University of Dodoma Journals
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Blighting the ‘Bright Star’ through Constitutional Tyranny: Nana Akufo-Addo and Democratic Backsliding in Ghana
This article examines the concerning trend of democratic decline in Ghana under President Nana Akufo-Addo by discussing how constitutional powers can become weapons against democracy itself. Once celebrated as Africa's democratic beacon, Ghana now stands as a stark warning of how executive overreach can systematically dismantle democratic safeguards. Through calculated manipulation of his presidential powers, Akufo-Addo has orchestrated a sweeping capture of three pillars of democracy: the judiciary, the Electoral Commission, and the Auditor-General's Office. By installing party loyalists in these crucial institutions, he has transformed independent oversight bodies into instruments of presidential power. Documentary evidence exposes a pattern of strategic appointments that have corroded Ghana's democratic foundation, replacing merit with political allegiance and institutional independence with partisan control. This systematic erosion of checks and balances has birthed a new form of autocracy – one that wields constitutional powers to create what can only be described as "constitutional tyranny." Ghana's unfolding crisis demonstrates how democracy dies not through dramatic coups but through the subtle manipulation of legal mechanisms, as Akufo-Addo's administration masterfully exploited constitutional loopholes to consolidate power and silence opposition. The nation's dramatic transformation from a democratic exemplar to a cautionary tale sends a chilling message to emerging democracies that constitutional powers, without robust institutional independence, can become tools for democracy's destruction
The interplay of social influence and top management support on suppliers' behavioural intentions in e-procurement usage
The advancement of information technology has revolutionised most aspects of public procurement, including the way suppliers are involved in public procurement opportunities. This study explores the link between social influence and behavioural intention in the usage of the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) among suppliers. The study also examines the moderating effect of top management support (TMS) in the relationship between social influence and behavioural intention. Based on cross-sectional data collected from 447 small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam through structured questionnaires and analysed quantitatively using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the study confirms the positive relationship between social influence and behavioural intention in e-procurement usage. Additionally, the study confirms that TMS strengthens the relationship between social influence and behavioural intention. Specifically, suppliers with a high level of TMS experience a greater effect of social influence on their behavioural intentions compared to those with a low level of TMS. Therefore, both social influence and TMS play significant roles in amplifying behavioural intention. These insights provide crucial implications for practitioners and policymakers who are involved in e-procurement, and academics interested in public procurement
Mbinu za Kukabiliana na Utamaushi katika Fasihi ya Kiswahili: Ulinganisho wa Wimbo Teule wa Jux na Diamond Platnumz na Kazi Teule za Kezilahabi
Makala hii inakusudia kuonesha namna utamaushi unavyojitokeza katika wimbo wa “Enjoy” na kazi teule za Kezilahabi. Kutokana na maisha kuonekana kama kitu cha kukatisha tamaa (kutamausha) kwa kadri yalivyogubikwa na madhila mbalimbali, wimbo wa “Enjoy” unaonesha kuwa suluhisho ni kuamua “ku-enjoy” (kuyafurahia tu) kwa kadri mtu anavyoweza baada ya kupata nafasi ya kufanya hivyo. Hii ni tofauti na ilivyo katika kazi zingine za kidhanaishi, hususani kazi za Kezilahabi, ambazo zinaonesha kuwa suluhisho ni kujiua. Nadharia ya Udhanaishi iliongoza katika uchambuzi wa matini teule. Mbinu ya usampulishaji lengwa ilitumika katika kupata data zilizofanikisha makala hii. Data zilikusanywa kwa kutumia mbinu ya uchambuzi matini. Matokeo ya utafiti uliozaa makala hii yanaonesha kuwa maisha ayaishiyo mwanadamu ni mafupi, mwanadamu anao uhuru wake binafsi, kuna kukata tamaa kunakosababishwa na masuala ya mapenzi, dunia ni uwanja wa fujo—kila mtu amekuja kufanya fujo zake na mwisho atajiondokea, na, mwisho, masuala ya mahusiano ya kimapenzi ni huzuni tupu. Makala inahitimisha kwa kutoa mapendekezo kuwa suluhu ya kukata tamaa maishani siyo kujiua bali kuyafurahia maisha kwa kadri mtu awezavyo kwani kujiua hakutatui tatizo husika bali huweza kusababisha tatizo ama matatizo mengine. Aidha, iwapo mwanadamu ataamua kufanya fujo zake, ni vema afanye fujo za amani zisizowaathiri wengine. Uhuru binafsi uzingatie mipaka, kwani kila kitu kinapopitiliza huweza kuwa na madhara
Imports in East Africa: Boosting Manufacturing Performance or Impeding Domestic Growth?
