4473 research outputs found
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Investigating the Utilization of E-Resources in Accessing Information: A Case Study of Members of UONGOZI Institute Resource Centre and Centre for Foreign Relations.
No full textThis study investigated the utilization of e-resources for accessing information among members of UONGOZI Institute and CFR libraries. The study was guided by four specific objectives, namely to determine types of e-resources available at UONGOZI Institute and Centre for Foreign Relation libraries; to identify the levels of awareness of e-resources among members of both libraries; to explore the level of
usage of e-resources for accessing information at the selected institutions; and to examine challenges affecting utilization of e-resources and recommended possible solutions. Exploratory design was used in the process of knowledge generation
through subjective reality testing. Primary data were used in facilitating knowledge generation from the participants as beneficiaries and key informants. The sample was comprised of 138 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used in the process of knowledge generation and the facts collected using questionnaires were computed using SPSS software version 22 to generate statistics useful to present primary data. Data collected using interviews were analyzed by using content
analysis technique which were narratively presented to complement and support the results as quotations. Findings indicated that e-resources constituted several categories, namely e-books, e-journals and research papers and documents. The level of awareness on e-resources was indeed certain among many but the utilization or usage of the e-resources was found to be limited. The implication was that e resources utilization is limited. The study recommended that e-resources is essential but the usage and applicability among participants is influenced by the increasing level of societal transformation towards technology.
Keywords: e-resources, utilization of e-resources, information acces
Effect of External Debt on Economic Growth of Tanzania:(1990 - 2023).
No full textThis study examined the effect of external debt on economic growth of Tanzania using Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL - Model) for the time series data from 1990 to 2023 collected from the WB database, guided by the debt overhang theory
and Keynesian theory of aggregate demand. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was used as a dependent variable, while External Debt Stock (EDST), External Debt Service (EDSV) and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (FDI) were used as independent variables. The ARDL findings revealed that in the short run, both External Debt Stock (EDST) and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (FDI) positively but statistically insignificant affects Economic Growth (GDP). On the other hand, External Debt Service (EDSV) was found to negatively but statistically insignificant affects GDP. In addition, the bounds cointegration test found no long-term equilibrium relationships exist between external debt (ED) and economic growth of Tanzania (GDP). The study concludes that the effect of external debt (ED) on economic growth (GDP) of Tanzania is not harmful, despite the lack clear and strong
evidence of its economic benefits. However, from the negative and statistically insignificant of the first lag of external debt stock (EDST) with p-value 0.105 at 95% confidence interval, the study recommends that the government of Tanzania, through its policymakers should pay close attention to the issue of excessive external debt accumulation by limiting external borrowing to avoid the economy falling into debt overhang problem.
Keywords: Economic Growth, External Debt Stock, External Debt Service, Foreign Direct Investment inflow
Effect of Human Resource Management Practices on Performance of Savings and Credit Co Operative Societies in Tanzania: Moderation of Institutional Factors.
No full textThis study was conducted in the Dar es Salaam region in Tanzania to determine the effect of human resource management practices on the performance of SACCOS. The specific objectives were to assess the effect of training, recruitment and incentives on the performance of SACCOS. Moreover, the study assessed the moderating role of Institutional factors of rules, norms and culture in explaining the relationship between human resource management practices and the performance of SACCOS. The study was guided by Herzberg‘s two-factor theory and institutional theory. The study adopted a positivist philosophy, a deductive research approach and
an explanatory research design. Structured questionnaires and survey strategies were employed to collect data. The study used simple random sampling to select the SACCOS from the Dar es Salaam region for the survey. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire from five districts of Dar es Salaam region. A sample size of 143 SACCOS was collected from a population of 517 SACCOS. Data were analysed using descriptive, multiple regression and hierarchical regression
techniques models with the assistance of IBM SPSS version 26. The results suggested that human resources management practices of training, recruitment and incentives had a positive and significant effect on the performance of SACCOS. The findings further indicated that the moderation role of the rules and norms was insignificant. However, the findings suggest that the culture's moderating role was positive and significant. The study recommends that policymakers set policies that promote good norms and rules in Tanzanian SACCOS.
Keywords: Performance of SACCOS, Training, Recruitment, moderating Role of Incentives, Norms, Rules and Culture
Assessing the Role of Social Welfare Officers in Reduction of School Dropout Among Secondary School Students: A Case of Igunga District Council.
