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Procurement to Lead Innovation and Value Capture While Coping With Inflation, Shortages and Geopolitical Instability
No full textIn today's complex and volatile business landscape, organizations are increasingly confronted with the daunting challenges of inflation, supply shortages, and geopolitical instability. These disruptive forces have far-reaching implications, affecting global supply chains and impeding sustainable growth. Consequently, procurement, traditionally seen as a cost-focused function, has now emerged as a strategic enabler for organizations to navigate these multifaceted challenges while driving innovation and value creation. This literature-based study delves into the evolving role of procurement in times of economic uncertainties, aiming to explore the strategies adopted by leading organizations to tackle inflation, shortages, and geopolitical risks while fostering innovation and capturing tangible value. The research synthesizes an extensive range of scholarly articles, case studies, and reports from various industries and sectors, spanning the last decade. The study reveals that successful organizations have shifted their procurement paradigms from traditional cost-cutting measures to a value-driven approach. They emphasize strategic collaborations with suppliers, harnessing technology and data analytics, and developing agile sourcing strategies. Leading procurement practitioners integrate geopolitical risk assessments and scenario planning into their decision-making processes, enabling them to mitigate vulnerabilities effectively and capitalize on emerging opportunities. In conclusion, this literature-based study emphasizes the transformative potential of procurement as a strategic function capable of steering organizations through economic turmoil and fostering innovation. By embracing modern procurement practices, businesses can not only navigate the challenges posed by inflation, shortages, and geopolitical instability but also harness these dynamics to create a resilient, value-centric, and sustainable futur
Effects of Procurement Plan on Financial Performance of Public Institutions in Rwanda: A Case of Rwanda Transport Development Agency
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine effects of procurement plan to the financial performance of public institutions from 2017 to 2023 using a case of RTDA. The specific objectives were to study the effects of needs assessments to the effective use of budget in RTDA, to analyse the effects of quality specification on the effective use of budget in RTDA, to study the effects of proper cost estimation to the revenues/expenditure’s relationship of RTDA, and to study the impacts of terms of payment to the value of invoices pending of RTDA. The study guided by the principal-agent theory, institutional theory, and collective action theory. The study used descriptive and correlational research design, in the context of the present research it was pertinent to employ a descriptive and correlational research designs. The population for this research was 72 Rwanda Transport Development Agency staff members which use public procurement and public funds to fulfill their responsibilities. From 72 Rwanda Transport Development Agency staff members, the researcher conducted a survey to collect data from RTDA staffs amounted to 62. In this study, researcher used cluster sampling. Respondents were selected from the clusters using a basic random sampling method for the study. During this research, the data that used were primary data to collect by use of structured interview guide and secondary data that collected from existing information that has been compiled, audited, approved and published with competent organs. These reports included any written documents and published financial statements that contain information about the issue worked on. The researcher collected data from text books, journals, financial statements and reports or any other relevant publication of the institution under study within a given scope of time. The researcher analysed quantitative data using both descriptive frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis), qualitative data analysed using content analysis. The results showed p=0.000<0.05 and a 0.731 Pearson correlation value. This suggests that there is a strong connection between the effectiveness of RTDA and the assessment of need identification. The findings of the correlation show a probability value of 0.000, which is less than the level of significance (0.05), and a Pearson coefficient of 0.754, which shows that the performance of RTDA is highly correlated with the assessment of quality specifications. The outcomes showed p=0.000<0.05 and a 0.772 Pearson correlation value. This suggests that there is a strong correlation between the effectiveness of RTDA and proper cost estimation. Correlation results indicate a probability value of 0.000 that is less than significant level (0.05) and a Pearson coefficient of 0.794 indicating that Terms of payment is highly correlated with the performance of RTDA. RTDA should strengthen needs assessment by engaging stakeholders and forecasting future requirements
Efficient Use of Electronic Banking and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Rwanda: A Case of Equity Bank Plc
No full textThis general objective was to examine effect of efficient use of electronic banking on financial performance of commercial banks with reference to Equity Bank Plc. The specific objectives of the study were to assess effect of internet banking on financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda; to ascertain effect of Debit and credit cards on financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda Equity Bank Plc in Rwanda and to establish effect of mobile banking on financial performance of commercial performance in Rwanda. This study is significant as the findings will providing information on influence of electronic banking and financial performance for banking institutions in Rwanda also the finding will help researchers interested in carrying out further studies in this field. This study used descriptive and coefficient regression size effect between variables and for each objective whereby the target population was 370, while a sample size was 193 calculated using Yamane formula obtained using simple random technique. Questionnaire and interview used as a data collection instruments. Data analysis methods were descriptive and multiple regression for quantitative results while content analysis was used for information from interview. After collecting data, analyzing and interpreting data, the study findings showed that Adjusted R Square shows that internet banking, using debits and credits cards and mobile banking contributes up to 87.2% to financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda and there is a positive and strong correlation between dependent and independent variables whereby internet banking has 0.7742 correlation with financial performance. Credits and Debits cards has 0.812 correlation with financial performance. Mobile banking has 0.967 correction with financial performance. The study recommended that to maximize the influence of easy fund transfer using digital banking on financial performance, banks should prioritize user-friendly and intuitive digital banking interfaces. They should invest in robust security measures to protect customer information and transaction integrity. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and updates of the digital banking platform are crucial to ensure smooth functionality and address any potential issues promptly. The study concluded that, internet banking, credits and debits cards and mobile banking as analyzed independent variables significantly contributes to financial performance.
