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Strategic Plan Implementation Factors and Health Conditions Promotion in Rwanda: A Case of Karongi DDP in Bwishyura Sector
The general objective of this research was to investigate the effect of strategic plan implementation on the living conditions Bwishyura Sector, Karongi District. The specific objectives was to determine effect of strategic leadership on health conditions of Bwishyura population, to establish effect of organizational structure on health conditions of Bwishyura population, and to determine effect of human resources on health conditions of Bwishyura population. The study was target 33,065 population of Bwishyura sector in which a sample size of 396 respondents determined using Slovin’s formula selected using probability and non-probability sampling methods. In this regards, in probability sampling methods, the study employed simple random sampling technique to choose project beneficiaries; and procurement officers using purposive sampling technique. The research instrument to collect data was questionnaire and interview. Using statistical product and service solution used to generate descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis) for statistical data. The Pearson correlation obtained was estimated to 0.571 indicating a positive index and a positive correlation linking the two variables. The “sig.value” indicating that the value is less than 0.05 (Note that the SPSS output always indicate a value less than 0.005 as 0.000). The p value was 0.000 (2-tailed). All of these assumption of the respondents from the population of Bwishyura sector in Karongi district were helped the research to conclude that the strategic plan implemented were contributed positively to the health condition of the population of Bwishyura sector. Therefore, we recommend other further studies to be done and concentrate on two areas: Future studies should work on the contribution of local government in improving global economy and also to find out how the influence of population increase and poor technology contribute to the delay in services and customer management in other sectors in Karongi district.
Keywords: Knowledge, practice, first aid delivery, commercial motor cycle rider
Self-Efficacy and Sustainability of Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria
This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and sustainability of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey in its investigation of the variables. Primary source of data was generated through structured questionnaire. The population of the study was eleven (11) indigenous oil and gas companies quoted in Nigeria Exchange Group. The entire population was adopted as a census since the study population was small. Hence, the entire population of 11 indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria were adopted as a census. However, the respondents/ participants in the study were two hundred and sixty-four (264) Managers of the 11 indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The research instrument was validated by my supervisors vetting and approval while the reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring above 0.70. The hypotheses were tested using the Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between self- efficacy and sustainability of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Based on the finding, the study concludes that self-efficacy correlates with economic, social and environmental sustainability respectively.
Keyword: Self-Efficacy, Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainabilit
Navigating Competition through Alliances: An Analysis of Toyota's Strategy in the Japanese Auto Industry
This study aimed at examining Toyota's strategy of forming alliances to navigate competition in the Japanese auto industry. Utilizing data from 2000 to 2020, the study found that Toyota engaged in 17 strategic alliances, of which 65% were with other Japanese companies. Quantitative analysis showed that these alliances led to an average revenue increase of 8.7% and a market share growth of 5.1% for Toyota within three years of each alliance's initiation. Regression models confirmed that these alliances had a statistically significant positive impact on Toyota's overall market position (p < 0.05). The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining statistical analysis with in-depth case studies of three key alliances: partnerships with Panasonic for battery technology, with Suzuki for compact cars, and with SoftBank for mobility solutions. Interviews with senior executives revealed that these alliances were not just opportunistic but were deeply ingrained in Toyota's long-term competitive strategy. Thematic analysis of the interviews pointed towards objectives such as technology sharing, market penetration, and risk diversification as the primary motivations behind these alliances. The findings have significant implications for understanding the role of strategic alliances in competitive strategy, particularly in highly competitive and mature markets like the Japanese auto industry. They also add to the existing literature by demonstrating that such alliances can serve as a powerful tool for sustaining and even increasing market share in a challenging environment. The study thereby confirms the effectiveness of Toyota's alliance-based approach in maintaining its leadership position in the Japanese automotive market.
