Business Administration

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The impact of small holder commercialisation of organic crops on food consumption patterns in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(AgEcon Search, 2006-08-12) Sheryl L Hendriks; Mark M Msaki
The impact of smallholder commercialisation on food consumption patterns in a rural community of South Africa was investigated. The consumption patterns, dietary diversity and nutrient intakes of certified and partially certified members of an organic farmers' organisation were compared to data from a random sample of non-member households. Two consecutive survey rounds (n = 200) conducted in November 2004 and March 2005 enabled comparison of dietary diversity, nutrient adequacy (in terms of per household adult female equivalents for energy, iron, and vitamin A) and expenditure elasticities between seasons. Households with members engaged in certified comm ercial organic farming enjoyed greater dietary diversity, improved nutrient intakes com pared to households with members in conversion to organic production and households not engaged in commercial organic farming. Farm and non-farm income strongly and positively influenced nutritional adequacy for households of partially certified and certified members of the organisation. Marked differences in expenditure elasticities were found between the three groups. The results suggested that commercialisation of small holder agriculture has potential to improve food consumption patterns and food quality directly through income generated and indirectly through increased labour opportunities that result in wages and inkind food transfers. While commerciali sation of small holder agriculture shows potential for improving nutrition, caution should be exercised before claiming that such commercialisation can alleviate food insecurity and solve hunger in South Africa.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards Modern Contraceptives Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Mpwapwa District, Central Tanzania
(Maxwell Scientific Organization,, 2012-05-10) James Lwelamira; Gasper Mnyamagola; Mark M. Msaki
This study was undertaken in Mpwapwa District in Central Zone of Tanzania between July toAugust, 2009 to assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards modern contraceptives among married womenof reproductive age (15-49 years). Specific objectives of the study were to ascertain knowledge and attitudetowards modern contraceptives, to determine the extent of use of modern contraceptives and identify factorsassociated with current use of modern contraceptive in the study population. Study design involved a cross-sectional survey that involved 160 women randomly selected from eight villages with nearly equal number ofrespondents per village. Data from respondents were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire.Furthermore, eight Focus Groups Discussions (FGDs), with one FGD per village were also carried out to collectqualitative information. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 12 was used to analysequantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using Content Analysis (CA). Results of this study revealedknowledge of modern contraceptives in a study population to be high. Furthermore, findings of this studyindicated substantial proportion of respondents to have positive attitude towards modern contraceptives andhence more room for increasing modern contraceptive use in a study population. For example, half (50%) ofrespondent that were aware of modern contraceptives thought that benefits of modern contraceptives outweighnegative effects and 42% agreed that they could recommend use of modern contraceptive to a friend. However,despite presence of positive attitude towards modern contraceptives by a good number of women in a studypopulation, negative attitude of husband towards modern contraceptives can be one of the obstacles for thesuccess of campaigns to increase modern contraceptive use in the study area. Two- third (65.8%) of studyparticipants indicated that their husband doesn’t approve modern contraceptives. Regarding contraceptiveprevalence rate in the target group (i.e., proportion currently use modern contraceptives), although there wassome improvement compared to the past national averages, however, the obtained figure (25%) was far (toolow) from the desired national target of 60%. Results for Binary Multiple Logistic Regression Analysisindicated that Likelihood (chances) of being current user of modern contraceptives by a woman increasedsignificantly by having secondary education and higher (Odds ratio (OR) = 15.18, p<0.05), having highernumber of living children (i.e., 4 and above) (OR = 19.68, p<0.01), spousal communication on moderncontraceptives (OR = 1.84, p<0.05), woman participation in decision making regarding fertility in a family (OR= 19.40, p<0.05) , husband approval of modern contraceptives (OR = 18.46, p<0.01) and having positiveattitudes towards modern contraceptives (OR = 8.50, p<0.05) (i.e., thinking that benefits of moderncontraceptives outweighs negative effects) compared to the counterparts. The Odds (chances) of being currentuser of modern contraceptive by a woman decreased by living more than 5 km from nearest health facility (OR= 0.67, p<0.05) and if had ever encountered side effects (OR = 0.44, p<0.05). Based on these findingsrecommendations for improving modern contraceptive use in a study population have been indicated.
