An Assessment of the Level of Technological Adoption in Manufacturing Industries: The Ca

Abstract

This study assessed the level of technological adoption in manufacturing industries, the case of A to Z Textile Mills Limited, Arusha. Three specific objectives guided the study: to identify the major obstacles facing manufacturing industries in adopting technological levels, to appraise the theoretical bases and principles to be used to level up or promote the level of technology, and to determine the factors limiting exporting products manufactured by the adopted industrial technological level. A descriptive research design was employed to collect primary data using questionnaires and interview from actual sample of 97 respondents who involved the A To Z industry management and surrounding customers. Data from questionnaires were analyzed in frequency and percentages, while data from the interview was analyzed using content analysis. The study revealed that, the developing manufacturing industries faces various challenges that the absence of strong department to deal with research and development, lack of focus to deliver quality products to consumers and depending on outsourcing experts from outside the industry. The study found that, regardless of the manufacturing industry management to face the challenges in adopting new technologies, there are possible measures which can help to level up the technology including hiring qualified and competent employees, focusing on producing high quality products, management adherence to the adoption phases ensuring that all the required adoption steps are followed and adhered. Further, most of home industries are limited to export products due to failure to meet the International Standards Organization (ISO) guidelines, producing to meet domestic demand and the existence of high competition in the world market. The study concluded that, the study revealed that when a manufacturing industry is planning to focus on quality issues it will make sure that quality technology are adopted. This assures the manufacturer to meet the intended quality of the products which are to be supplied to customers. Always customers need high quality products which are able to satisfy their needs. The study recommended that, the management is required to develop or strengthen the research and development department with qualified experts who are able to help the industry know which technology to be adopted, when to adopt technology, how to adopt and where to adopt. This will lead to the increase in awareness by determining the available strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats so as to take appropriate actions to achieve the intended goals.