Faculty of Science and Technology

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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.
A comparative evaluation of e-learning adoption in private and public higher education institutions: A Tanzania survey
(IGI Global, 2017) Mwamahusi, Mpe Paulo; Tossy, Titus
This paper examines e-learning adoption in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The paper examines whether there is a difference between the Private and public HEIs e-learning adoption. The rationale for the examination stands from the fact that scholars are of option that there is different between private and public HEIs e-learning adoption. From an empirical survey conducted in Tanzania, this paper evaluates both staffs and students on the current situations, factors affecting, similarities and differences of e-learning adoption between private and public HEIs. The research reveals that, despite of the government efforts to support e-learning initiative by introducing national ICT polices to boost the level of adoption; very few private HEIs have adopted e-learning compared to public HEIs. The limited initial investment, lack of expertize, lack of guaranteed electrical power, poor strategic change management plans, and lack of innovative ideas are the barriers to e-learning adoption.
A Decision supporting algorithm for improving sunflower production amidst changing weather in the singida region, Tanzania
(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2024) Kisanjara, Simeo; Matimbwa, Hadija
Recent drastic weather shifts driven by global warming have adversely affected African agriculture, culminating in low crop yields. The purpose of this study is to design decision support algorithms (DSA) that will aid sunflower farmers in the Singida Region in managing the risks associated with weather variations and consequently improve crop yields. A total of 80 respondents, including meteorologists, agricultural extension officers (AEOs), and farmers with feature and smart phones, contributed to the study's designedand empirical validation of the algorithm. The study designed and validated the DSA that assist sunflower growers in the Singida region in making informed decisions to improve productivity amidst adverse weather changes. As revealed, farmerswho use both smartphones and feature phones are extremely satisfied with the DSA functions. The decision support algorithm designedin this study integrates smart and feature phone elements that were overlooked in comparable, prior systems and algorithms.Farmers that grow other crops that behave similarly to sunflower in areas with characteristicscomparable to the Singida region will find the study's designedand validated algorithm helpful. In order to assist sunflower farmers in making decisions, theDSA interprets and processes data on a predetermined set of daily activities. In order to advance the use of ICT applications in farming activities, the study's findings took into consideration farmers who used feature phones with SMS-based notifications and those who used smartphones. The existing systems mostly concentrated on integrating web-based systems through mobile phones, which is dependent only on internet connectivity being available. Moreover, the use of web-based systems via mobile phones only results in restricted coverage and is out of reach for many farmers. Thus, the innovative element that emphasizes the study's contribution to the field in Tanzania's rural areas is the integration of feature and smart phone.IntroductionAgricultural production in Africa is significantly impacted by adverse weather shifts owing to variability (Stevanovi’c et al.,2016). The continent’svulnerability is attributable to severalchallenges, including extreme poverty, limitedemployment opportunities, and a lack of Keywords:ICTs; Decision Support Algorithm; Smart-feature phone; weather changes; Agriculture;Sunflower Productivity Cite as,Kisanjara and Matimbwa,(2024). A Decision supporting algorithm for improving sunflower production amidst changing weather in the singidaregion, Tanzania.East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation 5(2).Received: 02/01/24Accepted: 05/03/24Published: 28/03/24EISSN: 2707-0425
A framework for Online Resources and E-Learning Implementation (OREI) in Tanzania Secondary Schools
(Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, 2016) Kihoza, Patrick D.