Keywords: Strategic Alliances, Competitive Strategy, Toyota, Japanese Auto Industry, Market Shar
Leadership Approaches on Employees Performance in Microfinance Banks in Rwanda: A Case of Copedu Plc Microfinance
Leadership effectiveness depends on effective management, as organizational success depends on employee performance and leader/supervisor. The study was directed to assess the influence of leadership approaches on employees’ performance in microfinance banks in Rwanda. Research on leadership theories, including Douglas McGregor's X-Y, Fiedler's Contingency Theory, Trait Theories, Behavioral theories, and Charismatic Leadership, will benefit researchers, Copedu Plc, MKU University, Rwanda government, and public in general. The research design was descriptive. While the target population was 48 employees of Copedu Plc the sample, size was the same since the population was too small. The data was collected and analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23, to show mean, standard deviation and percentages. The researcher used correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between variables while the regression analysis was to determine the influence of leadership approaches on employees’ performance in microfinance banks in Rwanda. The findings showed that majority of the respondents agreed that change leadership styles can adapt employees working environment leading to decision-making as team and minority disagree and implied that change leadership styles can adapt employees working environment. Majority of the respondents agreed that involve employees in decision making improves morale and employees flexibility decision making in microfinance and minority of respondents disagree with statement. This implied that involving employees in decision-making improves morale. Regression analysis on transformational leadership, p-value was .699 which was greater than the 0.05 set as standard significance levels. This means that null hypothesis stated that there is no significant influence of transformational leadership on employees’ performance of Copedu Plc, was accepted and goes by the null hypothesis, which states that the independent variable has doesn’t have influence employees’ performance in terms punctuality and good time management, creativity and innovation and ability to perform efficiently. Researcher recommends management delegating empowers to employees for trust, professional development, and situational leadership.
Keywords: Leadership Approaches, Employees Performance, Microfinance Banks, Copedu Plc Microfinance, Rwanda
Influence of Parental Involvement as a Discipline Management Strategy on the Academic Achievement of Students in Siaya County
This study aimed to investigate the influence of parental involvement as a discipline management strategy on the academic achievement of students in Siaya County, Kenya. The study utilized social learning theory. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was adopted. The study targeted public secondary schools and involved principals, teachers and students. The data collection tools were questionnaires for students and teachers and an interview guide for principals. Systematic sampling was used to select 24 out of the 243 schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 240 out of 2,412 teachers and 393 out of approximately 24,000 students. All principals from the selected schools were included in the study. The study used SPSS to analyze quantitative data, which was presented in percentages. Data from the interviews were analyzed thematically and presented in narratives and direct quotations. The findings revealed that when principals involve parents in the discipline management of students there is a significant impact on student academic achievement. However, the study concluded that this discipline management strategy is not currently well employed and needs improvement to enhance the performance of learners. The study recommended that the government, through the Ministry of Education, should offer training and workshops for principals, teachers, and other school staff, on the effectiveness of engaging parents in their children's education. This training should prioritize enhancing communication skills, fostering cultural sensitivity, and investigating methods to actively involve parents in decision-making processes. These measures will help in establishing an environment conducive to learning, ultimately enhancing students’ academic performance.
Key words: Influence, parental involvement, discipline, discipline management strategy, academic achievemen
Influence of Headteachers’ Supervisory Strategies on Teachers’ Performance in CBC Implementation in Primary Schools in Kisumu Central Sub-County, Kenya
This study investigated the influence of headteachers' managerial strategies on primary teachers’ performance in the implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kisumu Central Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives were to find out whether headteachers' supervisory strategies influence teachers’ performance in the CBC and to establish how headteachers’ parental engagement strategies influence teachers’ performance in CBC implementation in primary schools in Kisumu Central Sub-County. The research was anchored on managerial role classification theory. A convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design was adopted. The target was public primary schools, headteachers, teachers, and the Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (QASO). Purposive sampling was adopted to include all 20 public primary schools, 20 headteachers, and one QASO in Kisumu Central Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used to select 304 out of the 440 teachers in the Sub-County. A questionnaire was adopted to get data from teachers. The collection of data from headteachers and the QASO was done through interview guides. The quantitative research instrument was validated by consulting the research experts, and the qualitative instrument was validated using the member checking technique. The reliability of the instruments was calculated through Cronbach's alpha, and a score of 0.789 was attained, which was considered reliable. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, which was presented in percentages, frequencies, tables, graphs, and charts. Qualitative data was analyzed into themes and reported in narratives and direct quotations. The study found that head teachers do not effectively supervise teachers in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kisumu Central Sub-County. This lack of effective supervision has significantly contributed to teachers' ineffective performance. Therefore, it was concluded that the managerial strategies employed by the head teachers need improvement to enable teachers to perform better in implementing the CBC in Kisumu Central Sub-County. The study recommends that the government develop school policies to ensure that head teachers regularly supervise teachers during the curriculum implementation process.
