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A 14 - years mapping of research productivity of the School of Business academicians at Mzumbe University, Tanzania: A bibliometrics analysis
(Dar es Salaam University Press (DUP), 2022) Shemahonge, Adam. H.; Mosha, Goodluck E.; Siyao, Peter, O.
The purpose of this study is to determine the research productivity of the School of Business (SoB) academic staff at Mzumbe University between 2007 and 2020. The study employed a mixed approach to data collection. A total of 58 SoB academic staff were used in this study. Quantitative data were extracted from google scholar using the Publish or Perish (PoP) software. Qualitative data were collected using an interview guide. The quantitative data were analysed using a Microsoft Excel Spread sheet whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicate that a total of 253 publications were recorded for all 14 years yielding a low yearly average of 18.07 publications for all academicians and an average of only 4.4 publications for each SoB academician. Individual productivity analysis shows Dr. Hawa Tundui as the top-ranking academician with 20 publications. The distribution of citations for SoB academicians has Dr. Ernest Mwasalwiba ranking first with 924 citations. The authorship pattern at SoB was dominated by single-authored publications 100 (40%) followed by two-authored publications 87 (34%) with an average of 0.49 degree of collaboration. The subject-wise distribution reveals that SoB academic staff are more interested in writing on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and business area. With regard to the journal of preference, most of the SoB scholars prefer to publish in the Uongozi Journal of Management and Development Dynamics (UJMDD). This bibliometrics analysis was limited to SoB. Other studies should cover all MU schools, faculties, directorates and other campuses. To improve the growth of research and publications at MU, collaborations in research and publications; formulating a friendly and favourable research policy; awareness creation about online research platforms such as registering on Google Scholar among MU academicians, Research Gate and ORCID among others and capacity building in publishing skills are highly recommended. This is the first time a bibliometrics analysis has been conducted to determine research productivity at MU and which covered a field of business in Tanzania
A framework for enhancing adoption of e-tax service in Tanzania
(Makerere University, 2014) Deogratus, Daniel
Electronic tax service has proved to facilitate easy communication between clients and the authority in the aspect of helping the clients to have access to the service without time and location boundaries, it is the fact that adoption of electronic tax service in most of developing countries remain poor. As a result of this e-tax service in place are marked with limitations such as technological barriers, low utilization of services, poor electronic service provision, poor customer support. A major contributor to the low adoption rates for e-tax services is the lack of appropriate models to explain e-tax adoption in the Revenue authority. This study aimed to e-tax develop a model that support electronic tax services adoption in Tanzania Revenue authority to fully utilize potential benefits of electronic tax service. A questionnaire based exploratory field study was administered to taxpayers and administrators working with Tanzania Revenue authority. Out of a total of 300 respondents who were given questionnaires, 267 respondents returned validly filled questionnaires showing a response rate of 89%. The factors obtained from the results of the field study were used to extend TOE framework in order to derive a appropriate model that explains the adoption of electronic tax service in Tanzanian context. To validate the model, expert opinions were compared with the results of the field study. The validated results showed that four factors namely: Financial institution participation, Trust, electronic payment systems availability and Training had significantly impact on adopting electronic tax services in Tanzania. These factors could be used as measures to overcome the challenges of e-tax adoption in Developing countries like Tanzania. The results also contribute to electronic tax literature by providing a model for improved understanding of the factors that are vital for the electronic tax adoption. The model is generic and can be adopted for use by other economically and technologically transitioning countries with similar contexts as Tanzania.
A systematic review of the extant literature on the Tanzanian e-government services for economic development
(Sage, 2024) Mwilongo, Kardo J.; Kachota, Beth
This paper investigates the existing Tanzanian e-government services for economic development through a systematic review of the literature. The main objective is to examine researchers’ articles on e-government services towards achieving the Tanzanian economic growth as well as the current issues and trends on e-government globally. Specifically, this study aims to answer three research questions on: what are the functional e-government services in Tanzania? What is the level of Tanzanian e-government service performance? And what are the factors influencing Tanzanian e-government service performance for economic development? A systematic literature search was conducted on four aggregate data sources, which included Google Scholar, ResearchGate, CORE, and Refseek. A combination of search key terms was employed to obtain the data sources from 2015 to 2022. One hundred and five articles were found by the combined search and screened, resulting to eighteen articles that were recommended for the study. Content and Microsoft Excel computer application were used to analyse the screened data sources. The findings reveal that, a number of functional services is offered and considered potential for revenue collection and contribute to the nation’s economic development. Nevertheless, Tanzania has improved and dynamically advanced to the transaction level of e-government implementation where the majority of the citizens interact for services and information. However, factors related to the activeness of the platforms, accessibility, usability, infrastructure, security issues, privacy, and technical support services among others, were identified to influence the performance of Tanzanian e-government services and thus call attention to the government in addressing these issues.
