Human Resource Management

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THE INFLUENCE OF SYSTEM USERS’ COMPETENCIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN TANZANIAN
(African Journal of Applied Research, 2024) Matimbwa, Hadija; Kamala, Mugisha
Purpose: Human Capital Management Information System (HCMIS) performance in Tanzanian Local Government Authorities (LGAs) is investigated in this study, with a focus on the effect of user competency. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used an explanatory cross-sectional methodology. Mwanza, Arusha, Dodoma, Morogoro, Iringa, and Kagera were the six regions of Tanzania that were included in the study, which included 37 LGAs. A total of 201 Human Resource Officers (HROs) were randomly chosen from each of the sampled districts to fill out a questionnaire that provided the bulk of the study's data. Six (6) HRO "approvers" and two (2) directors from the Human Capital Division were among the eight (8) key informants who were in-depth interviewed. Ordered logistic regression and content analysis were used to analyse the data. Findings: The study found that 21% of the HROs had sufficient IT skills, 52% claimed to have a deep understanding of HR, and 56% had 4–7 years of experience. System users' abilities, including their degree of IT skills, commitment, and experience, significantly affect HCMIS performance in terms of completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of information, according to the results of the ordered logistic model. Practical Implications: The study underscores the need for comprehensive and ongoing training programs to improve user competency. By regularly updating the knowledge and skills of employees, LGAs can ensure more efficient and effective use of the HCMIS. Social Implications: Individuals can be empowered to take charge of their professional development, leading to increased job satisfaction, employee motivation, improved HCMIS competencies, and, in turn, fostering diversity and inclusion. Originality and Value: The paper identified, cognitive abilities, and behavioural competencies, tailored to the needs and realities of Tanzanian organisations. This holistic approach to assessing competencies is relatively novel and adds depth to understanding how different aspects of user capabilities contribute to system performance.
Ethical Dilemmas in African Human Resource Management: A Literature Review
(East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences (EAJESS), 2024-06) Matimbwa, Hadija; Kamala, Mugisha
Abstract: In the African context, the management of human resources (HR) involves the navigation of intricate ethical issues influenced by a myriad of social, cultural and economic factors. This study, based on systematic literature review, scrutinized ethical dilemmas in Human Resources Management in Africa. Specifically, the study assessed the areas within HR practices that are predisposed to unethical conduct and identified the core ethical issues prevalent in organizations, thereby giving rise to ethical dilemmas. The study utilized a systematic qualitative synthesis, employing the nomothetic- based content analysis, to scrutinize data extracted from 65 journal articles. The findings delineate two primary domains in which HR practices are susceptible to unethical conduct. The first is the management of core HR functions, such as recruitment, performance appraisal and remuneration, which are vulnerable to unethical practices like favoritism and corruption. The second domain involves balancing the often-conflicting interests of employers and employees. Four primary ethical issues emerged as significant sources of dilemmas: bribery and corruption, misconduct (physical, verbal, and sexual), nepotism and discrimination. These challenges suggest a pressing need for transparent, merit- based recruitment processes and regular ethics training HR professionals to navigate the complex landscape of organizational and employee interests. Implementing gender and diversity policies is crucial in addressing discrimination based on gender, ethnicity or disability. Additionally, establishing robust whistle-blowing mechanisms can enable employees to report unethical conduct confidentially, thereby strengthening organizational integrity and fostering a more inclusive professional environment. Comprehensive ethical frameworks will not only mitigate dilemmas but also enhance the overall credibility and effectiveness of HRM practices in the African context.
Technological Determinants of Human Resource Information System Effectiveness in Tanzania
(Journal of Policy and Development Studies (JPDS), 2024) Kamala, Mugisha; Matimbwa, Hadija
Organizations are increasingly moving from traditional paper files to digital filing systems to gain a competitive edge and improve access to human resources and HR-related information. This digitalization process not only makes data more accessible but also enhances its utilization for HR decision-making. As a result, HR-related information becomes more comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date. This study specifically investigates the impact of technological factors on the effectiveness of human resource information systems (HRIS) within local government authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania. The research utilized a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics, including ordered logistic regression analysis, to examine the impact of technological characteristics on the effectiveness of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS). The findings revealed that factors such as compatibility, complexity, usefulness, and reliability play a crucial role in determining the timeliness, comprehensiveness, and accuracy of data retrieval within HRIS. The study offers valuable insights for improving human resource management practices in LGAs) through the adoption of computerized HRIS. The discussed approach enhances decision-making and improves access to information, contributing to the achievement of organizational goals. It also emphasizes the importance of regularly updating systems to keep pace with changing technological landscapes.
