University of Dodoma Journals
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Navigating Change: Industrial Transformation and the Surge in High-Skilled Labour Demand - A Tanzanian Perspective
Full text linkDespite the ongoing economic transformation towards the non-agricultural sector in most developing countries, it remains unclear whether such dynamics are complemented by demand and absorption of skilled labour. Therefore, this paper utilizes the latest data from the 2020-2021 Tanzania Integrated Labor Force Survey (ILFS), which was conducted across all 26 administrative regions and 155 districts of the country, to examine the potential association between the transformation of the industrial structure and the absorption of a high-skilled labor force within the economy. Using a ridge regression model, the results indicate that economic transformation towards the non-agricultural sector and the employability of high-skilled labour are positively related. Moreover, even after applying a logistic regression model to test for robustness, the results remained consistent. While the data does not provide conclusive evidence for the underlying mechanisms behind these findings, we hypothesise that the quantity of education, rather than its quality, plays a pivotal role in this relationship. Furthermore, while this paper offers valuable insights into the relationship between the transformation of the industrial structure and skills absorption within the economy, the ILFS data does not allow us to pinpoint the specific areas within the non-agricultural sectors where these high-skilled workers are allocated. Conducting such an analysis would provide additional evidence for informed policy discussions
Examining the use of teaching and learning aids in the classrooms: An empirical analysis
Full text linkThe importance of using Teaching and Learning Aids (TLAs) is strongly emphasised in the secondary school curriculum documents of Tanzania. Despite this, many in-service teachers appear reluctant to incorporate them into their teaching practices. This research aims to explore the factors influencing this reluctance to use TLAs. The study also proposes strategies to encourage their effective utilisation. Conducted using a phenomenographic design, the research is based on 30 in-depth interviews with teachers purposefully selected from eight public secondary schools in the Njombe Urban district. Eventually, the collected data were subjected to the thematic analysis approach to unearth the key findings emerging from the study. In terms of the reasons for teachers' reluctance to use TLAs, the thematic analysis identified three main themes- long experience syndrome and lack of professional commitment, lack of government support, and lack of professional support. As for the suggestive strategies to reverse the situation, four major themes were identified namely teachers’ professional development, availability of resources, and effective follow–up strategy. The findings suggest that regular seminars should be organised by school leaders and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to increase teachers’ awareness of the importance of using TLAs in teaching. Furthermore, both internal and external quality assurers in charge of school supervision should ensure that all teachers use instructional resources as recommended by the Ministry
Advancing gender parity in educational leadership: Insights from selected secondary schools in Shinyanga Municipality
Full text linkThis study had two objectives: firstly, it examined the factors contributing to women's underrepresentation in senior leadership positions in selected secondary schools in Shinyanga Municipality. Secondly, it explores strategies to ensure gender parity in schools’ leadership positions. While previous studies have investigated factors contributing to women’s underrepresentation, there is still little information on strategies to ensure gender equality in schools’ leadership positions. To ensure equality in school leadership positions, it is significant to determine factors contributing to women’s underrepresentation and to identify strategies to promote gender equality. To attain the study objectives, data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A total of 137 respondents participated in filling in the questionnaires, while 6 participants were involved in the semi-structured interviews. The quantitative part of the data was analysed using a logistic regression model, while the qualitative data underwent analysis using thematic methods. The findings revealed several factors impeding women from accessing leadership positions. These were: lack of confidence, low educational qualification, work-life interface, lack of mentorship, inaccessibility to leadership opportunities, women’s disengagement in decision-making, societal expectations, inflexible work plans, unsupportive networks, and individual unwillingness. The findings also revealed several strategies to ensure gender equality in school leadership positions such as adequate implementation of policy advocating for fair appointment, training on leadership skills, formation of platforms and forums for women’s participation in educational leadership, and shaping societal views and expectations. This study recommends the formation of concrete policies that will guide the relevant educational authority in appointing teachers into managerial positions in secondary schools. The presence of such policies will help to minimise the gender gap in school management
The implementation of the fee-free secondary education policy in Ukerewe district, Tanzania: Teachers’ points of view on increased classroom workload
Full text linkThe implementation of the fee-free secondary education policy offers significant comprehension into teachers' points of view, particularly regarding workload challenges. Guided by Expectancy-Value Theory, this study explores teachers' points of view on the policy's implementation in the selected government secondary schools in Ukerewe District, Tanzania. A key focus is on whether the government sufficiently considered the increased teacher workload resulting from higher student enrolments. In this article, surveys, non-participant observations, and focus group discussions were utilised to collect first-hand information. This was complemented by documentary reviews for secondary data. Qualitative data were thematically analysed, while quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistics. A five-point Likert scale was also designed to assess three hypothetical statements regarding teachers' points of view on the implementation of the policy. In this study, 90.63% of the teachers considered that their workload had significantly increased due to the surge in student numbers following the policy's implementation. The study concludes that the implementation process was flawed, as the government did not recruit additional teachers to meet the growing demand. The study recommends the government to invest in more educational resources and recruit additional teachers to better accommodate the expanding student population
Public information dissemination and its impact on force account implementation in Kalambo district council, Tanzania
Full text linkThe study assessed the dissemination of public information and its impact on the implementation of force accounts in Kalambo District Council in Tanzania. A cross-sectional design was employed in collecting data at one point in time with a mixed approach which was used in an attempt to gain detailed information. A total of 145 participants which included ward development committees, construction committees and community members were involved whereby 46 key informants were selected purposely based on their positions while a simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 99 respondents from the community. The survey, interview, focus group discussion and documentary review method were used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study findings revealed that information is not easily accessible to the public and a few shared information are not clear due to confidentiality and technical language. The findings also indicate that the public is unaware of the progress force account due to ineffective dissemination of information which leads to untimely completion of works and misuse of resources. The study concludes that there is inadequate information in the implementation of force account projects, thus resulting in poor support, acceleration of low value for money and lack of accountability due to poor public scrutiny. The study recommends that government institutions should emphasise the use of authorised social and religious gathering in an attempt to raise awareness. Moreover, the selected committee must engage the public in decision-making in order to improve transparency in the implementation of projects.
