Dissertation Master's (DCC-BS)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://scholar.mzumbe.ac.tz/handle/123456789/499
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Item The role of internal marketing on Tanzania Standard (Newspapers) Limited Performance: A case of Tanzania Standard (Newspapers) Limited (TSN).(Mzumbe University, 2013) Chikira, Mgheni.This research focused on the role of internal marketing on Tanzania Standard (Newspapers) Ltd performance. Internal marketing was first proposed about 20 years ago as a solution to the problem of delivering of high quality service. However, despite the rapid growing literature, very few organizations actually implement the concept in practice, as there was not a single unified concept of what is meant by internal marketing. The literature review suggested three major phases in the development of the concept, namely an employee motivation and satisfaction phase, a customer orientation phase, and a strategy implementation/change management phase, proposed a definition and a set of core criteria that are essential features of an internal marketing program. Also explored the inter-relationship between the proposed criteria and suggested a framework for empirical investigation of the IM concept in the context of services marketing. However, the study was conducted at the Tanzania Standard (Newspapers) limited (TSN), presenting media industry in the world dealing with customers. It has been experienced that poor product performance is the result of poor approach to the market or poor quality of the products. But different models tried to figure out other internal problems, which affect the business performance in the market place. It has revealed that in some cases the promotion tools and products are okay, but when it comes to the internal product there is a problem on the treatment side (how to treat it). The situation finally leads to failure by the organization to meet its expectations. A sample from the population was studied at TSN. The research complied with both quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data. Questionnaire was used to collect primary data through administering of questionnaire and documentary analysis schedule instruments. It was recommended that TSN should place more emphasis on internal marketing practices by training workers in different parts pertaining internal marketing and HR department has to develop a good relationship with other departments.Item Management of E- Commerce in clearing and forwarding: A case of Tanzania Port Authority(Mzumbe University, 2013) Edward, AliceThis research was about investigating the management of e-commerce in clearing and forwarding at TPA. The focus was to (1) to investigate the operating environment experienced by private sector as it relates to the timely removal of cargo from the port facilities and identify the steps required to revise the environment including identification of any legal and regulatory changes required, (2) to investigate the reasons for delays at Dar es Salaam port as far as can be determined through current documentation and discussion with colleagues and contracts, (3) to investigate how transaction costs can be lowered for customers using e- commerce. The results of this study provide treasured information for TPA Management and the government as policy makers, employees as implementers of the policies, academicians and other interested people. More specifically, the study highlights on the importance of implementing e-commerce as a new business model to be used by TPA. In order to get acquainted with the problem stated, the researcher reviewed both theoretical and empirical literatures with the regards to the management of ecommerce. Through theoretical review, different concepts in relations to the clearing and forwarding, e-commerce and were defined. The review also examined various theories related to the study. Generally it was found that respondents were found to be aware on increasing efficiency of TPA by adopting e-commerce, creating a favorable environment for smooth run of business at the port and quick clearing of cargoes at TPA.Item The impact of employee training and development on organization performance: A caswe of TANZANIA COMMISSION FOR AIDS (TACAIDS)(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mwaibako,EllyThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of employee training and development on improving organization performance, Tanzania Commission for AIDS being a case study. Specifically, the study focused on getting the perception of employees in terms of training and development programs at TACAIDS, effects of employee training on performance of the organization, and the challenges facing TACAIDS in providing training to its employees. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 35 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used as instruments of data collection. The study findings show that there is relatively high level of awareness of the training activities provided by the organization as noted by 81% of the respondents. The training and development has improved organization performance through new ideas and skills that have been introduced to the organization after the training. However, training and development at TACAIDS faces various challenges including financial resources and lack of clear policies to promptly promote employees once they have finished a certain training. Also, training needs assessment has not been done which results to discretion in allocation of training slots. The researcher recommended that the organization should conduct training needs assessment and gap identification and sponsoring of all training programs should be done. This can be achieved by setting aside a budget for employee training and development and searching for alternative sources of funds without been dependent on government sources onlyItem The role of credit cards on retaining bank customers at National Microfinance Bank plc.