While the debate surrounding trade protectionism and liberalization continues among policymakers, particularly regarding their impact on the development of domestic infant industries, the literature has largely neglected to provide empirical evidence on this matter. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the effects of imports on the economies of five East African countries. Specifically, the study assesses whether imports promote the development of the manufacturing sector or detrimentally affect the economy by introducing products that compete with domestic alternatives. Through the analysis of panel data from these countries spanning the period between 1997 and 2020, a pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model is employed to estimate the influence of imports on the manufacturing sector's performance. The results of the study reveal a negative correlation between the importation of goods and services in these five countries and the value added to the manufacturing sector. This suggests that the increase in imports has an adverse effect on the manufacturing sector's performance. This finding implies that imports in these countries do not complement domestic production; rather, they might directly substitute for locally produced goods. Consequently, it is recommended that these countries reevaluate their trade policies to ensure that imports are channeled towards products that can further the development of other sectors within their economies, such as the manufacturing sector
The Mediating Role of Level of Formalisation on the Relationship between Church Planting Phases and Financial Reporting of the Tanzanian Local Churches.
The accounting profession has shown increased interest in accounting for not-for-profit organisations in several countries over the past few decades, which has a corresponding influence on churches’ financial reporting. Many churches struggle with financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency in their financial reporting, leading to mistrust among congregants. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the relationship between church planting phases (surveying, preparing, sowing, cultivating, and reaping) and financial reporting is mediated by the level of formalisation at the local church level. The study collected data from 374 Tanzanian local churches’ accountants, evangelists and pastors in Dodoma, Arusha and Dar es Salaam cities from selected denominations such as the Tanzania Assemblies of God, Evangelistic Assemblies of God Tanzania, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania and the Anglican Church of Tanzania. Based on Institutional Theory, hypotheses were formulated. The study employed a self-administered questionnaire while using a purposive sampling technique to select participants. To get the sample of interest, the study used probability sampling, namely stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The data was analysed for measurement and structural model analyses using Smart-PLS version 4.0. The study findings reveal that the level of formalisation negatively mediates the relationship between church planting phases and financial reporting of the Tanzanian local churches. This is in lieu that the formalisation suppresses the relationship between church planting phases and financial reporting. Meaning that as church planting increases, the financial reporting tends to decrease due to a low formalisation level. This suggests that the more emphasis or progress there is in planting activities, the less effectively financial reporting is applied or adhered to due to a low formalisation level. For the attainment of effective financial reporting during the establishment of a new church, the local churches should improve their formalisation level. In addition, the study informs Christian denominations on the essence of formalisation to improve the financial reporting of local churches
Attribution of Gross Margin Differential to Quality Declared Seeds in Tanzanian Sunflower Sub-Sector: Difference-in-Differences Analysis.
This study was conducted to investigate the causal effect of quality declared seeds (QDS) on changes in gross margin in sunflower agribusiness. Longitudinal survey design was employed to collect panel data from 357 sunflower farmers who were members of 11 agricultural marketing cooperative societies (AMCOS) in Kondoa and Itigi districts, Tanzania. The subsequent analysis was done based on a continuous difference-in-differences (DiD) econometric model by taking into account the treated and controlled farmers from two periods, including seasons 2022 and 2023. It was found out that the use of QDS positively (β=0.204) caused an increase of TZS. 284.94/Kg of sunflower farmers’ gross margin from TZS. 105.48/Kg for controlled farmers. This gross margin differential of 72.98% was explained by 67.31% influence of the use of QDS by the treated farmers, of which the causal effect was statistically significant (p=0.031). The findings are important to the Tanzanian government, where policy could be developed to encourage smallholder farmers to switch from conventional seeds to QDS in their localities. The knowledge of the impact of QDS on gross margin is more important for smallholder farmers themselves to hold on in sunflower farming instead of abandoning the sub-sector, as was recently witnessed in research areas
Exploring predominant marketing strategies for branding higher education institutions in Tanzania
