4473 research outputs found
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Factors Contributing to High Dropout of Distance Learners at The Institute of Adult Education in Rukwa Region.
Get PDFThis study addressed the main research question, which was, the factors contributing to dropout rates among students participating in open and distance learning at the Sumbawanga Institute of Adult Education? The sample size employed was 142 respondents, with 134 selected using convenience and purposive sampling. Data collection methods included questionnaires for quantitative data and interviews for qualitative data analyzed by SPSS and thematic analysis respectively. The findings from objective one showed that economic challenges and other responsibilities are a primary reason for dropping out, it is recommended that Government should now consider giving these learners loans so as deal with economic challenges. The objective two indicated that some learners dropped because of the long distance to the study Centre and poor internet connection in some areas, here it is recommended that the Institute of Adult Education should establish more learning centres near learners working areas. And the Third objective revealed that some learners dropped because they lacked information about Learning through Open and Distance Learning often occurring soon after registration or the initial face-to-face instruction period, here it is recommended that there is a need to provide comprehensive orientation programs focused on financial management to help learners meet their financial obligations and successfully complete their studies. Since the study was done for IAE there is need to conduct other studies to explore dropout trends in other ODL institutions for comparative analysis.
Keyword: Open and Distance Learning, Dropout, Poverty, Sumbawanga Institute of Adult Educatio
Effect of Employee Training on Successful Implementation of Strategic Plan in Public Sectors: A Case of Selected Organizations under the Ministry of Health in Tanzania.
Get PDFThis study, through Balanced Scorecard, supplemented by Goal Setting Theory aimed to examine the effect of employee training on successful implementation of strategic plan at selected public organizations in Tanzania with the objectives to determine the effect of skill development, employee adaptability, employee morale and employee awareness of organizational goals on successful implementation of strategic plan. The study was positivist research with a quantitative approach applying explanatory research design under a survey strategy. Population of the study was 541 staff of Medical Stores Department, National Health Insurance Fund, Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority, National Institute for Medical Research and National Public Health Laboratory where a sample of 230 staff was selected through systematic random sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and analysed with multiple regression analysis. The study has found that skill development, employee morale and employee awareness of organizational goals were positive and statistically significant except employee adaptability which had a non-significant p-value. The findings therefore provide strong evidence that well designed employee training programs positively and significantly influence skill development, employee morale, and employee awareness of organizational goals, consequently enabling successful implementation of strategic plan in public sector. The study therefore recommends public sector organizations to strengthen provision of employee training to develop skills, increase morale and strengthen awareness of organizational goals to ensure successful implementation of their strategic plans.
Keywords: Employee training, Capabilities, Strategic plan, public sector, Successful implementation of strategic plan
Interoperability Framework for Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems for Tanzania Government Hospital in the Iringa Region.
Get PDFInteroperability in healthcare is a requirement for effective communication between healthcare facilities to ensure timely access to up-to-date patient information and medical knowledge to facilitate consistent patient care. The lack of interoperability between health information systems reduces the quality of care provided to patients and wastes resources. Many of the government health facilities have adopted different health information systems, like GoT-HoMIS, Afya Care, EHMS, and others, which have been deployed locally where each of them stores its own patient medical records and still has not centralised them. Therefore, the patient medical records between these health facilities cannot be exchanged and used among themselves. Interoperability will allow different information systems and organisations to work together. The study will address various challenges facing the interoperability of different electronic health record (EHR) systems hosted locally in Tanzanian government hospitals. Looking at various government interoperability initiatives and frameworks developed that can assist in solving interoperability issues for health information systems and finally developing an appropriate interoperability framework for the government electronic health record (EHR) systems for the Tanzanian government hospitals. The results of the study reveals that the major barriers of EHRS interoperability are organization and ICT infrastructure. Therefore the study come up with an appropriate EHRS interoperability framework for the Government hospitals that can be used to design and implement interoperability of heterogeneous Electronic Health Records (HER) Systems.
Keywords: Interoperability; EHRs; EHRs interoperability framework; GoT-HoMIS; AFYA CAR
Determinants of Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises in Lindi Region Tanzania.
