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The Effect of Educational Project on Learners Learning Outcome in Twelve Years Basic Education Schools: A Case of School Feeding Program as Implemented in Rubavu District, Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study is to help students, parents, secondary teachers, school’s kitchen managers and Head teachers to master the methods and their role in encouraging learners to take lunch at school; especially improve student’s learning outcomes in twelve years’ basic education. The objectives are to assess the influence of food ratios and the timing of the meals on learning outcomes in Twelve Years basic education schools of Rubavu district, to assess the influence of food quality on learning outcomes in twelve years basic education schools of Rubavu district and to assess the influence of required materials in serving the food on learning outcomes in twelve years basic education schools of Rubavu district. The study employed a descriptive research design Questionnaires and interviews to enable the researcher to bring out the details of the exact situation on the ground. This study was be done at 4 twelve years basic education located in the Rubavu district targeting 2112 students. Therefore, 336 respondents were the target population of this study and the composition of the participants. To validate and ensure reliability of the questionnaire, a test retest was conducted in a space of two weeks between the test’s correlation coefficient using SPSS version 22.0 (V. 22.0) was established and after which necessary adjustments on the content and its reliability was ensured before the main study. In this way, sampling technique was a simple purposive sampling technique was employed in this study, where every participant was given an equal and independent chance to participate. Recommendations of the study were: Government has to mobilize more stakeholders or non-government organization to orient their funds in the implementation of school feeding program, Parents must participate in school feeding program rather than thinking that this program should only be sponsored by government, Government has to develop continuous professional development that are related to the effective implementation of school feeding program and Government should make monitoring and evaluation of school feeding program because some of the school do not put more effort in its implementation
Assessing Local Communities’ Perception on Domestic Waste Management in Gasabo District, Rwanda
No full textWith accelerated urbanization in developing countries like Rwanda, waste generation has become a significant challenge, leading to health hazards and environmental pollution. In Gasabo District, (Rwanda), there is a pressing need to address inadequate waste management practices and foster community participation for sustainable solutions. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding local communities' perception on domestic waste management, highlighting the necessity for this research. Thus, this study aimed at examining the perception of local communities on domestic waste management in Gasabo District. This research employed a descriptive research design with a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approach. A number of 399 respondents were sampled using stratified and proportionate sample from 249,420 households and given questionnaires during data collection while 5 local leaders and 15 waste collectors were interviewed and purposively sampled from Gasabo District. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0 and Microsoft Excel, aiming to uncover patterns, correlations, and statistical significance in the collected data. The local community perception in Gasabo District demonstrated a moderate agreement (mean = 3.580 to 4.190, SD = 0.745 to 0.986) with waste management initiatives, alongside a recognition of challenges in resource access and the need for improvement. Meanwhile, domestic waste management practices revealed varied perceptions, with a notable gap in waste sorting and segregation but moderate agreement on increasing recycling practices (mean = 2.950 to 4.260, SD = 0.693 to 1.256). Correlation analysis indicates significant positive correlations (r = 0.100 to 0.183, p < 0.001) between community perceptions and waste management aspects, emphasizing factors like education, government policies, and community engagement. Regression analysis further underscores the impact of these factors on waste segregation, recycling adoption, and infrastructure development, with community engagement emerging as a significant positive predictor. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of community engagement, education, and government support in enhancing waste management practices in Gasabo District, Rwanda. Collaboration among stakeholders, active participation of residents, and effective policies are crucial for achieving sustainable waste management. Prioritizing these recommendations can lead to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Keywords: Community Perception, Domestic Waste, Gasabo district, Waste management
The Impact of Mining Activities on Land Use and Land Cover Change in Rwamagana District, the Case of Muhazi Sector, Rwanda
No full textThe main purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of mining activities on land use and land cover in Rwamagana District. Thus, this study is guided by specific objectives that are; to analyze the spatial and temporal LULC change induced by mining activities from 2000 up to 2020 in the study area, to examine the impact of mining activities and operations on different identified LULC types and to assess the community perceptions on the impacts of mining activities and land use and cover in the study area. Primary and secondary sources were involved in the data collection process, these include field observations, satellite image and focus group discussion with communities. The research design integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive assessment. