A Dissertation Report Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of Mzumbe University‟s Masters Degree in Accounting and Finance (Msc. A&F
In Tanzania Small and Medium Enterprises operations are facing challenging issues for their for their (SMEs) growth and survival in a competitive environment. This study has assessed strategic factors hindering the performance of SMEs in Textile Industry, SMEs in Tanzania are increasing in number due to unemployment, poverty, and availability of funds from different sources such as SACCOS‟s and bank. However, the government through the Ministry of Industry and Trade in its SMEs Development Policy (2002 and 2012) tries to set better business environment. The challenge to SMEs entrepreneurs is how to start a business, grow and sustain in the business environment. Competitive pressure range from micro-businesses to large businesses in each business industry an entrepreneur prefers to run business. The objective of this study was to assess hindering factors that lead to SMEs poor performance in Dar es Salaam. The research methodology used case study research design. A sample size of 35 respondents who comprised of Friendship Textile Company employees involved. Data collected was analysed by SPSS computer software The findings from the study on analysis on strategic factors hindering the performance of SMEs showed that, 50% of the respondents showed that FTC encounter competent personnel. On other hand, 69.3% of respondents showed that the SME facing lack of technology and expertise 42.3% of the respondents say SMEs facing financial limitation. However, 42.2% of respondents showed that fuel and power breakup are the most factors that hindering the growth of SMEs especial in startup stage while 46.2% of respondents indicated that lack adequate personnel in SMEs is another problems.
The research adds to the argument for the majority of Tanzanian SMEs which are still need ,financial support to access credits from financial institutions and appropriate technology so as utilize the investment opportunities available for their economic development