The Use of Contraceptives among Female Students in State University of Zanzibar
(Food and Public Health, 2020) Provident J. Dimoso; Mark M. Msaki; Mwanajuma A. Suleiman
Worldwide, university students fall in the youth group which is prone to unattended sexual risk behaviors that may lead to unwanted pregnancies. With respect to their exposure to family planning aspects, female students at the State University of Zanzibar were anticipated to make use of the family planning facilities available at the university. Simple random sampling was used to obtain 86 female university students involved in the study. Strong belief in Islam religion has been the factor caused almost a half of female university students not to be engaged in sexual intercourse. The majority of students who used contraceptives decided to use tradition contraceptives and not modern contraceptives. Almost all the students who made use of contraceptives had consent of their partners. To make use of contraceptives successful, countrywide promotion to contraceptives should target both males and females. Still a research is required to find out factors that led to reduced adolescent pregnancies in Zanzibar.
Climate Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Areas
(International Journal of Ecosystem, 2014) Venance Kalumanga; Mark M. Msaki; Fadhili Bwagalilo
At current, the world is struggling to mitigate the impacts of Climate Change to the involved communities. Due to their climatic behaviours, Semi-Arids are among the most vulnerable areas to Climate Change. Adaption to Climate Change has been suggested to lessen the impacts in different areas. However, the adaption is relative to a specific area’s social-economic, physical as well as cultural set up. For this fact, it is a matter that in some areas, culture happens to side-line women in decision making and implementation while adapting for Climate Change. Therefore, the study was carried out at Chololo Eco - Village, in Dodoma Municipality. The aim of the study was to assess the existing climate change adaptation strategies or technologies and the involvement of Gender in Addressing Climate Change Adaptation Technologies. A total of 110 respondents were interviewed. The research revealed that among the proportion 36%, 29%, 35%, 32%, and 59% of female respondents attended transfer of innovation sessions for Agriculture, Water Management and Conservation, Afforestation, Food Security and Economic Adaptation. More men attended sessions for transfer of innovations as compared to women. Tradition, culture and household chores impended women not to involve much in such sessions. Fortunately, women not attending in such session did not connote not adapting to Climate Change. Roles occupied in the community and household chores had been the factor for women to decide whether to participate or not participate in the training sessions. Women struggled to attend transfer sessions which seemed to be critical such as Economic Adaptation. Fruitfully women were found to be more involved in Income Generating Activities (IGAs) introduced by Chololo Eco – Village. Deliberate efforts should be carried to ensure that women attend technology transfer sessions to become the first beneficiaries of such innovations.
CEREAL BANK AS A NECESSARY RURAL LIVELIHOOD INSTITUTE IN ARID LAND, MAKOJA VILLAGE, DODOMA-TANZANIA
(Asian Economic and Financial Review, 2013) Mark M Msaki; Michael I Mwenda; Irene J Regnard
In 2012, the study was carried at Makoja Village, in Semi-Arid region of Dodoma. The aim of the conducted study was to assess the importance of Cereal Bank to livelihood of farming households. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 computer program. The major findings of the study revealed that, almost all of the households (96.2 %) were poor, while more than a half of the sampled population was chronically food insecure. Income and expenditure analysis revealed that households had no opportunity to manage savings. Further analysis on expenditure revealed that despite being farming households, the later spent large proportion of their income in purchasing food for households. Cereal bank has been potential to provide food at the time of less, storage facility, seed stocking facility and a business opportunity. Cereal banks should be purposively promoted to improve livelihood and assure food security in the rural areas.
Performance of the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund in Kishapu Constituency in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania
(Rural Planning Journal, 2016) M.J. Nhembo; M.M. Msaki
This study was conducted in Kishapu district in the year 2015 to assess the performance of development catalyst funds. Specifically the study intended to identify Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDTF) projects and to examine the performance of the CDCF projects. The study sampled 116 respondents and used questionnaire, focused group discussion and interview schedule to collect data. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) and STATA. Results showed that, a number of projects were funded by CDCF. In general, the study found good performance of Constituency development catalyst Funds. The study, therefore recommended that local community should be involved in identification of the projects and also funds should be focused on few and big projects that bring tangible impact in reducing poverty.