(Mzumbe University, 2013) Masika, Ashery EdwardThe study focused on the role of credit cards on retaining bank customers, conducted at National Microfinance Bank Plc Tanzania. The study has pointed out the historical background of the credit card and its emergency in relation to other modes on payment, and also has explained how much credit card has evolved from being a pure accounting function in a bank into a front-end customer facing function. One of the challenges facing backing industry in Tanzania is customer retaining and product innovations which this study has well covered and suggested the best ways in which customers can be retained while looking at the nature of the market as markets has varied challenges. Challenges of banks in retaining their customers by using credit cards, how to determine the relation between credit cards with customer retention, explanations on the strengths and weaknesses of credit cards in relations to customer retention has also been well covered, the number of customers linked to credit cards and reasons for non-retention has been well covered in this study. It has also discussed various things which emerged during interviews, the nature of the customers in the market, and how the credit cards work, its issuing procedure, the benefit to both insurer and the customer and their emerging issues especially the Tanzania market which is very informal. The study has recommended, establishing relationships with customers as a key factor to the success of a particular product in any banking business. This is because of human being nature of being connected to an individual whom they know and trust. The researcher really hopes that the output of this research shall be of practical use to the NATIONAL MICROFINANCE BANK PlcItem How brand preference contribute to the growth of the firm’s in sales volume: A survey case study of Coca – Cola Kwanza Ltd(Mzumbe University, 2013) Kinigwa, Gloria M.This study explores different factors on how brand preference contributes to the growth of the firm’s in sales volume of the soft drinks industry in Tanzania. Coca – Cola kwanza Ltd was the case study area for this study with unit of analysis being Coca – Cola Kwanza Bottlers Limited (CCK) Brand managers, Distributors, Advertisers, and Consumers. As it is believed that, brand preference is a contributing factors of the growth of the firm’s sales volume; the study tried to find out the factors that influence a consumer to opt for one product rather than another product of similar value. The study then, seeks to understand this scenario by asking different questions; first was to understand the meaning, context and extent of the term brand, its parameters and implication to sales volume. Further; how effective brands get a customer to buy a specific product. Understanding possible causes of brand preference of Coca – Cola products through different techniques of data collection were applied ranging from primary to secondary data. For primary data; observation was applied mainly premises observation whereas; 100 outlets were put under scrutiny by comprehensive observation. It further included interview and questionnaires which included Distributors, Coca Cola Kwanza Brand managers, Advertisers and Consumers. Different documents were reviewed for this purpose cutting across from budget to spending. The study adopted a descriptive research design to identify how brand preference contribute to the firm’s sales volume and a sample size of 60, total composed by 15 Advertising agents of Coca Cola Kwanza Ltd, 15 Brand managers of the company, 15 Consumers of the Company’s products, 15 Distributors of the Company’s products, using a simple random sampling since the population for the purpose of this study was regarded as homogeneous. The study collected both primary and secondary data using semi-structured questionnaire and review of empirical and theoretical literatures respectively. These instruments were pilot tested for reliability checks.Item Institutional marketing strategies in the tourism industry in Tanzania: Case study of Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB).(Mzumbe University, 2013) Chengula, Elizabeth.The main objective of the study was to examine institutional marketing strategies used in the tourism industry in Tanzania by focusing on the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB). The study was guided by the following objectives: to identify marketing strategies used by TTB to promote the local tourism industry; to assess the effectiveness of TTB‟s tourism marketing strategies; and to identify challenges faced by TTB in promoting the local tourism industry The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam at the Head Offices of TTB and used case study research design and used both, primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data were collected with the use of questionnaires and interview guides, as well as personal observation. Secondary data collection involved the perusal of various documents. The study identified the main challenges facing TTB in implementing institutional marketing strategies to be; shortage of financial resources which limits the size of the marketing budget used by TTB, lack of expertise on the latest tourism marketing strategies among TTB marketing staff, poor choice of marketing strategies and lack of competence among staff members. The study concludes that the most effective institutional marketing strategies used by TTB in promoting the tourism industry in Tanzania are using Television advertisements, placing advertisements in tourism and travel magazines, putting display advertisements in strategic areas such as airports, website promotion, hosting international events especially those involving high profile political and business leaders. To overcome marketing challenges it faces in promoting the tourism industry in Tanzania, TTB takes various measures such as; involving various stakeholders in the tourism sector, improving institutional marketing strategies, increasing the size of the marketing budget, using of online marketing strategies providing marketing training to staff membersItem Network marketing business (NM) as potential tool for social-economic development in Tanzania: The case of Forever Living Products Company.