Keywords: Head teachers, Managerial strategies, teachers, performance, academic performance, CB
Stakeholders’ Engagement and Sustainability of Educational Projects: A Case of Teacher Development Through School-Based Mentorship Project in Ngoma District, Rwanda
Stakeholders are key to project sustainability. This study aims to assess the influence of stakeholders’ engagement on the sustainability of educational projects in Rwanda, a case of teacher development through school-based mentorship for quality results for children implemented by Inspire, Educate, and Empower Rwanda between 2016 – 2017. The specific objective of the study was to assess the influence of stakeholder engagement in project planning and sustainability of teacher development through school-based mentorship project in Ngoma district, examine the influence of stakeholder engagement in project implementation and sustainability of teacher development through school-based mentorship project in Ngoma district, and, to determine the influence of stakeholders’ engagement in project monitoring and evaluation and sustainability of teacher development through school-based mentorship project in Ngoma district. This study employed a correlation research design whereby the target population is 217 people, in which a sample of 145 respondents was calculated using the granular formula of sample size calculation. Questionnaires and interviews were used as data collection instruments. The findings indicated that about 64.8% of the respondents strongly agreed that involving stakeholders to set project activities influence the sustainability of educational projects, and respondents agreed with the statement at a mean of 4.61 and a standard deviation of 0.638. About considering stakeholders’ feedback on the sustainability of educational projects concerning teacher development school-based mentorship. The findings showed that 56.6% strongly agreed with the statement. On the linkage between involving school leaders in project implementation and the sustainability of educational projects, the findings revealed that respondents agreed with the statement at a mean of 4.34 and a standard deviation of 0. 775. Based on the interpretation of collected and analyzed data, the study concluded that there is a highly positive relationship between stakeholders’ engagement and the sustainability of educational projects in Rwanda due to their combination contributing 69.8% to the sustainability of educational projects.
Keywords: Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sustainability, Educational Projects, Teacher Development, School-Based Mentorship Project
 
Adequate Budgetary Allocation and Infrastructural Projects Implementation in Shenzhen City Projects, China
Adequate budgetary allocation plays a crucial role in facilitating the successful implementation of infrastructural projects. It ensures that sufficient funds are allocated to meet the various needs of the projects, including construction, materials, and labor costs. With adequate budgetary allocation, projects can be completed on time and within the planned scope, minimizing delays and cost overruns. It also allows for the incorporation of high-quality materials and technologies, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the infrastructure. Furthermore, adequate budgetary allocation enables governments and organizations to prioritize and invest in critical sectors such as transportation, water supply, energy, and communication, thereby fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for communities. The study utilized the descriptive research design. The target population was 25 projects in Shenzhen City, China. The study did sampling of 20 respondents that were selected from the target population of 25 projects in Shenzhen City, China. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The study concluded that adequate budgetary allocation has allowed Shenzhen to undertake numerous large-scale projects, including the development of a modern transportation network. The infrastructural projects have significantly improved the quality of life for Shenzhen's residents. Adequate budgetary allocation has allowed for the construction of residential areas with modern amenities, parks, and recreational facilities. The implementation of infrastructural projects has attracted investment and stimulated economic growth in Shenzhen. The study recommended that to ensure efficient implementation and management of infrastructural projects, Shenzhen should actively foster public-private partnerships (PPPs). While investing in infrastructure, Shenzhen should prioritize inclusivity and equity. This involves considering the needs of all citizens, including vulnerable groups and marginalized communities, in the planning and implementation of infrastructural projects.