Cereal Banks or Seed Banks? An Experience from Makoja Arid Village, Dodoma, Tanzania
(International Knowledge sharing, 2015) Mark M Msaki; Irene Regnard; Michael I Mwenda
Cereal Banks, though important, have failed to become sustainable. The banks have always been requiring close monitoring support or subsidies from an outside agency, but collapse when outside monitoring and subsidies end. Such trend has brought worries and made Cereal Banks labeled negative. Failing to become self-sustaining has called for an inventory to analyze the Cereal Bank benefits realized by the communities. In 2012, a cross section study was done involving 80 households in Makoja Village, Dodoma Region. Makoja Village communities are poor, living in arid land and are chronically food insecure. Surprisingly, significant proportion (89 %) of the respondents acknowledges the Community Cereal Bank as the source of seeds to next season. Poor Makoja Community views the Cereal Bank as the Seed Bank to ensure availability of seeds hence food availability. Cereal banks are essentially not failed attempts but rather require continuing support to ensure production and food security of engaged community. The international development community should explore various outputs realised as benefits by engaged communties before terming them unsuccessful. However, there is a need to increase a pace to promote Community Seed Production Systems to assure improved crop production and household food security.
The impact of smallholder commercialisation of organic crops on food consumption patterns, dietary diversity and consumption elasticities
(AgEcon Search, 2009) Hendriks, Sheryl L; Msaki, Mark M.
The impact of smallholder commercialisation on food consumption patterns in a rural community of South Africa was investigated. The dietary diversity, nutrient intakes and consumption patterns of certified, partially certified and non-members of an organic farmers’ organisation were compared. Engagement in certified commercial organic farming promoted comparatively greater dietary diversity and improved nutrient intakes. While smallholder agriculture commercialisation has the potential to improve food consumption patterns and food quality through increased income and labour opportunities, caution should be exercised before claiming that such commercialisation can alleviate food insecurity and solve hunger in rural South Africa.
Cereal Bank as a Necessary Rural Livelihood Institute in Arid Land, Makoja Village, Dodoma-Tanzania
(Asian Economic and Financial Review, 2013) Msaki, Mark M.; Mwenda, Michael I.; Regnard, Irene J.
In 2012, the study was carried at Makoja Village, in Semi-Arid region of Dodoma. The aim of the conducted study was to assess the importance of Cereal Bank to livelihood of farming households. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 computer program. The major findings of the study revealed that, almost all of the households (96.2 %) were poor, while more than a half of the sampled population was chronically food insecure. Income and expenditure analysis revealed that households had no opportunity to manage savings. Further analysis on expenditure revealed that despite being farming households, the later spent large proportion of their income in purchasing food for households. Cereal bank has been potential to provide food at the time of less, storage facility, seed stocking facility and a business opportunity. Cereal banks should be purposively promoted to improve livelihood and assure food security in the rural areas.
Climate Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Areas: A Gender Perspective
(International Journal of Ecosystem, 2014) Msaki, Mark M.; Kalumanga, Venance.; Bwagalilo, Fadhili.
At current, the world is struggling to mitigate the impacts of Climate Change to the involved communities. Due to their climatic behaviours, Semi-Arids are among the most vulnerable areas to Climate Change. Adaption to Climate Change has been suggested to lessen the impacts in different areas. However, the adaption is relative to a specific area’s social-economic, physical as well as cultural set up. For this fact, it is a matter that in some areas, culture happens to side-line women in decision making and implementation while adapting for Climate Change. Therefore, the study was carried out at Chololo Eco - Village, in Dodoma Municipality. The aim of the study was to assess the existing climate change adaptation strategies or technologies and the involvement of Gender in Addressing Climate Change Adaptation Technologies. A total of 110 respondents were interviewed. The research revealed that among the proportion 36%, 29%, 35%, 32%, and 59% of female respondents attended transfer of innovation sessions for Agriculture, Water Management and Conservation, Afforestation, Food Security and Economic Adaptation. More men attended sessions for transfer of innovations as compared to women. Tradition, culture and household chores impended women not to involve much in such sessions. Fortunately, women not attending in such session did not connote not adapting to Climate Change. Roles occupied in the community and household chores had been the factor for women to decide whether to participate or not participate in the training sessions. Women struggled to attend transfer sessions which seemed to be critical such as Economic Adaptation. Fruitfully women were found to be more involved in Income Generating Activities (IGAs) introduced by Chololo Eco – Village. Deliberate efforts should be carried to ensure that women attend technology transfer sessions to become the first beneficiaries of such innovations.