A systematic review of the extant literature on the Tanzanian e-government services for economic development
(Sage, 2024) Mwilongo, Kardo J.; Kachota, Beth
This paper investigates the existing Tanzanian e-government services for economic development through a systematic review of the literature. The main objective is to examine researchers’ articles on e-government services towards achieving the Tanzanian economic growth as well as the current issues and trends on e-government globally. Specifically, this study aims to answer three research questions on: what are the functional e-government services in Tanzania? What is the level of Tanzanian e-government service performance? And what are the factors influencing Tanzanian e-government service performance for economic development? A systematic literature search was conducted on four aggregate data sources, which included Google Scholar, ResearchGate, CORE, and Refseek. A combination of search key terms was employed to obtain the data sources from 2015 to 2022. One hundred and five articles were found by the combined search and screened, resulting to eighteen articles that were recommended for the study. Content and Microsoft Excel computer application were used to analyse the screened data sources. The findings reveal that, a number of functional services is offered and considered potential for revenue collection and contribute to the nation’s economic development. Nevertheless, Tanzania has improved and dynamically advanced to the transaction level of e-government implementation where the majority of the citizens interact for services and information. However, factors related to the activeness of the platforms, accessibility, usability, infrastructure, security issues, privacy, and technical support services among others, were identified to influence the performance of Tanzanian e-government services and thus call attention to the government in addressing these issues.
A systematic review on the extant of outdoor advertisements literature in developing countries
(Open journal of business and management, 2022) Mwilongo, Kardo; Swallehe, Omary
Purpose: The current paper aims at investigating outdoor billboards advertising marketing in developing countries by looking at the current literature through systematic review of literature. The main purpose is to look at how researchers are studying outdoor billboards advertising marketing, what are the current issues investigated and what is going to be the direction of outdoor billboards advertising marketing in this part of the world. Design/ methodology/approach: The paper employed a systematic review of literature in which 42 research papers were investigated. These 42 papers were searched from five databases namely; Google Scholar, REFSEEK, Base, CORE and Research gate. Findings: The findings revealed that three areas seemed to be investigated more frequently by researchers in this area. These themes are; designing and modelling of billboards, billboards and drivers destruction as well as billboards and consumers buying behavior. Limitations/implications: The current study is limited to the facts that, it only employed a systematic review of outdoor billboards advertising marketing in developing countries. Future studies should embark on studying outdoor billboards advertising marketing from different perspective using different methods. The findings further reveal that little has been studied regarding the effects/impact of outdoor billboards advertising marketing on organizational performance from the literature we have reviewed. The findings also revealed that this area is not attracting many researchers at least in developing countries. Practical implications: This investigation is an eye opener to the researchers in the outdoor billboards advertising arena on the directions for future studies. The study has identified the area where the researchers are putting much emphasis and the area which has not been studied significantly. It also shows the dominant methodologies and the gap to be filled by future researchers. Originality/ value: This paper achieved the main purpose of studying the outdoor bill boards advertising marketing in developing countries.
