Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of NGOs in Rwanda
No full textMonitoring and Evaluation practices are amongst continuous routines in the tracking of key elements of the performance of NGOs in Rwanda. They include delivery on time, delivery on budget, quality assurance, and achievement of programme objectives. However, a review of the literature reveals deficiencies such as the design and implementation of programme objectives. Studies have shown that programmes that have weak or lack specific monitoring and evaluation practices on average record low rating performance as measured by scope, timeline, and resource utilization. The main objective of this study was to determine the monitoring and evaluation practices on the performance of Programme. The study adopted a descriptive research design method with a target population of 107 BLF staff. Slovin's formula was used to calculate the sample of 84. Instrument validity was ensured by input from two supervisors from Mount Kenya University. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The study findings revealed that all independent variables (Monitoring and Evaluation Planning, M&E budgeting, and Level of participation of M&E experts) in the study influence the Performance of the BLF Programme (dependent variable). The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the calculated value was greater than the critical value (51.000>8.3997) an indication that M&E planning, level of participation of M&E experts, and M&E budgeting all have a significant role in the performance of the BLF Programme. The significance value (0.000) was less than 0.05 indicating that the model was significant. The correlation analysis also confirmed the relationship between the level of participation of M&E experts and the performance of the BLF Programme was the most significant showing r = 0.709, P < 0.01, which was a strong positive relationship. The correlation between M&E budgeting and performance of BLF Programme was also significant, r = 0.439, P < 0.01, which is a moderate positive relationship. The correlation between M&E Planning and performance of BLF Programme was the least significant, r = 0.196, P < 0.01.which is the positive weak relationship. The findings reveal that M&E best practices have a positive impact on the Performance of the BLF Programme. The results of the study are meant to contribute greatly to various project M&E constraints that organizations go through.
Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation planning, Performance, practices, NGOs
Impact of Government Involvement on Entrepreneurial Growth in Germany
No full textEntrepreneurial growth is essential to any county and spurs job creation, tax base and drives innovation. Thus, the study sought to examine the impact of government involvement on entrepreneurial growth in Germany. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The target population included the SMEs based in Berlin. The motive for having the SMEs in Berlin was because it is the capital and most populous city of Germany. The study purposively picked 276 SMEs. The key respondents included the SME owners. The analysis of the data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that government involvement has an impact on entrepreneurial growth. The government is involved in businesses mainly through taxes. The government's rules and restrictions that business units follow in their business activities influence their development. The study concluded that there is a need to develop organizations that lead to an environment suitable for entrepreneurs. It is essential to secure intellectual and various other property rights, boost the business environment, decrease regulation problems and develop a culture of another opportunity for entrepreneurs who do not perform well. The government takes a keen interest in training and advising people in business about business management strategies and better ways of producing goods and services. The study recommended that government should regulate the taxation in a particular country so that they may attract more entrepreneurs to start their businesses. Entrepreneurs require even more information on specific areas of taxpaying and education must pay more attention to these areas. The entrepreneurs must adhere to the rules and regulations put in place by the government.
Keywords: Government Involvement, Entrepreneurial Growth, German
Project Cost Control and Performance of Bugarama Rice Project in Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this research was to examine the effect of project cost control on the performance of rice project in Rwanda by taking Bugarama Rice Project. The descriptive case study research based on qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in order to get a better insight of the study. The population of the study was 74 and sample of 57 respondents, sampling technique used pick all the 57 respondents as the sample size of the population. The researcher used SPSS software application in order to process the data. Mean standard deviation and percentages were used for data analysis. The relationship between the variables was established by use of Pearson correlations. The results showed that that majority of the respondents agreed that a project develop accurate cost estimates and realistic project budget that leads to project to minimum cost while minority disagree with the statement. For instance, from the ANOVA results showed that p-value is 0.000 which is less than the 0.05, set as standard significance levels. This means that null hypothesis stated that there is no relationship between keeping a track of project costs and project performance in Bugarama Rice Project, was rejected and goes by the alternative hypothesis, which states that the independent variable influences project performance in Bugarama Rice Project. The results also showed that that majority of the respondents agreed that labor cost of the project is a challenge to project cost control hence poor performance and majority of respondents disagree with statement. This implied that there was a challenge for labor cost in the project. The ANOVA results showed a p-value is 0.000, which is less than the 0.05, set as standard significance levels. This signified that reject null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis. Therefore, there was statistical significant relationship between planning the project budget for project and project performance thus planning the project budget in Bugarama Rice Project was done by top management has an influence on project performance. The research results showed that majority of the respondents agreed that project manager ensure compliance with the budget for continually compare the actual expenses incurred with the predicted ones throughout the project’s life cycle and minority of the respondents disagreed with statement. The ANOVA results show p-value is 0.000 which is less than the 0.05, set as standard significance levels with fit level of 444.340. This meant that null hypothesis states that there was no relationship between managing project expenses and project performance in Bugarama Rice Project was rejected and goes by the alternative hypothesis, which stated that the independent variable influences project performance in Bugarama Rice Project. Basing on the results the management should emphasize on cost of the project office results in relation to efficiency of project budget cost in the managing project in order to prevent future challenges. Management should have a provision of project financial reports during of project process that minimizes challenges of the project cost control during project completion.
