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Effect of Environmental Disasters on the Socio- Economic Livelihoods of the People; A Case of Musanze District in Rwanda
No full textThe main purpose of this research is to examine the effect of environmental Disasters on socio-economic livelihoods in Musanze District, Rwanda. The research used descriptive research design with quantitative method where a systematic sampling technique was used to 400 respondents from selected sectors in Musanze, by the help of Solven formula. Data collection method involved use of the questionnaire and observational method while before actual process of data collection; the questionnaire was validated and made reliable through a pilot study. The results of the study have revealed a high concern (mean scores 3.740 to 4.040) for environmental Disasters such as water pollution and landslides. Perceptions show strong associations between Disasters and livelihoods (mean scores 3.750 to 4.100). Correlation analysis indicates significant positive relationships (p < 0.01) between Disasters and income, agriculture, and health services. Regression analysis suggests a weak relationship (4.8% variability explained) between Disasters and income but significant impacts on agriculture and health services provision (p < 0.05). Landslides notably affect agricultural productivity and health services (p < 0.05). This study underscores the urgent need for intervention in addressing environmental disasters in Musanze District. It highlights socio-economic challenges and advocates for comprehensive measures to improve healthcare access and economic stability. Integrated approaches are crucial, supported by correlation and regression analyses indicating the impact of disasters on income and livelihoods. Recommendations include awareness campaigns, regulatory enforcement, and collaborative efforts for sustainable development and community resilience.Top of Form
Keywords: Environmental Disasters, Inadequate Waste Management, Income levels, Landslides, Socio-economic livelihoods
Effect of Warehouse Management on the Organizational Performance in a Manufacturing Company. A Case of Cimerwa Limited in Rusizi District-Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of warehouse management on the organizational performance in a manufacturing company. Despite the many efforts used by Rwandan manufacturing industries in warehouse management to store their goods, equipment, inventory, and other items, the achievement remains uncertain, and this affects poorly the performance of Cimerwa Limited. In conducting this research, three objectives were focused on: to assess the effect of inventory on performance of Cimerwa Limited in Rusizi District, to find out the effect of material handling, packing and dispatching on performance of Cimerwa Limited in Rusizi District and finally to assess the effect of automation and optimization on performance of Cimerwa Limited in Rusizi District. To achieve these objectives, literature was reviewed on the subject matter, and then data was collected from 285 employees of Cimerwa Cement and out of them a sample size of 166 respondents were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire, observation, interview guide and documentation were used as tools of data collection. Data was analyzed by using both quantitative data and qualitative data by presenting the findings of respondents through the mean and standard deviation. The R Square value, at 0.792, signifies that 79.2% of the variation in organizational performance can be explained by the combined influence of automation and optimization, inventory, and material handling. Regarding inventory, it displays an unstandardized coefficient β of 0.676, with a highly significant p-value of 0.000<0.05. Similarly, for material handling, the unstandardized coefficient β is 0.731, and the effect is statistically significant with a p-value of 0.000<0.05. Likewise, for automation and optimization, the unstandardized coefficient β is 0.666, and the effect is statistically significant with a p-value of 0.000<0.05. Cimerwa should improve inventory management, implement efficient production planning, and enhance warehouse management for better organizational performance, incorporating techniques like EOQ and JIT for cost savings. The study concluded that there is a positive link between warehouse management and the organizational performance of Cimerwa; thus, the warehouse at Cimerwa moves, stores, tracks, and ships items. Therefore, inline of findings researcher recommended that Cimerwa must also ensure that a good production plan is used.