(Mzumbe University, 2013) Chipaga, Christine.World over Network marketing business (NM), also called multi-level marketing has become a successful concept that empowers ordinary people to turn into successful entrepreneurs. This concept is about distributing products directly from the manufacturers to the end consumers, thereby doing away with the traditional channel of distributors, wholesalers and retailers, so that the consumers get the entire benefit of direct selling. The network marketing industry as a whole has grown over the years and the reasons for this among many others is that there are more people looking either to supplement or replace their incomes. There are also more opportunity seekers in any recessionary period due to the uncertainty of their present financial situation. This study aimed to find out the how NM business is a potential tool for socioeconomic development in Tanzania, to examine how NM distributors benefit from the business and to find out challenges they are facing in NM business as practiced by forever living products (FLP) Company. The population of interest was all the practicing distributors of FLP products based in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. A convenient sample size of 82 distributors was used in the study. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered questionnaires designed. FLP is a classic example of how the NM concepts work in Tanzania Besides being a source of income for those involved. Ranking high was also the fact that NM acts as a social support network for those involved. It helps people to grow and develop not only their business skills but also personal life skills. The objectives of the of the study was to determine how NM business is a potential tool for socio-economic development in Tanzania, to examine how NM distributors benefit from the business and to find out challenges they are facing in NM business and FLP Company as a case study.Item Factors leading imported furniture to be preferred over locally produced ones: A case of Ilala and Temeke municipal councils in Dar es salaam-Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2013) Chanjarika, ClementThe study to assess Factors Leading Imported Furniture to be preferred over Locally Produced Ones was conducted at Ilala and Temeke Municipal Councils in Dar Es Salaam-Tanzania. The objectives were to; compare the prices of locally produced furniture to imported ones; identify the quality in terms of durability and varieties of the local furniture and that one of imported; examine promotion and advertisement on local furniture compared to that one of imported furniture; find out the cost of timber, manufacturing power, transportation and other factors of producing furniture locally compared to the cost of importing them; explore the reasons as to why people prefer imported furniture compared to locally produced ones. A sample of 150 respondents were used, in collecting data the study used questionnaires, interview guide and observation, secondary data were also used. The study found that the high price of local furniture make them to be less preferred compared to imported ones. The cause of that high price is the high cost of raw materials such as the price of buying timber is considerably higher despite of timber to be available in Tanzania. Moreover it found that high manufacturing cost which lead to high price of the local furniture is not only caused by high cost of raw materials but also poor power supply, poor technology, poor infrastructure and unfavorable tax and levy. It also found that the quality in terms of durability of the local furniture is high compared to imported furniture, but low preference of the local furniture is due to high price, less varieties, less promotion and advertisement, unpleasant appearance and long waiting time from ordering to deliverance of the local furniture. The study recommended that; Tanzania furniture manufacturers should not seek to compete at low price while the costs of production including the cost of timber, electric power, transportation are high, they should focus on means of reducing such kind of production costs. The controlling measures/way forward and recommendations on the high local production cost (high price), less varieties, less promotion and advertisement and others are evidently exposed on the study.Item Impact of performance appraisal systems used in utility companies on employee job satisfaction: The case of performance development programme used by TANESCO, Ilala region, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mwinuka, ElizabethThe only task for utility companies is to make progressive steps and necessitate them to alleviate dissatisfaction amongst their employees by extensively restructuring their actually used performance appraisal systems. This study was in fact; mainly concerned with findings out the impact of Performance Appraisal System (PAS) used by utility companies on employee job satisfaction in Tanzania: the case of Performance Development Programme used by Tanzania National Electric Company Limited (TANESCO) Ilala Region, Dar es Salaam. The methodology employed by this study had involved the use of questionnaire, focus group discussion in gathering data from the sample size of 60 respondents. Likewise, tables, graphs/pie charts, both illustrated by percentage were used in presenting, and in illustrating facts from respondents upon which further analytical and discussion steps were performed as well. Meanwhile, the study was tasked to achieve four