The generic model of an education system is formed by pedagogy, social interaction, and technological components. Current generation is born into a digital world, distinguished from other generations by the presence of sophisticated media, World Wide Web, mobile devices, and the multitasking computer systems that enhance learning beyond the classroom walls. In recent years, the shortcomings on the traditional learning approaches have forced an increased demand for the use of digital educational resources that enhance effectiveness to the pre-existed approaches. However, deployment of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in schools face internal and external challenges that are either related to lack of funding, lack of ICT implementation strategic plan, lack of experts’ involvement, lack of user’s competencies and or relevant infrastructures and technologies to be used. As a gap to this study, most of previous studies focused on the design of e-learning tools (software, mobile apps, and interactive systems). However, the lack of a framework that integrates efforts of all key players for the planning of ICT use in secondary education exists. In addition, ICT tools are dumped in schools where users have no skills and their readiness is not well determined. A solid approach for technology and infrastructure deployment in the education system is essential. This study introduced an integrated online resources and e-learning implementation (OREI) framework. In Tanzania, applying pedagogical ICT tools in secondary education is highly considered as a necessity. The need therefore for teachers’ professional development should be aligned to the overall education objectives and the opportunities of the pedagogical use of ICTs. In this study, a mixed research design used qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data using questionnaires, interviews and document reviews from the MoEVT head office, Tanzania institute of education (TIE), Schools’ inspection eastern zone office, Morogoro Teachers Training College, Mzumbe University, four public Secondary Schools (Kilakala, Kipera, Mongola and Lupanga) from Morogoro region. This study found that, teachers are passionate to know and use ICTs but failed due to existing external limitations (e.g. accessibility to hardware and software) and internal limitations-(e.g. personal attitudes, skills and perceptions about a technology). Teachers’ education level could not determine their ICT use competency levels. Majorities are poorly prepared in ICT use and could fail to mix digital and non-digital technologies in classrooms when enabled. The challenges secondary schools face in relation to ICT use are complex and should not be resolved from single direction. The uses of ICTs have mostly focused on infrastructures and less on ICT associated learning opportunities. Among the worst practices have been dumping hardware in schools without relevant e-contents, adopting ICT-related models and practices of the developed nations hoping for them to work, lack of clearly defined ICT in education implementation plan and framework. Emerging from the reviewed literature and the empirical data, we introduced an innovative framework to support the process of planning, deployment, and monitoring and evaluation of the ICTs in education in Tanzania, which is a study case. The study identified seven components of the OREI framework namely: (1) government support, (2) ICT infrastructures, (3) technology deployment, (4) policies and guidelines, (5) training and recruitment, (6) stake holder’s involvement and (7) the monitoring and evaluation; followed by the design based approach which led to the initial framework design. ELearning application in developing countries could only be realized when the ICT in education policies, the education vision strategic plan and the implementation framework are well coordinated. This study presents key recommendations. The government should clearly define the model of technology use in secondary education. The strategic plan should state measurable achievements to avoid entering the worst ICT investment practices. There is a need for authoritative approach to the study of the degree of ICT in education integration that makes use of such indicators within developmental models of integration of ICT in education with considerations of local circumstances. Tanzania as a nation should define levels of ICT integration and break them into goal oriented phases. For the government to know whether one model of instructional materials is a better choice than another, it must know which students are being exposed to which instructional materials. In the perspective of ICT in education planning, designing and deployment it is necessary to bring ICT into a familiar educational framework as a tool equally to textbooks and in time allow and pro-actively encourage the government to intentionally budget for them equally. It is clear that a balance is required between providing offline digital content resources, online content and online content creation tools that allow teachers and students to create and share their own teaching and learning contents.
A model for predicting food security status among households in developing countries
(International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 2013) Mbukwa, Justine N.
Food security prediction has been challenging aspects in developing countries particularly in African countries such as Tanzania. Consequently, government lack proper stimulated information that is necessary in making decision on efforts required for stabilizing food situation and status in their countries. Scientifically it has been observed in research and practical that this is caused by lack of proper mechanisms, tools and approach suitable for modeling and predicting food status among households. This paper proposes a logistic regression based model for analysis and prediction of food security status. The proposed model is empirically test using practical data collected from one district in Tanzania.