Academic libraries in four Sub-Saharan Africa countries and their role in propagating open science
(International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), 2017) Siyao, P.O.; Whong, M.F.; Martin-Yeboah, E.; Namamonde,A
The study aims at examining libraries in four Sub-Saharan Africa countries and their role in propagating open science. It also seeks to explore existing open science practices, ascertain the level of participation of academic libraries in open science activities, identify the strategies used in marketing open science platforms and enumerate the challenges hindering the success of open science in the selected countries. The study was guided by the qualitative school of thought where the researcher builds a complex, holistic picture, analyses words, and reports detailed views of informants, and conducts the study in a natural setting. The study employed the multiple case study research design approach to assess how academic libraries in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda promote open science. The findings show that there are few scholarly journals which exist in open access for most African academies in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. Though not massively adopted, open access institutional repositories have been used to preserve and publicize the digital contents in some academic institutions in Africa such as theses, dissertations, administrative and heritage materials, conference proceedings as well as pre-prints and post-print of journal articles. The study recommends the intensification of open science advocacy in academic libraries in Sub- Saharan Africa; institutions should ensure that there is a stable electricity supply as well as reliable internet connectivity, introducing regular training on emerging media technologies to the community members and strengthening the libraries consortium in Sub-Saharan Africa as an enabling platform to share intellectual productivity of their member countries
Address cancer awareness among rural women: A case study of Morogoro rural district
(International journal of scientific and research publications, 2015) Kotoroi, Gladness
The paper aims at establishing strategies for improving access to, and use of information on cancer by women in Morogoro Rural District for addressing cancer. Specific objectives were to: assess the status of cancer awareness among women in Morogoro Rural District, identify challenges encountered by rural women when accessing information on cancer and to recommend strategies that will enhance dissemination and use of information on cancer. Social survey method was used for conducting this study. The data were collected from a total of 100 respondents through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observations. The respondents were drawn from four villages of two wards of the study area. The findings revealed that cancer is still not well known by rural women. The findings indicated that rural women faced many challenges on access and use information on cancer. They had limited access to information on cancer namely: unawareness about cancer disease, levels of illiteracy, lack of time, limited sources of information, and unavailability of proper places at which information could be accessed The study recommended that in order to deal with the problem of illiteracy adult education programme should be organized. On the other hand the study recommends that several media be used for disseminating information so that information can be accessed conveniently by different stakeholders according to their preferences. On top of that, health workers in collaboration with other stakeholders, should be encouraged to diversify ways of disseminating health information. The government should also set aside budget for dissemination of information on cancer as is the case for other diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Analysis of customers' satisfaction with library services at the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2018) Bea, George; Musabila, Albogast K.; Deogratus Daniel
This paper analyses customers' satisfaction with the services of the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) using a mixed-method approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and interviews, which were supplemented by document analysis. A total of 72 respondents were selected using simple random and purposive sampling procedures. Data were analysed descriptively and were presented in tables, pie charts and percentages. The expectancy disconfirmation theory with the Four-Level Zone of Tolerance (ZoT) developed by Oliver (1980) guided data analysis in this study. Findings indicate that learning materials and services provided by SNAL are relatively sufficient due to the satisfaction level of the majority of customers being over 50%. This shows that the Library has relevant learning materials which mostly meet users’ needs. However, some respondents showed dissatisfaction with challenges they faced in accessing library resources due to: the poor arrangement of books on shelves made users spend a lot of time searching for materials, lack of adequate security in the Library that made some users’ properties in their bags temporarily kept in the Library being stolen and lack of good customer care practices from some library staff. The study recommends the factors prompting users’ dissatisfaction be addressed so as to regain customers’ satisfaction and loyalty to the Library.
Analysis of customers’ satisfaction with library services at the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) in Morogoro region in Tanzania
(University of nebrasker, 2018) Bea, George; Musabila, Albogast; Deogratus, Daniel
This paper analyses customers' satisfaction with services of the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) using a mixed-method approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaire and interviews, which were supplemented by document analysis. A total of 72 respondents were selected using simple random and purposive sampling procedures. Data were analysed descriptively and were presented in tables, pie charts and percentages. The expectancy disconfirmation theory with Four-Level Zone of Tolerance (ZoT) developed by Oliver (1980) guided data analysis in this study. Findings indicate that learning materials and services provided by SNAL are relatively sufficient due to satisfaction level of majority of customers being over 50%. This shows that the Library has relevant learning materials which mostly meet users’ needs. However, some respondents showed dissatisfaction with challenges they faced in accessing library resources due to: poor arrangement of books in shelves that made users to spend a lot of time in searching materials, lack of adequate security in the Library that made some users’ properties in their bags temporarily kept in the Library being stolen and lack of good customer care practices from some library staff. The study recommends the factors prompting users’ dissatisfaction be addressed so as to regain customers’ satisfaction and loyalty to the Library. Key words: Customers/users, satisfaction, dissatisfaction and services. To read a main article, please copy and paste this link (http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1899) in your web browser and click down, or search using its title.
