School of Business (SOB)

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://192.168.30.20:4000/handle/123456789/256

Welcome to the School of Business (SoB) Community at Mzumbe University Institutional Repository. Explore a wealth of scholarly works, research publications, and intellectual contributions from the dynamic academic community within the School of Business. Our repository showcases a diverse range of research outputs, including articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, and more, reflecting the innovative and impactful research endeavors of our academic staff, researchers, and students. Discover cutting-edge insights in business administration, procurement and supply chain management, marketing , entrepreneurship, accounting and finance, and related disciplines. The SoB Community is committed to fostering knowledge dissemination, collaboration, and academic excellence. Whether you're a researcher, student, or enthusiast, delve into the wealth of knowledge generated by the School of Business community at Mzumbe University. Join us on a journey of exploration, discovery, and collaboration within the School of Business community's rich academic landscape. Stay informed, inspired, and connected through the diverse research contributions housed in our dedicated repository.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 521

Factors influencing management of procurement records in Tanzania: A survey of selected procuring entities
(Mzumbe University) Mohamed, B.M
Analysis of local dairy value chain for smallholder pastoralists in Simanjiro district, Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 0201) Sumuni, Catholic
The study aimed at analysis of local dairy value chain for smallholder pastoralists. The first objective was to identify the structure of local diary value chain and key actors’ roles. This study found that, the local dairy value chain in Simanjiro consist five (5) distinct stages, namely; input supply, milk production, trading, processing and consumption. The main actors in the dairy value chain were input suppliers, milk producers, milk traders, milk processors and milk consumers. The second objective was to explore chain strategies developed by chain actors in market milking. Results showed that; actors’ chain-strategies developed were; contractual agreement between pastoralists and milk buyers, actors often attending trainings on milk marketing, and pastoralists’ collective actions whereby benefits are accrued by being member of milk marketing groups. Third objective was to identify business challenges facing local dairy value chain actors in the study area. Findings revealed that, challenges identified to exist were; Seasonal fluctuations in milk availability, Livestock diseases, lack/few market channels for milk and milk products, poor cold chain infrastructures, facility breakdowns, quality aspects and low capacity of existing processing units. The conclusions attained through findings discussion recommended the following; Sensitize value chain concept as an economic tool to develop milk and milk products value chain, Improving efforts of milk producers on milk production and livestock management, and improvement of existing small scale milk processing units.
Assessment of the determinants towards inventory control performance in public hospitals in Tanzania: A case of selected public hospitals in Dar es Salaam region
(Mzumbe University, 0201) Shadrack, Judith
This dissertation was about to analyze the determinants towards inventory control performance in public hospitals in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to examine medical stock storage systems for hospitals and their influence on inventory control performance, to assess the effect of staff competence on inventory control performance, and to establish the suppliers’ influence on performance of inventory control. The study was conducted in selected public hospitals located in Dar es Salaam region. From the population of 198 a sample of 99 respondents was obtained. The methods of data collection were questionnaire and interviews the selection techniques of the respondents were purposive sampling and simple random sampling. This study involved mixed strategies which were qualitative and quantitative analysis .From the study, it was observed that the engagement of medical stock storage system which influence inventory control performance were storage location, size of warehouse, warehouse layout. Due to analysis, the researcher found that medical storage systems have significantly influence on inventory control performance. However, the analysis showed that training for incoming employees and development for existing employees are important to any organization. The suppliers which brought about influence on inventory control were capability, and delivery influence. The analysis showed suppliers have insignificantly influence on inventory control performance. The recommendations are management should make sure that they have competent staff and develop them who are in-house so as to help in the running of the system. The public hospital and other organization should take an action to improve communication and information system to assist in monitoring of inventory especially between vendors and public hospitals. Also, Organizations should allow their employees to attend training provided by PSPTB so as to improves their staff professionalism and hence obtain value for money
The learning experiences of batik and tie and dye small-scale exporters in Arusha and Dar es salaam, Tanzania
(African Clothing and Footwear Research Network, 2005) Rasheli, G. A; Mosha, Goodluck E.