It is worth noting that the utilisation of marketing strategies by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) operates within a complex and unclear environment. This study, therefore, explored the predominant marketing strategies used for branding HEIs in Tanzania. The study adopted an embedded mixed methods research design. Semi-structured interviews with 12 staff members from 6 HEIs, including 6 public relations officers (PROs) and 6 registrars were utilised. An online questionnaire was also administered to 100 students through Google Forms. PROs and registrars were purposively selected, while a convenience sampling technique was applied for student participants. Qualitative data were thematically analysed, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 27. The findings indicated no statistically significant differences in the marketing strategies employed by public and private HEIs. This suggests that both private and public-owned HEIs employ a diverse range of marketing strategies, encompassing both traditional and digital approaches to enhance their brand image. The study also identified that word-of-mouth recommendations from current students, alumni, and other influential individuals emerged as a particularly influential marketing channel for HEIs. University websites and various digital platforms were also identified as key branding tools. Traditional approaches such as print media, school visits, and radio/TV advertisements still hold relevance to some extent. The study recommends that HEIs continue to invest in and optimise their digital marketing capabilities while also calling for the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) to provide comprehensive guidance and support for the effective utilisation of both traditional and digital branding approaches
Perceived university entrepreneurship support services and entrepreneurial intentions: experiences from the University of Dodoma’s graduates
Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in economic growth for developing countries, including Tanzania. Unfortunately, the number of entrepreneurs in Tanzania is still lagging behind other East African countries. The emergence of knowledge-based entrepreneurship programs makes universities one of the vital supply sources for creating entrepreneurs. Even though it has institutional support from the government, entrepreneurship is still not considered a promising alternative career choice. Thus, we investigated the influence of perceived university support services on building entrepreneurial intention from the perspective of the University of Dodoma’s graduates. In this cross-sectional research study, a sample size of 120 is drawn from the business graduates of the University of Dodoma who have received entrepreneurship support services using two-stage random sampling, of which females were 37.5% and males were 62.5%. The data were analysed using multiple regressions. The study found that most of the respondents do not intend to own businesses. The study further found that perceived entrepreneurship education and business development support services have a positive and significant influence on the odds of graduates becoming entrepreneurs. However, concept development support has a positive but insignificant influence on graduates’ entrepreneurial intentions. Thus, we draw a number of recommendations for the theory, future research, and practice of university entrepreneurship support services
Riwaya ya Rosa Mistika: Kurunzi ya Malezi ya Vijalunga
Lengo la makala hii ni kujadili namna riwaya ya Kiswahili inavyosawiri suala la malezi katika familia, hususani malezi ya vijalunga. Makala inaangazia zila za changamoto za vijalunga pamoja na changamoto zenyewe; hatimaye, inapendekeza mikakati ya kuzidhibiti zila hizo. Utafiti na mjadala vimefanywa kwa kutumia Nadharia ya Uhalisia. Data zilikusanywa kwa kutumia njia za uchambuzi wa matini. Matokeo yanaonesha kuwa, kwa jumla, kiini cha matatizo ya vijalunga ni upogo wa malezi wanayoyapata katika familia au asasi za kielimu. Hali hii inasababisha vijalunga kunasa katika zila zinazowazunguka katika maisha yao. Matokeo hayo yamebainisha zila zifuatazo: mabadiliko ya mahitaji ya vijalunga, wazazi au walezi kukosa elimu ya kuishi na vijalunga, pamoja na kupwaya kwa mikakati ya umma kuhusu maisha ya vijalunga. Makala imebainisha kuwa zila hizo zinazaa changamoto zifuatazo: kukosa haki ya malezi, vijalunga kupata ujauzito wakiwa masomoni, kuambukizwa magonjwa, na kutengwa. Kutokana na zila na changamoto zilizobainishwa, mambo yafuatayo yanapendekezwa ili kujenga ustawi wa vijalunga. Mosi, wazazi na walezi wapatiwe elimu ya kuishi na vijalunga. Pili, utoaji wa elimu kuhusu mabadiliko ya mahitaji ya vijalunga uimarishwe. Tatu, mikakati ya umma kuhusu maisha ya vijalunga iimarishwe. Hatimaye, kupitia hoja hizo, tumedhihirisha kuwa riwaya ya Rosa Mistika inafaa kuwa kurunzi ya malezi ya vijalunga ikiwa itasomwa au kufundishwa kwa umakini
Determinants of Food Inflation in Tanzania: Comparative Analysis Before, During and After Covid-19 Shock
This study examines determinants of food inflation before, during and after COVID-19 in Tanzania. The study used monthly time series data covering both pre-COVID and post-covid periods. The Chow test was employed to analyze whether the prevalence of the pandemic has influenced food prices. The results reveal that the price of fuel and global food prices account for food inflation in Tanzania. The effects, however, are bigger during and after the pandemic than before the crisis because of COVID-19-induced movement restrictions and lockdowns, which have battered the food supply chain. The study further finds that before the pandemic increase in extended broad money supply and government expenditure in the form of wages and salaries have no significant contribution to food inflation. However, after the pandemic, these accommodative expansionary fiscal and monetary policy measures to restore the economy to equilibrium resulted in inflationary pressure in the country. Moreover, the results show that the national food reserve has no significant effect on food prices, neither before nor after the pandemic. This outcome is partly attributable to the shortage of food caused by drought. Thus, to control food inflation, the government has to increase measures towards reducing fuel prices. These include reducing fuel import duties along with revising the whole fuel importation system. Also, the government needs to inspire its citizens to increase food production through increasing subsidies on agricultural inputs to cut down production costs. This is important to take advantage of high food prices in the international markets while maintaining adequate national food reserves. In addition, both fiscal and monetary authorities need to control public expenditures and money supply in the economy. While the government needs to reduce avoidable and unnecessary government expenditures the BOT has to ensure the growth rate of the money supply does not exceed the expansion of the economy