Assessing journalists’ language tone and sources used in reporting HIV/AIDS information in Tanzanian newspapers
(Sage, 2024) Kanyika, Martin E; Siyao, Peter O
This paper assesses the tone of the language and the key sources used by the journalists when reporting HIV/ AIDS information in Tanzania’s newspapers for six years between 2002–2004 and 2017–2019 respectively. Two leading broadsheets published on daily basis, the Daily News and Mwananchi were selected. Content analysis and discourse analysis were used as the data collection and analysis methods. Microsoft Office Excel 2010 was used to analyze quantitative data whereas NVivo was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings indicate that the language employed was offensive, discouraging, and laden with complex terminology. Additionally, the study uncovered an optimistic and positive tone in the messages, yet the structure of sentences lack persuasiveness. Moreover, the findings underscore a reliance on international sources for HIV/AIDS information. The research suggests that the overall language employed was inadequate. It asserts that despite the usage of positive tone, yet the language employed lack constructive, informative qualities and not suitably framed for the easy comprehension of their target audience. Furthermore, the findings advocate for journalists to consistently seek improved language tone for conveying HIV/AIDS information to the public. Moreover, the current study proposes that media outlets should provide training to the journalists on the good techniques of framing HIV/ AIDS information covered in Tanzanian newspapers for awareness creation. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the journalists’ importance of using positive language tones when covering and reporting HIV/AIDS information in the newspapers for awareness creation in Tanzania.
Assumptions of the future of artificial intelligence in Tanzania academic libraries: A review of literature
(Dar es Salaam University Press (DUP), 2023) Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph; Mwageni, Rhodes
This paper insight the assumptions, opportunities and challenges of the use of interactive and engaging applications of artificial intelligence in academic libraries in Tanzania. It determines assumptions and pitfalls inherent and the debate whether the technologies have effectively replicated academic libraries, library resources, services and operations. The inclusion criteria of the literature were assumptions, opportunities and challenges towards artificial intelligence in academic libraries. The literature was searched from databases to include Sage, Taylor & Francis, Emerald, Google Scholar and Research Gate. The results were analyzed, evaluated, compared, contrasted and discussed in the lenses of UTAUT theory. The results indicate that artificial intelligence brings the world together in which people work and network in the integral function of provision of library resources and services to the library users. Artificial intelligence is as enabler for academic libraries to create library spaces, store, process, preserve, conserve, access, retrieve library resources and services timely with less costs. Also, artificial intelligence lessens inadequacy of funds to purchase printed materials in academic libraries, lack of digital devices and limited spaces in the libraries. Artificial intelligence has transformed the complex attitude and behaviors of library staff and users. Though, artificial intelligence has created fear towards employment opportunities of workers and library staff in particular. Besides, it was realised that library staff mismatch with the artificial intelligence in academic libraries due to lack of awareness, inadequate qualifications and limited infrastructure in academic libraries. This review contributes to the practices, knowledge, theory and literature of the use of artificial intelligence in academic libraries. The study proposed that there should be step by step towards interventions to introduce artificial intelligence in academic libraries. The process should consider the environments, needs and socio-economic developments of the developing countries and Tanzania in particular.
Breaking barriers in accessing and uptaking climate change adaptation information by smallholder tomato farmers in Tanzania
(© Emerald Publishing Limited- Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication © Emerald Publishing, 2023) Siyao, P.O; Sanga, E.E.
