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    4473 research outputs found

    The Contribution of Non Governmental Organizations in Responding to Cholera Epidemics in Zanzibar: Experience from Micheweni District, Pemba.

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    The 2015–2016 cholera epidemic in Micheweni District, Pemba led to an essential partnership between NGOs and the government, which has subsequently enabled the prevention of massive outbreaks in Zanzibar. In this study, the social and economic functions of NGOs and the difficulties encountered during the response were studied. Guiding collaborative governance theory, the study used a descriptive study design using the mixed-methods approach. Data were collected using questionnaires from 121 NGO recipients and 13 key informants through interview. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v25 for descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented as quotations. The findings showed that healthcare was the most common social support (98.3%), and economic education headed on economic support (90.1%). Support varied by type by the degree of support. The NGOs also faced several challenges such as constraints in resources, coordination, communication, cultural norms, and logistic limitations. The study summarizes that although the NGOs were at the center of action in response to the outbreak, their support was below community needs. It recommends increased resource allocation, efficient coordination, culturally sensitive communication, and improved logistics. Keywords: Cholera outbreak, Social Support, Economic Support, Micheweni Pemba

    Factors Influencing Performance of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Public Institutions: A Case of Dodoma City Council.

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    This study aimed to examine factors influencing the performance of monitoring and evaluation systems in public institutions with a special focus on Dodoma City Council. Specifically, the study examined the influence of data, M&E information utilization and stakeholders’ participation on the performance of the M&E systems. Grounded on the theory of change, the study followed a positivist philosophy with a quantitative approach and a descriptive research design. The target population was 316 Dodoma City Council employees, selected through simple random sampling. Data collection involved questionnaires and documentary reviews. Data analysis used SPSS for descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study found that accurate data significantly improves the effectiveness of M&E systems and complete data enhances M&E performance. Findings indicated that M&E information significantly supports decision-making, and improve program performance. The study also revealed that stakeholder involvement greatly enhances the relevance of M&E systems; regular consultations significantly improve M&E effectiveness hence stakeholders actively engage in M&E planning. The study found strong positive correlations between M&E systems performance and data quality (0.745) and information utilization (0.716). Stakeholder participation had a moderate correlation (0.476). The study recommends that Dodoma City Council improve data quality through staff training, validation protocols, and reliable data sources. It also suggests enhancing M&E information utilization by systematically sharing findings and engaging stakeholders in planning and evaluation. Future research should explore how emerging technologies, like mobile data collection and cloud-based platforms, can further enhance data quality and M&E utilization. Keywords: Performance of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems, Public Institutions, Data Quality, Evaluation Information Utilization, Stakeholders’ Participatio

    Contribution of Audit Committee Characteristics to Corporate Governance Practices of Regulatory Authorities in Tanzania: Mediating Effect of Audit Committee Effectiveness.

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    This study aimed to examine the contribution of audit committee characteristics to the corporate governance practices of regulatory authorities in Tanzania, using audit committee effectiveness as a mediating variable. The study was conducted in 18 regulatory authorities of Tanzania Mainland, at their head offices in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Dodoma. The survey strategy was used to collect data from a sample of 300 participants, using a structured questionnaire, where 241 participants responded, equivalent to 80.3%. The IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 was used for descriptive data analysis, data screening, and reliability tests, while the Jamovi Software version 2.3.28 was used for structural equation modelling analysis, including testing the 12 hypotheses of the study. The findings showed that, except for the audit committee size, the other constructs of the audit committee characteristics; advisory role, financial expertise, independence, and frequency of meetings significantly and positively influence audit committee effectiveness, which consequently mediates 60.3% of the total impact of audit committee characteristics on the corporate governance practices, confirming its partial mediation and pivotal role. Specifically, the advisory role construct from the resource dependency theory was found to be statistically significant, and positively influences audit committee effectiveness, thus confirming its theoretical contribution to the agency theory. The study recommends strengthening the board appointment process, enhancing financial expertise, optimizing audit committee size, enhancing auditing functions, improving financial reporting and accountability, and strengthening corporate governance practices of regulatory authorities in Tanzania. Keywords: Audit Committee, Agency Theory, Corporate Governance, Regulatory Authority, Resource Dependency Theor

    The Factors Influencing Customer’s Adoption of Mobile Banking Service in Tanzania: A Case of Mobile Customers Chamwino District.