The Performance of Training Executive A gencies in Tanzania: Do Skills and Skill-based Organizational Strategies Matter?
(Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 2024) Kamala, Mugisha; Mustafa, Ajali
questionnaires and interview to examine five training EAs: Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC), Agency for Development of Education Management (ADEM), Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA), Livestock Training Agency (LITA), and Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA). Regarding the sampling technique, the study adopted the multi-stage sampling design. In the first step, training EAs were divided into two strata (basing on establishment age). From the old aged stratum, three EAs were selected, and two from the newly aged stratum. In the second step, the academic staff from the training executive agencies was sampled purposefully. The cross-sectional explanatory analytical survey was used to collected data once without tracking data changes. While descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data from the questionnaires, thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. Regarding the skills availability among the Tanzania’s training executive agencies, the findings showed that the majority of the employees possessed the necessary professional, project management, inventive, and interpersonal skills. Few employees possessed pedagogical, technological, and multicultural skills. The findings on the degree of performance of Tanzania's training executive agencies revealed unsatisfactory performance, and it was determined that these agencies had not significantly enhanced the delivery of public services. The findings also showed that training EAs underinvested in skill-based organizational strategies. Notably, when individual competence levels rise, executive agencies' performance is likely to increase. Furthermore, the findings showed that human resource strategies and partnerships were the most important factors in improving the Tanzania’s EAs performance.
The Influence of Human Resources Officers’ Attributes on Understanding and Usage of Human Resource Information Systems Outputs in Decision-Making in Tanzania
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS), 2024-12-07) Matimbwa, Hadija; Kamala, Mugisha
This paper evaluated the nexus between Human Resource Officers' (HROs) attributes and their comprehension and usage of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) output. The study was conducted across 37 Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in six regions namely: Mwanza, Arusha, Dodoma, Morogoro, Iringa and Kagera. 201 structured questionnaires were distributed to HROs between May and July 2020. Additionally, in-depth interviews were scheduled and undertaken with eight (8) key informants to accrue additional data on Human Resources Management (HRM) practices. The findings from the ordered logistic model indicate that all four HRO attributes examined (HRIS experience, Information Technology (IT) Skills, IT Knowledge, HR Knowledge) exhibited positive β-values and are statistically significant in influencing HRO understanding of HRIS outputs. Furthermore, all four HRO attributes exhibited positive β-values demonstrating that they significantly influence HRO decision making processes. However, only IT knowledge and HR knowledge were statistically significant. The study asserts that HRO attributes significantly influence their understanding of HRIS outputs and utilize the same to inform decision making in Tanzania’s LGAs.
Determinants of job satisfaction among healthcare providers: A case of selected public hospitals in Ilala Municipality
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS), 2023-12) Mchome, Lisa; Kara, Nasra
Issues of job satisfaction in organizations have become an important field of investigation for researchers. Although employees deserve to be motivated fairly and with respect, the same feeling has not been reflected among healthcare workers in Ilala District. The study specifically examined the factors affecting the performance of healthcare employees, the perceptions of healthcare workers regarding the existing employees’ benefits, and identifying employees’ benefits that satisfy their needs. This was a mixed study where 114 questionnaires were distributed to healthcare workers using convenience sampling. Qualitative data was collected using an unstructured interview, and the information generated was analyzed using content analysis. On the other hand, the quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found that lack of career advancement, demanding jobs, and the fact that jobs are consuming a lot of time were among the factors affecting employee job satisfaction. Additionally, extra duties, a lack of annual leave, and maternity leave were among the benefits perceived to be important in influencing employee job satisfaction, while timely provision of wages, good supervisory qualities, good policies and rules, good co worker relations, and good working conditions were the benefits that are needed to boost employee job satisfaction. The findings imply that the government should provide employees with timely benefits if it has the intention of boosting employee job satisfaction. The finding also confirms the two-factor theory assumption that employees will only be satisfied if they are well motivated. Additionally, the private healthcare sector can also learn from this study and make sure that employee benefits are timely approved. Keywords: employees’ job satisfaction, healthcare workers, public hospitals, Ilala Municipal Council.
Equal Access to Land Ownership Between Men and Women in Tanzania: Does the Legal System Matter?