Purpose – This study aims to assess barriers in accessing and uptaking climate change adaptation information among smallholder tomato farmers in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – This study was conducted in Iringa and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. It adopted cross-sectional research design.Multistage, purposive and randomsampling techniques with a sample size of 183 smallholder tomato farmers were used. Questionnaires containing closed- and open-ended questions, interview guide and focus group discussions were used to collect data. To ensure validity and reliability of data collection instruments, pretesting of the questionnaires was conducted by administering them to a small group of smallholder tomato growers. Statistical Product and Service Solutions software was used to analyse quantitative data while NVivo was used for analysing qualitative data. Findings – Lack of clear understanding of climate change information (132, 72.1%), scarcity of libraries and information centres (125, 68.3%), inadequate income (125, 68.3%), lack of trust of sources of information (114,62.3%), lack of sufficient knowledge about climate change (111, 60%), illiteracy (110,60.1%), poor distribution of electricity in rural areas (109, 59.6%) and use of jargons (93, 50.8%) in explaining climate change adaptation issues are hindrances for smallholder tomato farmers to access and uptake climate change adaptation information. Research limitations/implications – This study was conducted in only two districts in Tanzania; thus, the findings cannot be generalized. Practical implications – The government and relevant agencies are recommended to use appropriate strategies for breaking the barriers that impede easy access and uptake of climate change adaptation information by smallholder tomato farmers as one of the interventions to combat the impacts posed by climate change. Social implications – This study has contributed to the ongoing discourses on climate change issues. Such discourses have influenced attention and understanding of the role of access and uptake of climate change adaptation information by smallholder farmers for planning and implementation of adaptation strategies through awareness creation. Originality/value – This study is in line with goal number 13.3 of Sustainable Development Goals, which vows on taking necessary actions in combating climate change and its impacts. Thus, smallholder tomato farmers’ awareness about climate change through access and uptake of climate change adaptation information is one of the interventions to combat climate change and its impacts.
Business information needs and seeking behavior of tie and dye Small and Medium scale Entrepreneurs (SMSEs)
(Journal Article in Interdisciplinary Studies on Information Technology and Business (ISITB, 2013) Peter, Siyao; Mosha, Goodluck E.; Ochieng, Lucy Mathoro.
This study investigates the business information needs and seeking behavior of tie and dye SMSEs in Ilala and Kinondoni Districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It comprised a sample of 50 respondents who were largely 41(82%) females and only 9(18%) males. It used a cross-sectional design for both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The data were collected by using structured questionnaires, and face –to –face interviews. The ones collected through questionnaires were summarized and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Spread sheet. Data from the in-depth interview were analyzed using content analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that: firstly tie and dye SMSE members prefer to seek information through radios, printed materials, television, mobile and landline phones, friends, relatives, neighbors, business leaders, and by consulting the experienced SMSEs so as to share information. Secondly, the mostly needed tie and dye information includes market situation, credit availability from financial institutions, information on business risks, sources of raw materials, and information on external market opportunities. Thirdly, the study identified challenges facing the tie and dye SMSEs in seeking for information. The challenges were: excessive cost of accessing information, format and language problems, lack of knowledge and skills on how to seek information and inaccessible information sources such as libraries and information centers. The study recommends the presence of accessible libraries and information centers containing relevant and simple information materials written in well understood languages on tie and dye business.
Business information needs and seeking behaviour of tie and dye small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMSEs)
(Journal Article in Interdisciplinary Studies on Information Technology and Business (ISITB), 2013) Siyao, P. O.; Mosha G. E.; Ochieng, L.M
This study investigates the business information needs and seeking behaviour of tie and dye SMSEs in Ilala and Kinondoni Districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It comprised a sample of 50 respondents who were largely 41(82%) females and only 9(18%) males. It used a cross-sectional design for both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The data were collected by using structured questionnaires, and face –to –face interviews. The ones collected through questionnaires were summarised and analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Spread sheet. Data from the in-depth interview were analysed using content analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that: firstly tie and dye SMSE members prefer to seek information through radios, printed materials, television, mobile and landline phones, friends, relatives, neighbours, business leaders, and by consulting the experienced SMSEs so as to share information. Secondly, the mostly needed tie and dye information includes market situation, credit availability from financial institutions, information on business risks, sources of raw materials, and information on external market opportunities. Thirdly, the study identified challenges facing the tie and dye SMSEs in seeking for information. The challenges were: excessive cost of accessing information, format and language problems, lack of knowledge and skills on how to seek information and inaccessible information sources such as libraries and information centers. The study recommends the presence of accessible libraries and information centers containing relevant and simple information materials written in well understood languages on tie and dye business.
