The effectiveness of the University of Dar es Salaam administration in directing the provision of services

The purpose of the study was to explore and identify the causes of inefficiency which eventually lead to ineffectiveness in the University of Dar es Salaam in directing the provision of services. The study sought to establish the gravity of the problems raised by different organs in the academic community in the University. The review of literature consisted of a theoretical and empirical overview which focused on individual characteristics, organisation factors and environmental factors which were the key variables considered crucial in the study. These were used in. building a conceptual framework for the data needs and analysis. The study was conducted in the three campuses of the University of Dar es Salaam namely Morogoro, Muhimbili and University Hill. Muhimbili and Morogoro compuses were included in order monitor any uniqueness in the respective campuses. The study sample consisted of 170 respondents selected from the senior administrative staff support staff and the administrative staff categories. Three principal methods were used to collect information; namely documentation! interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data was subjected to content analysis and quantitative data was summarised into contingency tables. The findings of the study revealed that although the majority of the key officers in the administration have basic degree qualifications, they are not appropriately trained and placed in the administrative positions. Highly qualified people are assigned tasks which are not related to the type of training acquired. Moreover there are uncertainties and doubts among key officers in handling work schedules due to replication of offices and undefined office position. The results also revealed that there were no efforts to ensure adequate control and supervision of staff' at work places. The study findings confirmed that administrative and the support staff are dissatisfied with the terms and conditions of services, as well as with the established procedures far acquiring materials and other work facilities. From the findings it became evident that these circumstances do not inspire the officers to care for the quality of services they provide. In view of the findings and conclusions reached it was recommended that a way be found to formulate an internal policy which will help in monitoring employees who attend degree courses and wish to return to the University. It will also control tendencies of over-employing people who hold one type of degree qualification in one place. It was also recommended to reinforce control and supervision of staff by instituting clear-cut work regulations and adhere to them. Furthermore it was recommended that an attractive motivational and incentive scheme should be designed in order to enhance commitment to work. Finally it was recommended that attraction of manpower in an organisation should go hand in hand with a corresponding manpower retention policy because it is disadvantageous for organisations to lose the, good staff that they might have had (or even trained) for a long time.