This study used the Learning Organization theoretical framework. It aimed at looking at how tie and dye and batik entrepreneurs are learning to export their products in both regional and international markets. The units of enquiry in this qualitative research were small-scale batik and tie and dye garment producers as well as firms involved in production and export. Arusha and Dar es Salaam were selected as areas of study because of their activeness in batik and tie and dye business. Seven cases from each town were selected with the snowballing technique being used, where one respondent was asked to identify the other. Primary data was collected for analysis using a structured interview guide. The results showed that the more experienced entrepreneurs learn how to export more than the relatively inexperienced ones, and there were more women entrepreneurs than men. That exporting had more children and dependents than those who sold locally. They learn e d to export to g e t m o re income to support their families. The impact of education was not clear as entrepreneurs with different levels are involved in export. Most export to the East African region. Entrepreneurs learn to export by participating in exhibitions, promoting their business, dealing with intermediaries and training received in their former jobs, including UNIDO, SIDO, ADAT, Tabata Development Fund and Anglican Development Agency. They also learn through work experience, networking, export procedures, business employees and also through solving customers’ complaints. Local authorities in areas where the batik business is active should help in training these people on marketing especially regionally and internationally. NGOs dealing with entrepreneurship should focus their training on marketing issues instead of dealing with production only. Since the study is a qualitative one with a small sample, a further survey is needed to quantify the results to make more general conclusions.
Financial sustainability of rural microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Tanzania
(University of Greenwich (London), 2010) Nyamsogoro, G. Daniel
Abstract An enduring problem facing microfinance institutions is how to attain financial sustainability. Several studies have been conducted to determine the factors affecting financial sustainability of microfinance institutions using large and well developed MFIs in various countries. However, no such study has been conducted in rural Tanzania where majority of MFIs are small, most of which are member-based (cooperatives). Consequently, the factors affecting their financial sustainability are not known. This study, therefore, was set to bridge this knowledge gap. This study followed a quantitative research approach using panel data regression as the main data analysis technique. The study was based on four years primary and secondary data obtained from 98 sampled rural MFIs in Tanzania. We found that microfinance capital structure, interest rates charged, differences in lending type, cost per borrower, product type, MFI size, number of borrowers, yield on gross loan portfolio, level of portfolio at risk, liquidity level, staff productivity, and the operating efficiency affect the financial sustainability of rural microfinance institutions in Tanzania. The study makes the following key contributions to knowledge in addition to determining factors affecting financial sustainability of rural microfinance institutions in Tanzania: First, the study reveals that there exists simultaneous causality relationship between financial sustainability and breadth of outreach. When this relationship is not considered in determining factors affecting financial sustainability there may be inconsistent evidence on the existence of mission drift. Second, it unveils the trade-off between financial sustainability and breadth of outreach with regards to the minimum loan size when group lending is used. That is, larger loan size, while improves profitability, reduces the breadth of outreach. Third, the study provides empirical evidence that the impact of a particular lending type on microfinance institution‟s profitability will depend on the term to maturity and number of instalments reflected in its lending terms. Fourth, consistent with the institutionists‟ view, the study provides empirical evidence that financial sustainability of microfinance institutions improves their breadth of outreach. Lastly, the study documents the applicability and limitations of previous studies to rural microfinance institutions in Tanzania.
Financial sustainability of rural micro finance institutions (MFIs) in Tanzania
(The University of Greenwich, 2010) Nyamsogoro, Ganka Daniel
Abstract An enduring problem facing microfinance institutions is how to attain financial sustainability. Several studies have been conducted to determine the factors affecting financial sustainability of microfinance institutions using large and well developed MFIs in various countries. However, no such study has been conducted in rural Tanzania where majority of MFIs are small, most of which are member-based (cooperatives). Consequently, the factors affecting their financial sustainability are not known. This study, therefore, was set to bridge this knowledge gap. This study followed a quantitative research approach using panel data regression as the main data analysis technique. The study was based on four years primary and secondary data obtained from 98 sampled rural MFIs in Tanzania. We found that microfinance capital structure, interest rates charged, differences in lending type, cost per borrower, product type, MFI size, number of borrowers, yield on gross loan portfolio, level of portfolio at risk, liquidity level, staff productivity, and the operating efficiency affect the financial sustainability of rural microfinance institutions in Tanzania. The study makes the following key contributions to knowledge in addition to determining factors affecting the financial sustainability of rural microfinance institutions in Tanzania: First, the study reveals that there exists a simultaneous causality relationship between financial sustainability and breadth of outreach. When this relationship is not considered in determining factors affecting financial sustainability there may be inconsistent evidence on the existence of mission drift. Second, it unveils the trade-off between financial sustainability and breadth of outreach with regards to the minimum loan size when group lending is used. That is, larger loan size, while improving profitability, reduces the breadth of outreach. Third, the study provides empirical evidence that the impact of a particular lending type on microfinance institution‟s profitability will depend on the term to maturity and number of instalments reflected in its lending terms. Fourth, consistent with the institutionists‟ view, the study provides empirical evidence that financial sustainability of microfinance institutions improves their breadth of outreach. Lastly, the study documents the applicability and limitations of previous studies to rural microfinance institutions in Tanzania.