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was used to analyze spatial data, mapping spatio-temporal LULC conditions before and after mining activities. The land use/cover classes were classified as tree-covered, grassland and sparse, wetland, water body, and built ups, The most notable changes occurred in grassland & sparse areas, which experienced a significant gain of 1241 ha, resulting in a net change of 1163 ha reflecting a 460.7% net increase. Conversely, tree-covered areas suffered a substantial loss of 609 ha especially in the southern edge where mining activities are undertaken, resulting in a net change of -422 ha, representing a 59.3% decrease. Cropland also experienced a considerable gross loss of 1305 ha, mitigated by a gain of 467 ha, resulting in a net change of -838 ha, representing a 19.8% decrease. Wetlands exhibited a gross loss of 71 ha, with a minor gain of 22 ha, resulting in a net change of -49 ha, representing a 65.8% decrease. Water bodies, on the other hand, experienced a net gain of 43 ha, showing an 8.5% increase. Built-up areas experienced no gross loss and a gain of 104 ha, resulting in a 100% net increase. These changes illustrate the dynamic shifts in land cover within Muhazi sector, reflecting a variety of environmental and anthropogenic influences over the two- decade period. Practical regulations and policies for the rehabilitation of the damaged environment are not sensitized. Therefore, the enforcement of policies and guidance to rehabilitate the degraded environment should be considered while developing professionalism mining with modern equipment.Top of Form
Keywords: Mining activities, LULC, MMB, Muhazi, GIS, Satellite image
Effect of Machine Learning Model on Supply Chain Performance. A Case of Dubai Port (DP) World/Kigali-Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of machine learning model on supply chain performance. Despite this, Dubai Port (DP) World, as a warehouse company, currently faces the challenge of a lack of effective AI explain ability through learning machines together with limited employees in modern AI technology, which is crucial for a successful transition into machine learning for a leading provider of smart logistics solutions, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. In conducting this research, three objectives were laid out to effect of machine learning demand forecasting & planning on supply chain performance in Dubai Port World/Kigali-Rwanda, to assess the effect of machine learning optimization practices on supply chain performance in DP World/Kigali-Rwanda and lastly to determine the effect of machine learning automation on supply chain performance in DP World/Kigali-Rwanda. To achieve these objectives, literature was reviewed on the subject matter including definitions of key concepts, conceptual review, theoretical framework, conceptual framework and research gap analysis. This study based on contingency theory, information processing theory, and practice-based view, additionally researcher applied the universal census by selecting all 131 employees from Dubai Port (DP) World/Kigali, Rwanda. Questionnaire, interview guide and documentation were used as tools of data collection. Data was processed through editing, coding and tabulation and the data also was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The R value of 0.852 indicates a strong relationship between the predictors and the Supply chain performance in DP World/Kigali-Rwanda. The R Square value of 0.725 indicates that approximately 72.5% of the variability in the outcome variable can be explained by the predictors in the model. Machine learning demand forecasting planning has a coefficient of (β= 0.454, t=8.230, p value=0.000), machine learning optimization practices has a coefficient of (β= 0.252 t=4.125, p value=0.000), and machine learning automation has a coefficient of (β= 0.357, t=6.025, p value=0.000). All these coefficients are statistically significant on supply chain performance in DP World/Kigali-Rwanda, as indicated by their associated Sig. Values below 0.05. Therefore, inline of findings researcher recommended that DP World/Kigali, Rwanda should continue to leverage modern technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) to automate shop floor and back-office software-driven processes.
Key words: Machine learning model, supply chain performance and DP World/Kigali, Rwanda
Effect of Procurement Practices on the Performance of Construction Projects; A Case of SONATUBE-Sahara-Kabeza Road in Kicukiro District Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this research was to examine the effect of Procurement practices on Performance of construction on project in Rwanda, because despite the important role played by the Procurement Act, some government institutions in Rwanda still practice lengthy bureaucratic procurement processes in acquiring goods and services, corruption and discriminatory awards of tenders, hence has made some government projects to fail. The researcher used three specific objectives: To analyze the effect of procurement practices on performance of construction of Kanombe presidential road; to examine the effect of tendering system on performance of construction of Sonatube-Sahara-Kabeza road; to assess the effect contract administration on performance of construction of construction of Sonatube-Sahara-Kabeza road. To achieve these objectives, literatures were reviewed on the subject matter, and then data were collected from 133 employees of NPD COTRACO LTD and they were chosen by using census sampling technique. A questionnaire, observation, interview guide and documentation were used as tools of data collection. Data was analyzed by using both quantitative data and qualitative data. To get primary data, the researcher went to the field and collected raw data from respondents, in this study, questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to collect primary data. Secondary data was collected by way of document reviews. The R value of 0.870 indicated a strong relationship between the predictors and the performance of construction projects. The R Square value of 0.758 indicates that approximately 75.8% of the variability in the outcome variable can be explained by the predictors in the model. Overall, this model summary indicates a significant relationship between the procurement practices and the outcome variable performance of construction projects. Specifically, procurement planning has a coefficient of (β= 0.184, t=2.303, p value=0. 023), tendering system has a coefficient of (β= 0.252, t=4.168, p value=0.000), Contract administration effectiveness has a coefficient of (β= 0.289, t=3.280, p value=0.001), and Mediating variables has a coefficient of (β= 0.233, t=3.535, p value=0.001). As indicated by their associated Sig. Values 0.05, these coefficients have significant effect on Performance of performance of construction of Sonatube-Sahara-Kabeza road. Kicukiro District is recommended to establish a strong procurement planning process, ensuring meticulous project preparation and resource allocation.
