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The current study examined the impact of financial aspects in achieving sustainable public procurement at the Zanzibar Urban Services Project. To achieve this objective, the study used a questionnaire and documentary review checklist to collect data on identifying the impact of financial aspects on sustainable public procurement. The study used a case study design using Zanzibar Urban Services Project. Both primary and secondary data were collected through questionnaires and documentary reviews. The researcher employed the probability sampling technique specifically stratified sampling technique to sample 107 out of 153 individuals from the field and content analysis for documentary review. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse preliminary data and lastly multiple regression analysis modals was used to measure the relationship among variables. Study results indicated that in spite of the contribution of financial aspects in procurement, there is a challenge of undermining the emphasis of other non-financial aspects in procurement procedures. It was also confirmed that there is a need of balancing between financial, social and environmental aspects which are argued to achieve sustainable public procurement.

The objective of the paper is to examine determinants of the extent of usage of accounting information by the Public Accounts Committee in Tanzania public corporations moderated by effective communication. This study's guiding theories are an agency, accounting information usefulness, and communication. The study used a positivist philosophy, deductive approach, and cross-sectional survey design. The researcher used quantitative data analysis focused on 110 questionnaires made by PAC members and nonmembers. The Partial Least Square –Structural Equation Modeling [PLS-SEM] was used to support multivariate statistical analysis. The study reported a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.584, implying that trust in accounting information, perception of quality of accounting information, knowledge of accounting information, and effective communication moderated by effective communication explain a 58.4% variation in the extent of usage of accounting information. The study results showed that trust in accounting information and knowledge of accounting information has a statistically significant positive impact on the extent of use of accounting information. The perception of the quality of accounting information and effective communication had a statistically insignificant positive effect on the extent of accounting information usage. Besides, the study results confirmed the absence of moderating effects of effective communication of accounting information on the relationships between determinants of accounting information usage and the extent of use of accounting information.

The study intended to examine the effects of the information gap in the Dare es salaam stock exchange stock market. To meet this goal, three objectives were involved; the gap between the information offered by DSE and those needed by investors, the effects of the information gap on the trading in securities in DSE, and measures to apply to tackle the information gap in DSE. The study adopted a mixed research design. This method provides different types of information, such as detailed views of participants qualitatively and scores on instruments quantitatively, and when combined, they should yield the same results. The research was carried out in Dar es Salaam, the city of big investors in Tanzania, the head office of the Capital markets and Security Authority (CMSA), and the Dar es salaam stock exchange authority (DSE). Eighteen brokers and dealers were interviewed, and a questionnaire was distributed to 169 market dealers, brokers, custodians, nominated advisors, DSE employees, registered trustees, financial analysts, and customers to collect quantitative data. The data collection tools used were a questionnaire for quantitative data and an interview guide for qualitative data. Descriptive statistics, content analysis, and coding approaches were used to analyse and interpret data.

The study examines the supply chain for fresh fruits and vegetables in cities. In particular, the study determines the functions of intermediaries in the supply chain for fresh fruits and vegetables in urban settings. The study is qualitative with an ethnographic design. The study involved a sample of 92 participants obtained purposively. Data are obtained using In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), document reviews and researchers’ observations. Findings demonstrate that intermediaries typically facilitate transportation services that involve the collection, packing and handling facility selection, and delivery of fruits and vegetables. Secondly, intermediaries provide efficient storage services for storing fruits and vegetables and education about proper storage practices. Thirdly, intermediaries have involved value addition and improvement of the quality of fruits and vegetables through sorting, grading, gathering, inspection, branding, and packing. Fourthly, they execute marketing services and facilitate information flow and exchange. It is presented that to enhance intermediaries’ roles, there is a need to improve the road infrastructure networks and control corruption among unethical police officers. There is a great need to strengthen electricity. This will facilitate a reliable power supply that will enhance the easy storage of fruits and vegetables. Farmers and intermediaries need more education on quality, and financial assistance. This will support the continuum of the fresh fruits and vegetable supply chain.

The study was conducted in Tanzania to assess the effect of financial service access on the agricultural commercialization of smallholder rice growers in Kilombero under the moderating effect of institutional cultural cognition. Primary data were collected from 397 smallholder farmers, and after data cleaning, we remained with 358 responses subjected to regression analysis. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis with the help of IBM SPSS software. The findings revealed that financial service access significantly positively affected commercialization. Also, the results confirm that institutional cultural cognition has a significant negative moderation effect on the relationship between financial inclusion and agriculture commercialization. The results suggest that reducing cultural cognition can increase financial service access. So, if the wrong perception and beliefs of the poor and marginalized society toward formal financial services can be reduced, then access to formal financial services will be increased, thus improving the level of agriculture commercialization. Also, we recommend that policymakers and the government set policies to reduce the cost of accessing financial services and enhance financial services availability.

