Research Articles (CSS)

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Tabu search heuristic for university course timetabling problem
(African Journal of Science and Technology, 2006) Mushi, Allen R.
In this study we have addressed the NP-Hard problem of academic course timetabling. This is the problem of assigning resources such as lecturers, rooms and courses to a fixed time period normally a week, while satisfying a number of problem-specific constraints. This paper describes a Tabu Search algorithm that creates timetables by heuristically minimizing penalties over infeasibilities. The algorithm is developed with special focus on the University of Dar-assalaam and compares the results with a previous manually generated timetable. It has been found that, the Tabu Search technique gives better results given a careful selection of parameters.
A closer look on conceptual modeling of trust to develop trustman system
(International Journal of Computer Science, 2011) Msanjila, Simon Samwel
Designing comprehensive trust models and mechanisms to address challenges related to mediating business oriented collaboration among organizations has become a fundamental focus of research on trust and particularly those focused on organizational Trust Management (TrustMan) Systems. Despite recent achievements from research addressing the modeling of trust, there are still insufficient generic and customizable models, mechanisms and tools to support emerging requirements on inter-organizational trust analysis. Most available model solutions supporting trust analysis are limited to: a specific application case (e.g. multi-agent systems), known actors (organizations or individuals), or domain of study (e.g. health domain). These solutions are also limited to some specific set of trust criteria applied to their development such as a small set of trust criteria for analysis of rational trust in organization. In this article we advocate that a large number of elements must be properly specified and modeled to comprehensively cover the trust objectives of organizations towards developing a supportive TrustMan system. This article analyzes and proposes three specific modeling formalisms that best represent trust relationships among organizations and presents some examples for those formalisms. It also analyzes classes of models of inter-organizational trust, namely: hard models, soft models and semi-soft models.
E-government adoption in developing countries: Trends in the use of models
(ESARBICA Journal, 2011) Komba, Mercy Mlay; Ngulube, P.
Like the evaluation of all other information systems initiatives, the evaluation of e-government in both theory and practice has proven to be important and complex. The importance of e-government evaluation is due to the enormous investment put in by governments for delivering e-government services and to the considerable pace of growth in the field of e-government. However, despite the importance of the evaluation of e-government services, the literature shows that e-government evaluation is still an immature area in terms of development and management. The main aim of this article is to explore various theories and models which have been used in the developing countries context to evaluate e-government adoption. Developing countries suffer from poor citizen utilization of e-government initiatives. An assessment of various theories and models for e-government adoption in developing countries may positively contribute to enhancing government understanding of the factors that influence citizen utilization of e-government systems. Moreover, the understanding of these models can be used as means for providing valuable feedback for the planning of future e-government initiatives in the developing countries.
Factors for e-government adoption: Lessons from selected African countries
(UNISA Press, 2012) Komba, Mercy Mlay; Ngulube, P
This article discusses various problematic issues of providing access to, and promoting the wider utilisation of government information as important factors in e-government adoption. The Tunisian, Mauritian and Egyptian e-government experiences are examined in this article in order to highlight both good practices and remaining challenges in e-government adoption. Some of the good practices that we can benefit from, may be summarised as: formulating a viable national information and communication technology strategy (ICT-based) for modernising the telecommunications infrastructure, developing a regulatory framework for the deployment of a digital economy, obtaining international cooperation in ICT, developing skilled human resources management in ICT, developing a national digital culture in order to overcome the problems of low individual usage and adoption of ICT, establishing an information infrastructure to connect the various local government authorities, and establishing security standards in order to address threats. The study concludes that overcoming the obstacles of providing access to, and promoting the wider utilisation of government information, remain some of the biggest challenges for any government planning to adopt and implement e-government.
Modelling the adoption of mobile payment system for paying examination fees in Tanzanian major cities.