Keywords: Electronic banking, financial performance, Commercial banks, Equity Bank Plc, Rwand
The Impact of Loss Ratio on the Financial Stability of Insurance Firms in Kenya
No full textThe insurance sector is an essential component for the continued expansion and prosperity of the economy. It is the responsibility of the insurance industry to secure the continued existence of enterprises, to disperse the risk that is caused by financial losses, and to work toward eradicating uncertainty in the minds of investors. Despite the important role of the insurance sector in the economy, firms operating in this sector have been having trouble maintaining their financial stability. The insurance sector has faced considerable volatility in profitability, resulting in some firms being placed under receivership or even going out of firm. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of loss ratio on financial stability of insurance firms in Kenya. The study was anchored on the Theory of Distress by Wreckers. The research was conducted using an explanatory research design, and the positivist philosophical approach was utilized. The target population for this study consisted of the 46 insurance firms that held IRA licenses and were operating during the time period under consideration (2014-2021). The census method was utilized for the research thesis, which focused on all 46 insurance firms in Kenya. The study used secondary data obtained from audited financial statements, which were publicly available on the websites of individual insurance firms. To gather panel data for the study, a secondary data collection template was employed. In order to draw conclusions from the data that was gathered, this study employed both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The study employed a generalized method of moments modelling guided by static panel regression. The data processing was done using the Stata software. The research findings were presented through the use of tables and trend line graphs. The study adhered to research ethics guidelines. The findings of this study showed that loss ratio had a significant negative influence on the financial stability of Kenyan insurance companies (β = -0.5795373, p = 0.002 < .05).The study concludes that loss ratios and capital adequacy plays a significant role in the financial stability of insurance firms. A lower loss ratio indicates a more efficient underwriting process and risk management, contributing to better financial performance and stability. As a result, the study recommends that to enhance their financial stability, general insurers in Kenya should manage their loss ratio. It's also recommended that Kenya should adhere to the principles of the Solvency II framework.
Keywords: Loss Ratio, Insurance Firms, Claims Management, Financial Stability, Keny
The Impact of Capital Structure on the Operational Efficiency of Commercial Banks Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange
No full textThis study examined the influence of capital structure on the operational efficiency of commercial banks listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Using financial data from the period 2010 to 2022, the investigation employed robust econometric techniques such as panel data regression analysis to assess the interplay between capital structure variables (debt ratio, equity ratio, and hybrid capital) and measures of operational efficiency (cost-income ratio and Return on Assets). The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between the debt ratio and operational efficiency, suggesting that banks with higher levels of debt tended to demonstrate lower efficiency. Conversely, there was a positive relationship between equity ratio and operational efficiency, indicating that banks with greater proportions of equity were more efficient. The impact of hybrid capital on operational efficiency, however, was found to be non-linear, suggesting a complex interaction between these variables. The results also revealed the existence of significant time and bank-specific fixed effects, suggesting that factors unique to individual banks and changing economic conditions over the study period also influenced operational efficiency. The implications of these findings for financial regulation, bank management, and policy were discussed, highlighting the need for a balanced capital structure that maximizes operational efficiency while minimizing financial risk. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse in financial economics about the effects of capital structure on banking efficiency. It advances the understanding of how the right blend of debt, equity, and hybrid capital can enable commercial banks to optimize their operational efficiency and maintain financial stability, providing valuable insights for regulators, bank managers, and shareholders.
