ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRODUCT QUALITY CERTIFICATION PRACTICES IN BUILDING SMES COMPETITIVENESS

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.