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1 – 10 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Nyamagere Gladys Sospeter

The design documents are products of a process that aims to provide sufficient details to enable the contractor to efficiently implement the project at a realistic cost…

Abstract

Purpose

The design documents are products of a process that aims to provide sufficient details to enable the contractor to efficiently implement the project at a realistic cost. Accordingly, it is expected that these design documents must be of high quality to engender the attainment of the desired project objectives. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors that affect the quality of design documentation in construction projects in the context of a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a descriptive research design involving professionals from firms offering services in areas of design and documentation, mainly architectural, quantity surveying and engineering. A total of 80 out of 84 questionnaires were received and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25, and a factor analysis approach was used to categorize the factors into smaller five groups.

Findings

The factors were subsequently categorized according to size, time, staff, quality and training-related factors. Collectively, large size of the project, inadequate supervision of junior design staff, low professional fees, procurement process and system, failure to adopt quality management systems and allocation or assigning of staff to more than one project at the same time have high influence (component loading of 700) in respective groups.

Research limitations/implications

The reliance on data to analyze the factors of design documents in construction projects in developing economies context, using a Tanzanian exemplar, is considered a limitation. Developing countries with similar economic characteristics, procurement systems and cultural setup could benefit from the results of this study.

Practical implications

The study of factors affecting quality of design and documents in construction projects serves as a guide for built environment firms in Tanzania in conducting effective business and ensuring quality design documents, hence improved project performance. Understanding the nature of relationship between the design and construction teams as well as the impact of design documents on project performance is of great importance for the design teams of future projects and other decision-makers to pay attention when preparing design and related documents, especially during design stage of construction projects in developing countries.

Originality/value

The study contributes the knowledge by providing useful insights on the subject through a categorization of the factors affecting the quality of design documentation and exploring the nature of relationship between the design and construction teams in construction projects within a previously unexplored Tanzanian context focusing on a traditional procurement system for future improvement of project delivery, hence project success.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

E.A.M. Mjema, M.A.M Victor and M.S.M Mwinuka

The purpose of this paper is to present results of a research conducted to test the method developed by Ang et al. in a different environment and setting.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present results of a research conducted to test the method developed by Ang et al. in a different environment and setting.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct this study the approach developed by Ang et al. was used to examine the accrued benefits of using information technology (IT) in quality management. The interview and questionnaire method was mostly used; however, direct observation and archival records data collection were also used to extract more precise data towards a better conclusion. The focus was on the analysis of the use of IT on enhancing quality awareness, improving product quality, and reducing quality‐related costs.

Findings

The findings of the study show that the introduction of IT on quality management has contributed greatly to the enhancement of quality awareness, in the improvement of product quality and in the reduction of quality costs.

Practical implications

The research shows the importance of the existence of the right environment for the implementation of a quality system. It also shows that the introduction of IT has really reduced the quality cost and improved the product quality. The research developed constructs for the eight dimensions of quality, which helps to measure the impact of IT on quality management.

Originality/value

The paper reports systematic investigations on how companies can measure the impact of IT in quality management.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Fighting Corruption in the Public Sector
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-857-5

Abstract

Details

Teacher Preparation in Papua New Guinea
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-077-8

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Lucy Gilson

This paper presents some key theoretical issues about trust, and seeks to demonstrate their relevance to understanding of, and research on, health systems. Although drawing…

5517

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents some key theoretical issues about trust, and seeks to demonstrate their relevance to understanding of, and research on, health systems. Although drawing particularly on empirical evidence from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), the paper aims to stimulate thinking across country settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing both on conceptual literature and relevant empirical research from LMICs, the paper presents an argument about the role of trust within key health system relationships and identifies future research needs.

Findings

Theoretical perspectives on four questions are first discussed: what is trust and can it be constructed? Why does it matter to health systems? On what is it based? What are the dangers of trust? The relevance of these theoretical perspectives is then considered in relation to: understanding the nature of health systems; issues of equity and justice in health care; and policy and managerial priorities. The identified research needs are investigation of: the role of trusting workplace relationships as a source of non‐financial incentives; the influence of trust over the operation of different forms of citizen‐health system engagement; approaches to training trustworthy public managers; and the institutional developments required to sustain trustworthy behaviour within health systems.