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS), 2023-12) Miku, Benjamine G.; Joseph, Emmanuel S.; Mpojota, Amour S.; Nyaborogo, Happiness P.; Charles, Geofrey M.
This paper examines how people perceive the legal system on equal access to land ownership in Tanzania. Cross-sectional data from an Afro barometer survey, round seven (7) with 2,400 observations were analysed to find the effect of how people perceive the legal system on equal access to land ownership in Tanzania by using a Probit regression analysis. The outcome of the study shows that, when courts make a binding decision, people are more likely to agree that women have equal land rights (𝑝 = 0.037), obeying the law positively influences women to have equal rights to land (𝑝 = 0.003). In terms of the effects of empowering women on equal right to land, it was found that when men and women have equal chances of earning income, this positively influences the likelihood of women to have equal right to land. The study further found that there is a gender disparity in matters related to land ownership as men do not believe that women have equal land rights. The findings imply that the efforts which are geared towards strengthening the rule of law and legal compliances could help to promote gender equality by emphasizing respect for women’s land rights. Measures taken to increase awareness, change of attitude and understanding of the rule of law when effectively implemented would lead to advancing gender equality and women’s land rights. Efforts which promote and protect women’s land rights will result in advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment. An effective legal system is crucial in promoting and protecting women’s land rights. Gender equality in society’s economic opportunities can have a positive effect on women’s land ownership rights and lastly addressing gender disparities in land ownership promotes women’s land rights. Among other recommendations, the study recommends that the Government, Civil Societies and Non-Governmental Organizations should cooperate in enhancing more legal reforms in Tanzania in strengthening laws and policies which protect women’s right to own and inherit land. The Government should take the lead in enforcing and publicizing the laws which help to raise awareness of women’s right to land ownership in the communities. Men and boys should also be educated on the benefits of gender equality and the negative impacts of gender discrimination.
Transparency and the Quality of Water Services Delivery in Iramba and Singida Districts, Tanzania
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASSS), 2021-12) Shagama, Bahati
This paper examined how transparency afects the delivery of quality water services in Iramba and Singida Districts. The study used a cross-sectional research design approach. A sample of 350 households was drawn from the population by using random sampling. The collected data were analysed using probit regression model. The study findings revealed that, there is a positive relationship between transparency variables and quality of water service delivery. The study recommends that budget transparency, performance report, income and expenditure, rules and regulations as well as convening of meetings should be enhanced in Community Based Water Service Organizations for the community to achieve quality water services
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: Evidence from Microfinance Institutions in Tanzania
(TIA, 2022-12-31) Solomon, Saimon.
This study examined the impact of corporate governance on the performance of a firm. Two elements of corporate governance were involved namely the board of directors composition and audit committee composition which were assessed to find out their relations to Microfinance Institutions' (MFIs) financial performance. This study was done to contribute specific insights to the relationship and influence of corporate governance on firm performance especially due to limited literature in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional design, in which data were collected at a single point in time. Quantitative data were collected from 80 CEOs/Managers of MFIs under study. The study found that most of the respondents, which is equivalent to 66.2%, had the title of managers or supervisors and 17.4% were the CEOs/Directors. Moreover, MFIs agreed to have boards with independence (M=4.48, SD=0.49) and gender diversity (M=4.67, SD=0.41). Moreover, MFIs agreed to have an audit committee with members who had accounting/auditing/finance expertise. The findings from regression results further show that the relationship was significant between board composition (board independence and gender and geographical diversity) and audit committee composition (educational background and experience in microfinance issues) with the firm’s performance. The study concludes that corporate governance influences the financial performance of MFIs in Tanzania. The study recommends that MFIs and policymakers should ensure that the board of directors is characterised by independence and gender and geographic diversity. Also, the audit committee should comprise members who are experts in microfinance to enhance performance.
Attributes Influencing Effectiveness of Employees’ Innovation in Telecommunication Industry in Tanzania
(TIA, 2022-06) Kikuli, Miriam D.; Mwombeki, Frank A.
This study aimed at examining attributes influencing the effectiveness of employees’ innovation in telecommunication industry in Tanzania using Tigo as a reference. Specifically, the study focused on the assessment of the influence of personal competence, leadership styles, technology and financial resources on employees’ innovation in terms of the number of employees’ creative ideas and projects turned into innovation. The study employed a cross-sectional survey strategy to collect data from a sample of 78 employees and open ended questionnaires to collect additional information from 5 key informants who were senior members of Tigo, Tanzania. Descriptive statistics and Multiple Linear Regression were used to analyse data and test formulated hypotheses respectively. The findings show that leadership styles and technology strongly influence employees’ innovation in Telecommunication Companies. The study findings imply that it is very crucial for human resource directors to motivate staff to make them innovative. Also, ICT, research and development departments should be given more budgets and intensive trainings in order to build employees’ innovative capacity. Therefore, it is recommended that technology and leadership style should be seriously considered by company’s management when making strategies and plans for innovative growth in an organization particularly Telecommunication Industry.