Key words: Warehouse management, organizational performance and manufacturing company
Influence of Lead Time System on Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
No full textThis study sought to determine the influence of lead time system on performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. Increasing competitive pressures are forcing companies to increase their rates of innovation to shorten each product’s duration in the market, thereby compressing each product’s life cycle. This study employed a descriptive survey research design to accomplish its goals since it has enough provision for the protection of bias and maximized reliability. The target population comprised of managers in manufacturing firms that are members of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). KAM therefore provided the sampling frame for this study. As at 2017, KAM had a membership of 903 manufacturing firms. A sample of 90 respondents was drawn from this population. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered. Data obtained was processed and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the data analysis were presented in charts and tables. The findings revealed that lead time system accounted for 7.6% of change in performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The results showed that organisational policy had no intervening effect on performance and lead time system. Lead time system significantly influences performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. This study recommends that manufacturing firms should ensure that they are proactive in activities that reduce lead time.
Keywords: Lead time system, Manufacturing firm, Performance, Kenya
Contribution of Procurement Procedures to the Achievement of Non-Profit Organizations Objectives: Case of RTI International
No full textThe general objective of this study analyzed the contribution of procurement procedures to the achievement of International Organizations objectives with a reference of RTI International. The following are the specific objectives of this study: determine the effect of identification needs on the achievement of RTI International objectives, assess the effect of procurement planning on the achievement of RTI International objectives, find out the effect of supplier sourcing on the achievement of RTI International objectives and assess the effect of contract management on the achievement of RTI International objectives. This study refers and uses the theories like agency theory, relation contract theory, contract compliance theory and collective action theory. This research used the descriptive survey and the linear correlation design used to measure the relation between the two variables which are achievement of international organization`s objectives (dependent variable) and procurement procedures (independent variable). All 112 people responded to the prepared questionnaire. The study conducted using questionnaires containing close ended questions and the researcher used documentary technique to gather secondary data. The collected data then entered into the computer and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists SPSS version 22. The Pearson correlation coefficients indicate that identification needs and organizational objective achievement are strongly positively correlated (r=0.700, p<0.05). Moreover, the findings reveal that procurement planning is positively correlated with organizational objective achievement of RTI International (r=0.724, p<0.05). The analysis of correlation coefficients reveals that there is no meaningful correlation between supplier sourcing practices and organizational objective achievement of RTI International (r =0.166, p=0.081) p> 0.05. There is significant correlation between contract management and the organization's success in achieving its objectives of RTI International (r = 0.335, p = 0.000). These findings indicate that supplier sourcing has no significant effect on the achievement of objectives of RTI International. RTI International is recommended to refine its supplier evaluation criteria. Incorporating factors such as supplier capabilities, experience, and alignment with organizational values can lead to more informed supplier selection decisions
The Effect of Financial Literacy on Ejo Heza Saving Scheme. A Case of Savers in Kicukiro District
No full textThe general objective of this research was to assess effect of financial literacy on Ejo Heza Saving Scheme in Rwanda. Despite excellent economic development in the recent decade, Rwanda remains a low-income country. Only 0.5 million salaried commercial and public sector workers, or less than 6% of Rwanda's total, are saving for retirement through the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB). This study had the following specific objectives: to establish the effect of budgeting literacy on savers of Ejo Heza saving scheme in Kicukiro District, examine the effect of debt management literacy on savers of Ejo Heza saving scheme in Kicukiro District and determine the effect of risk control literacy on savers of Ejo Heza saving scheme in Kicukiro District. For this study the population were 23,734 new savers of Ejo Heza Saving Scheme in Kicukiro. The sample size determined by the help of Solvin (1960) formula. Researcher select 393 sample size. In this study, researcher used cluster sampling. Primary and secondary data used. The researcher used descriptive and correlational research design. Data analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results of a regression analysis involving the predictors: Risk control literacy, Budgeting literacy, and Debt management literacy. The first hypothesis (H0a) stated that there is no significant effect of budgeting literacy on savers of Ejo Heza saving scheme in Kicukiro District. The findings indicate β1=0.132, p value of 0.017<0.05 give the researcher the right to reject the first null hypothesis of the study. The second hypothesis (H0b) stated that there is no significant effect of debt management literacy on savers of Ejo Heza saving scheme in Kicukiro District. The findings indicate β2=0.405, p value of 0.000<0.05 give the researcher the right to reject the second null hypothesis of the study. The third hypothesis (H0c) stated that there is no significant effect of risk control literacy on savers of Ejo Heza saving scheme in Kicukiro District. The findings indicate β3=0.241, p value of 0.002<0.05 give the researcher the right to reject the third null hypothesis of the study. Ejo Heza saving scheme should implement practical workshops or seminars specifically designed to educate members on creating and utilizing budgets effectively. Ejo Heza saving scheme should need to develop comprehensive modules that focus on financial planning techniques. Cover aspects like setting financial goals, investment strategies, and long-term planning.