(International Journal of Computing & ICT Research, 2014) Tossy, Titus
This paper examines the different factors affecting the intention to use the mobile payment systems for examination fee payment in the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA). Using Structural Equation modelling technique from a Tanzanian major cities perspective, the paper examines whether the mobile payment systems technology acceptance level is affected by the factors affecting the intention to use. The rationale for the investigation stems from the fact that while more than 61% of Tanzanians own or have access to mobile phones and the mobile usage in major cities increases, there is decrease of NECTA candidates who opt mobile examination fee payment method. The paper attempts to model the individual intention to use mobile payment systems for paying examination fees in Tanzania major cities. It concludes that the factors that had significant impact on the individual intention to use mobile payment systems, performance expectance, social influences and trust is necessary.
Modelling the adoption of mobile payment system for primary and secondary school student examination fees in developing countries: Tanzanian experience
(International Journal of Information Technology and Business Management, 2014) Tossy, Titus
This paper examines the Use of Mobile Phones for Examination Fees Payment among Primary and Secondary School Students. The paper analyses whether there are factors affecting the use of mobile payment systems for examination fee payment. The rationale of this study is based on the fact that most scholars claim that while number of mobile phones ownership, access and usage in primary and secondary school student’s increases, there is decrease of who opt mobile examination fee payment method. From the perspective of primary and secondary school exam candidates in Tanzania, this paper used Structural Equation modelling technique to examine whether the mobile payment systems technology acceptance level is affected by factors affecting the mobile phone uses. The study identified three significant factors: performance expectancy, social influences and trust.
Investigating factors influencing the adoption and use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Tanzanian higher learning institutions: towards an Individual-Technology-Organizational-Environmental (ITOE) framework
(International Journal of Research in Business and Technology, 2014) Kisanjara, Simeo; Tossy, Titus
This paper is located within the global debates about adoption and use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in developing countries. From the Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs), this paper investigates factors influencing the adoption and use of the FOSS. The rationale for the investigation stems from the notion that Tanzanian HLIs is yet to fully adopt and use FOSS, despite huge investments and efforts being made on ground. This is facilitated by the lack of clear FOSS adoption and use framework. The source of this data was a questionnaire which comprised of structured questions, using a five-point Likert Scale. The population sample for the study was all HLIs stakeholders in Tanzania. Participants included both public and private HLIs. The positive factors include autonomy for code modifications, IT staffs and decision makers, organization awareness, trustworthiness of FOSS, licensing and scalability, collaboration and knowledge sharing, collaboration on international ICT, organization policy and good social economic policy. The negative influences that emerged included, Lack of proper plan, low confidence, lack of expertise, unfit for purpose, difficult to implement, lack of supporting software. Furthermore, this paper motivates other researchers to analyze why the adoption and use of Free and Open source software is still low to higher learning Institutions in East Africa even though their potential benefits that have been advocated in many previous studies. Finally, the paper has proposed Individual-Technological-Organizational- Environmental (ITOE) framework for adoption and use of FOSS.
Major challenges and constraint of integrating health information systems in african countries: a Namibian experience
(International Journal of Information and Communication Technology, 2014) Tossy, Titus
This paper is located within the global debates about integrated Health Information Systems (HIS) in developing countries. From a Namibian experience, this paper examines the major challenges and constrains facing the integration of HIS. The rationale for the examination stems from the notion that the Namibia healthcare is yet to integrate the HIS, despite huge investments and efforts being made on ground. Based on own experience and backed up by a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation, major challenges and constraint in the integration of HIS and possible solutions are presented and structured. Finally the paper proposes measures within the HIS in the form of annual health provider’s workshop that could be implemented in order to share the experiences and lesson learned.
Doing classic grounded theory methodology in information systems research: how to create and sustain transparency?
(International Journal of Computing & ICT Research, 2014) Tossy, Titus
Information Systems(IS) field is fast growing. There is increase application of Classic Grounded theory (CGT) methodology in the Information Systems (ISs) studies. However, "how to create and sustain transparency when using Classic Grounded theory in studies is still answered." The Classic Grounded Theory [CGT] research method reveals latent patterns of human behaviour. It is a general research methodology because it makes use of all kinds of data. Whether the data are qualitative or quantitative, CGT main objective is to discover a robust empirically derived hypothesis or core variable. The core variable articulates the main concern of the respondents. It is so called because the core variable is able to explain most of the variation in the data. The particular feature of the CGT research method is that it is transcendent of both time and place. This is because CGT delivers a conceptual explanation rather than a low level descriptive context based narrative. As the number of IS researchers using CGT increases so does the likelihood for more confusion regarding the legitimate criteria for its evaluation. To contribute towards eliminating the confusion, this paper investigates how to create and sustain transparency in IS research when using the Classic Grounded Theory research method. This will, hopefully, enable IS researchers, supervisors and respective institutions to make more informed decisions on how to evaluate research, which has used the CGT research methodology.