Collection development guiding tools in academic libraries in Tanzania
(Technical services quarterly, 2020) Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph
This study aimed at assessing the application of guiding tools in collection development practices of academic libraries in Tanzania. Data for this study were collected through structured and standardized questionnaires administered to 44 librarians. Face-to-face interview was also conducted with four Library Directors who were purposely selected. The Statistical Package and Service Solution – Version 23 was used to analyze the obtained information. The study revealed that 70.5% of the surveyed academic libraries performed collection development processes without a comprehensive collection development policy. The study recommends on more efforts to develop a comprehensive collection development policy to ensure effective practices.
Collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania
(Journal of librarianship and information science, 2020) Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph; Luambano, Ireneus; Lwehabura, Mugyabuso J.F.
The aim of this study was to assess the collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined the collection development practices and factors that influence these practices. The study involved four academic libraries and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. Primary data were collected through informant interviews, observations and questionnaires methods. The study involved 44 library staff who filled in self-administered questionnaires. The study discloses that collection development practices and particularly evaluation and weeding or deselection are rarely conducted at these academic libraries. The findings further reveal that collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania are constrained by inadequate funding, lack of skills for hybrid collection management and lack of collection development policy catering for both print- and electronic-based information resources. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that academic libraries should establish a comprehensive collection development policy and introduce professional development programmes to library staff for efficient management of hybrid collections.
Constraints facing African academic libraries in applying electronic security systems to protect library materials
(International journal of librarianship, 2023) Kotoroi, Gladness
This article reviews published literature to identify factors that impede the application of electronic security systems (ESSs) in protecting library materials in African academic libraries. The information for the study was gathered through a review of online literature from databases, namely ProQuest, EBSCO, Emerald, Library Literature, Research Gate Information, and Google search engine. The scope of the literature covered the time when African academic libraries began to use ESSs to protect their collections to the present. It covered only literature that addresses the challenges that hinder African academic libraries from utilizing ESSs to protect library materials. Information was collected by reading the abstracts and conclusion of the online documents. In the beginning, a total of 91 articles were collected as a population of the study. However, only fifty-four (54) articles were found to be relevant to the area of the study. Basic keywords and advanced searching, namely truncations, headings, Boolean operators, electronic security systems, academic libraries, security, African Libraries, theft and mutilation were also used to get relevant literature on the topic from peer-reviewed and scholarly resources. Based on the findings of the reviewed literatures it is concluded that African academic libraries undergo nearly the same challenges where most of which can be addressed because they are generated by the managements, library staff and the environment in which the libraries operate rather than the ESSs. The researcher recommends that African academic library managements should cope with the technological changes so as to compete with the market demand. With that regard, the reported ESSs challenges facing African academic libraries should be aggressively addressed in order to make the application of ESSs effective. Equally, another study should be carried out to inform about the ramifications of not addressing electronic security systems
Coverage of climate change information in Tanzanian newspapers
(2018) Siyao, PO.,Sife, AS 2018)
Purpose – This study was conducted to analyse the extent at which Tanzanian newspapers paid attention to climate change information over the period of 10 years between January 2006 and December 2015. Design/methodology/approach – Six Tanzanian newspapers were quantitatively content analysed for frequencies of coverage to climate change information. Findings – The results indicate that of total six Tanzanian newspapers had very few (684; 0.84 per cent) articles on climate change which is an average of 68.4 articles per year. Much attention was given to entertainment (24,331; 30 per cent) followed by miscellaneous (19,413; 24.0 per cent) and advertisements (18,112; 22.3 per cent). The Pearson’s chi-square test indicates that there was a significant difference in x 2 = 21,765, p-value < 2.2e 16 between the level of coverage of climate change articles on other topics in the selected newspapers. Research limitations/implications – Scanning the sampled six newspapers for climate change information and recording the results in the code sheet for the period of 10 years was a tedious and timeconsuming exercise which demanded researchers and coders to be extremely careful. Also it is possible that the sampling strategy used led to missing some data that would have resulted into different conclusions about each newspaper’s coverage on climate change. However, the systematic sampling strategy was applied for a long period, that is, 40 months for each newspaper that increased the reliability and accuracy of the results and conclusions about the overall trends in each newspaper’s coverage of climate change information. Practical implications – These findings imply that, as the disseminators of information, Tanzanian newspapers did not pay adequate attention to climate change issues. The study concludes that contrary to the fact that climate change is among the threatening phenomena in Tanzania that would commensurate a significant attention in the media, the findings of this study indicate that the volume of coverage devoted to climate change by the newspapers in Tanzania is very low and disproportionate to the level of threat. This leaves a question on the Tanzanian newspapers’ dedication to reporting climate change information. It is therefore recommended that newspapers’ media owners, editors and journalists should be environmental nationalistic enough to frequently report climate change information, and the scope of the government-owned newspapers should be revisited to ensure more coverage of climate change information in their publication which can be done by having a section specifically dedicated for climate change issue. Originality/value – This study has therefore contributed to the growing body of analytical research knowledge on the role of newspapers in the dissemination of climate change information in Tanzania. This study has also highlighted the importance of taking into account newspapers coverage of climate change information which can further be used for policy recommendations to improve the climate change information communication system through the use of newspapers and show the credibility of the newspapers in creating awareness of climate change in Tanzania.