Despite the crucial role that businesses have played in the adoption of green supply chains, it appears that manufacturing enterprises have not effectively utilized their responsibility to ensure green manufacturing. This study uses Bakhresa Foods Product Limited as a case study to better understand the constraints facing manufacturing firms engaged in green manufacturing and offers suggestions for overcoming them. A qualitative design was adopted and data was gathered via in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), indirect observation, and secondary data analysis based on a purposive sample size of 60 respondents. Using the MAXQDA 10 program, data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. The study's findings showed that constraints to reducing were associated with a lack of innovation, professionals, an understanding of economics and finance and presence of extensive inventories, and inadequate production planning. Remanufacturing was further constrained by poor technology, unfavorable consumer attitudes, and a weak market strategy. Other constraints with reuse came from poor customer attitudes and awareness, lack of uniform standards for materials and goods, and inadequate government support. Constraints to recycling include a lack of support from senior top management executives, significant upfront expenses, and low-quality recycled goods. Therefore, to improve the situation, we suggest that industries make use of modernized equipment, and clean technology, improve monitoring and evaluation systems, implement the lean production philosophy, and give education about the value of recycling programs.

The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of marketing innovation on the performance of coffee cooperatives in Kenya. A descriptive research design was applied. The target population of this study was 525 coffee cooperative societies in Kenya registered with the Commissioner for Cooperatives and licensed by AFFA (Coffee Directorate) as of 30th of October 2016. The sample size was 227 respondents. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from the selected respondents. The results revealed that marketing innovation and performance are positive and significantly related (?=0.674, p=0.001). This implied that significant changes in product design and packaging led to a positive change in the performance of coffee cooperatives. The study affirms that to improve performance by targeting the customers, constant improvements in how the company promotes its new products to capture the attention of new customers is a key aspect to be considered. The study recommends the management employ skills in developing clear operating procedures to run the business successfully, coordinate different areas of the business to achieve results and the ability and design jobs to suit staff capabilities and interests.

This study examines the strengths and limitations of 22 published journal articles by conducting a systematic literature review. The review revealed that the qualitative approach was flexible, offered in-depth and detailed information, allowed the use of multiple data collection methods and minimised the chance of having missing data. The approach was found (i) to integrate human touch, was cost-effective and was indeed the only option in some cases of research problems; (ii) to be prone to researchers’ subjectivity, involves complex data analysis, makes anonymity difficult and has limited scope in its generalizability, and (iii) to make replication of findings challenging, and the findings may be influenced by the researcher’s bias. It is concluded, therefore, that researchers should take necessary precautions when using the approach to ensure that the weaknesses of qualitative research do not bar them from achieving research objectives.

Novice and experienced researchers may encounter numerous methodological challenges when it comes to data collection. Data have to be collected from the right sources using appropriate data collection tools to make research studies impactful. There are numerous data collection methods that researchers may use but not all methods are appropriate for all research studies. Choosing inappropriate research methods may result in invalid research findings and lead to erroneous conclusions. This means researchers have to carefully choose data collection methods to make their studies achieve their respective goals. This study intended to identify factors that researchers have to consider in choosing data collection methods. A systematic literature review was used to analyze 28 journal articles published between 2018 and 2022. From the analysis the study identified ten (10) factors that researchers have to consider in choosing data collection methods. These factors are; the research goal, the scope of the study, sample size, type of data, time and user-friendliness to the subjects. Other factors are research approach, safety and security of a researcher, the need for triangulation and theoretical framework. Before choosing methods for data collection, it is important to put into consideration these factors to increase the chances of achieving research objectives and answering research questions of research projects.

The focus of the study was to assess the role of Presidential Issued Identity Cards (PIDs) in alleviating the street vendor’s business challenges in Dar es Salaam. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the influence of Presidential Identity Cards in alleviating the street vending business challenges, explore factors inhibiting the utilization of Vendors IDs cards in alleviating the street vendors’ challenges and identify the nature (financial, social relation, special) of problem that was solved by the establishment of PIDs. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam city, where a sample of 130 respondents was selected. The study collected primary data by using questionnaires. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for descriptive and multiple regression analysis. The study found that Presidential Identity Cards have no significant influence on the reduction of street vendor business challenges. Furthermore, the study found that the establishment of PIDs fails to solve numerous problems facing street vendors, these are; financial, business problems, social problems and lack of permanent areas. The study concludes that despite the provision of Presidential Identity Cards to street vendors, most of the street vendors are lacking business support from the appropriate authorities. The study recommends that the provision of PIDs to street vendors should target to reduce challenges facing street vendors.