A new method for intuitionistic fuzzy multi-objective linear fractional optimization problem and its application in agricultural land allocation problem
(Elsevier, 2023) Moges, Demmelash Mollalign; Mushi, Allen R.; Wordofa, Berhanu Guta
This paper presents a new method for solving an intuitionistic fuzzy multi-objective linear fractional optimization (IFMOLFO) problem with crisp and intuitionistic fuzzy constraints. Here, all uncertain parameters are represented as triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. We used an accuracy ranking function and variable transformation in the proposed method to convert an IFMOLFO problem into a crisp multi-objective linear optimization problem. Then, we formulated the first phase of the weighted intuitionistic fuzzy goal programming (WIFGP) model to obtain an intuitionistic fuzzy non-dominant (IFND) solution for the IFMOLFO problem. Several strategies for obtaining an IFND solution to the IFMOLFO problem have been proposed in the literature. However, in addition to constructing the phase-I WIFGP model, this study shows that the IFND solution may not be Pareto-optimal when some of the under-deviation variables are zero. As a result, the second phase of the WIFGP model is applied to address this issue. The benefits of both models are merged to provide a novel method, unlike any other method in the literature, for producing optimal solutions that satisfy both IFND and Pareto-optimal requirements. The suggested algorithm’s efficiency and reliability are demonstrated by addressing a real-life case study of an agricultural production planning problem and followed by solving a numerical example from literature.
A set of principles for doing and evaluating classic grounded theory research in information systems
(IGI Global, 2017) Lowe, Andy; Tossy, Titus
Grounded Theory (GT) is a latent pattern recognition research method discovered by Glaser and Strauss (1967). Due to GTs power and transcendence many research papers across several academic disciplines including Information Systems claimed to have used GT when in fact they have used pseudo GT methods. It is argued in this paper that any other research method which adopts the GT label without following orthodoxy of the authentic GT research method should not be called GT. All of the pseudo GT methods make the false assumption that GT is a sub set of Qualitative Data Analysis. This is a false assumption because authentic GT can use either quantitative or qualitative data and it is a general research methodology and produces empirically grounded but modifiable propositions. Within the Information Systems (IS) research community it is therefore not surprising that many, who claim to use GT, have used different types of pseudo GT. They have adopted vocabulary of the GT without following its original tenets. This paper explains how authentic GT can be carried out in an information systems context by trusting in emergence rather than forcing the data.
A strategy to promote research and consultancy assignments in the faculty: A case study of the Faculty of Science and Technology Mzumbe University, Tanzania
(Managing Change at Universities, 2019) Sungau, Joseph Joseph
The research and consultancy services profile of the Faculty of Science and Technology of Mzumbe University has been of concern. The profile has been of concern due to the poor performance the faculty has in researches and consultancy assignments. In that regard, the faculty found it is necessary to improve the faculty performance in terms of researches and consultancy assignments for the health of the faculty. Following that need, the process to intervene and redress this situation started after the Dean of the Faculty attended International Deans’ Course (IDC) - Africa phase I, which was conducted in Germany. This course exposed the Dean to faculty management approaches that can be used to manage the faculty performance. Following this training, the Dean found that it is important to identify strategies that can be used by the faculty to improve her performance in terms of researches and consultancy assignments. In this assignment of the redressing faculty performance in terms of researches and consultancy assignments, the Dean adapted the Project Action Plan approach to identify the strategies that could be used to improve faculty performance in terms of researches and consultancy assignments. In this approach, the Dean mobilized the faculty members to develop the strategy. In carrying this assignment, the Dean was assigned a mentor who is an IDC – Africa resource person. The mentor gained the Dean in this process of developing the strategy. The developed strategy was presented to the faculty meeting, IDC Africa phase II and III in order to get comments for improvement. Thereafter, the suggested comments were addressed accordingly. Therefore, this chapter presents a proposed strategy that can be used to redress faculty performance in terms researches and consultancy assignments. Specifically, the chapter presents objectives, strategic objectives, strategies, targets and measurable indicators that a faculty may concentrate with to improve her performance in terms of researches and consultancy assignments.