Entrepreneurial Abilities of Technical Graduates and their Self-Employability in Tanzania
(TIA, 2022-06) Raphael, Charles; Kipene, Visent
Entrepreneurship education is imperative for economic development and new economic strategies for fostering and generating jobs creating entrepreneurs. This paper therefore assesses the influence of entrepreneurial abilities on self employment among technical graduates in Tanzania. It specifically identifies the entrepreneurial skills acquired by technical graduates from technical institutions and examined the influence of identified entrepreneurial skills on self-employment among the technical graduates in Tanzania. This study was approached quantitatively based on explanatory survey design. Data were collected using questionnaire from 350 technical graduates sampled using stratified simple random technique. The collected data were analysed using Multiple Linear Regressions. The findings show that to a great extent graduates from colleges and universities acquire technical entrepreneurial skills; business management and to a small extent personal entrepreneurial skills. The findings show further that business management was ranked highly as the leading entrepreneurial skill for self-employment among technical graduates. All three entrepreneurial skills were found to have positive and significant influence on self-employment among technical graduates in Tanzania. The study recommends that colleges, institutes and universities should emphatically inculcate all the entrepreneurial skills to students as they have significant contributions to graduates self-employment.
CONTRIBUTION OF VEGETABLE FARMING TO LIVELIHOOD OUTCOMES AMONG THE YOUTH IN IHUMWA AND MTUMBA WARDS, DODOMA CITY, TANZANIA
(TIA, 2022-06) Maselle, Anna E.
In recent years there has been a growing literature on youth and livelihood opportunities in agriculture. However, the extent to which such engagement in agriculture improves the livelihood of youth has hardly attracted scholarly attention. Consequently, a convergent parallel mixed method design was adopted to examine the contribution of vegetable farming to livelihood outcomes among the youth. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents for the study. A checklist was used to gather qualitative data while structured questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data. Five livelihood indicators were used to construct the index. Each livelihood indicator was measured by three sub-indicators which were measured in a 3 point Likert scale (low, medium and high livelihood outcomes) Ordinal logistic regression model (OLRM) was employed to determine the chances of the youths’ livelihood outcome levels being high due to vegetable farming. More than half (58%) of the respondents had attained high level of livelihood outcomes. Interestingly, a weak impact of vegetable farming was noted in improved human and social capital in such a way that improvement in the livelihoods can only be achieved by cultivating more land. Results from OLRM revealed that land size, vegetable variety and education were the most significant (p≤ 0.05) predictors of the livelihood outcomes. Conclusively, vegetable farming has the potential of improving livelihoods. However, the main challenge is not just one of engaging the youth in agriculture but equipping them with farming and entrepreneurial skills to enable them realise their ambition in farming. The local government in collaborations with the youth and academic/research institutions are urged to address these challenges when designing intervention for improving the livelihoods of youth through agriculture.
Influence of Transaction Cost Determinants on Credit Customer Category of Commercial Banks in Tanzania
(TIA, 2022-06) Kiwia, Rose H.; Benges, Kenneth M.k; Ndyetabula, Daniel w.
This paper examines attributes of successors’ entrepreneurial competencies such as risk-taking propensity, ability to exploit business opportunities, innovation and commitment in family businesses in Arusha City, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was employed using a quantitative survey approach, in which two hundred family business successors provided data for this paper. The data were analysed using the Hierarchical Regression Model to assess the influence of successors’ entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of family-owned SMEs. The findings indicate that successors’ risk taking propensity and the ability to exploit business opportunities influence the performance of family-owned SMEs. The paper concludes that family owned SMEs managed by successors who can take calculated risks and are also able to exploit business opportunities are in a good position to realize better performance in terms of net profit. It is recommended that family business founders should build their successors’ entrepreneurial competencies.
The implementation of a legal framework for access and benefit sharing; A case study of natural gas extraction in Kilwa District, Tanzania.
(TIA, 2022-06) Mwakyambiki, Sarah E.
