PhD Theses

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Browsing PhD Theses by Subject "Agricultural industries"

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    An integrative conceptual model to enhance development, transfer and diffusion of technology to smes: a case of agro-processing in Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Mwanza, Jafari Shabani
    Agro-processing in Tanzanian SMEs is largely informal, under-performed and in need of assistance to overcome barriers to its growth. The objective of this study was to develop an integrative conceptual model to enhance technology development, transfer and diffusion from R&D institutions to and within agro-processing SMEs. The project intended to define and link up the various stake holders in the technology development, transfer and diffusion (TDTD) chain. A survey was conducted in R&D institutions, equipment manufacturing and agro-processing SMEs and relevant government offices. A total of 158 R&D institutions and SMEs in various regions took part in the study; they were sampled on purposive and judgmental approach. Information was gathered using questionnaires and structured interviews of owners or managers of the firms. Using SPSS and MS Excel programs, analysis was done to present data from the survey. These results together with concepts from the literature were used to build the integrative TDTD Model, which then underwent theoretical and empirical validation in R&D institutions and SMEs. The final model, whose structure is considered unique, integrates R&D institutions, SMEs and Government, indicating the flow and relationship of their involvement, and internal & external factors that determine TDTD. In conclusion, the study was able to develop a TDTD model which, if effectively applied, could provide efficiency and growth of agro-processing in Tanzania. It is recommended that R&D institutions, SMEs and Government should fulfill their various responsibilities and cooperation as stipulated by the model so that agro-processing and involved SMEs can undergo growth.