This paper presents the structure and contexts of transaction costs and competitive tendering. The model is proposed as the first step in the development of a causal link between transaction costs and competitive tendering in the public sector. It draws upon the theory of open systems to build a structural framework. Concepts relevant to transaction costs and competitive tendering in the public sector are integrated into this framework. The subsequent papers will add concepts to the model and demonstrate a generic model fit for public practitioners, decision-makers, academicians, and bidders (suppliers, contractors, and service providers) to carry out their procurement activities in a systematic and planned manner.  

This study examined the influence of undergraduate experience on alumni loyalty to their alma mater in Tanzania’s higher education context. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent to which alumni are satisfied with their undergraduate academic and social experiences and the influence thereof on their loyalty towards their former universities or colleges. The study involved a questionnaire survey to collect primary data from a conveniently selected sample of 188 Tanzanians who had bachelor's degrees from various Tanzania universities and colleges. Descriptive statistics using mean values were used to measure the satisfaction level. To estimate the influence of alumni satisfaction with their undergraduate experience on loyalty to their alma mater, Binary Logistic Regression Model was used. Overall, the findings indicate that alumni were satisfied with their undergraduate experience and their time as students. Further, Binary Logistic Regression results indicate that satisfaction with undergraduate experience positively and significantly influences alumni loyalty to their alma mater. It is reasonable to conclude from this evidence, that alumni loyalty can be created, reinforced and retained through favorable students’ experiences. Thus, Tanzania’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should improve their level of students’ experience so as to increase their level of satisfaction and consequently enforce their loyalty. The study adds value in the context of Tanzanian HEIs since it provides a base on how to determine strategies to create, reinforce and maintain alumni loyalty through a favorable student experience.

Despite the critical role played by intermediaries in storage services of urban fresh fruits and vegetables, storage services of urban fresh fruits and vegetables in Dar es Salaam are still poorly provided by intermediaries. In this paper, we examine the factors constraining intermediaries in providing storage services in the sector. A qualitative case study was adopted and data were collected using documentary review, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and non-participant observations based on the purposive sample size of 73 respondents. Thematic data analysis strategy was adopted and data were analyzed using MAXQDA 20 software. Findings showed that the intermediaries are generally constrained by technological-related factors, the inadequacy of funds to invest in modern storage, limited knowledge and awareness of modern storage, excessive temperature and atmospheric conditions. We recommend that, in order to improve storage services installation of modern storage facilities in markets and collection centers, providing loans to intermediaries to buy modern packaging and packing facilities, improving market infrastructures, and training intermediaries on the importance of proper storage and how to use contemporary methodology could solve the problem at hand.

The motorcycle taxi business is increasingly becoming one of the key livelihood strategies in the urban settings of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, crime against operators is threatening the subsector and jeopardizes the livelihood of motorcycle riders. This study examines urban crime and its implications on the livelihoods of motorcycle taxi riders in Dar es Salaam Tanzania in a bid to recommend strategies for alleviating the looming crime. Based on the qualitative design, data were collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and indirect observations with a sample of 100 motorcycle taxi-riders. Thematic data analysis was employed based on the five themes [aka assets] pre-determined from the sustainable livelihood framework namely natural, physical, human, social and financial assets. Findings show that crime has negatively impacted the motorcycle taxi riders’ livelihoods through erosion of the livelihood assets. Accordingly, in order to alleviate the crime, relevant authorities should devise a well-defined mechanism of sharing crime information, use of technology such as the GPRS system and security cameras around the city, ensure the availability of the police and prompt response to crime incidence through night security patrols and sharing reliable contacts, provision of security and crime education and awareness to the riders. Others are ensuring an effective, communication system between and among the motorcycle riders e.g. through phones, WhatsApp groups, and other social media, and use of ID cards by the riders for easy identification and traceability whenever they fall victims of crime.

This study aims to evaluate the factors that influence data saturation in qualitative studies. The study adopted a systematic literature review of 24 journal articles published between 2018 and 2022. The articles were obtained from a Google scholar database.  The findings point to five factors that affect data saturation namely, pre-determined codes and themes, sample size, relevancy of research subjects (respondents), number of research methods, and length of data collection sessions. It is argued in this paper, therefore, that in order to attain data saturation, researchers should consider multiple factors that may affect data saturation in order to increase the validity of qualitative studies.