The distribution, access, and sharing of direct benefits from extractive companies with host communities is a global concern. This study investigates the difficulties in keeping the legal framework in place for access to natural gas and benefit sharing among local communities. Specifically, this study will examine setbacks in implementing direct benefits like employment, service levy and utilisation of local market. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 373 respondents and analysed through content analysis and descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the statutory framework was not properly applied.. It is recommended that local governments should consult with the host community to reach an agreement, which will promote transparency and accountability in the regulations and procedures that allow access and benefit sharing. It is also recommended that the government, in partnership with non governmental organizations, develop nearby communities with capabilities to meet extractive companies’ supply demands. Keywords: Natural gas, barriers, legal framework, direct benefits,
The Influence of Indiscipline on Teacher’s Attrition in Public Secondary Schools in Kilimanjaro and Manyara Regions, Tanzania
(TIA, 2022-06) Chikoyo, Rashid A.; Nzalayaimisi, Gabriel K.; Tell, Godfrey G.
This paper intended to assess the influence of indiscipline on teacher attrition in public secondary schools in Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions. Specifically, the paper aimed at examining the indiscipline cases that cause teachers’ attrition; examine the frequency of cases on indiscipline issues; and the measures taken to address indiscipline cases. The paper was guided by motivation theory based on conduct for efficient management and administration of punishment to violators. The study employed cross section research design with mixed approaches. The sample size of the study was 140 respondents. Simple random and snow ball sampling was used to select in-service and teachers who left teaching respectively. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and binary logistic regression. The findings revealed that examination malpractices, student sex harassment and truancy influenced teacher attrition. Among the measures taken were: transfer, summary dismissal and reduction in salary that led to teachers quitting teaching. As for frequency of indiscipline cases among teachers, the study revealed the mean score of indiscipline as above 50 per cent which revealed that the variable influences teacher attrition. The study concludes that indiscipline cases influences teacher attrition. The study recommends to the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government to improve teachers discipline by equipping Teacher Service Commission staff with all necessary inputs to supervise accordingly. School management should remind their staff on professional code of ethics, and the Government should execute the law number 3 of 1972 for teachers who engaged in indiscipline cases by imposing severe punishment to offenders.
Academic Staff Mobility in Tanzania’s Higher Learning Institutions: Understanding the Push and Pull Factors
(Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, 2022-12) Mkunde, Beatrice M.; Mahundu, Fabian G.
This study aimed to understand the push and pull factors for employees’ mobility in higher learning institutions. Specifically, the study anticipated to 1) determine the trend of employees’ mobility in higher learning institutions, 2) explore the factors for employees’ mobility in higher learning institutions and 3) recommend how higher learning institutions may devise motivation and retention strategies to minimise employee mobility. The study employed an exploratory case study design to allow the use of various qualitative data collection methods and tools. Purposive sampling was used to obtain respondents from four selected higher-learning institutions. Data collected from interviews were analysed using NVivo 12 Plus computer-based software. Findings indicate that the push and pull factors for academic staff mobility in the selected higher learning institutions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, are multiple, including workplace restructuring, institutional politics, failure to meet the required academician’s needs and demands, health related factors, good salary pay, need to join their families after a long period of staying away, work motivation, friendly welfare policies and good working climate. The study recommends having different employee retention strategies ranging from good governance/leadership, friendly human resource-related policies that are objectively implemented, flexible management that are open for discussion, and views to fair motivational packages.
Influenceof Political, Social and Economic conditions on Rise and Development of Consumer Protection Laws
(Eastern Africa Law Review, 2018-12) Mzurikwao, Anthony
Consumer protection law is one of the mechanisms for protection of consumers. It comprises of both principal and subsidiary legislation aiming at protecting consumers’ rights from being abused by producers. It is viewed as an appropriate mechanism of protecting consumers due to its coercive nature. However, the enactment and enforcement of such law depend on willingness of a state to do so. History shows that such willingness is influenced by political, social and economic interests which the state has to preserve. This article gives a brief historical account on how political, social and economic conditions from medieval era up to the present time has influenced legislative measures taken by the state to protect consumers’ rights. This account is crucial in grasping reasons why the consumer protection law, be it in western developed countries or in the least developed countries like Tanzania, is in the form it is today.