No full textThis study investigated the role of Social Welfare Officers (SWOs) in reducing school dropout among secondary school students in Igunga District Council. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to assess the strategies used by SWOs in reducing dropout, to examine their level of engagement, and to identify barriers hindering their efforts. Guided by Structural Functionalism Theory and grounded in a pragmatism philosophy, the study employed a descriptive research approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that SWOs are not fully implementing strategies aimed at reducing dropout rates among secondary school students. Their limited engagement was attributed to several challenges, including inadequate funding, a shortage of SWOs particularly at the ward level harmful traditional practices, and weak enforcement of relevant laws. These barriers significantly constrain SWOs’ capacity to carry out their roles effectively. The study concluded that the limited application of dropout reduction strategies by SWOs is primarily due to institutional and social constraints. It recommended that the government establish a clear policy to deploy SWOs at both primary and secondary education levels to address student-related issues, including dropout. Furthermore, it emphasized the need for the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, to allocate sufficient resources to support SWOs and facilitate the effective implementation of intervention programs aimed at minimizing school dropout rates.
Keywords: Social Welfare Officers, School Dropout Secondary School, Students
Effectiveness of Foreign Aid on Health Outcomes in Malawi: The Case of Lilongwe Region.
No full textDespite Malawi receiving substantial amounts of foreign aid over the past decades, the country continues to face persistent challenges in achieving sustainable improvements in healthcare outcomes. Foreign aid remains a major source of funding for Malawi’s health sector, supporting programs such as HIV/AIDS management, maternal and child health, malaria control, infrastructure development, and training of healthcare workers. Yet, there is still widespread concern that health outcomes have not improved proportionately to the volume of aid received. The study used a mixed method of research and presented the results in tables and charts as well as themes and patterns to draw deep insights from the data collected. The study showed that the types of foreign aid that different facilities receive include training programs (mini-course training and full course training), medical supplies, and financial support, like funds for paying the employees, and building infrastructures from various countries, such as the United States of America, China, Japan, United Kingdom and organizations like UNICEF, WHO, WFP and UN. The study also found that foreign aid has positively impacted healthcare workers and the healthcare system in Malawi. The ability to provide quality health care services to the community and hard-to-reach areas has improved and it has also improved living standards for most healthcare workers. However, there are primary challenges that many providers encounter when administering aid include corruption and mismanagement. The study found that foreign aid has significantly improved the quality of healthcare services in Malawi, particularly in remote areas, and has also enhanced the living standards of healthcare workers.
Keywords: Foreign aid, Development, Health, Healthcare syste
Impact of Market Orientation on Sustainable Competitiveness of Special Group SMEs in Public Procurement: The Moderating Role of Strategic Flexibility.
No full textThis study investigated the impact of market orientation on the sustainable competitiveness of special group Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in public procurement, focusing on the moderating role of strategic flexibility. Grounded in the Market Orientation Theory and Dynamic Capability Theory, it explored how market- driven behaviors and adaptive capabilities enhance competitiveness within regulated procurement systems. An explanatory and quantitative research design was adopted, using a census sampling technique targeting all special group SMEs registered with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 503 firms, with 393 valid responses. Analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4 software. Findings showed that customer orientation and competitor orientation significantly enhance sustainable competitiveness, while functional coordination had no significant effect. Strategic flexibility significantly moderated the relationship between competitor orientation and sustainable competitiveness and strengthened the interaction between customer orientation and competitiveness. The study concludes that market orientation is a key driver of sustainable competitiveness among special group SMEs, depending on their ability to adapt strategies and resources through strategic flexibility. It recommends strengthening customer and competitor-oriented practices and enhancing capacity- building on flexibility, resource management, and inter-functional collaboration.
Keywords: Market Orientation, Strategic Flexibility, Sustainable Competitiveness, Special Group SMEs, Public Procuremen
Exploring the Influence of Cultural Practice on Adolescents’ Involvement in Petty Trading: A Case of Songea Municipality.
No full textThis study explored the cultural factors influencing children’s involvement in petty trading and its implications for educational access in Songea Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to identify the cultural practices surrounding children's participation in petty trading, examine the role of parental cultural beliefs in shaping this participation, and investigate the impact of cultural norms on children's access to education. The research adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with parents, community elders, market vendors, and local leaders. Guided by the Social Norms Theory, the findings revealed that children’s participation in petty trading is widely accepted and encouraged as a culturally meaningful practice. It is viewed not only as an economic necessity but also as a form of moral training and preparation for adult responsibilities. Parental beliefs, often shaped by intergenerational traditions and reinforced by community expectations, significantly influence decisions to involve children in petty trade. Furthermore, cultural norms were found to impact children's educational attendance and performance, with many parents prioritizing trading activities over formal schooling. Girls, in particular, were more likely to be withdrawn from school due to gendered cultural expectations. The study concludes that while petty trading is rooted in cultural values, it poses significant challenges to children’s educational development. The study recommends community-based awareness campaigns, gender-sensitive interventions, economic empowerment programs, and culturally grounded school engagement strategies to reconcile cultural practices with the rights and educational needs of children.