The study, using a comparative case study design, explored the attitude of local direct beneficiaries concerning the cessation of resources for two donor-funded agriculture-related projects in Tanzania from a Social Cognitive Theory perspective. Using a 5-point Likert Scale, data from 274 respondents were collected and analysed. Before data analysis, validity and reliability tests were performed and determined to be good. Descriptive statistics including percentages and frequencies were done. Additionally, a chi-square test was done to establish the association between variables. The findings show that local beneficiaries with higher self-efficacy and wider outcome expectancies had a positive attitude as opposed to their counterparts. Also, a positive significant relationship existed between self-efficacy and attitude (P<0.01) and between outcome expectancies and attitudes (P<0.05). Equipping local beneficiaries with the competencies needed to solve problems on their own and the continued functioning of VBAAs can aid local beneficiaries in maintaining a positive attitude post-project resources withdrawal. The study recommends that a transition phase is critical for project implementers to solidify benefits and benefit-enhancing behaviours. Also promoting community-based extension services by institutionalising VBAAs within the LGAs should be given a priority for enhancing sustainability.

This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 induced global panic on crude oil and natural gas volatility. The author uses the Structural Vector Auto Regression (SVAR) to examine the magnitude of shocks in global oil and gas prices caused by COVID-19 induced panic between 3rd January 2020 and 30th June 2021. The results show that shocks in oil and gas prices were negative and more severe in the first five (5) months of 2020 when the pandemic was spreading across the globe forcing countries' prices into lockdowns. The negative shocks gradually diminished in the following periods as the prices recovered courtesy of global economic recovery and vaccine rollouts. Furthermore, the panic was more pronounced in causing oil prices shocks as gas prices were already suffering amid mild temperatures during the 2020 winter season. The author stresses the need for swift actions during the early days of the crisis to adjust oil and gas supply to match demand shrinkage so as to stabilize their prices given their enormity to the global economy. The Russia-Saudi Arabia delays in agreeing on oil supply restrictions may have amplified the magnitude of negative shocks in oil prices. Existing studies have examined the country-level impacts of COVID-19 on energy prices focusing mainly on oil. However, oil and gas are among the most traded commodities in the world thus the stability of their prices is of global concern. This study examines this phenomenon on a global scale by utilizing the novel global coronavirus panic index.

This paper assesses the determinants of the lending of six commercial banks in Tanzania from 2015 to 2019 using a quantitative research design. The data were collected from Annual Reports of the six commercial banks. The results show that liquidity and capital adequacies have a significant relationship with lending, whereas interest rate and management efficiency have no statistically significant influence on lending. Thus, effective policies should be developed to ensure commercial banks grow and be able to advance more credit. Additionally, the banking sector needs to prioritize increasing the liquidity ratio to ultimately strengthen the bank's financial position. Furthermore, commercial banks should be more innovative in their lending since different sectors present different risk profiles. Lastly, Commercial banks management needs to employ capital growth strategies to enhance the banks’ capital conservation buffer that requires banks to build up extra buffers outside periods of stress.

This paper analyses the effect of the treasury single account (TSA) on the financial performance of commercial banks in Tanzania over the period 2015-2020. The selected commercial banks include NMB Plc, CRDB Plc, EXIM Bank, NBC and DCB in Tanzania’s banking sector. The study employs a descriptive research design and the CAMEL Rating Analysis approach. The findings show that all the selected commercial banks have maintained a strong position on their composite rating system before and after the TSA implementation. They are sound in the aspects of capital adequacy, management quality, earning capacity and liquidity conditions.

The purpose of this study was to explore the antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions among the Tanzanian Higher Business Education Graduates (HBE). The motivation for the study was because, despite the integration of entrepreneurship education (EE) in every degree programme, still many graduates had been unemployed. This cross-sectional study is based on primary data. An in-depth interview was conducted with a sample of 21 HBE graduates from various HBE institutions.  Primary data collection was done using in-depth interview guide questions physically done by the researcher.  Snowball and purposive sampling approaches were employed to identify respondents for this study. Content analysis method with the aid of NVivo version 11 software package was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study identifies five important antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions, namely, interpersonal traits, EE through competency-based training, planning and focus, successful groups which are close to a prospective entrepreneur, and government support. The findings task entrepreneurship educators, role models, close groups, professional supporters, and the government to concurrently foster the combinations of EE and other factors which were revealed to have the highest predictive power on entrepreneurial intention in the process of nurturing and psychologically developing the students’ entrepreneurial careers of self-reliance and self-employment. This research is novel and contributes to the body of knowledge in the existing antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions: given the emphasis on residual and new antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions essential for promoting the start-ups by the HBE graduates and enabling them to employ themselves.