Keywords: Procurement Practices, Private projects, project performance, procurement planning, tendering system
Comparing Public Procurement Transparency Mechanisms Between EU Member States
No full textThis article examined the transparency mechanisms in public procurement across European Union (EU) member states, focusing on their implementation, effectiveness, and challenges. Public procurement transparency, essential for reducing corruption and fostering fair competition, was found to vary significantly among member states due to differences in digital infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and local administrative capacities. Case studies from Germany, France, Poland, and Hungary illustrated these variations, with countries like Germany and Denmark demonstrating robust digital procurement systems that enabled open access to procurement data and improved accountability. In contrast, countries such as Poland and Hungary faced ongoing challenges with regional disparities and limited enforcement, impacting their ability to maintain transparency consistently. The analysis revealed that successful transparency mechanisms generally included accessible e-procurement platforms, public disclosure requirements, and strong regulatory oversight. Policy recommendations were suggested to promote harmonized transparency standards across the EU, emphasizing the need for technical support, capacity-building at regional levels, and a balanced approach to transparency and data protection. Overall, while transparency mechanisms have strengthened public procurement outcomes within the EU, disparities in their implementation highlighted the need for continued EU guidance and support to achieve uniform standards across member states.
Keywords: Public procurement, Transparency, EU member states, Policy recommendation
Economic Growth, External Debt and Corruption Nexus in Sub-Saharan African Countries: Moderation Modeling
No full textThis study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which borders on “economic growth by ensuring external debt is invested well in development projects that can spur economic growth”. It contributes to the economic growth literature by evaluating the role of external debt and corruption on economic growth. The Sub-Saharan African region has witnessed an increase in external debt. However, the economic growth has been reducing. The region witnessed a contraction in economic growth to 2.7 percent in 2022 down from 4.4 percent of 2021. The literature indicates that corruption can impede external debt from achieving the intended purposes. Many studies have revealed the role of external debt in economic growth but have not studied the moderating effect of corruption thus creating a gap for this study. To achieve the objective, the study uses the Fixed Effects Panel data approach on unbalanced panel data on 46 sub-Saharan African countries from 1998 to 2021 to interrogate the nexus. The results revealed a positive relationship between external debt and economic growth. However, corruption was found to reduce the effectiveness of external debt in realizing economic growth. The study therefore recommends that governments of the countries in the region need to address corruption so to achieve the desired economic growth. They should implement measures focusing on improving institutions quality to control financial corruption. In addition, the policy makers should relook at increasing anti-corruption initiatives aimed at reducing poor governance for instance financing anti-corruption agencies to ensure corruption is reduced.
Key Words: Economic growth, External Debt, Corruption 
Corporate Governance, Investment Strategy, Macroeconomic Variables and Financial Performance of Pension Schemes in Kenya
No full textThe study investigated the impact of Corporate governance (CG), investment strategy (IS) and macroeconomic variables on the financial performance of pension schemes in Kenya thereby addressing the key research question: What is the effect of CG, IS and macroeconomic variables on the financial performance of pension funds in Kenya? Qualitative, quantitative and correlational research designs were used to assess the effect of these factors on financial performance of pension funds. Quantitative data on annual return of pension funds and macroeconomic variables from 2012 to 2020 as well as qualitative data on CG indicators and IS were used in the study. Return on investments proxied pension fund performance. Primary data was collected using survey questionnaires from the pension schemes from both the CG and IS indicators to develop both CG and IS indices. The findings show that CG as well as IS and macroeconomic variables impact differently pension funding. Effect of CG indicators on pension performance was positive and significant. The intervening effect of IS on the link between CG and pension performance was significant while the moderating effect of macroeconomic variables was significant. The individual contribution of both CG indicators and macroeconomic factors on pension performance, nonetheless varied. The main conclusion of the study is that pension fund financial performance is influenced by CG, IS and macroeconomic factors implying that there is need to take into account the impact of these factors in the execution of investment plans of pension funds to ensure generation of adequate funds for retirement benefits.
