Abstract:
The study described an assessment of product certification practices in building Small and
Medium Enterprises' competitiveness in Tanzania. It was guided by three predicting variables
tested on Small and Medium Enterprises' competitiveness as the dependent variable, namely
performance tests, quality assurance tests, and product accreditation. The study was
performed using an explanatory study design, whereas a causality relationship was conducted
to generate new knowledge on the inquired subject. Data were collected from the enterprise
owners in Dar es Salaam city using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were
generated to show the demographic features of the respondents on the overview of Small and
Medium Enterprises in the Tanzanian context. Besides that, correlation and multiple
regression analysis were also used to show the existing relationship between study variables
in filling the inquiry gap. Study results were evident that all three independent variables,
namely performance tests, quality assurance tests, and product accreditation, have all been
revealed positive with a significant effect on Small and Medium Enterprises competitiveness
as the dependent variable. This, therefore, implies that Small and Medium Enterprises'
competitiveness through product certification practices is influenced by performance tests,
quality assurance tests, and product accreditation.
