Browsing by Author "Mwakalobo, A."

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    Cluster development initiatives in promoting small and medium enterprises in Tanzania
    (Springer International Publishing, 2021) Francis, B. S.; Mwakalobo, A.; Nguyahambi, A. M.
    This paper examined the implementation status of Cluster Development Initiatives (CDIs) in promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singida, Mbeya and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Although much has been written on the contribution of CDIs in promoting SMEs, little attention has been given by scholars on the implementation status of CDIs particularly in Tanzania. In filling this knowledge gap, this paper focused on examining the implementation of technology, training, networking and capital supports. A cross-sectional research design with simple random sampling techniques were employed where by 150 SMEs owners in clusters were surveyed and key informants were interviewed for primary data. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed by One Way ANOVA and thematic analysis respectively. The findings revealed that Implementation of CDIs supports in the study area was high on training and inadequate on capital with mean scores of .4819 and .2478 across both regions and clusters with statistically no significant difference at P Value = 0.18 and significant at P Value = 0.000 respectively in promoting SMEs. However, small loan sizes, long processes in loan processing and high reliance on donor funded projects were the major challenges on CDIs. It was concluded that CDIs have great potential towards promoting SMEs yet; it has not been explored and utilized to the maximum. It was therefore recommended that, policy makers via the responsible ministry should device a national strategy to provide clear guidance to all stakeholders as well as mainstreaming CDIs implementation in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and special government budgets.
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    The Influence of Cluster Development Initiatives on Small and Medium Enterprises Performance in Tanzania
    (Springer link, 2022) Francis, B.S.; Mwakalobo, A.; Nguyahambi, A.M
    Abstract Purpose: This research article aimed to examine the influence of Cluster Development Initiatives on SMEs performance in the regions of Mbeya, Morogoro and Singida -Tanzania, explicitly on technological, training, networking, capital, marketing and working premises. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employed a cross-sectional research design with a mixed approach whereby 150 SMEs owners were randomly selected from clusters. Survey, interview, observation and review of documents were employed to obtain information. The quantitative information was analyzed by SPSS using multiple linear regression models whereas qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
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    The Political Economy of Cluster Development Initiatives in Tanzania: Institutional Framework and Emerging Challenges
    (Springer link, 2022) Francis, B.S.; Mwakalobo, A.; Nguyahambi, A. M.
    Purpose: This article aimed to examine the political economy of Cluster Development Initiatives on the institutional framework for CDIs in Tanzania context basing on the contractual arrangements of key actors, policy strategies, collaboration and institutional challenges under the guidance of the new institutional economic theory. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research used a cross-sectional design with a mixed approach through simple random sampling techniques to obtain 150 SMEs owners in the cluster of the regions of Singida, Mbeya and Morogoro. Interview, observation, survey and review of documents were used to get the required information. The quantitative and qualitative information were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA as well as analysis of the themes consecutively. Findings: It was found that the contractual arrangements of key actors were based on funding, training, technical expertise and linking clusters to various stakeholders. The difference in collaboration was not significant as well as significant with P value = 0.097and P value = 0.000 across regions and clusters respectively. Low government commitment, inadequate funding and low collaboration among cluster members were the major institutional challenges as there was inadequate political and institutional support to realize the intended objectives. Research limitation: The study focused on SMEs in clusters in the regions of Singida, Mbeya and Morogoro in Tanzania where CDIs were largely implemented. Practical Implication: The knowledge advanced by this study will help CDIs implementers and other stakeholders on the nature of political and institutional support, the collaboration of key stakeholders and the major institutional challenges. Social Implication: The knowledge advanced by this study will help policymakers to adjust SME development policies to provide special attention to CDIs issues as well as strengthen project capacity write up to attract funds. Originality/Value: The novelty of this study is on informing about the political economy of Cluster Development Initiatives particularly on the contractual arrangements of key actors, policy strategies, collaboration and institutional challenges under the guidance of the new institutional economic theory in Tanzania.