Trade credit in the Tanzanian rice market
(University of Groningen, SOM research school, 2010-10-14) Kihanga, Ernest P.
To access "abstract" for this Thesis use this link : https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/197b89a2-c17c-4d00-80c7-b2ebe4c0bb12 Downloaded from the University of Groningen/UMCG research database (Pure): http://www.rug.nl/research/portal. For technical reasons the number of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum.
The Role of internal audit unit in safeguarding the public funds in local government authorities: The case of Sumbawanga Municipal council
(Mzumbe University, 2012) Mbasya, Ernest Baroma
The study aimed at looking on the role of Internal Audit Unit on Safeguarding Public Funds on Local Government Authorities ; the case of Sumbawanga Municipal Council. Safeguarding Public Funds on Local Government Authorities depends much the level of performance of the management and the IAU is supposed to check if the Management perform its duties according to the controls and guidelines, so the report of the IAU must reveal the level of performance of the management so if there is weaknesses we expect the IAU to be in the first line to reveal such weaknesses. Though there is IAU in SMC but still do not reveal the weak performance of the management of SMC. The objectives of the study were to identify the functions of the IAU in SMC so as to check why it does not reveal the weak performance of the management which causes the misuse of the public funds. The level of competence of the internal auditors was examined to see if they are competent to perform their work. The level of independence also was examined to check if they are independent in mind and appearance. The level of objectivity was examined to see if the internal auditors are free from conflict of interest in their normal works. Data for the study were collected by means of interviews and sample questionnaires in which a total of 90 respondents participated in the study. Research findings indicate that IAU has not done enough to safeguard Public funds in local governments because the section instead of ensuring that public funds are properly safeguarded , it ends-up with reports which do not reveal the misuse of the public funds so that many stakeholders recently decide to rely much on Safeguarding Public Funds like the CAG’s report. Based on these findings, it shows that the IAU in Sumbawanga Municipal Council failed to reveal the misuse of the public funds so as to make sure that the government officials accountable in various ways on safeguarding the public funds. Therefore, there is a need to check out the reporting channel of the IAU so as enable them to be more independent in their work for example the IAU have to report to the Internal Auditor General and not Municipal Director. There is a need also to provide on-job training so as to increase the level of competence and provision of proper guidelines and other support like adequate financial ability.
Service quality and customer satisfaction in transport service industry in Tanzania : A case of Dar express bus company
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mushi, Onael Walter
Road passenger transport is now recognized as one of the most important means of facilitating movement of people and parcels in the country. Moreover, people are now depending much on road transport due to the poor condition of other inland transport systems notably railways. The important role played by this mode of transport is due to its flexibility, accessibility and affordability to most of the Tanzanian citizens. Under the ERP and IRP reforms, there has been a dominant role played by the private sector in providing passenger road transport services in the country. This was a major shift from past practices whereby government parastatals provided these services. Improvements in road infrastructure, deregulation of tariffs, removal of restrictions in the importation of motor vehicles and the elimination of entry barriers have provided an incentive for private sector involvement in the transport market. However, this has increased the level of competition to transport operators and hence reduced earnings. But on the other side of the coin, there arise a challenge among them to seek and improve other dimensions pertaining quality of the transport service they are providing in order to win the customers. The general objective of the study was to assess the influence of service quality on customer satisfaction in transport service industry in Tanzania focusing on passengers’ transport, taking the Dar Express Bus Service as a case study and methods used in collecting required information for the study were questionnaires, interview and observation. The data were analyzed using descriptive, correlation and regression analyses The findings indicates that passengers are satisfied with the transport services provided with Dar Express Bus Company Limited; Responsiveness, assurance and tangibles dimensions proved to have significant effect on passenger satisfaction. In other words these three dimensions were found to be good predictors of customer satisfaction. The way company handling passengers’ problems including how they give personal attention to them, Visual appealing facilities and willingness to help passengers are the areas that need to be improved. Moreover, the user – friendly printed materials such as timetables, posters and brochures, electronic media such as company website and email should be established.