Keywords: Capital Structure, Operational Efficiency, Commercial Banks, Australian Stock Exchange, Financial Economics
The Relationship between Operational Synergy and Firm Performance: A Review of Literature
No full textTheoretical and empirical evidence has documented erratic and fluctuating firm performance amongst financial firms worldwide and across different economic sectors. The need to stabilize firm performance has instigated a variety of corporate reorganization strategies including Mergers and Acquisitions. However, theoretical and empirical literature has not been quite categorical on the link between operational synergies (arising from Mergers and Acquisitions) and firm performance. Firms have increasingly inclined towards operational synergy to enhance firm performance. Operational synergy has consistently improved firm performance outcomes in most firms. However, while numerous studies have examined the relationship between operational synergy and performance, there exists a need to synthesize and consolidate the findings across diverse contexts and economic sectors. Hence, the purpose of this review was to determine the relationship between operational synergy and firm performance via desktop review. The study was informed by three theories; The Theory of Misvaluation, The Hubris Theory and Stakeholder Theory. The review adopted a positivist research philosophy and desktop review design via evidence-based approach. The Study Documents that operational synergy has a significant effect on firm performance. Additionally, the review finds that firms which actively pursue operational synergy strategies exhibit improved financial performance, cost reduction, streamlined processes, and higher customer satisfaction. The study further finds that firms which successfully achieve operational synergy, particularly through mergers and acquisitions, have a tendency to outperform their competitors financially, with improved profitability, cost efficiency, and overall financial performance. Hence, the study recommends that firms should prioritize the development and implementation of strategies that foster operational synergy such as promoting a culture of collaboration, communication, and integration across different operational functions.
Keywords: Operational synergy, Organizational effectiveness, Integration, Efficiency, Review of literature, Performanc
Effect of Financial Inclusion on Performance of Agrico-Operatives in Rwamagana District. A Case of CORICYA
No full textThe general objective of this study was to assess the effect of financial inclusion on performance of agrico-operatives in Rwamagana District. The study had the following specific objectives: to find out the effect of savings behavior on performance of agrico-operatives in Rwamagana District, evaluate the effect of access to credit practices on performance of agrico-operatives in Rwamagana District and assess the effect of financial literacy practices on performance of agrico-operatives in Rwamagana District. Agricultural cooperatives in Rwanda encounter challenges pertaining to limited financial access in their day-to-day operations. These challenges arise from the banking system's imposition of high collateral requirements and incompatible lending conditions. For instance, the periodicity of loan repayment is not aligned with the agricultural cycle, leading to poor results. Additionally, the cooperatives face issues related to low productivity and a high reliance on climate conditions, adding to their financial constraint. In this case the population under this study is 600 members of CORICYA in Rwamagana. The Solvin equation used to determine the appropriate sample size. This calculation representative sample of 240 for the study. The use of simple random sampling as a method employed to select a representative sample from the entire population. The following instruments were used to gather data for the research: a questionnaire and a documentation research. The statistical analysis of the collected data conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) which is a widely used tool for statistical computation in research. The researcher employed descriptive and correlational analysis in this approach. For savings behavior was 0.520, and this implies that for each increment of one unit in savings behavior, there is an anticipated increase of 0.520 units in the performance of agriculture cooperatives. Importantly, savings behavior exhibits a positive and statistically significant impact on cooperative performance (p<0.05). Similarly, the coefficient for access to credit services is 0.183. This means that for each one-unit increase in access to credit services, there is an expected rise of 0.183 units in the performance of agriculture cooperatives. Access to credit services also demonstrates a positive and statistically significant effect on cooperative performance (p<0.05). Lastly, the coefficient for financial literacy is 0.153. This indicates that with every one-unit augmentation in financial literacy, the performance of agriculture cooperatives is projected to rise by 0.153 units. Financial literacy likewise exerts a positive and statistically significant impact on cooperative performance (p<0.05). These results underscore the collective importance of savings behavior, access to credit services, and financial literacy in exposing the variations in performance of CORICYA agricultural cooperative. It is recommended that CORICYA agricultural cooperative continue to prioritize and incentivize savings behavior among its members. Implementing strategies to encourage regular savings and offering attractive interest rates will further enhance the cooperative's financial stability and enable it to meet members' needs effectively.
