Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges facing the effectiveness on the use and applications of TANePS in nine selected LGAs using Exploratory Sequential Design. The sample size of the study constituted one hundred and thirty-five (135) respondents from the selected councils. Purposive sampling was adopted to obtain the overall practices of TANePS in LGAs. The study was conducted in three regions namely: Dodoma, Manyara and Singida Region where nine councils were involved. These were; Mpwapwa DC, Kongwa DC, Chamwino DC, Babati DC, Hanang DC Kiteto DC Iramba DC, Itigi DC and Manyoni DC. The study revealed that there was ineffective use and applications of TANePS in studied LGAs due to various factors. These included lack of awareness on the use of TANePS, and its contributions in matters related to procurement in LGAs undertakings. Furthermore, the study established various challenges facing TANePS applications and practices which include: Narrow market of common use item, lack of compatibility of TANePS and other existing financial management system operating in the country, lack of trustiness and system security, lack of ICT skills on the use and applications of TANePS, unstable and reliable network connections, and limited or inadequate ICT facilities. To attain effective use and applications of TANePS in Tanzanian LGAs, the councils are advised to recruit qualified staff, procure ICT infrastructure, promote trustiness among the users of TANePS, put in place the security control mechanism system, stabilize network connections, promote awareness on the importance of TANePS applications among the users and integrate TANePS with other existing financial management systems operating in LGAs. Finally, for effective and efficient use and applications of TANePS, councils are advised to set aside enough funds that will be used to support the system including the purchases of standby generators, procuring internet devices, and wherever possible conduct TANePS training to LGAs staff. From the above evidence, this study recommends further researches to be conducted on factors affecting the effectiveness on the use and applications of TANePS in LGAs by scaling study scope as well as at other public sectors.
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