Practical implications

The policy and management actions needed to strengthen health systems within LMICs, and elsewhere, include: recruitment of health workers that have the attitudes and capacity for moral understanding and motivation; training curriculae that develop such motivation; and developing the institutions (e.g. communication and decision‐making practices, payment mechanisms) that can sustain trusting relationships across a health system. It is also important to recognise that distrust in some relationships may act to guard against the abuse of power.

Originality/value

Although the notion of trust has become of increasing importance in health policy debates in high‐income countries, it has received less attention in the context of LMICs. The papers adds to the very limited literature on trust in LMIC health systems and also opens new lines of thinking for those working in high income countries – particularly around the role of health systems in generating wider social value.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Vathsala Wickramasinghe

The purpose of this paper is to review historical developments in higher education in Sri Lanka, and review issues faced and strategies adopted to improve higher education in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review historical developments in higher education in Sri Lanka, and review issues faced and strategies adopted to improve higher education in state universities in the country. The paper also reviews national and international forces that influenced to modernise and improve higher education in state universities in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews available published documents from the last two decades to present and discuss key national and international forces transforming the higher education of the country and strategies adopted to modernise and improve higher education in state universities in the country.

Findings

Historical development in general and higher education together with key characteristics of the Sri Lankan education system are discussed. The governing bodies of the state university education, donor agencies and strategies adopted for the development of higher education in the country during the recent history have been reviewed. Conclusions and challenges for the future are also presented.

Originality/value

The higher education of the country underwent rapid transformations over the past seven decades with the aim of strengthening the wider relationship between university, industry and society. A review on higher education in Sri Lanka could provide lessons valuable for academics and practitioners alike worldwide.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2020

Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, Suhana Mohezar, Nurul Fadly Habidin and Nursyazwani Mohd Fuzi

This paper aims to identify the critical success factors of the continued usage of digital library (DL) successful implementation from the perspective of users with organisation…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the critical success factors of the continued usage of digital library (DL) successful implementation from the perspective of users with organisation support factors as key antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the extensive literature review, this study has constructed a conceptual framework based on organisational support perspectives and updated Delone and McLean’s information system success model. A pilot study was carried out on a sample of 105 respondents from military-context. A survey instrument including 22 measurement items was designed to identify the level of DL information system (IS) successful implementation practices in military context. Descriptive statistical analysis and reliability analysis were used to analyse the data with SPSS software.

Findings

The findings indicate that training and education, DL environment and communication support, continuation of usage intention, net benefits and user satisfaction are the critical success factors that play key role in ensuring the continued usage DL successful implementation in military context. The military-context DL needs to obtain critical success factors of DL practices implementation to sustain its continued usage, particularly for the active users of its members.

Research limitations/implications

This study only considered the military personnel who have visited the five main military libraries. For practical implications, the development of instruments in this study may be valuable tools to evaluate DL in other DL settings in Malaysian context other than academic settings.

Originality/value

This study makes a new contribution to DL IS successful implementation practices in military context. This study also provides important information for decision-makers involved in DL IS successful implementation practices and provides useful reference for future researchers in this research area.

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Fauz Moh’d Khamis and Rosemaliza AbRashid

This study aims to examine the relationship between service quality and customers’ satisfaction, and the effect of service quality on customers’ satisfaction in Tanzanian Islamic…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between service quality and customers’ satisfaction, and the effect of service quality on customers’ satisfaction in Tanzanian Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied six service quality dimensions of CARTER model, i.e. compliance, assurance, reliability, tangible, empathy and responsiveness, to measure Tanzania Islamic banks’ service quality. The questionnaire was also used to measure the level of customers’ satisfaction to the Islamic banking services provided. A total of 384 questionnaires were randomly distributed to the customers of People’s Bank of Zanzibar Islamic banking division, whereby 255 questionnaires were returned and used for analysis. By using SPSS version 19, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis have been used to meet the research objectives.