Keywords: Budgetary Allocation, Infrastructural Projects Implementation, Chin
Factors Affecting Implementation of Projects in International Non-Governmental Organizations in Rwanda. A Case of Adventist Development and Relief Agency
Project implementation is generally affected by various factors from the beginning to completion of the project. This research deals with the factors influencing the implementation of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs)' projects in Rwanda, with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) as a case study. Over the past years, NGOs have been returning funds to donors because the planned activities were not implemented. The main purpose of this research was to examine the effect of planning, communication, and managerial factors on projects' implementation, as the three objectives, respectively. The research used a descriptive research design on a population of 97 ADRA staff, where the census method was applied since the target population could be managed within the time and cost of the research. The descriptive research design with a quantitative approach helped to collect data using a questionnaire in which the responses were scored on a numerical scale. Regression analysis was performed to reveal the correlation between planning, managerial factors, communication, and projects' implementation. The study shows a significant and positive relationship between planning and cost, with a Pearson correlation of 0.822 and a calculated significance level of 0.00, which is less than the 0.01 significance level. The study also shows a significant and positive relationship between planning and timeliness, with a Pearson correlation of 0.819 and a calculated significance value of 0.00, which is also less than the 0.01 significance level. The second objective of the correlation analysis results shows that there is a positive and significant relationship between communication and cost (r=0.767), timeliness (r=0.764), and quality (r=0.818) at the sig=0.00<0.01 level of significance. Lastly, the third objective of the study was to investigate the managerial factors affecting the implementation of ADRA projects. The correlation analysis results confirmed a positive and significant relationship between managerial factors and cost (r=0.753), timeliness (r=0.750), and quality (r=0.804) at the sig=0.00<0.01 level of significance. In conclusion, the results of the research showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between managerial factors, communication, planning, and the implementation of ADRA projects in Rwanda.
Keywords: Implementation of Projects, International Non-Governmental Organizations, Adventist Development, Relief Agency, Rwanda.
 
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Small and Medium Manufacturing Firms in Gothenburg, Sweden
Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) refers to the strategic orientation and mindset of an organization towards innovation, risk-taking, proactiveness, and autonomy. It encompasses the willingness and ability of a firm to identify and exploit entrepreneurial opportunities in order to achieve superior performance. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that exhibit a high level of entrepreneurial orientation tend to be more innovative, adaptable, and growth-oriented, which can positively impact their performance. The study found that firms that exhibited a higher level of entrepreneurial orientation reported higher sales growth, profitability, and market share. Embracing entrepreneurial qualities and behaviors positively influences the performance of these firms. The study also highlighted the importance of risk-taking in entrepreneurial orientation and performance. Firms that are willing to take calculated risks, such as venturing into new markets or investing in new technologies, achieved higher levels of profitability and growth. In conclusion, the entrepreneurial orientation of small and medium manufacturing firms in Gothenburg, Sweden plays a crucial role in determining their performance outcomes. By embracing innovation, taking calculated risks, being proactive, and providing autonomy, these firms can enhance their competitiveness and adaptability in the dynamic manufacturing industry. This, enables firms to seize opportunities, introduce new products, and expand into new markets, leading to improved financial performance and sustainable growth. Therefore, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and culture is essential for small and medium manufacturing firms to thrive and succeed in today's business landscape. The study recommended that the government should encourage and support a culture of innovation within manufacturing firms. Provide resources and incentives for research and development activities, encourage collaboration with research institutions, and establish innovation hubs or clusters to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking. Create a supportive ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and collaboration among manufacturing firms. Develop policies and regulations that facilitate innovation and business growth, streamline administrative processes, and reduce barriers to entry.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, Performance, Small and Medium Manufacturing Firms, Swede