The Impact of Smallholder Commercialisation of Organic Crops on Food Consumption Patterns, Dietary Diversity and Consumption Elasticities
(Agricultural Economics Research, Policy and Practice in Southern Africa (Agrekon), 2010-05-07) Msaki, Mark M; Hendriks, Sheryl L
The impact of smallholder commercialisation on food consumption patterns in a rural community of South Africa was investigated. The dietary diversity, nutrient intakes and consumption patterns of certified, partially certified and non-members of an organic farmers' organisation were compared. Engagement in certified commercial organic farming promoted comparatively greater dietary diversity and improved nutrient intakes. While smallholder agriculture commercialisation has the potential to improve food consumption patterns and food quality through increased income and labour opportunities, caution should be exercised before claiming that such commercialisation can alleviate food insecurity and solve hunger in rural South Africa.
Measuring Household Food Security Using Food Intake Indicators in Rural Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
(Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2014-04-24) Msaki, Mark M.; Hendriks, Sheryl L.
Estimation of micronutrients intake in food consumption surveys has generally been ignored. Focusing on similar households, a household food consumption survey (n = 200) was carried out in November 2004 (period of less) and March 2005 (period of plenty) in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Diet diversity, energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were proxies of household food security. Principal Component Analysis was used to estimate household food adequacy and strength of the variables (nutrients) in determining household intake variation amongst the community. On average, variation in household intake was contributed by energy (62.8%), iron (20.2%), protein (11.8%), vitamin E (3.8%), vitamin A (1.0%), and dietary diversity (0.3%). Linking food intake to household variables can generate plausible variables for measuring household food security.
Do Food Quality and Food Quantity Talk the Same? Lesson From Household Food Security Study in Embo, South Africa
(Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2013-07-25) Msaki, Mark M.; Hendriks, Sheryl L.
Objectives: Relating food diversity, quality, and intake is one of the key aspects in understanding household food security. This paper aimed at marying food intake and quality, both being measurement for food security. Methods: A household food consumption survey (n = 200) exploring food diversity, quality of foods, and their relation to food intake in Embo, a poor farming community in rural KwaZulu-Natal was carried out in November 2004 (period of insufficiency) and repeated in March 2005 (period of plenty). Household food intake strata were developed using matrices obtained from the Household Food Intake Index and nutritional adequacy ratios. Food quality was measured using food count and later using 5 food groups, namely, starches, vegetables and fruits, animal sourced foods, fats, and legumes. Results: Single food count showed dietary diversity to be significantly different across households with different food intake during the period of plenty (P ≤ 0.000). During the period of plenty, vegetable and fruits contributed significantly different proportions of energy (P ≤ 0.000), protein (P ≤ 0.006), iron (P ≤ 0.020), and vitamin E (P ≤ 0.006) to household food intake strata. Intake of vitamin A was more elastic as its intake variation from legumes, fats, and animal sourced foods was (P ≤ 0.000), from starches (P ≤ 0.008) and from vegetable and fruits (P ≤ 0.064) during the second round. Starches are the most important food group to the community, whereas fats and animal sourced food groups are less important. Conclusions: The current study has been able to include food quality in food security studies. Seasonality accounts for variation in food quality. The South African food-based dietary guidelines are relevant to the Embo community.
Local Government Reform Policy Implementation on Fiscal Transparency and Secondary Education Service Delivery in Tanzania: The Case of Kinondoni Municipal Councils (KMC)
(World Academic Journal of Management, 2023-06-30) Mtasigazya, Paul; Matonya, Iman
Secondary education service delivery has been identified as a key service in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania and can be improved if the financial transparency is exhibited by LGAs. However, the factors which undermine financial transparency and secondary education service delivery in LGAs remain an empirical challenge, and extant literature in developing countries is still sparse. The purpose of this study was to explore why, after a decade of fiscal transparency reform programs, many developing countries in particular Tanzania is still lagging behind in secondary education service in LGAs and fiscal transparency mainly KMC. To that end, this study adds knowledge on the factors which undermine fiscal transparency and secondary education service delivery in LGAs and the ways forward in Tanzania. This study used a case study research design, purposive sampling was used to select 86 respondents and the methods of data collection were interview and documentary review while data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings indicate that the level of education and the embezzlement of public funds and, weak oversight of the citizens negatively affect secondary education service delivery in LGAs. It is therefore concluded that KMC financial transparency process should be part and parcel of KMC so that citizens may trust their government after being furnished with the financial information and improved secondary education service delivery in LGAs in Tanzania. This study recommends that KMC should make sure that relevant financial information about the finances and other local government services should be made public timely on request including to the public, media, civil society organization, and citizens
Livelihood Levels of Green Banana Actors along the Value Chain in Moshi and Meru Districts, Tanzania
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS), 2023-12) Kinisa, Gipson R.O.