Key words: Financial Inclusion, Savings Behavior, Access to Credit Practices, Financial Literacy Practices, Performance of Agricultural Cooperative
Corporate Social Responsibility and Organizational Performance: A Case of Bralirwa Ltd
No full textCorporate social responsibility has become an important topic for Business Company, especially since the business sector of financial services is related to conditions of uncertainty. The general objective of this study was to determine the impact of corporate social responsibility on organizational performance with a case study of Bralirwa Limited. Specifically, the objectives were to determine the nature of corporate social responsibility practiced in organization, to assess the contribution of corporate social responsibility on organizational performance, and to evaluate the relationship between corporate social responsibilities on organizational performance in Bralirwa Limited. The descriptive research design was applied with qualitative and quantitative approaches. This study used only the secondary data. The information collected on Bralirwa Limited websites. Over the last twenty years the Bralirwa Limited expended very fast, it has enhanced their times and the scale bigger than ever. Many studies discuss brand and market strategies but few to work on how Corporate Social Responsibility influence financial performance of the Company. On the nature of corporate social responsibility practiced by Bralirwa Limited it was established that Bralirwa Limited implemented some activities which contribute to the communities’ life being development. Those activities include that Bralirwa Limeted provided the Sponsorship of 21 million Rwf to support the Bye Bye Nyakatsi project that were retrieving disadvantage and poor families from grass thatched houses in Bugesera District. On the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on organizational performance, it showed that CSR have a significant impact on the organizational performance of a company like Bralirwa in several ways as summarized by (Lee& Shin 2010) (1) it is easiest to attract resources, (2) it can obtain quality employees, (3) it easier to market product and services, (4) it can create unforeseen opportunities and (5) it can be an important sources of competitive advantage. The study concluded that Bralirwa Limited has the good believes in making a difference to the community in which it operates. The Bralirwa’s key theme in its CSR programs/activities undertaken is guaranteeing sustainability across all aspects of its business by improving environmental impact, empowering their communities, and positively promoting the role of the company’s CSR in communities. For the up-to-date information on Bralirwa's CSR initiatives and their impact on organizational performance, study recommended referring to the company's official reports, statements, and disclosures, as well as consulting with financial analysts or experts who specialize in CSR evaluations.
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Organizational Performance, Bralirwa Ltd, Rwand
Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Efficiency, Earnings Ability, Liquidity and Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya
No full textThe study sought to examine the effect of capital adequacy, asset quality, management efficiency, earnings ability, liquidity and financial performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kenya. The study originates from the Doctoral dissertation of the first author in which the co-authors served as supervisors. Descriptive and panel regression analysis were applied based on secondary data obtained for the period 2013 to 2022. The study established that capital adequacy has insignificant effect on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. It was established that asset quality has significant effect on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. It was established that management efficiency has insignificant effect on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. It was established that earnings ability has significant effect on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study established that liquidity has insignificant effect on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. Effective credit risk system should be put in place to ensure proper identification, assessment, monitoring as well as control of credit risks. The study recommends that the managers of SACCOs should strive towards increasing the business net worth while ensuring competitiveness in the business environment. This can be achieved through continuous product innovation alongside having leverage on emerging technology. Additional studies can be done specifically on the effect of capital adequacy, management efficiency and liquidity on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. This is in view of their insignificant predictive effect on financial performance. As such, additional researches on these variables can be based on different methodological approaches.
Keywords: Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Efficiency, Earnings Ability, Liquidity and Financial Performanc
Usage Behavior Intentions of Healthcare Consumers Using Healthcare Self-Service Technologies
No full textApplications of Self-service technologies (SSTs) are changing the way healthcare organizations provide services to their patients. Although the use of SSTs has significantly changed service delivery and its use can satisfy patients' pursuit of efficient service, there is still a lack of adequate overview of research on how the use of SSTs affects healthcare consumers' experience in healthcare facility settings. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the usage intentions of healthcare consumers using healthcare self-service technologies. In this study, questionnaires were distributed in a regional hospital in Taiwan, and a total of 640 valid questionnaires were obtained. After relevant research and path analysis, it was found that the perceived usefulness of medical consumers to SSTs will affect their attitudes and behaviors. In addition, this study contributes to the literature on SSTs through the results of this study.
Keywords: Self-Service Technologies, Technology Acceptance Model, Perceived usefulness, Perceived ease of use, Attitude, Usage intentio