Evolutionary collaborative partnership model (ECPM): The East African elearning provider's project-based legitimization strategy
(International Journal of Computing and ICT Research, 2014) Tossy, Titus
The paper examines the lack of legitimacy of e-learning projects including academic certificates through online distance programs. The paper analyses whether the lack of legitimacy that exist among e-learning projects can be eradicated through a sound proposed strategy. The rationale of this study is based on the fact that most scholars claim that various e-learning projects and programs lack legitimization, and the literature related to legitimization issues is limited. From the perspective of e-learning providers working in East Africa, this paper used Classic Grounded Theory. The study developed an Evolutionary Collaborative Partnership Model (ECPM). For legitimization to be achieved, the study revealed that three processes needed to be followed: the identifying and acquiring of collaborating partners, referral networking and strategic alliances. The study identified two types of collaborating partnerships: asymmetrical and reciprocal collaborating . The study discovered five stages in an incremental sequential process in the evolutionary e-learning collaborative partnership model including identification of key drivers, problem setting, direction setting, structuring and outcomes.
Students’ attitudes and readiness assessment towards e-learning in higher learning institutions
(International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 2014) Kisanjara, Simeo
Learning institutions particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania have been adopting teaching and knowledge exchange and sharing digital solutions without much consideration of the actual needs and readiness of users. E-learning technologies in particular have been adopted in many universities through purchase and installation mostly imported from abroad or customized from open sources. However, the success rate has proven to be very low particularly when looking into ratio of students using these technologies for intended purposes. It is not clear whether the readiness and attitudes of students towards those technologies is supportive enough. This paper assesses the readiness and attitudes of students in higher learning institutions in Tanzania in comparisons with the adoption speed of the e-learning technologies.
Antecedents of continued usage intentions of web-based learning management system in Tanzania
(Education + Training, 2015) Komba Mercy; Tandi Luoga
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that predict students’ continued usage intention of web-based learning management systems (LMS) in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the School of Business of Mzumbe University. Specifically, the study investigated major predictors of actual usage and continued usage intentions of e-learning system, and challenges of using the e-learning system. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 third year undergraduate students, with a rate of return of 77 per cent. A total of 20 faculty members were also interviewed. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was utilized in the study. Findings – The results show that actual usage was determined by self-efficacy, while continued usage intentions of web-based learning system was predicted by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, self-efficacy, and actual usage. Challenges for using web-based LMS were related to information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure barrier, LMS user interface was not user friendly, weak ICT policies, management and technical support, limited skills, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of time to prepare e-content and use the e-learning system. Practical implications – The study findings are useful to e-learning managers and university management to identify important factors and develop appropriate policies and strategies to encourage long-term usage of e-learning systems for future studies and lifelong learning. Originality/value – By using UTAUT in the context of continued usage intentions and the integration of an additional construct (“self-efficacy”), the extended UTAUT model fits very well in the web-based learning systems in Tanzania, in particular where such studies are scant. The findings can be used in other institutions with similar conditions in investigating the continued usage intentions of e-learning systems.