A trust framework for agents’ interactions in collaborative logistics
(Springer International Publishing, 2017) Daudi, Morice; Hauge, Jannicke; Thoben, Klaus-Dieter
Trust is an essential factor for successful resource sharing in logistics. To build and sustain trust among collaborating partners in logistics requires, amongst others, conceptualizing on various aspects constituting underlying mistrusts. The conception is achieved by setting up a framework describing trust-based collaborative interactions of these partnering entities, referred to as agents. This research establishes a trust framework addressing agents’ trustworthy interactions and thus aims at overcoming a knowledge gap identified in the literature. The framework depicts trust-based interactions concentrating to sharing of vehicle capacities. The trust framework is conceived on a foundation of theoretical body of knowledge in the literature. It engages knowledge on collaborative networks, logistics and transportation, agent behavior as well as trust. This research contributes by identifying key agents together with their roles, characteristics, tasks, information exchange as well as perceptions; all of which linked to agent trust. The framework is reusable in many ways, including formal conception of models aspiring to empirically investigate trust amongst agents sharing logistics resources. It also provides more understanding to practitioners, especially on issues relating to compromising differences resulting from agent’s perspectives.
Adoption and use of Elearning in Tanzanian higher learning institutions: A structural equation model
(International Journal of Education & Development using Information & Communication Technology, 2023) Kisanjara, Simeo
Many higher learning Institutions (HLIs) in underdeveloped nations, especially in Tanzania, are not moving quickly enough to embrace eLearning. This study seeks to design a model for enhanced adoption and use of eLearning at Tanzanian higher learning Institutions. A quantitative cross-section survey design was used for data collection. Data were examined using SEM under AMOS software. The results showed that the level of eLearning adoption and use was significantly influenced by technological, user, pedagogical, social, and environmental factors. Based on this paper, policymakers and other stakeholders should embrace this model to give enough support for the adoption of eLearning and to enhance the performance in teaching and learning. To develop an appropriate, successful, effective, and long-lasting eLearning environment, decision makers can have a clear image of how to implement an appealing, conducive, and positive meaningful learning environment. As a result, the paper adds to the body of knowledge the factors (such as social, environmental, and human ones) that significantly affect the adoption of eLearning in Tanzania's HLIs. In addition, a model for the adoption and use of successful and improved eLearning in Tanzanian's HLIs and other countries with comparable features was developed and validated in the paper.
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.
Analysis of multi-SIM behaviour in Tanzania’s telecom market using binary logit model
(Tanzania Journal of Development Studies, 2022) Ilembo, Bahati ; Walwa, Jackson
This paper examines factors for multi SIMs usage in the mobile services, and its economic implications to mobile operators in Tanzania. A random sample of 288 mobile phones subscribers from six mobile operators were included in the study. The study used binary logit model to estimate drivers for multi-SIMs usage, with marginal effects calculated to indicate appropriately the probabilities of usage for individual parameters used in the model. The findings showed that differences in perceiving quality of services and product differentiation are the main drivers for multi-SIMs usage. The multi-SIMs users are satisfied with multiple operators as no one operator provides a combination of their communication needs successfully. Also, customer-care related reasons like inaccessibility of sim swap raises customer’s SIM multiplicity. The behaviour of customers to own multiple SIM cards increases the level of customer spending to multiple operators and reduces customer’s profitability. This demands that network managements improve network quality, promotional activity, and customer care to win customers’ share of usage.
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.
Application of K-Means and Partitioning Around Mediods (PAM) clustering techniques on Maize and Beans yield in Tanzania
(KY Publications, 2016) Mbukwa, Justine Nkundwe; Anjaneyulu, G.V.S.R.