The study explored the livelihood levels of green banana actors along the value chain in Moshi and Meru Districts in Tanzania. Descriptive statistics (means, percentages, frequencies, and tables) were used to analyse the actors’ capital sources, activities, capabilities, and assets owned. Binary logistics regression was used to compare the relationships between actors’ capabilities and assets owned. A convenient sampling technique was used to select samples of green banana producers, collectors, processors, wholesalers, and retailers. The sample size of Farmers was 118, Collectors 96, Processors 46, Wholesalers 112, and Retailers 88 for the two districts. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to interview banana value chain actors to obtain primary data. The study found that the actors have different sources of capital. 94 out of 407 respondents (23.10%) relied on banks for their capital needs. A significant majority of respondents, 288 out of 407 (70.76%), relied on their assets as a capital source. The findings of livelihood capabilities show that the majority of households (69.53%) fall under the "Low" income level. On average, the surveyed households own 1 house with an average value of 18,300,000 TZS. Again, each surveyed household owns 8 acres of land with an average combined value of 89,900,000 TZS to assets owned by banana value chain actors. In conclusion, it was found that there are several areas where livelihood capabilities can be enhanced. The study recommends that the actors should be assisted by Local Government Authorities to have different sources of capital. Most of them sell their personal savings, investments, or other tangible assets to fund their ventures. The study also recommends that the actors should focus more on livestock and land ownership since they are significant in both communication and business running capabilities.
Contribution of Village Community Banks to Members’ Livelihood Outcomes in Tanzania: A Case of Chang’ombe Ward in Temeke Municipality
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS), 2023-12) Rwela, Anderson G.
This paper assesses the contribution of Village Community Banks (VICOBA) to members’ livelihoods. Specifically, the paper examines the factors for membership in Village Community Banks and the contribution of VICOBA to the livelihood outcomes of members. The paper is based on a cross-sectional study whereby a sample of 224 respondents was drawn from the population using simple random sampling;112 were members and 112 were non-members of VICOBA. Non-members of VICOBA were used as a control group. The method of data collection was a survey. The data were analysed by computing descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included calculating frequencies and percentages, while inferential statistics included means comparison. The results indicate that services offered by VICOBA were determinants of membership in VICOBA, which included access to loans, networking, receiving earnings, a lower interest rate, savings, and a source of capital. VICOBA contributed to livelihood outcomes variables such as net income and SMEs value of members as it showed a statistically significant P ≥ 0.05 meaning that members of VICOBA had higher net income and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)value compared to non-members. Also, livelihood outcomes such as TV set value, health service cost, and house value of members of VICOBA showed higher values compared to non-members as it showed statistics significant of P ≥ 0.01. The findings conclude that there is a strong positive relationship between membership and livelihood outcomes. The study recommends that local district authorities, NGOs, and the ministry responsible for community development to promote members of the community to participate in VICOBA through developing appropriate policies as VICOBA has shown a tool for achieving livelihood outcomes and means of financial inclusion by enabling members to access capital at affordable costs.
Modeling and optimal control of the transmission dynamics of amebiasis
(Elsevier, 2023-10-28) Edward, S; Mpogolo, Edward, G
In this paper, the mathematical models for amebiasis are developed and presented. The first model considers the transmission dynamics of amebiasis coupled with two constant controls: treatment and sanitation. The next-generation matrix calculates the effective reproductive number, which is then used to assess model system stability. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the primary factors affecting disease transmission. Nonetheless, the results suggest that indirect transmission is more crucial than direct transmission in spreading disease. In addition, we extended the first model to incorporate time-dependent optimal control measures, namely community awareness, treatment, and sanitation. The aim was to reduce the number of infections emanating from interaction with carriers, infected people, and polluted environments while minimizing the expenses associated with adopting controls. The optimal control problem is solved by applying Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle and forward and backward-in-time fourth-order Runge–Kutta methods. The results indicate that an awareness program is optimal when a single control strategy is the only available option. However, when a combination of two controls is implemented, an approach combining awareness programs and treatment is shown to be optimal. Generally, the best strategy is implementing a combination of all three controls: awareness programs, sanitation, and treatment.