Get PDFRecognizing that tax compliance is crucial for government revenue generation, yet challenging for SMEs, the study examined the influence of patriotism, tax rates, and tax penalties on compliance behavior. This study investigated the determinants of tax compliance among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Lindi Region, Tanzania, guided by tax compliance theory. A quantitative research approach was employed, with data collected via questionnaires administered to 134 SME owners and managers, achieving a 74% response rate from an initial sample of 181 participants. Regression analysis revealed that patriotism significantly promotes compliance, whereas high tax rates discourage it. Furthermore, effective enforcement of tax penalties was found to enhance compliance. These findings align with tax compliance theory, which highlights both ethical motivations and deterrent measures as key drivers of taxpayer behavior. The study underscores the importance of fostering patriotic values, setting fair tax rates, and enforcing penalties effectively to encourage tax compliance among SMEs in the Lindi Region, offering practical recommendations for tax authorities and policymakers. The study also acknowledges limitations such as reliance on self-reported data, with a geographically limited sample, and the exclusion of variables like financial literacy. Future research is encouraged to broaden geographic coverage, incorporate additional factors, and apply longitudinal or qualitative approaches to deepen understanding of SME tax compliance behavior.
Keywords: Tax compliance, Small and Medium Enterprises, Tax Rates, Tax Penalties
Assessing the Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Strengthening Accessibility of Health Services among Vulnerable Children in Karagwe District.
Get PDFThis study focuses on assessing the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in strengthening the accessibility of health services among vulnerable children in the Karagwe District in the Kagera region. The study was guided by three specific objectives, which were to examine the contribution of the NGOs in strengthening the accessibility of health services to vulnerable children, to assess the contribution of social workers in enhancing the accessibility of health services to vulnerable children, and to explore the challenges associated with access to health services among vulnerable children. The study adopted a positivist research approach, collecting only quantitative data. The study was conducted with 50 sample sizes, and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze data and presented in frequencies, percentages, charts, tables, and graphs. The
findings of this study show that the NGOs had played a very significant role in enhancing the accessibility of health services among vulnerable children. Moreover, the findings indicate that the NGOs have made efforts to provide diverse resources to meet the needs of vulnerable children, specifically in the health sector. These findings suggest
that interventions to improve healthcare access may need to address a broader range of challenges, including structural and policy reforms by the government and development
partners, to ensure more comprehensive access to health services for vulnerable children. Finally, the study recommends effective partnerships between the community,
government, and NGOs for the sustainability of attained result
Effectiveness of Training and Development on Employees’ Performance at Fire & Rescue Force Department, Tanzania.
Get PDFThis study investigated the effectiveness of training and development on employee performance within the Fire & Rescue Force Department in Tanzania, specifically in Dar es Salaam. The study focused on three key objectives which were to assess impact of on- the- job training, coaching, and job rotation to the performance of the employees. Consequently, informed by Human Capital Theory, with recognition of a
positivism research philosophy, the study focused on a quantitative approach, and explanatory research philosophy. Sources of data included a structured questionnaire
from a sample of 271 respondents. Descriptive statistics correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the collected data. According to the
research, results showed that on-job training, coaching and training on the job rotation all impacted in the performance of the employees in a sensitive and positive manner. On the job training led to increase in skill development and task accomplishment, coaching enhanced performance as well encouraged by job rotation its exposed employees to other departments and made them more proficient in problem solving. The study concludes that well-structured training and development programmes are essential for enhancing the performance of the employees in the Fire & Rescue Force. The study suggests to continue providing and intensively
developing the training and coaching activities, frequently offering opportunities for mentorship, and systematically establish a job rotation program to developed employees‟ skills and their performance.
Keywords: On-the-Job Training, Coaching, Job rotation and Job Performance
Assessment of Community Knowledge on Socio-Economic Relevance of Alternatives to Imprisonment: A Case Study of Mbozi District in Tanzania.
Get PDFThis study entitled “Assessment of Community Knowledge on Socio-Economic Relevance of Alternatives to Imprisonment: A Case of Mbozi District in Tanzania” is guided by three specific objectives, which seek to explore the knowledge of
community service as an alternative to imprisonment among the community members, to inquire on the challenges encountered by responsible authorities in implementing
community service sentence, and to identify the sociol-economic impacts of community service sentencing in the study area. The study used social Learning theory. Further, the pragmatic philosophy, which embraces the utilization of
descriptive design and mixed approach, was employed in this study, which used 400 sample size. The SPSS was used to analyse quantitative data, while quotas and tables
were used to analyse qualitative data. The findings show that 38% of males, as compared to 62%, participated in the study, and 44% of males had knowledge of alternative imprisonment compared to 55% of females. Further, the community members recognize the benefit of community service, and 31%, against 69%, recognize the challenges that community services face. The study concludes by noting
the number of challenges and socio-economic benefits to the community, which demands the government to invest more in creating awareness among the community members on the benefits offered by the alternative to imprisonment.