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    This research examined the factors influencing customer acceptance of mobile banking services in Tanzania, focusing specifically on mobile users in Chamwino District. The study was structured around three key objectives: to investigate the effect of perceived ease of use on customer adoption of mobile banking services in Tanzania, to evaluate the influence of perceived trust on the adoption of mobile financial services, and to analyze the impact of social factors on customer adoption of mobile banking services in the country. The research utilized the Technology Acceptance Model, or TAM, to enhance comprehension of consumer acceptance of mobile banking services. A positivist theoretical framework was employed, combining a deductive methodology and an explanatory study design, incorporating a random sample strategy. The research included a sample of 150 participants selected from a target group comprising 240 individuals. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that perceived ease of use, perceived trust, and social influence positively impact customers' adoption of mobile banking applications in Tanzania. An increase in these factors corresponds to a rise in mobile banking adoption. It is recommended that banks establish IT departments to enhance management by facilitating the monitoring of trends in the adoption and usage of mobile banking services. Keywords: Mobile banking, perceived ease of use, perceived trust, social influenc

    Readiness of Special Education Teachers to Implement Inclusive Education: A Case Study of Selected Public Primary Schools in Arusha City Council.

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    This study examined the readiness of teachers trained in special education to implement inclusive education in selected public primary schools in Arusha City Council, Tanzania. Guided by Readiness Theory, which emphasizes that successful change requires both individual commitment and systemic support, the study explored three specific objectives: (i) to identify determinants influencing teachers’ implementation of special education training in inclusive classrooms; (ii) to examine factors facilitating or hindering successful inclusion of children with special needs; and (iii) to investigate the contribution of parents of pupils with disabilities to inclusive practices. A descriptive case study design employing a mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving 50 participants including teachers, parents, education officers, and quality assurance officers. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and classroom observations. Findings revealed that while teachers demonstrated attitudinal readiness and foundational knowledge for inclusive education, their functional readiness was constrained by inadequate in-service training, limited teaching resources, and weak systemic support. Parental involvement was found to be significant in enhancing inclusive practices, though hindered by stigma and socio-economic barriers. The study concludes that achieving inclusive education requires strengthening teacher professional development, improving resource allocation, and fostering school–parent collaboration. By applying Readiness Theory, the study highlights the multidimensional nature of readiness, showing that inclusive education can only succeed when individual teacher motivation is matched with supportive organisational structures

    Challenges Encountered by Retirees in Accessing their Retirement Benefits. A case of Zanzibar Social Security Fund.

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    This study examined the challenges encountered by retired employees in accessing their retirement benefits, a case of Zanzibar Social Security Fund. Specifically, the study examined the effects of lack of proper documentation on accessibility of retirement benefits for retirees in Zanzibar, determined the effects of bureaucratic inefficiencies on accessibility of retirement benefits for retirees in Zanzibar and examined the effects of delays in disbursement on accessibility of retirement benefits for retirees in Zanzibar. A sample of 154 retirees was used. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire and interview. Data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative analysis. In quantitative analysis descriptive statistics using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation was used. Inferential statics was used using correlation and regression analysis where hypotheses were tested. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data whereby themes were used for each specific objective. Findings indicated that lack of proper documentation significantly and positively affect accessibility of retiree benefits, bureaucratic in-efficiency significantly and positively affect accessibility of retiree benefits, and delays in disbursement of retiree benefits significantly and positively affect accessibility of retiree benefits.It was concluded that lack of proper documentation, bureaucratic in-efficiency and delays in disbursement of retiree benefits significantly and positively affect accessibility of retiree benefits.It was recommended that ZSSF should ensure that there is proper documentation,efficient bureaucratic procedures and timely payment of retiree benefits. Key words: Retired Employees, Retirement Benefits, Bureaucrac

    Exploring The Socioeconomic Contributions of Refugees To Agricultural And Fishing Sectors, The Case of Kigoma, Tanzania.

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    This study explores the socioeconomic contributions of refugees to the agricultural and fishing sectors in Kigoma, Tanzania. While refugee influxes are often perceived as burdens on host communities, emerging evidence suggests that displaced populations also stimulate local economic development. Guided by the Strengths-Based Approach (SBA), this dissertation employed a qualitative case study design to examine how refugees enhance agricultural productivity, support the fishing industry, and integrate economically within host communities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary reviews involving refugees, host community members, and social workers. Thematic analysis revealed that refugees have introduced innovative farming practices, promoted crop diversification, and strengthened food security. In the fishing sector, they have improved preservation methods, widened market networks, and contributed to sustainable fishing techniques. Social work interventions were found to be central in providing training, legal support, and conflict resolution, thereby fostering constructive refugee host relations. Despite these contributions, challenges such as restrictive policies, limited access to land and permits, and competition for resources continue to constrain refugee participation. The study concludes that refugees should be recognized as active economic contributors and recommends policy reforms and strengthened social work support to enhance sustainable refugee–host collaboration. Keywords: Refugees, socioeconomic contributions, agriculture, fishing, Kigoma, social work interventions, Tanzania

    Determinants of Personal Income Tax Payment Compliance for Small Business Owners in Mbeya City, Tanzania.