specific objectives including; to determine the impact of PDP used by TANESCO on employee job satisfaction, to find out the level of employee performance as resulted from PAS used by utility companies, to establish the outcome of having specific PAS on employee job attitude in utility companies, and to suggest strategy to be adopted by TANESCO in restructuring its performance development programme to improve employee job satisfaction. Based on the findings, the study had concluded that; there is an impact derived from the use of PDP in TANESCO which had resulted into job dissatisfaction amongst many employees and marked by tendencies like; complaints as being dissatisfied, others have depleted their attendance to their job placement, the likelihood of labour turnover which might occur in the near future and so on. Based on findings, the study had also concluded that; the overall job performance had gone lower after the integration of PDP than it was before its coming-in. The study further concluded that; the attitude of employees towards their job was quite negative following the integration of PDP since many of them seemed to be dissatisfied with it. And finally, one of the suggestions obtained thorough findings have included; utility companies vii would pay incentives to employees based on other grounds like; hour spent by an employee (being extra or any other) in achieving any duty.Item Loan repayment by SACCOS to commercial banks in Tanzania: A case of CRDB Bank Moshi Branch(Mzumbe University, 2013) Goodluck, MoshiThe main objective of the study was to find out the factors affecting the loan repayment by SACCOS to Commercial Banks in Tanzania, Specifically the study investigated the time given to SACCOS borrowers for loan, whether the SACCOS Borrowers have sufficient knowledge to conduct business in to generate sufficient income hence repay the loan and determined the effect of interest rate on loan given to Sacco's by Commercial banks in Tanzania. The study used the null hypothesis that; “Loan repayment is directly related to period of time, interest rate and technical know how to do the business”. Literature review was done to identify basic concepts and theories used in the study, and, finally designed and conceptual framework having five main concepts i.e. Time, Interest rate, Business knowledge, Loan amount and repayment. Data was collected using open-ended questionnaire and the data was coded entered in a computer finally the final findings were obtained. The analysis was done using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), and descriptive statistics was used to do the analysis from which conclusion were made. It was concluded that the study revealed that the overall repayment performance of the borrowers and the screening techniques which the institution follows to ration the loan to its members were found to be sound, improved positively the incomes, access to education, access to health facilities and nutritional status of the borrowers. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the bank should make sure that the credit period which are given to clients is sufficient to circulate the funds borrowed and repay the loan, the loan size is appropriate for the size of the business which is sufficient to generate income and be able to repay the loan, conduct seminars on customers educating them on business planning which help in using the loan on the intended purpose and to be trustful on the repayment. Also the bank should increase the penalty for those clients who do not repay on time, charge some of the credit policies on time to repay the loan. The client should be given at least grace period of 2 months when he/she takes the second or third loan.Item Challenges in the procurement of common use items and services in the government procurement agencies of Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2013) Ajabu, Erasto ThomasThis study attempts to investigate the challenges in the procurement of common use items and services in the government procurement agencies of Tanzania. The research was conducted specifically at government procurement service agency, headquarters in Dar es salaam. A study sample consisted of 40 GPSA employees. If these challenges continue to be neglected, the extent to which these factors hinders the implementation of the system of procurement of the common use items and services will remain unanswered. Hence addressing the level of awareness, importance and challenges are paramount for enhancing efficiency and effective framework agreement system of procurement of common use items and services. Research data was collected through interviews, questionnaire and documentary reviews. Qualitative data was subjected to content analysis and quantitative data was summarized in tables and charts. The government procurement service agency (GPSA) employee’s both top management and lower rank employees were contacted to provide research data. Research findings showed that, procurement of common use items and services using framework agreement systems has faced many challenges in its implementation at government procurement service agency (GPSA), and has led into big constraints in achieving of value for money as it is expected by government.The research therefore reaches conclusion that, if care will not be taken into consideration, these challenges will lead to the negative impacts in the implementation of the system. Hence to eliminate these problems players must change their attitude, training should be taken into account, resources and time should be dedicated as well as legal framework needs adequately support the systemItem Assessment of the contribution of FINCA mfis services on SMEs growth in Dar es Salaam city: A case of FINCA Dar es Salaam.(Mzumbe University, 2013) Kagaruki, Arnold M.This study assessed the contribution of Microfinance Institutions to the SMEs growth in Tanzania using the case study of FINCA. