Small Business Sustainability Strategies in the Tanzanian Construction Materials Industry

Small Business Sustainability Strategies in the Tanzanian Construction Materials Industry by Seraphia Robert Mgembe MBA-IB, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, 2013 BCom, University of Dar es Salaam Tanzania, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2019 Abstract Small business owners in the construction materials industry play a significant role in economic development through gross domestic product and employment. However, like other small business owners, many owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry close their businesses within 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study grounded in the resource-based theory was to explore the strategies that owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry operating in Tanzania used toSmall business owners in the construction materials industry play a significant role in economic development through gross domestic product and employment. However, like other small business owners, many owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry close their businesses within 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study grounded in the resource-based theory was to explore the strategies that owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry operating in Tanzania used to sustain business for longer than 5 years. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 4 purposefully selected owners of small businesses in the construction materials industry and a review of daily sales records, weekly sales reports, and audited accounts. Member checking and triangulation were used to strengthen the credibility and trustworthiness of the interpretation of data and information. Data analysis involved coding and thematic analysis. Themes were categorized into business establishment strategies, customer satisfaction and retention strategies, and other sustainability strategies. Findings from this study may contribute to social change by providing information on mechanisms for improving business performance; reducing the risk of failure; and creating sustainable, better-paying jobs that can increase the well-being of business owners, employees, their families, and communities. Small Business Sustainability Strategies in the Tanzanian Construction Materials Industry by Seraphia Robert Mgembe MBA-IB, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, 2013 BCom, University of Dar es Salaam Tanzania, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2019 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to the Program Steering Committee, the management, and members of staff of the Property and Business Formalization Program for Tanzania popularly known by its Swahili acronym as MKURABITA for their encouragement and support throughout the doctoral journey. The Ex Program Steering Committee members under the leadership of the retired Captain John Z Chiligati, who allowed me to pursue this journey, approved the financial resources and provided moral support throughout the process. My heartfelt thanks also go to the current Program Steering Committee members under the governance of the retired Ambassador Daniel Ole Njoolay, who took over from where the previous members ended and continued approving the financial resources for my education until the end. Without their approval and support, I could not manage to be here today. The management and members of staff immeasurably contributed to my success through their effective performance at work. Being the chief executive officer of the program, there was a lot desired of me, which without them I could not get time to focus to the doctoral journey. Where I had to ask them to stand on my feet, they were right there for me. My achievement today is the result of support and love I received from this great MKURABITA team. God bless you all. Acknowledgments Primarily, I thank the Almighty Lord who granted me health, perseverance heart and the courage to move forward throughout the doctoral journey even at difficult times. The word of God from Philippians Chapter 4 Verse 13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ” I would like to thank my chair, Dr. Thomas Schaefer, whose close guidance, mentoring, and support resulted to my achievement. So many thanks should go to my second committee member, Dr. D’Marie Hanson, for her heartfelt support to me to this end. I would also like to thank and acknowledge my previous committee member, Dr. Richard Synder, who took me through the prospectus stage that created a strong foundation of my entire doctoral journey. Many thanks also go to my URR member, Dr. Rocky Dwyer, for his promptness and short turnaround time every time when the document was in his hands. I would like to thank my beloved husband Robert Mgembe; my sons Noel, Deodatus, and Peter; my daughters-in-law Diana and Leyla Maria; my daughters Mary and Jane; and brother Albert, for the sacrifice and frustration they went through during this long and challenging journey. To my grandsons Jonathan and Jerry, and my granddaughter Iris Seraphia, you came to the world at the time when I could not give you the best reception, but I love you and I am proud of you. To my parents Roman and Maria, I salute you for the strong foundation you bestowed on me since I was born. Special tributes to my Aunty Veronica in heaven; may the Lord give you eternal life in heaven and rest your soul in peace. To the entire Blessed Isidory Bakanja Boko Catholic Church community, who I repudiated the right to serve you better in my capacity as the Chairperson of the Parish Lay Council, I am glad I made it to the finish line and I am now ready to serve the church and world at large. God bless you all. i Table of