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    This study examined the factors influencing the compliance of small business owners with income tax in Mbeya city. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the influence of the level of tax payment education, to ascertain the influence of the income level of taxpayers, to examine the influence of tax aversion attitude, and to analyze the influence of tax rate on income tax payment compliance among small business taxpayers in Mbeya city. The study employed the stratified and simple random sampling technique to select 375 small business owners for the survey. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula, and the data were collected using structured questionnaires. The data were cleaned before being entered into SPSS version 27 for analysis. The data analysis was conducted using descriptive and Ordinary Least squares methods. The findings from the regression analysis indicated that tax education and the income level of small business owners positively and significantly promoted income tax payment compliance. However, the findings indicated that tax aversion attitudes and tax rates negatively and significantly influenced tax payment compliance. The study concludes that tax education, taxpayers' income levels, tax aversion attitudes, and tax rates are important determinants of tax compliance. The study recommends the TRA to provide comprehensive tax education to promote awareness of tax compliance. Moreover, policymakers should promote favorable tax rates to sustain tax compliance attitudes. Keywords: Determinants of Personal Income Tax, Tax Payment Compliance, Small Business Owners, Mbeya City, Tanzani

    An Investigation of the Impacts of Ward Education Officers in the Management of Public Secondary Schools in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania.

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    This study explored the role and impact of Ward Education Officers (WEOs) in managing public secondary schools in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, with three specific objectives: identifying WEOs' duties, assessing their impact on school management, and exploring challenges they face. Grounded in Transformational Leadership and Shared Decision-Making Theories, the study adopted a mixed methods approach and a convergent design. Data collection involved 57 teachers (using structured questionnaires with a Likert scale), 5 school heads, 6 WEOs, and 1 District Secondary Education Officer (DSEO) (through semi-structured interviews). Validity was ensured through expert-reviewed tools, triangulation, and probability sampling, while reliability was maintained via pre-testing and consistent procedures. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that WEOs oversee key school operations such as implementing policies, monitoring academic activities, and facilitating communication between schools and education authorities. However, WEOs often prioritize managing primary schools, providing minimal supervision to secondary schools, which limits their impact. Key challenges included insufficient resources, overwhelming workloads, and limited authority. The study concludes that while WEOs play a significant role in public secondary school management, addressing challenges such as resource constraints, improved training, and better working conditions could enhance their effectiveness and broaden their contributions to the management of secondary schools. Keywords: Investigation, Ward Education Officers, Public Secondary Schools Management, Chamwino District

    An Assessment of the use of Library Resources by Academic Staff and Students: A Case Study of the Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto, Tanzania.

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    This study assessed the availability and utilization of library resources by academic staff and students at the Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) Library in Lushoto, Tanzania. The specific objectives were to: (i) identify the types of library resources and services available to academic staff and students; (ii) examine the methods used to promote awareness of these resources; (iii) assess the challenges faced in providing and utilizing library resources; and (iv) propose possible solutions to enhance access and usage. The study population included academic staff, students, and librarians. A descriptive research design was employed, involving 90 respondents comprising 55 academic staff, 25 students, and 10 library staff. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire featuring both closed- and open-ended questions, along with an interview guide. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Key findings indicated that the IJA Library provides a hybrid collection of both print and limited electronic resources, which are essential for legal research and training. However, awareness of available resources is primarily promoted through traditional methods, with minimal use of ICT. Access to resources is confined mainly to in-library use, with no provision for remote access. Overall user satisfaction is low, attributed to insufficient resources and the absence of automated library services. The main challenges identified include limited reading materials, inadequate internet connectivity, low user awareness, and inadequate library infrastructure. Based on these findings, the study recommends the adoption of ICT tools, enhanced awareness campaigns, staff and students training programmes, improved infrastructure, and the automation of library services. Keywords: Library resources, Academic staff, Students, Institute of Judicial Administration, Lushoto, Tanzani

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