Fundamentals for Power-sharing Institutionalisation in Divided Societies: A Systematic Review
Full text linkPower-sharing arrangements have become one of the most valuable alternatives in solving political and ethnic-related conflicts in recent decades. This is mainly due to the inclusion of contesting groups in political governance, thus helping society avoid violence caused by harsh power struggles. Despite the conflict management potential, many power-sharing arrangements in heterogeneous and deeply divided societies fail to mature and transform into permanent institution. This article applies a systematic review of the literature on political institutionalism to establish the fundamentals for power-sharing institutionalisation. Its analysis reveals that power-sharing institutionalisation relies on multiple factors, including but not limited to political will, effective institutions, socio-cultural support, and support from the international community. The article contributes to existing research on political institutionalism by proposing the parameters for examining power-sharing institutionalisation across societies.
The effect of credit risk management on the financial performance of commercial banks: evidence from Tanzania
Full text linkThe vital role played by commercial banks in economic development calls for the stable and sustainable financial performance of banks for smooth financial intermediation. However, unhealthy credit has caused the collapse of many financial institutions all over the world. Therefore, this study examines how credit risk management practices affect the financial performance of commercial banks in Tanzania. While employing multiple linear regression techniques, the study analysed balanced panel data from 225 observations gathered from audited published annual reports of 15 commercial banks in Tanzania from 2006 to 2020. Credit risk approval and credit risk monitoring were used as proxies for credit risk management. The findings reveal that credit risk approval has a positive effect on banks’ capital adequacy, efficient utilisation of equity, asset quality, and liquidity. However, credit monitoring negatively affects the financial performance of banks through their earning ability, asset quality, and liquidity. The study recommends that incorporating credit risk management practices as a core aspect of bank operations is crucial, as it has a beneficial impact on financial performance. Nevertheless, it is advised to exercise caution and achieve a harmonious balance in the integration and concentration of all examined variables since credit approval could not exhibit a positive effect on banks’ earning ability. This has also been established on credit monitoring towards capital adequacy and efficient use of equity
Arms Proliferation and Violent Conflicts in Nigeria: A Study of Ogun State
Full text linkArms proliferation is a security concern for many countries and has recently been severely experienced in Nigeria. This study, through a descriptive research design, examined arms smuggling and arms proliferation and its attendant effects on violent conflict in Ogun State. The study adopted the Failed State theory as its theoretical framework and the questionnaire as a primary instrument of data collection. Using a simple random sampling technique, 400 respondents were sampled out of a target population of 23,258. Descriptive and ANOVA analysis were applied and the hypotheses, tested. The study found that arms are proliferated into Ogun State through Idiroko border via different routes and means. The study also established that arms proliferation has significant effects on violent conflicts in Ogun State. It concludes that if arms proliferation continues unrestricted, Ogun State would become a hub for militarised civil life and weaken state control. The study therefore recommends policy interventions that target arms smuggling and disarmament to curb arms proliferation. It also underscores the need for the government to address underlying drivers of violence and strengthen state institutions
Education as the revolving door into the streets and back home among street-involved children in Harare, Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis article explores the roles of education in driving children onto the streets and facilitating reunification with family. These roles are discussed in terms of how they contribute to street childhood and how they become part of a reintegration package. Against this background, education is considered a social vaccine against risky behaviours among children. The data were collected using a qualitative research approach, employing semi-structured interviews with street-involved children and key informants. The study purposively sampled 18 participants, including 10 street-involved children, eight informants from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Non-Governmental Organisation staff, guardians and former street-involved children. Of the 10 street-involved children, five were females and the other five were males. Data analysis revealed that these children faced education-related risk factors such as material poverty, differential treatment, adverse childhood experiences, truancy, stigma, and peer influence. The children employed resilience pathways like reunification support and putting personal effort into their schooling. The article recommends the government ensure that children from poor, blended and at-risk families receive mental health and financial support to continue attending school. Street-involved and at-risk children require comprehensive schooling support, family strengthening and protection from abuse to ensure their well-being and safety
Corporate Governance and the Value Relevance of Financial Information in Tanzanian Savings and Credit Cooperatives: A Panel-Data Approach
Full text linkThe study examined the influence of corporate governance on the relevance of financial information towards the value of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) in Tanzania. Thus far, evidence on how corporate governance influences the relevance of financial information in cooperative societies is limited globally, notably in emerging economies. Therefore, this research contributes to the body of knowledge by extending the application of agency theory to determine this relationship among variables. The study specifically employed a quantitative panel data set of 202 SACCOs from 2013 to 2020 that was gathered from yearly financial reports and processed through descriptive analysis and regression models. Descriptive statistics demonstrate that the SACCOs' value in Tanzania is increasing. Empirical results show a significant positive relationship between earnings financial information and the value of SACCOS; the book value of equity financial information insignificantly influences the value of SACCOS. The findings deliver empirical and theoretical backing for the notion that board size, skills and supervisory committee skills have a significant impact on the relevance of financial information towards the value of the firm. However, the examination showed no proof that the number of meetings affected the relevance of financial information. This implies that Policymakers should make reforms that will enable SACCOs to improve the quality of financial information and widen the publication of financial reports through effective corporate governance, including the emphasis on online publications