Findings

The study findings indicate that customers are satisfied with the Islamic banking services provided by Tanzania banks. However, it has been found that customers are attracted by compliance, tangibility and reliability of the banks. The findings further indicate a significant relationship between service quality and customers’ satisfaction. Indeed, empathy, compliance and reliability were found to be the only significant predictors of customers’ satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Further researches should be considered to involve more banks to generalize the findings. Again, the study has focused on the influence of service quality on customer satisfaction; however, there may be other issues that have direct or indirect influence on customers’ satisfaction on Tanzania Islamic banking. It is, therefore, suggested that future researchers may broaden their scope and conduct research in these areas.

Practical implications

The findings of the study suggest that there is large number of Muslim and non-Muslims communities who are interested in Islamic modes of finance and banking. Banks have potential to increase customers’ base by improving the quality of their services. Essentially, banks must focus on complying with Islamic principles, improving reliability and empathy, as they statistically influence customers’ satisfaction.

Social implications

The study creates awareness about the nature of the quality of services provided by Islamic banks in Tanzania. Hence, the study may influence more customers to join Islamic banks for better services.

Originality/value

This study is important for Tanzania Islamic banks considering that the country has a large number of Muslim communities and non-Muslims who are interested in Islamic modes of finance and banking. While most of the other studies on customers’ preferences in Tanzania are based on conventional banking services, this study focuses on Islamic modes of finance and banking.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 March 2012

Donna C. Tonini

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the dichotomous nature of two World Bank educational goals and examine how enrollment growth became prioritized over quality in Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the dichotomous nature of two World Bank educational goals and examine how enrollment growth became prioritized over quality in Tanzania. Nestled within the theoretical framework of developmental discourse, the chapter begins with a historical review of World Bank educational policy, exploring Tanzania's lending relationship with the Bank. The chapter next evaluates the new World Bank 2020 educational strategy using the Tanzanian context to draw attention to policy strengths and weaknesses. Finally, using current research regarding World Bank policy in Tanzania, this chapter explores the implications of the new strategy on the next installment of Tanzania's SEDP policy. By locating the intersections of these policies, one may gauge a better understanding as to why the past trend of flooding Tanzania's classrooms with students has had the effect of eroding educational quality.

Details

Education Strategy in the Developing World: Revising the World Bank's Education Policy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-277-7

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 May 2021

Saadan A. Edson and Adam M. Akyoo

An increasing demand of agricultural intensification and value addition necessitates the use of improved inputs such as improved seed. Smallholder farmers contribute about 70% of…

Abstract

An increasing demand of agricultural intensification and value addition necessitates the use of improved inputs such as improved seed. Smallholder farmers contribute about 70% of agricultural production in Tanzania. Agriculture sector in Tanzania contributes about 24.1% of the GDP, 30% of exports and 65% of industrial raw materials. Thus, agriculture development, economic growth and industrialization are inseparable. Due to the nature of the product, smallholder farmers cannot judge the overall excellence of seed at the time of buying. This paper assessed quality uncertainty in maize and vegetable seed and its implication for market exchange between farmers and seed sellers in Kilolo district, Iringa Tanzania. The study used a random sample of 130 smallholder farmers and representatives from ten seed companies. Asymmetric information prevails between the two trading sides, i.e. sellers and buyers, leading into quality uncertainty. Moreover, product augmentation is profoundly overlooked whereby most of seed companies have not augmented their products. Because an improved seed is a quintessential example of an experience good, quality uncertainty of some crop varieties under field conditions favored some seed brands to be used more by farmers compared to others. This paper offers a thorough deduction on quality uncertainty under farmers' field condition and its implication on market exchange. It adds information in the body of knowledge on how an improved seed can contribute to sustainable production of food and industrial raw materials, which is a step towards desired industrialization agenda in Tanzania.

Details

Emerald Open Research, vol. 1 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3952

Keywords

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