Firms that operate in dynamic and competitive business environment require strong learning orientation to build competitive edge and accelerate their performance. This study examines the influence of learning orientation on performance of micro and small agro-processing enterprises in Tanzania.  Learning view holds that, organizations that can learn the business environment are in a better position to perform than their rivals. However, there exists scant literature on the relationship between learning orientation and performance specifically in micro and small agro-processing enterprises in developing economies like Tanzania. The current study put forward to contribute to the existing knowledge with empirical evidence relating the learning orientation dimensions of commitment to learning, open-mindedness and shared vision with firm performance. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design whereby data were collected through structured questionnaire from 302 agro-processing firms in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Arusha regions in Tanzania. The analysis was carried through Structural Equation Modeling with SPSS IBM AMOS software version 21. The findings revealed that, all three constructs of learning orientation have positive significant influence on the firm performance. This suggests that, the agro-processing MSEs should strengthen their learning orientation for better business performances. Besides, the policies related to agro-processing should provide enabling environment for the small firms to learn and build their competitiveness for the improved performances.

Customer retention practices are crucial for survival and success especially for micro and small enterprise which have limited resources to engage in continuous marketing activities for attracting new customers. This study was set to investigate the customer retention practices in micro and small food agro-processing firms. The study draws from the Customer Bonding theory examining customer retention practices from market perspective as applied in micro and small food agro-processing firms. The study employed quantitative research approach and a cross- sectional survey design. Data were collected from 302 owner-managers of food agro-processing firms in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Arusha. Descriptive analysis was done on the responses of customer retention practices employed by the firms. The paper demonstrates that, food agro-processing MSEs employ customer retention practices. It was established that, they do customer needs assessment, analyze competitors’ activities and behaviours and they coordinate internal functions to increase customer value. Likewise, the study established that, employees of these firms portray positive behaviours towards customers and that there are commendable relationships between the firm and the suppliers of raw materials for food processing. The findings add to the existing body of literature on highly demanded knowledge on market focused customer retention practices which are mostly needed in firms operating in competitive business environment like food agro-processing. In addition, customer retention practices are highly recommended in MSEs due to their limited resources to continually recruit new customers. Notably, the investigated customer retention practices can be tested in other firms and sub-sectors with the focus of enhancing customer bonds with the business.

Over years Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have been struggling to build their competitiveness in retaining customers in the highly dynamic business environment in which they operate. Learning has been identified as one of the strategic weapons that influence the the development of appropriate business practices in a turbulent environment. However, there is scanty development of appropriate business practices in a turbulent environment. However, there is scanty literature that relates learning orientation and customer retention practices in agro-processing MSEs specifically in developing economies like Tanzania. This study examines the influence of learning orientation on customer retention practices. The quantitative research approach and cross-sectional research design were adopted. We obtained a total response of 302 questionnaires distributed to owner-managers of micro and small agro-processing enterprises in Arusha, Morogoro and Dar es Salaam regions in Tanzania. Structural Modelling Equation was used in data analysis. The study established that, learning orientation dimensions of learning orientation were positively and significantly influence customer retention practices except shared vision which posted only a positive relationship with competitor analysis and inter-functional coordination practices of agro-processing MSEs. The results provide implications that owner-managers who wish to form appropriate customer retention practices should enhance their learning orientation by putting commitment to learning, opening their doors to new ideas and knowledge and having a shared share vision towards learning. The study recommends that business practitioners and institutions that oversee and support the activities of micro and small business enterprises in Tanzania need to develop a well-built learning environment to accelerate the learning behaviour, competitiveness and sustainability of these firms.

Customer retention practices are considered as derivers to accelerate firm performance in highly competitive business environment. However, scanty  literature exists on agro-processing MSEs in developing economies. This study was carried out in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Morogoro regions to  examine the relationship between customer retention practices and performance of agroprocessing micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The study  employed quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to select a sample of 302  MSEs. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from these firms. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the  relationship between customer retention practices and firm performance. Firm performance was found to be positive and significantly influenced by  assessment to customers, analysis of competitors, response to customer needs, inter-functional coordination practices and employees behavioural  practices. Business-supplier relational practices posited positive relationship with the firm performance. The findings suggest that customer retention  practices are influential determinants of the performance. This implies that owner-managers of agro-processing MSEs who wish to improve the  performance of their firms should put emphasis on understanding the needs of their customers, analyse the actions and behaviours of competitors,  appropriately coordinate internal functions of their firms and manage employees behaviours towards customers to ensure sufficient response to needs  of the customers, and they should maintain positive relationship with the suppliers of raw materials. Likewise, practitioners and policy makers should  appreciate the role of customer retention practices when designing policies, trainings and support services for MSEs.

The study examined the influence of financial monitoring on the performance of SMEs in Tanzania. The study was guided by resource- based theory. Cross-sectional research design and quantitative research approach were used in the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 204 SMEs in Arusha City Council. The regression analysis of data established that, financial monitoring in SMEs results in significant increase in sales revenue, profits, product lines and number of customers. The findings provide an indication that, financial monitoring is critical in ensuring positive performance of small and medium enterprises. Hence, owner-managers should capitalize in managing business finances and make close monitoring on all financial matters for the improved performance of their ventures. Similarly, the policy makers and training institutions need to have a well- established framework to assist SMEs on matters related financial monitoring and provide relevant trainings on key features of financial monitoring for improved performance of SMEs.