Keywords: Project Cost Control, Performance of Rice Project, Rwand
Influence of Customer Orientation in Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Animal Feed Manufacturing in Kenya
No full textSmall and medium animal feed manufacturing enterprises in Kenya are performing poorly despite manufacturing sector stand tall as a key pillar in the Big Four development agenda and vision of 2030 by the National Government of Kenya. Literature demonstrates that market orientation factors such as customer oriented enhance firm performance. However, there are few local studies on customer orientation and firm performance. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the influence of customer orientation in performance of small and medium animal feed manufacturing enterprises in Kenya. The study adopted cross-sectional research design and target population was 65 animal feed manufacturing SMEs in Kenya. The study conducted a census approach. The unit of analysis was 65 managers/CEO and directors. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings revealed customer orientation had a statistically significant influence on performance of small and medium animal feed manufacturing enterprises in Kenya. The study concluded that for every one unit increase in customer orientation, performance of small and medium enterprises in animal feed manufacturing in Kenya is predicted to increase by 0.289 units. The study recommended that entrepreneur and management of animal feed manufacturing SMEs in Kenya, should regularly monitor, observe and anticipate customer needs and address them on timely and appropriately. Managers and marketing officers of small and medium enterprises in animal feed manufacturing in Kenya should be encouraged to adopt and embark on market orientation practices, for instance; addressing customer needs and wants promptly and also implement innovative practices so as to maximize performance.
Keywords: Customer orientation, performance, SMEs, Keny
Monitoring and Evaluation and Construction Project Performance in Rwanda. A Case Study of Musanze and Rwamagana Road Project
No full textThe general objective of this research is to assess monitoring and evaluation on construction project performance in Rwanda, case of Musanze and Rwamagana Asphalt road Project. The specific objectives were to assess the extent to which project budgets contribute to project performance of Musanze and Rwamagana asphalt road project, to determine the contribution of project risks analysis on construction project performance of Musanze and Rwamagana asphalt road project, to determine extent to which project trainings and accountability contribute to project performance of Musanze and Rwamagana asphalt road project and to determine the relationship between monitoring and evaluation on construction project performance. Thus, a description research design was used and the target population of the study was the project contractors, project engineers and project human resource officers. In total they were 210 from which a sample of 138 were selected as sample. A simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents and data were collected using questionnaire and interview. Analysis of data was done through SPSS (Statistical Package for social Science) version 20. Research findings showed that project budget was per planned to meet operating activities of the project. This was determined by mean score of 1.670 and standard deviation of 0.756. As indicated, the study findings showed that project budget varies from 5-10% of the entire project budgets as indicated by mean score of 1.636 and standard deviation of 0.734.Based on research findings provided in two selected projects, the were efficiency and effectiveness and reliable as respondents had the common understanding. The results showed that project has meet timelines operations of construction. This was confirmed by respondents at the mean score of 1.751 and standard deviation of 0.732.Findings showed that project trainings and accountability of project personnel led to quality assurance of projects operators as this confirmed by respondents at the mean of 1.446 and standard deviation of 0.616. Results showed that there is a positive correlation between Monitoring and evaluation and construction project performance where project cost effectiveness has a positive correlation at (r=.811, p=0.024), expected quality standards had a positive correlation at (r=.947, p=0.019), project time schedule (0.772, p=0.053) while beneficiary satisfaction (r=.819, p=0.064). As recommendation, researcher recommend to put more focus on undertaking appropriate monitoring and evaluation practices to achieve effective construction performance.
