Browsing by Author "Martha Mkasafari Shio"

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Internal Managerial Practices of Selected Public Universities in Promoting Knowledge Economy Initiatives in Tanzania
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-10-07) Martha Mkasafari Shio
This study explored the internal managerial practices of university institutions in promoting knowledge economy initiatives in Tanzania. It examined how university management applies the functions of planning, organizing, controlling, and leading to align operations within knowledge economy (KE) goals. In response to global demands for knowledge-based development, universities are shifting from traditional self-governing models to strategic institutions fostering knowledge creation, dissemination, and application. The study adopted a qualitative approach guided by interpretive philosophy, using document reviews and in-depth interviews with 30 purposefully selected university mangers including Directors of Research and Publications, Deans, Heads of Departments, and Coordinators. Thematic analysis revealed that university planning integrates R&D and innovation, ICT, licensing, and industry partnerships, but lacks comprehensive situational analyses to inform KE policies. Organizing functions were found to support KE through consultancy bureaus, research dissemination platforms, startup incubation, and use of media, though interdisciplinary collaboration and works remains weak. Control mechanisms such as quality assurance and ethics committees are in place but often overlook qualitative research impact measures, including stakeholder feedback and societal relevance. Leadership practices promoting vision, flexibility, and empowerment were evident, yet often constrained by institutional pressures favoring rapid publication for promotion over research quality and commercialization. The study concludes that while Tanzanian universities exhibit some alignment with KE initiatives, gaps remain in qualitative focus, interdisciplinary research, bureaucracy tendencies and leadership motivation. It recommends strengthening qualitative dimensions of research, interdisciplinary collaboration, flexible leadership, and provision of resources like grants and training. Future research is needed on the role of academic leadership personality traits in fostering research commercialization and on models for integrating KE indicators in Tanzanian university performance frameworks.
Internal University Organizing Management Function in Promoting Knowledge Economy Practices in Tanzania
(Center for Research Implications and Practice, 2025) Martha Mkasafari Shio; Wilson Eduan; Mary Kagoire
This study investigated the internal management practices of Tanzanian universities in organizing and promoting knowledge economy (KE) practices. As universities shift from traditional, autonomous roles to more strategic organizational processes, they are restructuring their operations to enhance effectiveness, competitiveness, and relevance in the knowledge-based economy. The research, aligned with an interpretive research philosophy, focuses on how universities manage and organize activities that support knowledge creation, dissemination, and application. The study targeted key university management figures, including Directors of Research, Deans, Heads of Departments, and Coordinators, selecting 30 participants through non-probability sampling. Data was collected through document reviews and in-depth interviews, analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that universities have implemented practices such as consultancy bureaus, research dissemination through conferences, exhibitions, and media platforms, as well as competitions to encourage innovation. However, the study highlights weaknesses in facilitating interdisciplinary research and a lack of focus on qualitative assessments of research value. These gaps include insufficient collaboration across fields, limited qualitative feedback, and a need for ethical and societal considerations in evaluating research. The findings emphasize the need for stronger organizational processes to optimize universities' contributions to the knowledge economy.
Internal University Organizing Management Function in Promoting Knowledge Economy Practices in Tanzania
(Center for Research Implication and Practice, 2024) Martha Mkasafari Shio; Wilson Eduan; Mary Kagoire
This study investigated the internal management practices of Tanzanian universities in organizing and promoting knowledge economy (KE) practices. As universities shift from traditional, autonomous roles to more strategic organizational processes, they are restructuring their operations to enhance effectiveness, competitiveness, and relevance in the knowledge-based economy. The research, aligned with an interpretive research philosophy, focuses on how universities manage and organize activities that support knowledge creation, dissemination, and application. The study targeted key university management figures, including Directors of Research, Deans, Heads of Departments, and Coordinators, selecting 30 participants through non-probability sampling. Data was collected through document reviews and in-depth interviews, analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that universities have implemented practices such as consultancy bureaus, research dissemination through conferences, exhibitions, and media platforms, as well as competitions to encourage innovation. However, the study highlights weaknesses in facilitating interdisciplinary research and a lack of focus on qualitative assessments of research value. These gaps include insufficient collaboration across fields, limited qualitative feedback, and a need for ethical and societal considerations in evaluating research. The findings emphasize the need for stronger organizational processes to optimize universities' contributions to the knowledge economy.