Factors that influence eBusiness adoption in selected districs in Tanzania
(International Conference on eBusiness, eCommerce, eManagement, eLearning and eGovernance (2015): 1-19. Print., 2015) Komba, Mercy Mlay; Ngulube, P
Purpose-Tanzania government has been making efforts to provide its information and services through internet. However, e-government adoption has been quite slow. Few publications explore e-government adoption in the Tanzanian context; therefore, this paper aims to assess factors that influence citizen adoption of e-government in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approach- A survey was administered to elicit factors for e-government adoption in Tanzania. Findings- The results of multiple linear regressions indicate that social influence and system quality significantly influence e-government adoption in Tanzania. Research limitation/implications- In light of these findings, researchers should conduct a similar study using other different e-government adoption models to identify more factors that influence e-government adoption in Tanzania. Practical implications- Policymakers and e-government project teams should consider these factors to facilitate e-government adoption within the
Behavioral factors influencing partner trust in logistics collaboration: a review
(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2016) Daudi, Morice; Hauge, Jannicke; Thoben, Klaus-Dieter
Logistics collaboration has emerged a prevalent strategy to mitigate challenge individuals and organizations encounter. A successful collaboration, however, depends on certain trustworthy behaviors partner exhibit. To that end, understanding aspects constituting behavioral uncertainty and mechanisms by which such aspects affect partner trust is a necessary. This necessity counts on emergent behavioral trust uncertainties, constituted by partner’s actions and interactions occurring during collaboration. While this is a necessary requirement, most of the studies in the literature lack to take into account the influence of behavioral uncertainty on collaboration and partner trust. To that effect, this paper uncovers outlined limitation by establishing behavioral factors influencing partner trust in operational stage of logistics collaboration. To accomplish this objective, a systematic literature review (SLR) is deployed to consolidate research domains of logistics, supply chain, collaboration, and trust. SLR proceeds by defining a review protocol, followed by a search process conducted in 5 databases using 20 search terms on articles published between 2001 and 2015 inclusively. Among findings this SLR has revealed are four behavioral factors and thirteen criteria proposed to affect partner trust. Additionally, these factors constitute success and measurable criteria needed for empirical investigation which may employ experimental and/or case-study methods. Moreover, synthesized factors extend further an understanding of behavioral trust in ad hoc collaborative networks, a large part of which being supported by networks of humans and computers.
Government information seeking behaviour of citizens in selected districts of Tanzania
(Journal of Library & Information Science, 2016) Komba Mercy Mlay; Lwoga Edda Tandi
The study assessed the information needs and information-seeking patterns of citizens in Tanzania, focusing on three districts: Morogoro town, Njombe and Kinondoni districts. A questionnaire survey was self-administered to 450 citizens in selected districts, with a rate of return of 99.6 per cent. Findings revealed that citizens mainly required information on national examination results, followed by information on birth, death and marriage certificates, land, and health. Citizens relied on electronic sources and interpersonal communication with neighbours and friends more than explicit sources of information. Certain demographic factors related to education level and respondent’s age determined the use of various types of information sources. Common barriers of citizens’ information seeking behaviour were related to poor ICT infrastructure, difficulty in retrieving information, distant location and high costs of information sources. This is a comprehensive study that provides findings which might help the government in Tanzania and other countries with similar conditions to provide effective government information and services to their citizens.
An integrated model for measuring the impacts of e-learning on students’ achievement in developing countries
(Open Campus, The University of the West Indies, West Indies, 2017) Kisanjara, Simeo; Tossy, Titus; Sife, Alfred; Msanjila, Simon
Information and Communication Technologies have influenced the landscape of education sector by changing the way various education activities are being conducted. From the perspectives of Tanzania, this paper provides an integrated model for measuring the impact of e-learning on students’ achievements in universities. A Mixed method research methodology involving survey questionnaires and interviews was employed in the collection of quantitative and qualitative data respectively for building the integrated model. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the construct validity and internal reliability. Multiple regressions technique was used to analyse the hypothesised relationships conceptualised in the research model. The model was built and validated using structural equation modeling and Delphi technique respectively. Indicators such as student engagement, student cognitive, performance expectancy, students’ control, student satisfaction, continue using, student enjoyment, students’ self-esteem, students’ confidence on e-learning system have positive significance relationship with students’ achievement. The integrated model has the potential to policy makers, universities and other stakeholder to understand the impacts of e-learning after implementation in order to justify the total investment based on that technology. The novelty of this research lies in the extension of the findings in literature with new integrated variables including frequency use and intention to use e-learning.
