using a CEM Microwave Accelerated Reaction System (MARS) and analysis was carried out using a High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (HRICP-MS). Sandy particles were dominant, with < 6% of OM in estuary and < 9% in tributaries. Metal levels showed neither distinct depth gradient nor variation between seasons. A clear gradient from upstream of Kizinga and Mzinga rivers to estuarine mouth was observed. Pearson correlation matrix, Principal component analysis (PCA) and Enrichment factors (EF) indicated that most metals in Mtoni estuary probably originated from anthropogenic activities except Sr that was probably derived from natural origin. Levels of anthropogenic pollutants are indicative of human induced environmental change and have repercussions on environmental and human health as well as future status of estuary
Working Through the Senses: Art Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders Students
No full textIn the recent years, multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of teaching Art to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). ASD affect symbolic and language skills in children, and imply some limitations in the complex and stimulating field of social relationships. Learners with ASD require a well structured environment. For the purpose of this study we propose Art Therapy as a therapeutic process to develop our students’ social relationships. In that manner, they will be able to interact functionally and successfully within their social context within which they belong. By using Art Therapy action programme ASD children are expected to develop social and communication skills through emotions and artistic creations as a way to train conversational abilities, anticipate situations and understand emotions and actions