The impact of Tanzania social action fund on vulnerable household's poverty reduction: A case of Kigoma District Council
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Nkala, Zubeda Eshton
This study was to determined the impact of on reduction of poverty in vulnerable households. The data were collected from two villages viz Mgaraganza and Mwamgongo of Kigoma district council and from the TASAF office of Kigoma district council. The specific objectives were to identify economic activities performed by vulnerable households, to ascertain types of socio-economic services which were accessed by recipient households for the TASAF II. Others were to determine success factors and challenges which were associated with the implementation of TASAF II and to suggest measures for improving contribution of TASAF II in reducing poverty to vulnerable groups. Thirty two beneficiaries were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Furthermore, a checklist was used to discuss together with Elders and Leaders from those two villages. The analysis was carried out using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software where mean, frequencies and percentages were established. The results indicate that about 97 percent of the respondents interviewed had economic activities before project. Most of them were engaged in Agriculture (i.e. cassava, maize and beans production). Concerning TASAF II, they reported that the project performed better by enabling them to provide fees, food, medical and uniforms services to orphans at secondary schools. In general, majority of respondents in the study area agreed on project success. Furthermore, they agreed to face challenge of collecting grasses for cattle feeding. Even Elders keeping most vulnerable children faced the same problems. Further, they argued that for those groups engaged in fishing activities, they also faced challenges because of decrease of fish and dagaa in Lake Tanganyika that led into low income as compared to the target income. Following for the findings it is recommended that the support for vulnerable should be provided directly at a family level rather than groups. Further, any project pertaining to poverty alleviation through conventional approaches should empower the beneficiaries through certain training particularly on how best they could manage the concerned project
An assessment of human resource effectiveness in the hospitality industry of Mbeya region:A case of two selected hotels in Mbeya city
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mwakipesile, Sekela J.
The underlying thesis of this study is the recognition that hotels, just as is the case in all the other subsectors of the wider tourism industry, require adequate competent and high performing personnel capable of sustaining high performance levels for a long period for them to satisfy the expectations of their customers (to be effective). And once the competent (knowledgeable and skilled) personnel have been identified and recruited, the leadership of hotels needs to help the workers to adopt to their hospitality work and to ensure that their skills and knowledge are kept updated through the use of effective human resource management practices such as professional development and staff motivation. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of employees at two hotels in Mbeya city. Using the multiple-case study design within the qualitative research paradigm, the study had initially planned to use multiple data collecting methods to collect data from the selected hotels. However, due to the problem that for the three of the five hotels research consent had been refused, whereas for the other two (JM and ML) access was so restricted, only the questionnaire method was used to collect data. The data were collected from 38 respondents drawn from all departments to enhance validity. The study established that the human resource capacity of the two hotels is very low and therefore, it is ineffective. The study further established that the ineffectiveness in the human resource capacity of the two hotels originates from ineffective human resource management practices employed by the leadership of the two hotels. It is therefore recommended that, hotel owners should not take staff training as a cost to their organization; they need to train employees in order to equip them with proper skills and knowledge for them to be competent in the industry. Owners of hotels should take employees as assets because this industry it‟s all about people serving people, and it takes a happy and motivated employee to make a happy customer.
Impact of internal controls on execution of payroll system : A case study of Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs – Zanzibar (MoFEA)
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Ahmada, Ridhwan I.
Many of the organizations’ activities are not attained due to poor or ineffective of internal controls system; with proper internal controls however guarantee the efficiency of a particular system (activities). Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the impact of internal controls on execution of payroll system to the Ministry of finance and economics affairs Zanzibar (MoFEA). The research methodology used case study research approach. A sample size of 60 respondents comprised of MoFEA employees and other staff working with the government of Zanzibar was involved. The methods of data collection involved both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected by using questionnaires and interview guides whereas a documentary review was used in a secondary method. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and simple calculations by calculator were used to analyze the data where simple frequencies and percentages were created. The study findings observed that, internal controls were available on the payroll system of the organization; these were 78.3% of the respondents. Specifically, 83.3% said that pay slips are issued, 65% segregation of duties is available, 95% block of salaries is exercised and 80% government payroll review is too exercised. Also the study revealed that some payroll activities were good enough for the efficiency of the payroll system. In addition to that, it was found that there was compliance of internal controls in relation to the payroll system through punishments and having responsible parties to monitor the compliance. The study however portrayed that, almost 31.7% of the total respondents said that there were some weaknesses in relation to internal controls over payroll system. Following these results the researcher therefore calls for the Ministry to analyze and take the corrective measures with those weaknesses of internal controls over payroll system. The ministry also should pay salaries based on time (attendance) as this will discourage employees being absent from their work, independent check by the auditor and governments’ payroll review should be carried on in a scheduled manner. i.e. at a regular interval.
Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance through use of Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) in Tanzania : A case study of Musoma district in Mara
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Gwimile, Shaibu Rahibu
This study investigated about Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance through use of Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) in Musoma District in Mara Tanzania. The study specifically examine the effect of EFD in filling, remittance and refund process to VAT collection, the effectiveness and efficiency of EFD in VAT collection, the trend of VAT compliance before and after use of EFD. A total of 40 respondents from TRA staff and VAT registered traders were used. The sample category involved 1 ARM - Audit, 1 ARM- Debt Management and Compliance Monitoring, 6 operational Staff obtained through purposive sampling and 32 VAT registered traders. The study employed case study research designs, while the research approach involved qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The data were gathered through closed ended questionnaires and semi structured interviews. Data were analysed through quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data was analysed by using SPSS version sixteen, descriptive and inferential statistic such as mean, standard deviation and pie chart were also used to present data. Qualitative data was analysed by using thematic and content methods and presented by statements. However, the data collected from interview still reveal that the use of EFD continue to face the challenge like lack of accountability and poor compliance to rules and regulation, lack of culture of paying tax voluntarily, ignorance and negligence of the VAT registered traders to comply with VAT Act together with its regulations. Moreover, data from interviews depicted various strategies for effective use of EFD in VAT collection like corroboration with other international agencies, improving the quality of the paper used in the EFD machine, educating taxpayers on the advantages of using EFD machine to their business and tax purpose in general, enforcement measures, provide motivation and incentives to employees and improve employee‟s wages and working conditions. The study is recommended to the TRA, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and to the policy makers.
Assessment of the effectiveness of channels of distribution models in the sales performance of an organization: The case of Coca-Cola Morogoro region.
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Emmanuel, Laswai M.
The study examined Effectiveness of channels of distribution models in the Sales performance of an organization, taking the case of Coca-Cola Morogoro Region. Specifically the study assessed, the extent into which Direct distribution channel affects sales performance, also, to assess the extent into which Indirect distribution channel affects sales performance, additionally, to asses distribution channels being used by competitors with that of Coca-Cola in Morogoro region and lastly to asses distribution channel adopted by Coca-Cola Kwanza Ltd both direct and indirect Morogoro Depot and Control of the retail outlets. This case study research had customers and employees as unit of analysis. It had a sample of 90 respondents, whereby primary and secondary data were collected through the use of interviews, questionnaires, and documentary review. Data were analysed through Statistical Package of Social Science. Findings revealed that distribution channel adopted by Coca-Cola ensures availability of her products, reduce response time and makes information available to her customer in aspect it facilitates positive relationship with her customers and agents. It was also found out that selection of agents/Distributors was based on financial capability, size of firm among others. It was concluded that distribution channel plays important role with respect to the soft drink industry because if products are not available on time consumer will switch on to other brands and the company will lose its market share and hence an effective distribution channel is an important aspect of soft drink industry. Coca-Cola Company kwanza have enjoyed its benefits like easing processes, increasing the supply chain awareness, reducing total costs on distribution of her products. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Coca-Cola Company’s management should be in position to continuously weigh the benefits that accrue from application of distribution channel. Coca-Cola kwanza should ensure strict adherence to the company’s policies and guideline regarding the use distribution channel. Coca-Cola Company should ensure aggressive Marketing, regular visit to distribution
Assessment of baling centres’ utilisation along tobacco value chain in Tanzania: A case of Urambo tobacco region
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Lwoga, Hilary M.
