Theses and Dissertations

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    Assessment Of The Influence Of Business Practices On Start-Up Performance: The Case Of Selected Municipalities In Dar-Es-Salaam City
    (NM-AIST, 2025-07) Wanyancha, Mwita
    Startups are critical engines of innovation, employment, and inclusive economic growth. In Tanzania, Dar es Salaam accounts for over 66% of the nation's startups, yet approximately 70% fail within the first three years. Despite increasing support mechanisms, little empirical evidence exists on how contextual business practices shape startup performance in urban African settings. Guided by Entrepreneurial Event Theory, Action Theory, and Strategic Resource Management Theory, this study assessed the influence of Business Behavioral Practices, Regulatory Practices, and Business Resource Management Practices on startup performance in Dar es Salaam. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was adopted, with data collected from 244 startup founders across five municipalities using structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Results indicate that Business Behavioral Practices, particularly innovation, proactiveness, and competitive aggressiveness, positively influence startup performance, while high risk aversion hinders growth. Regulatory Practices showed mixed influence, with strategic engagement supporting performance, but challenges remain in adaptation and awareness. Business Resource Management Practices emerged as the most significant predictor, with financial planning, human capital development, and supply chain coordination strongly linked to startup success. The study provides actionable insights for entrepreneurs to adopt more insight driven behavioral practices, for policymakers to strengthen regulatory frameworks that support startup growth, and for ecosystem enablers including incubators, accelerators, universities and NGOs to enhance resource-based support systems and capacity-building initiatives. The findings underscore that startup performance is shaped not just by external resources, but by how effectively local business practices are integrated into strategic execution.
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    Socioeconomic Determinants Of Household Access To Clean Water: A Case Study Of A Selected Peri-Urban Ward In Northern Tanzania
    (NM-AIST, 2025-08) Ngayaga, Mwahija
    Access to water is essential to sustain human and ecological life. Despite the acclaimed crucial importance of clean water for human and ecological life and sustenance, most communities in sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania included, still lack clean and safe water. This study highlights the need to investigate socio-economic factors that influence the achievement of the desired clean water for peri-urban dwellers who depend on piped and tap water. The current study was carried out in Kikwe ward, Arusha, Tanzania. Mixed methods guided by a cross-sectional research design were employed. Data was collected via a survey, with 353 questionnaires personally administered to respondents. Quantitative data analysis techniques, including descriptive and inferential statistics, were employed in the analysis. Qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews and analyzed thematically. The results from the current study indicate that 29.2% of the study participants had access to clean water. Furthermore, household income, paying water bills, and engaging in water-dependent activities had a significant relation with clean water accessibility. The findings highlight significant disparities in water accessibility and safety in the surveyed community. The village-by-village analysis indicates that 71.6% in Nambala had their households connected to piped water. For Kikwe, 84.8% depended on centralized community access points. Furthermore, 90.7% of Karangai indicated that their main water source was rivers. Overall, 15.3% had access to treated water, there are potential health risks, such as exposure to waterborne diseases. While Nambala showed better access to piped water, most other areas relied heavily on centralized community access points or riverine sources. This underscores the urgent need for improved water infrastructure and public education on safe water practices. The study concluded that there is a need for women's inclusion in decision-making on clean water accessibility. Therefore, there is a need for enhancing education and awareness initiatives, increasing investment in water infrastructure, including rainwater harvests, and accelerating the implementation of water projects to safeguard and promote the well-being of peri-urban communities.