Francis Muya – Department of Management Sciences, National Institute of Transport, Tanzania

Email: ramamikina@gmail.com/ mgosimuya@gmail.com

Abstract: This study explores how industrial attachment enhances the technical, soft, and pedagogical skills of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teaching staff in Tanzania. It aims to provide insights into addressing the mismatch between TVET graduate competencies and industry needs. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting TVET teaching staff who were attached to industries from Arusha Technical College (ATC), National Institute of Transport (NIT) and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) – Mwanza Campus. The sample population included 63 TVET teaching staff who were purposely selected using the database of staff attached to the industries from 2020 to 2024. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, with quantitative analysis performed via descriptive statistics focusing on mean and standard deviation. Key findings show that industrial attachments greatly enhance technical skills and contribute positively to the development of soft skills, such as teamwork, as well as pedagogical skills among TVET teaching staff. The study recommends strengthening collaborations between TVET institutions and industries, increasing the participation of female TVET instructors in industrial attachments, and extending the duration of these attachments.

Abstract: This study explores the role of soft skills in project implementation within non-governmental organizations in Rwanda, focusing on World Vision International Rwanda (WVIR). The research aimed to determine how project leadership influences project performance. Guided by Contingency Theory, the study employed a descriptive research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The population included 142 staff members from WVIR, and universal sampling was used to select respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using SPSS software, version 25. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between effective leadership and successful project outcomes, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.788. Leadership skills accounted for approximately 71.9% of the variance in project implementation, indicated by an R Square value of 0.719 from multiple regression analysis. For every one-unit increase in leadership skills, project implementation is expected to increase by 0.237 units. This significant relationship underscores the essential role that effective leadership plays in enhancing project performance. The study highlights the critical importance of soft skills in project implementation at WVIR. The strong correlations and high R-square value suggest that investing in leadership development significantly improves project outcomes. The study recommends that WVIR implement targeted leadership programs focused on enhancing project managers’ abilities in strategic planning, effective communication, and proactive risk management skills.

Abstract: Kenya now has a growing number of private universities offering various degrees, including education. This suggests a large outflow of graduates into the highly competitive job market. In response, private universities have adopted the soft skills demanded by employers to give graduates an edge over other universities. Soft skills clearly increase employability in the labor market. The present study was conducted in four targeted Western private sponsored universities offering education program. Target population was education students and lectures. Concurrent mixed-methods research design was employed. Based on the findings and reviewed literature, a model of soft skills development was proposed for use. The study recommends that lecturers in Schools of education should use the model developed to develop soft skills among learners during teaching and learning process.

Abstract: Currently, Kenya is recording an increase in the number of private universities offering various bachelor’s degree programs including education. This suggests that there is a high number of education graduates released into a very competitive job market. In response, private universities adopted soft skills required by employers in order to provide graduates with an edge over their counterparts. Soft skills evidently offer better employability in the job market. The present study was conducted in four targeted Western Kenya private sponsored universities offering education program in Kenya. The target population of the study was education lecturers in school of education. Concurrent mixed-methods research design was employed. Data was acquired using closed ended questionnaire and analysis was done descriptively. Findings revealed that lecturers strongly agreed that they developed communicative skills and ethics and professionalism during teaching and learning activities. It was recommended that lecturers in schools of education in private universities continue emphasizing on implementation of soft skills among education students during teaching and learning process as this is vital to their employability.