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the trend of MFIs in assisting SMEs to access various types of loan products, to assess the relationship between MFI loans and SMEs growth by evaluating whether the SMEs businesses have improved after receiving loans from MFIs. Also the study intended to determine the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing loans from MFIs. Lastly, this study had an objective of suggesting constructive measures to improve SMEs access to MFIs loans which would help their growth. The study used primary data collected by using questionnaire from 157 selected SMEs and officers of FINCA. The analysis of data was mostly descriptive and which was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that MFIs offer various types of loan products ranging from small group loans, village bank loans and business loans. Each of these has different interest rates but which are relatively lower compared to the rates charged by commercial banks. However SMEs still consider the interests to be high and the loan conditions to be somehow difficult. It was also established that MFI loans have helped the growth of businesses which had small capital bases prior to accessing the loans. Lastly, it was established that lack of collateral, default on previous loans and failure to maintain proper records to be the most challenging factors hindering SMEs access to loans from MFIs. The study recommends that MFIs should keep the costs of loans lower and vary the loan conditions because the nature of businesses differ in terms of the revenue cycle and production cycle. So repayment schedules should consider this factor to avoid default.Item Home chicken production contributions to women economic empowerment: A case of Kinondoni(Mzumbe University, 2013) Fernandes, SelinaThis study assessed the extent to which home chicken production contributes to women economic empowerment focusing in Kinondoni district. The data collection methods and tools comprises of survey, documentary review and questionnaire. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used whereby a sample of 100 women (respondents) was used. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents from their homesteads by choosing women who were running the poultry project. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed in data analysis. The findings revealed that poultry production plays a direct role in empowering women; Women poultry keepers have been able to buy pieces of land and home assets such as TVs sets and furniture. Women who formed joint ventures were able to open up other businesses and shops. Furthermore, women poultry keepers are able to open small projects such as mobile money banking, M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and they are able to take their children to school and meet some of other family needs. However, these women face challenges such as inadequate capital, diseases which attack poultry as well as theft and lack of knowledge on how to run their businesses. It was concluded that poultry projects are beneficial to both women and their families and therefore the government, through good policy, should improve this informal sector as it reduces the un-employment and has helped to empower women economically. Furthermore the government should provide manageable environment to enable loans as well as entrepreneurial skills among women who practice poultry keeping.Item Factors affecting the repayment performance of microcredit in Dar es Salaam Tanzania: “A case of Tujijenge Tanzania limited”.(Mzumbe University, 2013) Benbela, JohnThis study has assessed the factors that affecting the Repayment Performance of Microcredit in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Loan repayment has been a serious problem for most small holder credit programmes. Problems of loan recovery to most microcredit programmes are attributed to several factors including natural calamities. An observational study was carried out in one MFI in the Dar es Salaam city namely the Tujijenge Tanzania Limited located in Kijitonyama - Makumbusho ward. The general objective was to analyze factors affecting the repayment performance of Microfinance industry in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Data were collected using informal and formal interviews where structured questionnaires were administered to 100 randomly selected respondents. Data were analyzed by using simple excel table, figures and a regression analysis was done to analyze factors affecting the repayment performance in Tanzania. The study findings show that 68.9% of the factors affecting loan repayment related to the level of household annual income, education level, household labor size, household assets and amount of loan obtained. Also findings shows that most of the borrowers are female while 64 of the respondents state that interest rate is friendly for charging at 4% per month which translate to 48 per annum The conclusion is that the study discovered that positive factors affecting loan repayment performance are amount of loan obtained by client, composition of household, labor size, education level and household annual income. Meanwhile the value of household assets negatively influences repayment of loan. The study recommends that: (a) interest rate should be lowered (b) business education should be provided to both loan officers and clients and (c) the government in collaboration with the Bank of Tanzania should review the financial policy giving opportunity to micro investors to access loans.Item How brand preference contribute to the growth of the firm’s in sales volume: A survey case study of Coca – Cola Kwanza Ltd(Mzumbe University, 2013) Kinigwa, G.M.This study explores different factors on how brand preference contributes to the growth of the firms in sales volume of the soft drinks industry in Tanzania. Coca – Cola kwanza Ltd was the case study area for this study with unit of analysis