Challenges Facing Learners’ Acquisition of Employability Competencies under Competency-Based Education and Training Approach in Vocational Education and Training Centres in Tanzania
(African Journal of Accounting and social science (AJASSS), 2022-12-31) Mgaya, Shukurani
The purpose of this article is to investigate the causes of inadequate employability competencies among vocational education and training (VET) graduates using a competency-based education and training (CBET) approach. The article identifies respondents' perspectives on the challenges of acquiring employability competencies during the civil artisans' training and learning process in VETIs under CBET and explores opinions for overcoming those challenges. Data were gathered from 126 respondents through semi-structured interviews with trainers and employers, an open-ended questionnaire for learners, and employee-focused group discussions. A qualitative exploratory approach research design was used. Thematic analysis was used to analyse documents and interview transcripts. The findings revealed that the acquisition of employability competencies is hampered by learner characteristics, insufficient training and learning resources, shortage of trainers, English language problems, training methods, and negative perception of parents and learners on VET programmes, all of which were identified in the conceptual framework and mentioned by all categories of respondents. It is likely that the challenges discovered were not novel, with the exception of a lack of internet and a scarcity of clean water and food, which were context-specific issues. As a result, the study recommends that government and VET stakeholders should ensure the availability of learning resources to enhance effective training and learning at VET. More serious English language instruction should begin in primary school, according to the government and VET stakeholders. VET trainers should improve field supervision exercises and expose trainees to the working environment where employability competencies can be imparted more easily than through classroom training alone. Trainers should also participate in workshops and industrial visits to gain skills and knowledge about labour market needs. This will improve trainers' and trainees' understanding of labour-market requirements.
Quality Assurance Practices in the Time of COVID 19: What Works in Tertiary Institutions in Tanzania
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASSS), 2022-12-31) Mwita, Sospeter; Hassanal, Issaya; Amuli, Alphonce J.
Despite natural disasters like COVID-19, tertiary institutions around the world should be more responsive and use a proactive approach to quality assurance. The COVID-19 eruption halted the operation of normal classrooms. Teaching was done from home, although many teachers were not aware of online facilitation. The current study examined the practice of quality assurance in Tanzanian tertiary institutions following COVID-19 eruption from 2020 to 2021. To achieve this, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach with the help of a sequential explanatory research design. The study involved 113 respondents, obtained randomly from four tertiary institutions. The study adopted an automated questionnaire and semistructured interviews for collecting data from the respondents. The two methods of data collection enabled the gathering of voluminous information with little bias. The data were analysed descriptively and by using content analysis for qualitative data. Results from this study revealed that both external and internal mechanisms were adapted to varying degrees in the practice of quality assurance amid COVID- 19. They also reveal that some tertiary institutions have adopted a blended online mode of teaching and learning. However, it was not successfully implemented because most tertiary institutions lacked the necessary resources and personnel to use digitalisation in teaching and learning. According to the study, digitalisation quality assurance systems should be improved further to overcome the current situation and the future effects of unpredictable disasters. Furthermore, higher education institutions must improve open and remote e-communication between tutors and students.
Trade Impediments and Market Transaction Arrangements for Maize and Rice in Tanzania
(World Journal of Social Science Research, 2014) Pallangyo, W. A
This research paper is focused on the exploration of the impediments to beneficial trade and their resultant market transaction arrangement in maize and rice. The study therefore was confined to the following three specific objectives to first, explore perceptions and experiences on the impediments to beneficial trade among rice and maize growers and their socio-economic impacts for farmers and food security in the study area. Second, to identify production and marketing models and describe their structure, conduct and performance; and thirdly, to describe transaction costs and related impediments in the value added chain for both crops in Tanzania. Survey was done in three regions: Shinyanga region representing rice growing regions and Ruvuma and Iringa regions representing maize growing regions of Tanzania. The study involved a sample of 100 smallholder rice farmer traders and 131 maize farmer traders. This study adapted Williamsonian Transaction Costs Economics (TCE) approach (as applied in Pitelis (1993) and Furubotn et al. (2000) to identify market arrangements based on transaction costs of producing and trading in the two grain crops. Based on the observed farmers’ perception and experiences with prevailing trade impediments, this study has proposed five stylized market arrangements referred to in this paper as Cereal Transaction Arrangements (CTAs). Each of these CTAs was found to have strengths and weaknesses—hence no single trade policy could be more appropriate across all CTAs. The paper recommends that the government should reduce transactions costs in CTA4 and also CTA5 which involve more progressive commercial farmers by putting in place pro-poor trade policies. Such transaction costs include cost of identifying weighing devices, constructing warehouses, corruption, levies and quantitative trade restrictions.

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