Keywords: Community Knowledge, Socio-Economic Relevance, Alternatives to Imprisonment, Mbozi District
Educational Support Systems for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders within Inclusive Settings in The Selected Regions in Tanzania.
Get PDFInclusive education for all kinds of learners is now becoming a norm in many countries. However, evidence indicates a gap in the policy and implementation of quality inclusive education for learners with autism spectrum disorders. The lack of clear national policies, coupled with the complexity of the condition, has thwarted the good intentions of many countries, such as Tanzania, in the implementation of inclusive education. The key question among stakeholders has been how to go about including these learners in elementary schools while at the same time ensuring access, participation and achievement in education. To respond to that question, this study assessed the educational support systems for learners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) within inclusive elementary schools in the selected regions in Tanzania. The study employed the interpretivist research paradigm, qualitative approach and multiple case-study design. Interviews, focus group discussions, nonparticipant observations and documentary review methods were used to collect data from 41 respondents from 7 schools in 5 regions of Tanzania. Data were analysed thematically, aided by Nvivo 12 software. The findings revealed a lack of clear statements about inclusive education in the 2014 Education and Training Policy. There is a lack of Educational Support Resources and Assessment Centres (ESRAC) in the regions. The study concludes that Tanzania has a long way to go to ensure access, participation and achievement in education for learners with autism. The study recommends differentiated curriculum and assessments, particularly in the national examinations provided by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA).
Keywords: Inclusive Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Educational Support
Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Mental Health Among Married Women in Nyamagana Municipality Council, Mwanza.
Get PDFThis study investigates the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the mental health of married women in Nyamagana Municipality, Mwanza, Tanzania. Using a qualitative research design, specifically using a phenomenological design. Data was collected from 18
women through semi-structured interviews, capturing their lived experiences and the impact of IPV on their psychological well-being. The study reveals that emotional violence is the most prevalent form of IPV, followed by physical, economic, and sexual violence. These acts of violence contribute to a wide range of mental health issues, including stress, depression, sleeping difficulties, social withdrawal, anger, and suicidal thoughts. The majority of participants also demonstrated limited awareness of available mental health services in their community, indicating a significant gap in support mechanisms for IPV
survivors. The research situates these findings within the framework of social ecological and radical feminism theory, showing how cultural norms and patriarchal structures
perpetuate IPV and hinder women’s mental health and access to support. This study concludes that addressing IPV requires a multifaceted approach, including increased
awareness of mental health services, societal reform to challenge harmful norms, and stronger support networks for affected women. Recommendations include expanding
mental health resources and advocating for policy interventions that empower women and protect them from violence
Student Teachers' Involvement in Internal Quality Assurance Processes: A Model Development for Teacher Colleges in Tanzania.
Get PDFTeacher colleges are established to prepare professionals for teaching and ensure the quality of education in schools. However, the lack of a robust model for active engagement of student teachers in internal quality assurance processes affects not only the quality of teacher education in their entire college but also the ability of student teachers to perform quality assurance roles and functions in schools when employed. This study, therefore, developed a model to bridge such a practical gap. Specifically, the study assessed the need for a model of student teachers’
involvement in internal quality assurance processes; designed and developed a model; determined enablers for a model; and evaluated the model's effectiveness on
the quality of teacher education. The study adopted a pragmatism paradigm, sequential explanatory mixed design. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focused group discussions from 573 respondents sampled
purposively from 12 teacher colleges. The descriptive, inferential, and content analysis techniques were used for data analysis and presentation. Based on the paradigm shift and students’ involvement theories, the study found a dire need to develop a model of student teachers’ involvement in internal quality assurance processes. The developed model, termed ‘UCHUKI’, was effective as it predicted a
positive and significant influence on the quality of teacher education. However, the model requires policy, institutional, technical, and structural support to enhance its acceptability, adaptability, usability, and effectiveness. From this observation, it can be concluded that the UCHUKI model developed proved to be an effective tool that enables student teachers to provide constructive feedback for quality improvement in teacher colleges. Therefore, the study suggests that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology should adopt the model, customize it, and capacitate teacher colleges to use it for quality improvement. Further study may scale up the model for use in higher learning institutions offering teacher education programmes in Tanzania.
Keywords: Student teachers, Teacher Colleges, Paradigm Shift, Quality Assurance, UCHUK