Keywords: Corporate Governance, Investment Strategy, Financial Performance, Macroeconomic Factor
Effect of Loan Portfolio Management on Financial Performance of Banking Institutions in Rwanda Case Study of Compagnie Générale de Banque (COGEBANQUE)
No full textThis study was carried out in COGEBANQUE, to examine the effect of loan portfolio management on financial performance of banking institutions in Rwanda, through identifying the effect of credit risk management, assessing the effect of loan appraisal, analysing the effect of loan monitoring on financial performance in COGEBANQUE, and determining the effect of loan recovery on financial performance, from 2020 up to 2023. Portfolio theory, loan pricing theory, Camel theory and agency theory were developed. This analytical descriptive study was conducted on 74 staff namely manager, credit officer and credit recovery officer of COGEBANQUE from all branches, who were purposively selected, to respectively answer to questionnaire for a descriptive, regression and correlation analysis, with the help of SPSS computer packages. The study revealed that loan recovery (β4 = 0.692), loan appraisal (β4 = 0.653), risk credit management (β4 = 0.424) and loan monitoring (β4 = 0.692), with all p<0.05, had a significant positive affect on financial performing of COGEBANQUE, what was concretized by the fact that the return on asset was 4% in 2020 and 5% in 2021, then 3% in 2022 and the return on equity was 12% in 2020 and 14% in 2021, then 10% in 2022. Results for first objectives positive perceptions collectively suggest that respondents believe COGEBANQUE employs sound credit risk management strategies, fostering confidence in the financial performance of the institution. Secondly, overall positive outlook on COGEBANQUE's loan appraisal process, with respondents recognizing its thoroughness, clarity, transparency, and effective communication, though opinions vary regarding its direct impact on the bank's financial performance. Thirdly, an overall positive outlook on COGEBANQUE's loan monitoring practices, with participants acknowledging the bank's reactiveness, effective communication, and support in loan management, though opinions vary slightly regarding the direct impact on financial performance. Lastly, overall positive outlook on COGEBANQUE's loan recovery practices, with participants acknowledging the bank's effectiveness, transparency, and ethical considerations in loan recovery, though opinions vary slightly regarding the direct impact on financial performance. The study concluded that loan portfolio management had effect on financial performance of banking institutions in Rwanda. It was recommended for banking institutions, in Rwanda, to enhance Transparency and Communication in Credit Risk Management, Strengthen Thoroughness and Clarity in Loan Appraisal, Optimize Proactive Loan, Monitoring Strategies, Improve Ethical Considerations in Loan Recovery and Implement Swift Actions for Issue Resolution.
Key words: Credit risk management, Loan appraisal, Loan monitoring, Loan recovery and Financial performance
Effect of the Management Accounting on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda: A Case of Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo District
No full textManagement accounting provides an excellent opportunity for companies to compete in the market by offering superior products and services at reasonable prices to customers. The general objective of this study was to study the effects of management accounting practices on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district, Rwanda. This study adopted a correlation study design. The target population for this study was the 171 small and medium enterprises in Gasabo district Stratified random sampling method was applied to come up with the sample size, since the population in different Small and Medium Enterprises was considered heterogeneous, implying that a simple random sample is unrepresentative. The study therefore involved 171 Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district. The study collected primary data from the respondents. The data collected was both quantitative and qualitative. Qualitative data is descriptive and non-numerical, while quantitative data is numerical. The study found that Budgeting was the most widely used management accounting practices, including budgeting for planning, activity-based budgeting, flexible analysis, zero-based budgeting, and budgeting for controlling costs. costing systems were the second most widely used management accounting practice, including separation of variable, incremental, and fixed costs; plant-wide overhead rate; activity-based costing; target costing; and cost of quality. Information for decision making was also used by respondents, including stock control models, customer satisfaction analysis reports, product profitability analysis reports, risk analysis reports, and investment analysis reports. Strategic analysis was also highly used by respondents. The study further concludes that the most important elements of management accounting practices amongst the Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district are; the management accounting function identifies key factors that influence Financial Performance and management accounting practices have increased return on equity (ROE), which is a measure of how profitable a company is for its shareholders. This is because management accounting practices help companies to identify and improve risky areas, which can lead to increased profits. This study recommends the creation and enhancement of awareness among firms of the importance of Information for decision making practices as this is the most highly used management accounting practice amongst the Small and Medium Enterprises in Gasabo district.
Keywords: Management Accounting Practices, Costing Systems, Budgeting, Information for Decision Making, Strategic Analysis, Financial Performance, Small And Medium Enterprise