Key words: Financial Literacy, Budgeting Literacy, Debt Management Literacy, Risk Control Literacy and Ejo Heza Saving Schem
Effect of Financial Inclusion on Household Incomes in Rwanda: Case of Umurenge Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Southern Province
No full textThe objective of the study was to examine the effect of financial inclusion on household income in Rwanda’s Southern province. The study was motivated by the fact despite Rwanda government’s efforts to improve financial inclusion by strengthening the operations of Umurenge SACCOs throughout the country, the Fifth Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV5 2016/17) shows that the Southern province in Rwanda experiences the highest proportion of poor people at household which is at 36%. The public good theory of financial inclusion, income-led theory, inclusive growth theory and capability approach of financial inclusion form the theoretical foundation of this research. The sample size was 400 who included household heads who were members of Umurenge SACCO. However, 298 (74.5% response rate) were able to complete the survey. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select this sample. The researcher used correlational and cross-sectional survey designes. The close-ended questionnaire was used for collecting data. Data was analyzed through descriptive analysis (means and standard deviations) and inferential analysis (correlation and regression analysis). Findings show that access to affordable finance has a significant effect on household income in Rwanda’s Southern Province (β=.122, p<.05). However, it is observed that financial literacy has no significant effect on household incomes in Rwanda’s Southern Province (β=.018, p>.05). Similarly, access to credit has no significant effect on household income in Southern Province (β=.268, p>.05). The research recommends enhancing access to affordable financial services, improving comprehensive financial education, addressing income disparities through diversified income sources, supporting skill development to promote household financial stability in the Southern province. The findings are likely to help household heads to understand the effect of financial inclusion on household income and be able to make more informed financial decisions on how to enhance access to the much needed financial services
Post-Merger Commercial Bank Performance Trends: A Case of Kenya
No full textCommercial banks face performance challenges since most of them react to these challenges in a fairly standardized manner. This is because most of the commercial banks offer similar products and services. In so doing, they face high competitions and as a result, they engage activities in pursuit of a competitive edge in order to keep their current customers and attract new ones. Some of the strategic activities these companies have engaged in the recent past have been Mergers and acquisitions (M&A). M&A have become an effective strategic tool to consolidate the Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs) in Kenya to increase their capital base, expand their business, and bring financial stability. However, despite venturing into mergers and acquisitions, evidence from elsewhere indicates that financial performance stability and improvement still remains a challenge forming a good basis for further empirical investigation. This paper provides an assessment of the post-merger commercial bank performance in Kenya over the period 2008 to 2019 using return on equity as a proxy for bank performance. The target population for this study comprised all 13 commercial banks operating in Kenya between the year 2008 and the year 2019. The study used purposive sampling to select thirteen (13) commercial banks that had undergone mergers and acquisitions in Kenya over eleven years (from 2008 to the year 2019). The study finds that the post-merger effect of mergers and acquisitions on financial performance is mixed. Some commercial banks reported improved ROEs while a few reported declining ROEs during the study period. To enhance performance, the study recommended that commercial banks should prioritize M&A opportunities that align with their long-term strategic goals. This might include expanding into new geographic regions, entering new markets, diversifying product offerings, or gaining access to new technologies. Banks should assess the potential risks associated with the M&A transaction, including credit risk, operational risk, and reputational risk. Develop strategies for mitigating these risks and ensuring a smooth transition.