being Coca–Cola Kwanza Bottlers Limited (CCK) Brand managers, Distributors, Advertisers, and Consumers. As it is believed that, brand preference is a contributing factor of the growth of the firm’s sales volume; the study tried to find out the factors that influence a consumer to opt for one product rather than another product of similar value. The study then, seeks to understand this scenario by asking different questions; first was to understand the meaning, context and extent of the term brand, its parameters and implication to sales volume. Further; how effective brands get a customer to buy a specific product. Understanding possible causes of brand preference of Coca – Cola products through different techniques of data collection were applied ranging from primary to secondary data. For primary data; observation was applied mainly premises observation whereas; 100 outlets were put under scrutiny by comprehensive observation. It further included interview and questionnaires which included Distributors, Coca Cola Kwanza Brand managers, Advertisers and Consumers. Different documents were reviewed for this purpose cutting across from budget to spending. The study adopted a descriptive research design to identify how brand preference contribute to the firm’s sales volume and a sample size of 60, total composed by 15 Advertising agents of Coca Cola Kwanza Ltd, 15 Brand managers of the company, 15 Consumers of the Company’s products, 15 Distributors of the Company’s products, using a simple random sampling since the population for the purpose of this study was regarded as homogeneous. The study collected both primary and secondary data using semi-structured questionnaire and review of empirical and theoretical literatures respectively. These instruments were pilot tested for reliability checks.Item Relationship between donors funding and business performance in Tanzania:(Mzumbe University, 2013) Msinga, Flanswazi A.Given the increasing donor funding to most of the SMEs in Tanzania: there has been an increase desire overtime to know whether or not there is any relationship between this donor funding and business performance. The main purpose of this research therefore was to identify the relationship between donor funding and business performance. This study was guided by three research objectives. The general Objective was to determine if there is any relationship between donor funding and business performance. Specific research objectives were; to identify the relationship between donor funding and business performance in Tanzania. Other objectives are to identify other factors rather than donor funding that may contribute to business performance in Tanzania and lastly is to identify challenges facing business performance in Tanzania. Data collection methods comprised both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires were distributed to SMEs that received funds and those who did not receive such funding. Both open and closed ended questions were used to collect demographic and data related to donor funding and business performance to SME’s. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed for collecting and analyzing data. The research findings indicated that donor funding has both positive and negative contribution to business performance. The negative effect of donor funding to business performance is due to various reasons such as inability to utilize funds received, seasonal variation, weak economic climate or business competition and lack of business experience. The study also found that; the other factors that contribute to business performance apart from business donor funding includes availability of ready markets, availability of raw materials, establishment of microfinance institutions, training on Business and Entrepreneurship, skills and experience in current Business.Item Service quality assessment of social health insurance benefit (SHIB) provided by social security funds.(Mzumbe University, 2013) Challe, Felistas Emmanuel.The research about Assessment of Quality Service of Social Health Insurance Benefit (SHIB) provided by National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to its beneficiaries was conducted at the NSSF Dar Es Salaam Region Offices. The main objective of the study was to assess the quality of service offered by the NSSF through accredited hospitals and health centers to its customers residing in Dar es Salaam. To perfect the study, the research was guided by Specific Research Objectives that were to assess the contribution of medical services provided under Social Health Insurance (SHIB) to its members; reliability of health services provided by SHIB; effectiveness of SHIB repayment system; and ultimately to suggest how best to improve the performance of medical services provided by the SHIB issuing system Literature from different sources and from different authors were used for reference, and the researcher went far to see what others have done in the related field by performing the empirical review. The study design was descriptive and 120 respondents, the sample size, from selected hospitals, the structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the SPSS programs, summarized and presented by using tables and figures. From the findings it was revealed that medical services provided under Social Health Insurance (SHIB) to its members were of good quality although there are some weaknesses noted as 81.7% of all respondents enjoyed the services. Health services provided by SHIB were reliable although some improvement was required. Payment system was found to be effective and ultimately to the research paper suggested the best methods to improve the performance of medical services provided by the SHIBItem The impact of composition of board of directors on organizational performance: A case of Fanikiwa Microfinance Company Limited(Mzumbe University, 2013) Charles, VictoriaThis study contributes to the literature by