TITLE:
Positioning Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania in the Systems of Innovation Perspective
AUTHORS:
Zacharia Katambara
KEYWORDS:
Mbeya University of Science and Technology; 3rd Generation Universities; Knowledge; Attitude; Perception
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Applied Sociology,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
23,
2014
ABSTRACT:
The chronological development of universities
ranges from the state at which universities are considered to be
knowledge accumulators followed by knowledge factories and finally the
knowledge hubs. The various national systems of innovations are aligned with
the knowledge hubs and it involves a substantial amount of research activities. The newly
established Mbeya University of Science and Technology is recognised as a knowledge hub in some particular niches. However, there are a limited number of
research activities conducted at the university and this
study is an attempt to identify the reasons that limit research activities.
Well-structured research questionnaires were designed and distributed to
academic staff members and thereafter the respondents were analysed by using SPSS software package. The lack of knowledge,
skills and funds as well as equipment was earmarked as the
reason that hindered the research activities. Therefore,
resources are required to improve the capabilities of the staff members and the
study recommends on the need for deliberate efforts to improve the
knowledge of the staff members with respect to research
activities.