Stakeholders’ Perception of the Impacts of Supply Chain Management on Tanzania Construction Projects’ Performance
(TIA, 2022-12-31) Tekka, Ramadhani S.
The current era that is characterised by growth in science and technology, free market beyond borders and globalization effects has compelled every construction industry globally to struggle to resolve the increasing and overwhelming challenges raised by increase in clients' demands and needs. The rise in demands and needs has led to a serious worldwide competition of which the construction industry and firms in particular from emerging economy countries can no longer escape from. In the domestic competitive atmosphere, construction competitors have attempted to identify the strategic competitive environment and potential adaptable market features targeting to lower unnecessary construction costs and time overrun, improving quality, safety, and environmental sustainability while attaining value for money. Thus, to tolerate within a global competition environment, supply chain management has been pointed to ease the construction projects’ performance. This study aimed at examining the impacts of supply chain management on construction projects’ performance. One hundred thirty-eight (138) respondents were randomly sampled from three cities in Tanzania. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analysed descriptively. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the questionnaire. Afterwards, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, and structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to determine the validity of the study. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The findings provided pragmatic factors necessary for improving construction projects’ performance. Also, it was found that fourteen supply chain impacts had a positive significant contribution to improving the construction projects’ performance. Moreover, the findings showed direct and statistically significant influence of supply chain management on collaboration, integration, risk sharing and management as well as configuration. Thus, the findings suggested that supply chain management cannot be isolated from other potential factors when one needs to attain an adequate construction project’s improved performance. Both social and practical implications of the study arerecommended to construction industry practitioners and policymakers in Tanzania to understand the impact of supply chain management on construction projects’ performance to enhance performance improvement. Therefore, increased use ofnformation technology (IT) in supply chain management is recommended to improve construction projects’ performance.
Effects of Innovation on Business Performance: Empirical Evidence from Manufacturing Firms in Tanzania
(TIA, 2022-12-31) Mwaifyusi, Hussein A.; Dau, Ramadhani K.
Regardless of its relevance for business performance, the influence of innovation on the performance of manufacturing firms in Tanzania is not well documented. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effects of innovation on business performance of manufacturing firms in Tanzania. The study used cross-sectional design and quantitative approach. Copies of a structured questionnaire were administered to 420 participants from 28 manufacturing companies in Dar es Salaam and Coast Regions. An impressive response rate of 93.1% was achieved. Data were tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Tests for normality, multicollinearity and autocorrelation were conducted, and the results showed the data were reliable, normally distributed, free of multicollinearity and autocorrelation problems. Descriptive and multiple regression statistical techniques were employed. The results suggested that a significant positive effect existed between performance of manufacturing firms and product innovation (B=0.705, p=0.001), process innovation (B=0.640, p=0.000) and marketing innovation (B=.818, p=0.000). The obvious implication to industry is that innovation is important to business success of the manufacturing companies, thus the governments should motivate firms to innovate continuously by giving incentives to invest in R&D. Past studies linking innovation and performance have focused on financial measures of performance. The major contribution of the current study is to use non-financial measures of performance such as business growth and responsiveness to change.
Automated Optimization-Based Deep Learning Models for Image Classification Tasks
(MDPI, 2023-09-01) Migayo, Daudi, M.; Kaijage, Shubi.; Swetala, Stephen.; Nyambo, Devotha, G.
Applying deep learning models requires design and optimization when solving multi-faceted artificial intelligence tasks. Optimization relies on human expertise and is achieved only with great exertion. The current literature concentrates on automating design; optimization needs more attention. Similarly, most existing optimization libraries focus on other machine learning tasks rather than image classification. For this reason, an automated optimization scheme of deep learning models for image classification tasks is proposed in this paper. A sequential-model-based optimization algorithm was used to implement the proposed method. Four deep learning models, a transformer-based model, and standard datasets for image classification challenges were employed in the experiments. Through empirical evaluations, this paper demonstrates that the proposed scheme improves the performance of deep learning models. Specifically, for a Virtual Geometry Group (VGG-16), accuracy was heightened from 0.937 to 0.983, signifying a 73% relative error rate drop within an hour of automated optimization. Similarly, training-related parameter values are proposed to improve the performance of deep learning models. The scheme can be extended to automate the optimization of transformer-based models. The insights from this study may assist efforts to provide full access to the building and optimization of DL models, even for amateurs.

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