Keywords: Monitoring and evaluation, construction, project budgets, project risks analysis, trainings and accountability, project performance
The Effect of Internet Advertisement Features on Customer Purchase Intention of Selected Food and Beverage Companies in Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textThe study investigates the effect of internet advertisement features on customer purchase intention of selected food and beverage companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. The objective was to establish the degree to which internet advertisement influence customer purchase intention of products of food and beverage companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 125,393 students have been found. A total sample size of 776 was calculated. As a result, 776 undergraduate and post-graduate students of the chosen Universities in Lagos State were sent a questionnaire. In this research, a proportionate stratified sampling technique was adopted, and only 627 copies (or 80.3 percent) of the questionnaire were properly completed and recovered. To determine the link between the variables, the data was examined using the bivariate regression statistical technique. The finding revealed that internet advertisement features influence consumers purchase intention of the products of selected food and beverage companies in Lagos State, Nigeria (β = 0.863, t = 42.981, R2 = 0.747, p < 0.05). Hence, it was concluded that internet advertisement features promote consumers purchase intention of the products of selected food and beverage companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommends amongst other that management of food and beverage companies should introduce diverse online advertisement media in marketing that products considering their positive effect on consumers purchase intention.
Keywords: Internet Advertisement Features, Customer Purchase Intention, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Lagos Stat
Accessibility of Inclusive Classrooms and Competences of Students with Special Educational Needs in Basic Education Classrooms in Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this paper was to examine the effects of accessibility of inclusive classrooms practices and competences of students with special educational needs in basic education classrooms in Rwanda. Specifically, this research paper analyzed age, number of students, provision of the equal opportunity to all students with and without disabilities, minimization of the long journey done by students with disabilities and student with impairments. Examining the inclusive practices, the researcher would identify whether students with disabilities had facilities for an effective learning such as; the availability of braille machines to help students with visual impairments learning successfully, students with and without disability have access to smart classrooms for developing competences in basic education classrooms in Rwanda. Thus, teaching and learning methods will improve effective learning in sampled schools. The research methodology for this study consisted of a descriptive research design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample size of 166 respondents was calculated using Slovene’s formula. Both purposive and simple random sampling and stratified random sampling were adopted. Results were analyzed in accordance with specific objectives. Based on the findings, 73.8% of students strongly agreed that despite their age they were allowed to enroll in basic education schools, 80.2% of students strongly agreed that the number of students enrollment was increased, 77.8% strongly agreed that they are given equal opportunity to learning activities, 72.2% of students strongly agreed that there was a minimized long journey to schools, while, 69.8% of strongly agreed that they have braille machines. Finally, 74.6% students strongly agreed that in basic education inclusive classrooms, the use of ICT made them innovative and competent students. Results showed that 64.0% of teachers strongly agreed that their schools and classrooms have paths where wheelchairs can pass, 44.0% of teachers strongly agreed that their schools have toilet of students disabilities, of 34.0% of teachers strongly agreed that they have counselor or nurse who provide student with guidance, counseling. It was shown that the use of sign language was statistically affecting literacy learning skills for children with special educational needs since the p value is less than 0.05 (B=0.261; p value =0.068). Finally, practical exercises was statistically significant with Creativity of SEN (B=0. 231; p value=0. 060).
