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Agile Management Practices and Project Performance in Rwandan Schools: A Case of Rwanda Quality Basic Education for Human Capital Development Project
No full textThe current study examined the effect of agile management practices on project performance in Rwandan schools, specifically the Rwanda Quality Basic Education for Human Capital Development project. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of strategic agility, operational agility, and stakeholder agility on project performance in Rwanda's Quality Basic Education for Human Capital Development project. This study's theoretical foundations are organizational adaptation theory, situational theory, and triple constraints theory, with strategic agility, operational agility, stakeholder agility, and project performance serving as critical conceptual foundations. The researcher will employ both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including correlation analysis and case study research designs. The study population consisted of 431 people, including 15 MINEDUC employees, 96 head teachers, and 320 teachers. The sample size was 289 people, with 15 MINEDUC staff, 96 head teachers, and 178 teachers. Teachers were selected using simple random sampling, whereas MINEDUC staff and head teachers were chosen using purposive sampling. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. The content validity index and Cronbach alpha coefficients were used to assess validity and reliability, respectively. Data were analysed using both descriptive (means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression). The hypothesis test results indicate that strategic agility (β=.753, p<.05), operational agility (β=-.330, p<.05), and stakeholder agility (β=-.40) all have a significant impact on the RQBEHCD project's performance from 2017 to 2023. The study provides important insights into the dynamic interplay between agile practices and project success in the Rwandan educational context. Stakeholders should prioritize proactive communication and engagement, provide ongoing professional development for teachers, encourage flexibility in work plans under the supervision of head teachers, implement proactive issue resolution strategies, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement in agile project management practices. The study also adds to the academic body of knowledge about agile management and project performance in Rwanda.
Keywords: Agile Management, Project Performance, Basic Education, Human Capital, Development Projec
Influence of Agricultural Project Management Practices on Agricultural Production: Case Study of Musanze District, Rwanda
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the performance of agricultural projects and their subsequent impact on agricultural production in Musanze District, Rwanda. The research primarily focused on the analysis of environmental impacts linked to these agricultural projects, with a particular emphasis on resource consumption. In addition, the study explored the influence of project planning, monitoring, and evaluation on the performance of these agricultural projects within Musanze County. The research encompassed a sample size of 120 participants, which included members of the district agricultural unit, farmers from Musanze, managers and employees of agricultural projects, as well as beneficiaries of these projects. The sample size was determined using Slovin’s formula, resulting in a final count of 92. The researcher employed a purposive sampling approach, selecting individuals with similar qualities and information relevant to the study. Data were collected through documentary studies, interviews, and questionnaires. To analyze the collected data, the researcher utilized the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to conduct descriptive and correlation analyses. This statistical approach enabled a comprehensive assessment of the gathered information and its implications for the performance of agricultural projects in Musanze District. The study used multiple regression analysis to explore the relationship between independent and dependent variables, specifically the impact of project management practices on agricultural production. The model was significant with an F statistic of 8.7 and a P value of 0.00. The adjusted R-squared was 0.937, indicating that the independent variables explained 93.7% of the variance in the dependent variable. The parameters related to project planning and project M&E were found to significantly influence agricultural production. The study emphasizes the importance of effective planning, implementation strategies, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems in enhancing agricultural production.
Keywords: Agricultural Project, Management Practices, Agricultural Production, Musanze District, Rwand
A Literary Critic of Socialization on Gender Stereotype in Three Children’s Books by Meja Mwangi
No full textThe study sought to critically analyze how gender stereotype has been portrayed in Meja Mwangi children’s books; Little White Man, The Boy Gift and Striving for the Wind. Children’s literature has focused on children’s social and moral development in the children’s books. However, the issue of gender stereotype is present in many children’s books. This is likely to affect children’s social life from the way they view children’s books with gender stereotype. Objectives of this study analyzed how gender roles, character’s personalities and socialization portray gender stereotype in children’s books. The study analyzed children’s books, specifically for ages 10 and 14. The study hoped to create awareness of how children get exposed to gender stereotype in children’s books. In addition, the study anticipated in drawing the attention of the parents, to gender stereotyped children’s books. This research study is therefore a useful material for reference to other researchers and readers. The study was guided by Lawrence Kohlberg's Cognitive Development Theory: The concept of Gender Constancy. The study was conducted through qualitative research design. The three story books were selected from the target population using purposive sampling technique. Then researcher used content analysis, as a method of qualitative analysis in order to analyze the selected sample. From research findings, gender stereotype is evident in the children’s books by Meja Mwangi. The author portrays roles according to the genders. There are those roles that are only meant for male characters and female characters. The personality traits that are portrayed for the women and girls are weak and they depend on the male characters. While the men do not depend on the women and instead, they are brave and tough. The society highly regards the male characters as opposed to the female characters. From the conclusions made from the analysis of the research data, there are situations where the author challenges gender stereotype. In a particular illustration, the female character is portrayed having strong and courageous personalities. Also, the male character is portrayed performing chores associated with the women. However, much needs to be done, in curbing gender stereotype in children’s books. Both genders should be portrayed with equal roles, having some personalities. Social set-up should accommodate both female and male characters, in order to avoid gender stereotype portrayed in children’s books. In conclusion, the study suggested recommendations to parents and teachers in using gender neutral children’s books, which promote gender equality among girls and boys. Hence, the study provided sufficient and effective information in order to improve the quality of children’s books and a positive impact in children’s social life and moral development.