investigating the association between the overall performances of a microfinance institution in relation to the board structure and governance of the organization. How MFIs are governed is likely to affect their efficiency, outreach to the poor, sustainability, and impact on poverty alleviation. The research aimed at examining the extent to which board members’ influence over firms’ strategic issues mediates the effects of board composition on the performance of a microfinance institution. The study was conducted in Dar er Salaam, Tanzania. The sample of the population was 26 respondents 6 of which were directors. The study used questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. In data analysis Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze research findings. The researcher established that there cannot be development without proper leadership in any organisation, thus achieving the same requires a well formed and performing board of directors to form policies and strategies that determine the future of the company as well as explaining the basis of which performance and implementation can be assessed. Members of the board ought to diligently perform the roles of which they were appointed and to the best of their ability in enhancing the performance of the organization. The study recommended that the governing body of the company is a very important organ and plays a major part in enhancing the growth of the company. The same has to be empowered and encouraged in making proper decisions in the event the company and its employees are not in line with the intended company’s policies and strategies. In implementing such, proper and clear plans for the board activities should be put in place well in advance to enable the members to also plan ahead in ensuring their participation in the organization. On the same note companies need to put in place a board that is satisfactory in terms of the qualifications of the members and experience in the related field.Item Issues in procurement methods in public organizations: A case of Tanzania Aviation Authority (TAA)(Mzumbe University, 2013) Kheri, Ashura ChimbeniThe research is on e-procurement is the business-to-business purchase and sale of supplies and services over the Internet. The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of e-procurement in Tanzania public institutions. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches qualitative approaches were used. Data collection methods used interviews, observations and documentary analysis. Research instruments to be used during data collection included interview questions, observation schedule and documentary review schedules. Collected were analyzed based on research objectives. Findings indicated that challenges that influenced the use e-procurement by TAA were: Budget and Executive support, user adoption and Supplier Buy-In and Enablement. Findings indicated that the challenge with regard to the use of e-procurement was on the side of management who sometimes resulted into the conflict of interests. It was also revealed from the study that the TAA management has a great task of ensuring that each user sees the simple to use and intuitive. Findings indicated that there were issues that underpinned the use of e-procurement by TAA. Supplier Buy-In was revealed to be among issues.. Findings indicated that some of the major benefits of an e-Procurement system are punch-outs, e-Invoices and e-Payments. Associated Costs was another issue and it was noted from the study that as with any technology project, the costs go beyond just the costs. It was also revealed from the study that training costs was among issue that influenced eprocurement. Findings indicated that e-procurement tools included: Email, spread sheets and internet. Recommendations include availability of quality and enough ICT facilities and equipment and the same research to be done in other public institutions to enable different researcher on the same issue to come up with similar conclusionItem The contribution of Umoja Switch ATM’s in performance of commercial banks in Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2013) Emanuel, UpendoThis study was investigating the contribution of Umoja Switch ATM’s in performance of Commercial Banks in Tanzania at Akiba Commercial Bank (ACB) in Dar es Salaam Region. Specifically, the study was determining stakeholders perception on the service provided by Umoja Switch ATM Network; identifying challenges faced by Bank Management on course of providing services through Umoja Switch ATMs; and assessing the extent to which Bank Management have managed to solve challenges faced by Bank services through Umoja Switch. Notably, on this study the researcher collected both primary and secondary data using open-ended and Closed-ended questionnaire. This study found and concluded that; most of the respondents argued that there is perception toward using Automatic Teller Machines especially for day to day transactions. ATMs offer considerable benefits to both banks and their depositors. However, most of the respondents argued that factors that affect the performance of Automatic Teller Machines to the banking operations are: many customers’ transaction and poor education of using ATMs for customers. Notably, most of the respondents argued that there is contribution of Umoja Switch ATM’s in performance of Commercial Banks i.e. bank as customers could not or would not use them, or experience difficulties in their interactions. Moreover, most of the respondents argued that stakeholders decide to adopt and use ATM without first testing it for a while. This could be because of their already perceived notions as to the advantages of using ATMs. Finally, this study recommended that; in the rapid diffusion of ICT in banking sector, bank should provide a platform to use innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and quality of service to attain and retain customers.