This paper contributes to the application of k-means and k-mediods multivariate statistical methods for the purpose of revealing optimal clusters and assessing the consistency of individual districts within the group. Data used were extracted from united republic of Tanzania (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries(MALF) (2003/12) consisted a total of (n=36 districts) with both maize and beans yield. The R-statistical computing version (3.1.1) was used. The study findings revealed that 36 districts were grouped into six clusters using k-means algorithm. Using the k-mediods, it was revealed that only 11 districts were found to very well structured since their silhouette width (Si) is above 0.5. Nevertheless, the clusters validation was done in such a way that individual district whose silhouette width (Si) close to 1 was regarded as highly consistency clustered whereas districts with (Si) greater or equal to 0.25 were said to be somehow well clustered and otherwise. The paper concludes that few districts that are very consistent given the threshold margin should to be monitored and evaluated effectively to ascertain productivity. The study recommends that the government should pay attention on allocating the scarce resources to the consistency clusters along with policy review in favour of smallholder farmers through access and timely for all important farm inputs in future.
Aretrospective evaluation of the intellectual structure of private agricultural and food standards research in global trade
(International Trade, Politics and Development, 2023) Lwesya, Francis; Mbukwa, Justine N.
Purpose The aim of this article was to present a retrospective assessment of the intellectual structure of private agricultural and food standards research in global trade. This study was motivated by the increasing role of standards and certifications in governing global agricultural and food trade. Design/methodology/approach The current investigation was carried out with bibliometric methods using VOSviewer software. Techniques such as citation, co-citation, keyword co-occurrence, keyword evolution and co-authorship analyses were performed to tackle the research questions. Articles were extracted from Scopus database for the period 1998–2022 (30th August 2022) with selected keywords (“Private food standard*” OR “food standard*” OR “agri-food standard*” AND “agri*” OR “agro*” OR “farm*” OR “food*” AND “international trade” OR “global trade” OR “international business”) along certain filters (subject – Economics and Business management: language – English: Document – article and review articles and source – journals). Findings The results show that the intellectual structure of private agricultural and food standards research in global trade has evolved around five clusters, namely: (1) the political economy of food standards, (2) food standards and their challenges in global trade, (3) food standards and integration into value chains, (4) food standards and market access and (5) food standards and exports from developing countries. However, the authors found the research gaps in each of the thematic clusters. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this study is that the authors focused their attention on certain aspects of bibliometric review, such as the intellectual structure of the field, the citation analysis and the collaboration network. Future research could attempt to explore new field development through bibliographic coupling and deepening of conceptual structure using content analysis by incorporating the research methods used in the respective studies. Practical implications The emerging research areas in private agricultural and food standards in global trade are related to topics on food quality, sustainable development, genetically modified organisms, World Trade Organization, tariff structure, trade agreements, food industry and European Union. However, there is less research and little collaboration between Africa and developed countries. For example, Africa's total publications were (15), while the US had (46), China (15), Belgium (23), Germany (27), Italy (32) and the UK (24). Originality/value There are limited studies that have conducted a retrospective evaluation of the intellectual structure of private agricultural and food standards research in the global trade using bibliometric analysis. The present investigation is novel in identifying the thematic research clusters, emerging issues and future research directions. This is more important to developing countries as their agricultural produce face challenges to access markets of the developed world.
Asset liability management for Tanzania: Pension funds by stochastic programming
(Afrika Statistika, 2018) John, Andongwisye; Larsson, Torbjörn; Singull, Martin; Mushi, Allen R.
We present a long-termmodel of asset liability management for Tanzania pension funds. The pension system is pay-as-you-go where contributions are used to pay current benefits. The pension plan is a final salary defined benefit. Two kinds of pension benefits, a commuted (at retirement) and a monthly (old age) pension are considered. A decisive factor for a long-term asset liability management is that, Tanzania pension funds face an increase of their members’ life expectancy, which will cause the retirees to contributors dependence ratio to increase. We present a stochastic programming approach which allocates assets with the best return to raise the asset value closer to the level of liabilities. The model is based on work by Kouwenberg in 2001, with features from Tanzania pension system. In contrast to most asset liability management models for pension funds by stochastic programming, liabilities are modeled by using number of years of life expectancy for monthly benefit. Scenario trees are generated by using Monte Carlo simulation. Numerical results suggest that, in order to improve the long-term sustainability of the Tanzania pension fund system, it is necessary to make reforms concerning the contribution rate, investment guidelines and formulate target funding ratios to characterize the pension funds’ solvency situation.
