2026-11-10T10:21:09Zhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/oaioai:repository.slads.sc.tz:cmsj2yoqn004xk8c58i25njjb2026-11-10T09:59:51Zdepartment:RAMtype:dissertationAN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN IMPROVING RECORDS HANDLING PRACTICE. A CASE STUDY AT DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE LAND OFFICE.Oliver Abel MisagoContinuous Professional Development (CPD)Records handling practicesCPD activities (seminars, workshops, conferences, short training courses)Records personnelParticipation levelsInstitutional requirements vs. personal interestKnowledge, skills, competenciesRecords creationRecords classificationCPD Collection Professional Development RM Records Management RMP Records Management Practices ICT Information and Communication Technology ERMS Electronic Records Management System HRD Human Resource Development SLADS School of Library Archives and Documentation Studies SLADSSO School of Library, Archives and Documentation Studies Students Organization SPSS Statistical Package for the Social Sciences USAID United States Agency for International DevelopmentThis study assessed the effectiveness of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in
improving records handling practices. The study was conducted to examine the types of
CPD activities available to records personnel, assess the level of participation of records
personnel in CPD activities, and identify challenges affecting the effectiveness of CPD
in improving records handling practices. Effective professional development is essential
in enhancing employees’ knowledge, skills, and competencies, which contribute to
proper creation, classification, storage, retrieval, security, and disposal of records.
The study employed a descriptive survey research design and adopted a mixed methods
approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected
from 10 records personnel through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages with the
assistance of Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data obtained from interviews were
analyzed thematically. The findings were presented using tables and narrative
explanations.
The findings revealed that various CPD activities were available for records personnel,
including seminars, workshops, conferences, and short training courses. However,
participation in CPD activities was mainly influenced by institutional requirements
rather than personal interest. The study also found that the effectiveness of CPD was
affected by challenges such as lack of funding, limited management support, outdated
training content, inadequate training facilities, and limited technological skills.
The study concludes that Continuous Professional Development contributes significantly
to improving records handling practices by enhancing the knowledge and skills of
records personnel. However, the effectiveness of CPD programs depends on regular
training opportunities, adequate institutional support, and relevant training content. The
study recommends that institutions should strengthen CPD programs, provide sufficient
resources, update training materials, and establish follow-up mechanisms to ensure that
acquired knowledge and skills are effectively applied in records management practices.School of Library, Archives and Documentation Studies (SLADS)2026TextDissertationapplication/pdfhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/records/cmsj2yoqn004xk8c58i25njjbenAll rights reservedhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/records/cmsj2yoqn004xk8c58i25njjb/file