Keywords: Parental Beliefs, Petty Trading, Child Participation, Cultural Socializatio
The Impact of Stress Management Strategies on Teacher’s Work Performance in Public Primary Schools in Bukoba District Council, Kagera, Tanzania.
No full textThe study investigated the impact of stress management strategies on teacher’s work performance in public primary schools in Bukoba district council, Kagera, Tanzania. The study sought to: identify school-related factors causing stress to teachers, determine the effect of training and development on teacher's work performance, establish the influence of welfare programmes on teacher's wok performance in public primary schools and establish strategies used by the primary school teachers in stress management in public primary schools in Bukoba district council. With the Bandura’s Triadic Reciprocal Determinism theory, the study used a mixed-methods approach . The sample size was 90 normal teachers and 15 head teachers who were randomly and purposively selected . Questionnaires and interview were used to gather information. Quantitative data were descriptively and inferentially analysed while thematic analysis for qualitative data. The findings revealed that, overclouded classes, and promotion delays are some of the school-related factors that caused stress among teachers. Counselling, religious interventions and physical exercises are the strategies in managing stress. Training and development and welfare programmes influence teacher's work performance. This study concludes that, teachers’ stress largely stems from overcrowded classes, loan burdens, and promotion delays. Training, development, and welfare programmes enhance teachers’ work performance. The government should make sure that factors that cause stress among teachers should be minimised. Training and development and welfare programmes should be enhanced.
Keywords: Stress management strategies, teacher’s work performance, publi
Assessing Role of Soft Loans in Reducing Gender Based Violence among Entrepreneurial Women in Muleba District.
No full textThis study assessed the role of soft loans in reducing gender-based violence (GBV) among entrepreneurial women in Muleba District. Guided by Empowerment Theory and a pragmatic philosophical orientation, the study employed a mixed-methods approach involving 95 participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS version 27 and qualitative data thematically analyzed using NVivo. Findings revealed that economic violence was the most prevalent form of GBV (37.1%), followed by emotional or psychological abuse (28.6%), physical violence (21.4%), and sexual violence (12.9%). The majority of respondents (89.5%) believed that access to soft loans significantly contributed to reducing GBV. Specifically, 38.2% of women reported increased financial independence, 26.3% experienced reduced household financial stress, and 17.1% gained greater decision-making power at home and in business. Despite these benefits, women entrepreneurs faced several challenges in accessing and utilizing soft loans effectively. Competition from established businesses (43%), limited transport facilities (30%), and male dominance in market spaces (27%) were major barriers to business growth and sustainability. The study concludes that soft loans play a crucial role in empowering women and mitigating GBV through economic independence and improved self-efficacy. It recommends that the government and relevant stakeholders expand access to soft loan programs and integrate complementary initiatives such as financial literacy, business management training, legal education, and gender-sensitive policy reforms to enhance women’s socio-economic empowerment and protection.
Keywords: Women Entrepreneurs, Soft Loans, Gender-Based Violence, Women
Determinants of Information and Communication Technology Adoption in Revenue Collection: A Case of the Tanzania Revenue Authority, Mtwara.
No full textThis study investigates the determinants of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption in revenue collection, focusing on the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Mtwara. The main objective was to analyse factors influencing the uptake of ICT solutions, guided by three specific objectives: to assess the influence of performance expectancy, examine the role of effort expectancy, and determine the effect of social influence on adoption. A descriptive research design was applied, targeting TRA employees and taxpayers in Mtwara. A sample of 114 respondents was selected using purposive sampling, and data were gathered through structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence all have a significant positive relationship with ICT adoption for revenue collection. The study concludes that these factors are central to the successful implementation and utilization of ICT in tax administration. It recommends that TRA improve the functionality and user-friendliness of its ICT platforms to enhance both performance and effort expectancy. In addition, awareness campaigns should be promoted to leverage social influence and encourage greater uptake of digital tax systems. Strengthening these areas will foster efficiency, compliance, and sustainability in revenue collection, thereby advancing the effectiveness of ICT-driven public service delivery in Tanzania.
Keywords: ICT adoption, revenue collection, performance expectancy, Tanzania Revenue Authority