Following alarming problem of poorly baled tobacco, it was considered important to examine the utilisation of the registered baling centres, with a view of identifying hindrances to proper utilisation of baling centres. The broad research question was; what are the problems that hinder the effective utilisation of baling centres in Tanzania? Non-probability method (accidental/convenience sampling) was used to get primary societies for the study while simple random sampling (probability method) was used to get one baling centre from each primary society, for study. The respondents were picked through non-probability methods (purposive sampling). The method for primary data collection involved use of questionnaire to respondents. Secondary data from different tobacco journals and data bases were collected and analysed. Interviews were done with the elements of the study as respondents to identify hindrances for effective baling centres utilization. Data were entered into excel sheet and analysed using pivot tables. The finding showed that baling centres were not enough for the volume of the crop handled. Construction plan was not adhered to, and most of the baling centres have low storage capacity. It was also found that most of the tobacco graders have only on job training, mostly provided by fellow graders. Tobacco transportation to and from baling centres is mainly on head and on bicycles. Another option in use is oxen carts. Tobacco wrapping materials mainly used is jute and hessian clothes; however some farmers use vinyl bags which add NTRM in the baled tobacco and later in the processed tobacco. The study found that most farmers prefer to bale their tobacco at home. The reasons being poor transport facilities and infrastructure, local believes, and poor tobacco security in baling centres. The research recommends that registration of the baling centre should be done after inspection off those baling centres. All stakeholders should fully participate in training the graders and baling centres supervisors. Farmers and primary societies should be advised to buy and use simple transportation technologies like power tillers, motor tricycle, and oxen carts.
Effect of capital structure on performance of microfinance institutions: A survey of SACCOS’s in Shinyanga Municipal council
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mwakabumbe, Christina A.
This study aimed at assessing the effect of capital structure on performance of microfinance institutions in Shinyanga Municipal Council. The specific objectives for the study were to examine the relationship of cost of capital and profitability, also efficiency and effectiveness of SACCOS in relation to their capital structure. The researcher used instruments such as questionnaires, documentary review and interview to collect the data from respondents who were 37 members, 11 accountants, 7 managers, 10 chairpersons and 4 (four) cooperative officers. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using thematic approach while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Research findings reveled that, SACCOS in Shinyanga municipal use debt in large proportion than equity to finance their activities. As a result cost of capital (Weighted Average Cost of Capital) is very high compared to the profit generated. The profit generated is low for debt/equity financed SACCOS due to high cost of fund but is increasing for equity financed SACCOS due to low cost. Results also show that debt financed SACCOS provide various services to their members and in large quantity than equity financed SACCOS. Debt repayment is on time although others fail to pay and collapse for debt financed SACCOS but they are able to reach many people although excludes the very poor. However, results show that, management of SACCOS (whether it is Debt/Equity financed or Equity only financed) determines the performance of SACCOS especially in decision making. It can be recommended from the findings that, government should set regulations which limit amount to be borrowed by the SACCOS and interest rate charged by financers. Also SACCOSS’ members should assess benefits and challenges of different types of capital structure before choosing. But also management team selected should be good advisor for good performance of the SACCOS.
Assessment of the access to finance for the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Zanzibar town region.
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Khamis, Ramadhan. K.
This dissertation aimed to assess the accessibility to finance to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs SMEs in Zanzibar Town Region. Study intended to assess and find out the constraints factors of SMEs in accessing funds that affect the performance of entrepreneurs in the Region, and find out whether the access to finance help all small size of enterprises in the Region, also the study intend to identify the alternative sources of finance as well as assess the government support for the accessibility of fund to the growth of SMEs and to find out ways of improving performance of entrepreneurs. The research was conducted in Entrepreneurs level, financial institutions and the Government Organizations which support entrepreneurs in Zanzibar Town Region. The study covered Urban and Western Districts in Zanzibar. Two types of data were collected primary and secondary by using questionnaire, interview, observation and documentation. The findings prove that there has been a positive outcome of people engaging in entrepreneurial activities which alleviate poverty at family level through getting daily income and house rent, paying school fees and paying medical bills and hence alleviate poverty in household level. The study revealed the obstacles which entrepreneur faced in accessing to finance include high collateral requirement to secure loans, high interest rates, long application procedures. On other hand there are some factors which facilitate the entrepreneurs which including institutions which support them financially by providing loan and training. Such training offered to entrepreneurs are like identifying business opportunity that surround them, how to keep business records, how to develop some skills in planning and market of their products and loan or credit management. These trainings are offered by local government experts and officers from vikoba /Sacco’s, non-government organization
Assessment of transparency in tendering process in public organizations