Deployment of My Library On Finger Tips application at Mzumbe University: Challenges and prospects
(Dar es Salaam University Press (DUP), 2024) Ngusi, Jesca Beliad; Goodluck, E. Mosha
This study aims to explore the deployment of My Library On Finger Tips (MyLOFT) at Mzumbe University (MU). Specifically, it investigates users’ awareness and perception of MyLOFT, its promotion, challenges, and strategies to maximise usage of the MyLOFT application. The study employed a blended methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, to analyse 67 academic staff members’ experiences with the MyLOFT application at the selected University. Sample size determination utilised PPS and purposive sampling methods. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented in graphs and tables, while qualitative data underwent content analysis and were presented in quoted statements. The study reveals that e-resource usage at MU was low before MyLOFT deployment, but increased after deployment. Word of mouth and email effectively created awareness, and MyLOFT Student Ambassadors promoted the application. Users found features like Multiple Access and Save Content Off and Online as the most appealing. Challenges identified include technical issues, navigation difficulties, unclear instructions, mobile compatibility, and security. To maximise the MyLOFT utilisation, the application should include personalised content, resolving technical issues, utilising student ambassadors for promotion, incentivising usage, and improve the interface. The University should add relevant databases. Effective communication, user feedback, and impact measurement are essential for continual optimisation. This study therefore explores e-resources remote access applications in Tanzanian academic libraries, filling a research gap and providing valuable insights for future developments.
Determinants of research Information seeking and usage: A case of postgraduate students at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
(Kenyatta University, 2018) Kotoroi, Gladness
Research information is a variety of information required by a researcher who needs to conduct a scientific inquiry on how to select, formulate and develop a research theme of a subject matter in relation to the identified problem within a well-designed methodological framework (Bailey, 2014). Being an assortment of information, it is obtained from individual needs of the researcher and various information sources embedded within the necessities for new knowledge in order to expand or validate the already known information through the process of research information seeking (RIS). The purpose of this study was to investigate on key determinants of postgraduate students’ research information seeking and usage at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in order establish appropriate ways for exploring research information and how the new knowledge gained in form of research findings can practically be shared and utilized for further developments. The study used a sense-making theory to inform the study. The descriptive research design was used. The study used a target population of 1043 Masters’ students, from which a sample of 115 was drawn using a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. To ensure reliability and validity, a pilot study was conducted and generated a Cronbach’ Alpha 0.76 which was acceptable. Data were generated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS Version 25). Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies were used for analysis. The study established that the most influential determinant of postgraduate students’ research information seeking (RIS) and use is the research information needs that tend to differ subject to students’ research stage and the problem at hand. It further established that postgraduate students use different information sources where, the likelihood of information sources to be selected and used is determined by perceived accessibility, ease of use, quality and source’ convenience. The study also revealed that most (62%) of students valued e-sources which were the most frequently used, and they were strongly satisfied with the internet source. It further shows that students have no intention to disseminate their research findings at the end of their degree program except for few (28%), who indicated they need to disseminate their research findings. In addition, the study revealed that the students’ research findings’ utilization was triggered by a number of obstructions. The study recommended that the government needs to provide postgraduate degree sponsorship. It also recommended that specific research submission policy should be put in place. A deliberate and transparent process of transferring research-based knowledge in practice should be instituted as well. In addition, the study recommended that there is a need to conduct further research to identify the obstacles to better research policy communication, capacity and willingness to utilize research findings from postgraduate students.

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