Measuring the impacts of e-learning on students’ achievement in learning process: an experience from Tanzanian public universities
(International Journal of Engineering and Applied Computer Science, 2017) Tossy, Titus
This paper is located within the 21st century global debates about the impact of e-learning as one of the ICT on students’ achievements in teaching and learning process in universities. From the perspectives of Tanzania, this paper provides a model for measuring the impact of e-learning on students’ achievements in universities. The rationale for the investigation stems from the notion that despite the hundreds impact studies, the impacts of e-learning on student’s achievements remain difficult to measure and open too much reasonable debate. This raised contradiction and elusive findings on the conclusion based on the impacts of e-learning systems on student’s achievement. A Mixed method research methodology involving survey and interviews was employed in the collection of data for building the model. Multiple regressions technique was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships conceptualized in the research model. The model was built and validated using structural equation modeling and Delphi technique respectively. Measuring e-learning impact on student’s achievements, indicators such as student engagement, student cognitive, performance expectancy, student control, student satisfaction, continue using, student motivation, student self-esteem, student confidence on e-learning system have positive significance relationship with students’ achievement. The model has the potential to policy makers, universities and other stakeholder to understand the impacts of e-learning after implementation in order to justify the total investment based on that technology. The novelty of this research lies in the extension of the findings in literature with constructs such as frequency use and intention to use e-learning in learning context.
Doing classic grounded theory research in information systems: trust in emergence
(IGI Global, 2017) Tossy, Titus; Brown, Irwin; Lowe, Andy
Grounded Theory (GT) is a latent pattern recognition research method that was developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss (1967). GT, which can use either quantitative or qualitative data, is a general research methodology and it produces empirically grounded but modifiable theory. Since the development of GT in 1967, some researchers have attempted to modify the original GT method, and remodelled GT approaches have been widely used in Information Systems (IS) research, often with unfortunate results due to disregard of the basic rules of the original GT. The continued use of remodelled GT methods has caused confusion and has prevented those in the IS research community from stimulating the development of new theory, which is the main benefit of using GT as it was originally outlined. Following publication of the original grounded theory by Glaser and Strauss (1967), Glaser (1978) went on to explain in detail how to operationalize the GT method. Despite this, some researchers mistakenly continued to classify GT as a subset of the qualitative data analysis research methodology. In doing so, they reveal that they have misunderstood both the purpose of GT and how to use it correctly. In this paper the author will concentrate on the authentic approach to GT, which is termed “Classic Ground Theory” (CGT), so as to differentiate it from any misconceived remodelled version of the theory. This paper explains how CGT can be carried out in an IS context by trusting in the emergence from the data of the required information, rather than forcing it.
Creating new actors and partnerships: Case of Tanzania
(Aalborg University, 2017) Turcan, Romeo V.; Kwayu, Aikande; Tossy, Titus; Fraser, Norman; Nandonde, Felix
The purpose of this working paper is to highlight issues and challenges of starting up new sectors in emerging economies and of identifying and channeling appropriate support from development organizations. Although being addressed within the context of Tanzania, these issues and challenges are generic and ubiquitous throughout emerging economies and troublesome for development organizations. Hence another aim is to share these with a wider audience and stimulate a discussion among researchers, policy makers and support providers. The paper is an excerpt from a project application developed by a University from Denmark in cooperation with academic and business partners from Tanzania and submitted for funding to a development organization.
Collaborating partnerships: A project-based legitimizing strategy amongst East African E-Learning providers
(IGI Global, 2017) Tossy, Titus; Brown, Irwin
This chapter examines the phenomenon of e-learning in East Africa. The classic grounded theory methodology was used to carry out the study. Through multiple encounters with 24 e-learning providers, the investigation revealed legitimizing of e-learning projects to be a significant issue for these providers. Developing collaborating partnerships was a key strategy used by the providers to legitimize e-learning projects. The study identified two types of collaborating partnerships: Asymmetrical and Reciprocal. These findings are positioned within literature to highlight the contribution that this paper makes to the discourse on e-learning projects in developing countries.

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