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mwinamila, Fredrick Charles
The objective of the research was to assess the transparency in tendering process in public organization. Thus the study identifies a problem that leads to poor performance in implementation of public procurement procedures, and also provides views on how procurement process should be carried out. Four organizations being a case that to achieve the objective of the study, interview, questionnaires, documentary sources and observation were used to obtain important information’s for research study. The targeted populations was mainly four public organizations that is MOI, MZUMBE, TANESCO and TASAF employees from both the headquarters where by qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used. The methodology above explains how the work was carried out as well as different techniques that were used on this research study. The data obtained were complied, tabulated, graded in percentages and analyzed in relations to research questions. The research findings were used in drawing conclusion on the problem. The research budget on time and money to be spent were considered and this enabled the researcher to fulfill his plan as well as the institutes plan on this study. However it has been revealed that, institutions whose research projects are not supported at 100% by the government, their project investigator/Research scientists involved in such projects tend to favor their professionals. In this study the researcher has found the following as major reasons for deviations of the public procurement Act policies and procedures. Lack of knowledge in public procurement Act Procedures. In adequacy of funds in the organizations and dependency of donor funds. Lack of capacity in procurement section, Improper positioning of procurement section. Poor implementations of well documented procurement procedures which lead to poor performance in public procurements. The public organizations argued to educate its employees in the application of the PPA procedures through workshops governed by PPRA and other stakeholders. Others are like failure to follow Public procurement Act of 2004 page 21 and its regulations of 2005 due to corrupt organizations bureaucracy
The role of strategic planning on organisational performance: A case of immigration department in Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Petro, Adam
Strategic plan is a very important tool in the organization management. It shows the direction towards organizational focus and systematically achieving the strategic objectives. The study was about the role of strategic plan in the organization performance and the specific objectives were; to determine the contributions of the strategic plan on the organization performance, to identify how employees can be committed to the organization’s vision and mission, to find out the key components of strategic plan that may lead to organization performance and to measure the level of the strategic plan in determining whether organization is performing or not. The study was descriptive in nature and approached by survey methods, interviews and focus group discussions were also applied in the process of collecting data. The study involved 31 respondents categorized into two groups namely those who hold the managerial positions and those who do not hold managerial positions. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were also involved in analysis. The study revealed that the strategic plan plays a very important role in determining organizational performance; however employees are not involved effectively in the process of formulating the strategic plan, especially employees of the lower cadre. In addition, the immigration department does not have its own independent strategic plan; it is just a part of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Moreover, there is a significant deviation between the budget and the actual fund allocated to the department that acts as a barrier in the implementation of the strategic objectives. With this fact, among other recommendations, the study suggested that employees should be involved in the process of formulating strategic plan and their capacity on strategic plan development should be enhanced. Also fund should be allocated as planned in order to effectively implement strategic objectives.
The effects of computerized accounting system on auditing process: A case study of Mtwara District council
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Kombo, Bhourat
The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of computerised accounting system (CAS) on auditing process. Specifically the study aim to examine the contributions of CAS to the effectiveness and efficiency of the auditing process, to examine the factors affecting effectiveness and efficiency of auditing process in CAS, to identify problems organisation faces in CAS and to identify the problems encountered with auditing in CAS. The study was carried out at Mtwara district council (MDC), with sample size of 30 people who were purposely selected. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations and documentary. The collected data was processed using the statistical package (SPSS). Descriptive statistics and Cross tabulation were used to analyses data for the purpose of understanding the main characteristics of the research variables. The findings of this study revealed that the contributions of CAS to the effectiveness and efficiency of the auditing process is moderate. Knowledge of CAS, quality of audit planning, accountability concerns, responsibility awareness, ethical pressure, stakeholder forces, completeness of audit risk judgments and appropriateness of sample selected are the factors affecting effectiveness and efficiency of auditing process in CAS. Further more the findings indicated that, MDC encountered with the following problems in CAS; costs, competent personnel needs, the employee sharing password, the introduction of viruses, the loss of audit trail, lack of segregation of duties, and the potential for observing errors or fraud in CAs is less. And finally the researcher recommended that, the management should put much effort on training staffs to empower their skills and ability to work under computerized environment, and the management should also emphasize on segregation of duties in order to make internal control system more strong.