Bayesian multilevel modelling of the association between socio-economic status and stunting among under-five-year children in Tanzania
(Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2023) Musheiguza, Edwin; Mbegalo, Tukae; Mbukwa, Justine N.
Background: Stunting is associated with socioeconomic status (SES) which is multidimensional. This study aimed to compare different SES indices in predicting stunting. Methods: This was the secondary data analysis using Tanzania Demographics and Health Surveys (TDHS). The study used 7492, 6668, and 8790 under-five-year children from TDHS 2004/5, 2010, and 2015/16, respectively. The Household Wealth Index (HWI); Water and Sanitation, Assets, Maternal education and Income (WAMI); Wealth Assets, Education, and Occupation (WEO); and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) indices were compared. The summated scores, principal component analysis (PCA), and random forest (RF) approaches were used to construct indices. The Bayesian and maximum likelihood multilevel generalized linear mixed models (MGLMM) were constructed to determine the association between each SES index and stunting. Results: The study revealed that 42.3%, 38.4%, and 32.4% of the studied under-five-year children were stunted in 2004/5, 2010, and 2015/16, respectively. Compared to other indicators of SES, the MPI had a better prediction of stunting for the TDHS 2004/5 and 2015/16, while the WAMI had a better prediction in 2010. For each score increase in WAMI, the odds of stunting were 64% [BPOR = 0.36; 95% CCI 0.3, 0.4] lower in 2010, while for each score increase in MPI there was 1 [BPOR = 1.1; 95% CCI 1.1, 1.2] times higher odds of stunting in 2015/16. Conclusion: The MPI and WAMI under PCA were the best measures of SES that predict stunting. Because MPI was the best predictor of stunting for two surveys (TDHS 2004/5 and 2015/16), studies dealing with stunting should use MPI as a proxy measure of SES. Use of BE-MGLMM in modelling stunting is encouraged. Strengthened availability of items forming MPI is inevitable for child growth potentials. Further studies should investigate the determinants of stunting using Bayesian spatial models to take into account spatial heterogeneity.
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.
Business Process Re-Engineering
(IGI Global, 2019) Sungau, Joseph Joseph
In today's business environment, business competition has increased due to market needs and advancement in technologies. This forces organizational managers and consultants to identify techniques that enable organizations to cope with an ever-changing business environment. In their efforts, many organizational performance improving techniques have been discovered. Among the techniques discovered, business process re-engineering is the technique reported to improve business processes for enhanced organizational performance. Therefore, this chapter explains what business process re-engineering is and presents modeling methods for business process re-engineering.
Business process re-engineering: a panacea for reducing operational cost in service organizations
(Instituto Federal de Educaçã, 2015) Sungau, Joseph Joseph; Ndunguru, Philibert C.
Organizations in today’s business environment struggle on how to reduce operation cost for generating reasonable profit. In order to reduce Operational Cost, service organizations have been working hard to identify techniques that facilitate business processes improvement. In so doing, the global literature indicates that service organizations adopt BPR technique as a panacea of reducing Operational Cost. Despite a documented potentiality of BPR technique, a mixed empirical results, findings and conclusions regarding the effect of BPR on Operational Cost have been reported. Therefore, this paper aimed at assessing and explaining effects of BPR on Operational Cost. The study used cross-sectional survey design to investigate the effect of BPR on Operational Cost. Intensive literature review enabled the construction of structural measurement model, formulation of testable hypotheses and operationalization of constructs. In order to test the model and hypotheses, data were collected from ninety-five (95) service organizations in Tanzania. Results of the study reveal that BPR and delivering speed have no direct effects on Operational Cost; they indirectly affect Operational Cost through the mediations of service quality. Therefore, BPR influences first both service quality and delivery speed in affecting Operational Cost of service organizations. It is now recommended that service organizations should use BPR as panacea of reducing Operational Cost.

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