Keyword: Mergers, Strategy, Acquisitions, Performance, Return on Equity, Synergies, profitability
Financial Access and Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Rwanda
No full textThe study sought to assess the impact of factors influencing access to finance on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda, highlighting a significant gap in the current understanding of how financial access affects business development within this context. The specific objectives were to evaluate how credit offerings, interest rates, and business risks influence the development of SMEs and to propose solutions to the challenges related to financial access for these businesses in Rwanda. Employing a descriptive research design, the study utilized a survey method to gather insights into the determinants of financial access and their effects on business growth, focusing on SMEs in Kigali. The target population comprised 4,112 employees from SMEs in Kigali, with a sample size of 98 respondents selected to represent this group. Data was collected through questionnaires, and both primary and secondary data sources were used. Analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that high transaction costs and interest rates, along with stringent collateral requirements, hinder SMEs' ability to access finance. It was also found that the size of an enterprise plays a crucial role in loan approval decisions, with smaller enterprises facing greater challenges in securing loans due to perceived higher risks. The study concludes that reducing transaction costs, simplifying loan application processes, and offering more flexible loan repayment options could enhance SMEs' access to finance. The study recommends lending institutions and the government work together to create a more conducive environment for SME financing, including adherence to regulated interest rates to prevent the exploitation of SMEs and to encourage their growth and development in Rwanda.
Keywords: Financial access and business development, small and medium enterprise
Effect of Agency Banking Services on Operational Performance of Commercial Banks in Rwanda. A Case of Bank of Kigali Plc
No full textThe study aimed to determine the effect of agency banking services on the operational performance of commercial banks in Rwanda, specifically Bank of Kigali Plc. Using a sample of 70 respondents involved in agency banking services, data was collected via questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and correlational research designs. The findings revealed that the number of agents, cash deposits, cash withdrawals, bill payment transactions and online payment transactions all have a statistically significant effect on operational performance. Therefore, the study concluded that agency banking services significantly affect the operational performance of Bank of Kigali Plc. This research contributes to understanding the role of agency banking services in enhancing the operational performance of commercial banks.
Keywords: Agency Banking, Operational Performance, Commercial Banks, Kigali Plc, Rwand
Effect of Internal Control System on Financial Performance of Transport Companies in Rwanda. A Case of Rwanda Interlink Transport Company Limited
No full textThe aim of this study was to establish the effect of internal control systems on financial performance of transport companies in Rwanda. The area scope of the study was Rwanda Interlink Transport Company Limited (Ritco Ltd). This study was guided by attribution theory, agency theory, and institutional theory. The study used mixed methods, both quantitative and qualitative. The nature of data was both primary and secondary data and were collected to enable the researcher to reach the conclusion. This study employed descriptive and correlational research design. The target population was the employees of Rwanda Interlink Transport Company Limited. The sample size was determined using stratified and simple random techniques. The total number of sampled respondents was 155 to represent the total population. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide as data collection instruments. The data was analyzed using SPSS software by determining descriptive statistics such as simple percentages, means and standard deviations. Regression analysis was also used to determine the relationship or correlation level between independent and dependent variables. The study found strong positive correlations between control environment (r = 0.625**, p = 0.000) and control activities (r = 0.946**, p = 0.000) with financial performance. Similarly, risk assessment (r = 0.764**, p = 0.000), information and communication (r = 0.605**, p = 0.000), and monitoring of controls (r = 0.634**, p = 0.000) also showed strong positive correlations with financial performance. The overall prediction of these variables on financial performance was high (r = 0.980), with an R square of 0.961, indicating that 96.1% of the changes in financial performance could be explained by these predictors. The study concluded based on the findings that internal control system has significant effect on the financial performance of Rwanda Interlink Transport Company Limited. The study recommends the management of the company under review and government agencies to ensure improved efficiency in application of internal control system in their operations.
Keywords: internal control system, transport companies, financial performance