Keywords: Accessibility of Inclusive Classrooms, Basic Education Classroom, Students’ Competences; Students with Special Educational Needs
Effect of Umwalimu SACCO Services on Socio-Economic Development of Teachers in Rwanda
No full textThe services provided Umwalimu SACCO in Rwanda play a significant role in improvement of living standard of teachers. Hence, the study sought to determine the relationship between Umwalimu SACCO and Socio-economic development of teachers in Rusizi district in Rwanda. Correlation research design was employed. The population of study consisted of 2503 teachers and staff of the UMWALIMU SACCO Rusizi district branch. The sample size was (98) determined by using the Yamane’s formula. Questionnaires, interview guides and documentary reviews were utilized as primary and secondary data collection instruments. The study findings revealed that the majority of respondents (97.95%) stated that their income increased after getting loan from UMWALIMU SACCO Rusizi district. 47.95% strongly agreed that small projects have improved their children's schooling and 46.93% strongly agreed that small businesses have improved children's access to education, have been able to pay for health insurance and have improved their access to food security because of income received from their businesses. It was found there is a is high correlation between UMWALIMU SACCO services (Credit Provision, Savings, business loans, -housing loans, -Small project loans, Savings platform-SACCO services) and socio-economic development of teachers (Increase of income, education facilities, food security, building houses, increased household savings). The Pearson correlation(r) coefficient was 0.787 with a P-value of 0.000. The study recommended the management of Umwalimu SACCO should create awareness campaigns, increase loans to their customers and train them on how to start small projects. The government and development partners should create a strong supportive policy framework, increasing public awareness and understanding of micro insurance at both regulator and other stakeholder’s levels, and building strong strategic partnerships and alliances. Moreover, the members of Umwalimu SACCO and teachers should also work hand in hand with the managerial staff to improve the services offered in their institution.
Keywords: Umwalimu SACCO, Socio-economic development, teachers and cooperative, Rwand
Influence of Instructional Leadership Practices on Teacher Continuous Professional Development in Selected Public Primary Schools in Rwanda
No full textThe instructional leadership practices make a positive change in terms of continuous professional development of teachers. The purpose of this paper therefore was to assess the influence of instructional leadership practices on teacher continuous professional development in selected public primary schools in Gicumbi district in Rwanda. The target population was 256 people and 162 respondents as sample size got by using Yamane formula. Descriptive and correlation research designs were employed. Questionnaire, guided interview and education document analysis review was used as data collection instrument. The quantitative data was analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 21. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that indicated that an average of 27.2% of teachers accepted that there is effective instructional leadership established by school head teachers. It was also noted that an average of 26.7% of teachers agreed that there is a standard teachers’ continuous professional development in their working schools. The findings also revealed that effective school goal setting, creating conducive working environment supervision practices and teacher motivation can have influence on teacher continuous professional development at the level of 48.6% as R Square results. This also implies that the remaining 51.4% of teacher continuous professional development can be influenced by other intervening factors. In addition, the findings also indicated that there is a positive relationship between instructional leadership and teacher continuous professional development thus P-value = .000< .01 as the significance level and Pearson coefficient of correlation r = .724. The study recommends that REB has to make effective teacher management in order to improve teaching profession among teachers and the quality of education.
Keywords: Continuous professional development, Instructional leadership, Instructional supervision, Public primary, Schools
Police-Community Partnerships and Community Relation Promotion in Rwanda National Police (RNP): The Case of Nyaruguru District
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the role of Police-community partnerships in promoting community relations with a case of three sectors, which are Nyabimata, Ruheru, and Muganza that were selected from the list of 14 sectors in Nyaruguru district. The study objectives were; to determine the role of information sharing between RNP and Community in promoting community relations, to examine how the fight against gender-based violence by RNP has promoted community relations, and to explore the role of a fight against organized crimes by RNP in promoting community relations in the selected three sectors of Nyaruguru district. The study applied mixed methods, which consisted of quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyze data. Data was collected from a sample size of 384 community members, 6 local leaders, and 15 police officers using questionnaires and interviews respectively. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential were used that consisted of frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, correlation, and regression for quantitative data, and content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from interviews. Findings revealed that there was a negative significant correlation between police-community information sharing and community relations (r= -200** P= 0.05) and a positive significant correlation between Police fight against GBV and community relations (r= 0.136**P= 0.05). There was no significant correlation between Police fight against organized crimes and community relations (r= -010**P= 0.05). The value of adjusted R-square is 0.0336 meaning that all the independent variables included in the model explained 33.6% of the dependent variable, which is community relations indicating that the model adequately fits the data. The strength of the model is further reconfirmed by ANOVA which indicates that P-value of 0.000 at a 95% level of significance. Therefore, it is concluded that police-community partnerships significantly influence community relations in the Nyaruguru district. The study recommended based on regression findings that the police should continue engaging in various community partnerships aimed at promoting community relations.
Keywords: Police-Community Partnerships, Community Relation Promotion, Rwanda National Police, Rwand