Keywords: Gender Stereotype, Children's Literature, Socialization, Literary Criticism, Meja Mwang
The Role of Digital Marketing in Enhancing Retail Investor Participation in Kenya
No full textDigital marketing initiatives, including blockchain-based processes, have become essential for financial markets seeking to enhance retail investor participation in today's dynamic investment environment. The capital markets sector, particularly in emerging economies, faces unprecedented challenges that require effective digital strategies to expand investor bases and maintain market liquidity. Thus, this study examined the role of digital marketing initiatives, incorporating blockchain-based processes such as digital identity verification and smart contracts, in enhancing retail investor participation in Kenya. The sample size comprised 900 retail investors and 45 financial intermediaries, representing response rates of 78.9% and 100% respectively. The findings showed that digital marketing initiatives, including blockchain-based processes, had significant positive effects on retail investor participation, demonstrating that financial intermediaries with structured practices for social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, financial literacy programs, digital identity verification, and smart contracts were better able to attract and retain retail investors. The study found that the implementation of digital marketing initiatives led to a 28% increase in retail investor participation. Financial literacy programs improved investor confidence and reduced the perceived complexity of investing, while blockchain-based digital identity verification improved security and reduced onboarding times. The study concludes that digital marketing initiatives incorporating blockchain-based processes are critical drivers of retail investor participation but remain underdeveloped due to inconsistent implementation, limited digital infrastructure, and insufficient regulatory support. The study recommends that financial intermediary managers should strengthen structured systems for digital marketing incorporating blockchain technologies and financial literacy programs, ensuring that such processes are institutionalized and supported through dedicated teams, professional development, and continuous learning mechanisms. The study further recommends that capital markets policymakers should enact supportive regulatory frameworks that reduce barriers, promote collaboration, and provide incentives that enable financial intermediaries to develop digital platforms with blockchain capabilities and advance inclusive capital market development.
Keywords: Digital marketing, blockchain technology, retail investors, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Mombasa, Keny
Instructional Materials Usage and Learner’s Academic Performance in Rwanda Secondary Schools
No full textThe effective usage of instructional materials plays a significant role in the promotion of academic performance among leaners in schools. The purpose of this study therefore, sought to determine the correlation between instructional materials usage and students’ academic performance in day and boarding schools of Ngororero District in Rwanda. Correlation research design was employed. The target population was 868 people with the sample size of 274 respondents. Questionnaire, interview guide and documentation were used during data collection where IBM SPSS software was involved in data analysis. The findings revealed there is poor use of audio materials in both boarding and day schools considering the grand means of 2.57 and 2.36 which are interpreted as low means. It was noted that the performance in boarding schools is good on high level comparing to that of day schools where for boarding schools the mean is 2.84 while in day schools the mean is 2.64. It was also found that there is a positive correlation between instructional materials and performance of students in Ngororero District whereby the correlation value is 0.484 and the tabulated p-value of 0.002 which is below the significance value of 0.05. The study recommends that educational planners introduce instructional materials that are in line with the use of technology in education, keeping in mind that some day schools are in remote areas where there is no internet connectivity. Educational stakeholders are recommended to collaborate with families of students in order to avail the necessary resources to improve instructional materials, especially in day schools. A vigorous follow-up on how instructional materials are maintained and how they are used should be an integrated part of inspections.
Keywords: Instructional materials, academic performance, basic education, and secondary schools
 
Impact of Duration of Cohabitation on Succession in Cohabitation Marriages
No full textThe succession framework for cohabitation marriages in Kenya is unclear, necessitating research to address the knowledge gap regarding inheritance rights. This study investigated whether the duration of cohabitation influences succession outcomes in such unions. Using qualitative desktop research, the study examined the legal and societal implications of cohabitation in Kenya. The research finds that the Court of Appeal in Kenya emphasizes the importance of long cohabitation evidence and general repute in establishing a presumption of marriage. However, succession plans in cohabitation marriages only take effect after the union ends, and there is a lack of clear laws defining property inheritance for cohabiting couples. Women are particularly vulnerable to disinheritance, while men appear less affected. Courts do not directly address cohabitant rights, but cohabitees may be presumed to have equal shares as tenants in common. In conclusion, the law governing succession in cohabitation marriages is undefined, and courts play a significant role in determining succession plans. There is a lack of clear laws globally and regionally on addressing cohabitation issues such as inheritance and presumption of marriage. The common law principle of presumed marriage has been developed in Kenya, but amendments to the Law of Succession Act have not fully resolved the challenges faced by cohabitation marriages. Intestate succession lacks a clear framework for cohabitants, and their rights are not on par with those of married spouses. It is recommended that Courts should find a balance between preserving autonomy and safeguarding the disadvantaged in cohabitation marriages. Statutory provisions should be enacted to establish requirements for legal recognition of cohabitation marriages, including higher standards of proof based on duration of cohabitation, quantitative and qualitative factors, and the presence of children. Kenyan laws should recognize and incorporate cohabitation marriages, ensuring inheritance rights and treating properties acquired during cohabitation as matrimonial property. The rights of children and involvement of extended families should also be considered in property distribution. Overall, comprehensive legal frameworks are needed to protect the rights of cohabiting partners in succession, property distribution, and inheritance matters.
Keywords: Duration, Cohabitation, marriages, Succession, Keny
Reducing Patients’ Relapse in Psychiatric Illness Through Community Empowerment
No full textRelapse in schizophrenia poses significant challenges for mental health management, especially in community settings. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce relapse rates in patients with schizophrenia in Bermuda by leveraging community empowerment and implementing an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model. The project engaged a cohort of 59 high-risk patients and focused on interventions such as medication adherence, social support, vocational activities, and training community members and family in relapse prevention. Over a six-month period, from November 2023 to May 2024, the project sought to decrease relapse rates from 87% to 50%. Key findings indicated significant improvements: 92% of patients adhered to prescribed medication regimens, 98% participated in community job placements, and there was a progressive increase in trained community members (from 50% to 100%). The relapse rate was successfully reduced to 51% by May 2024. These outcomes reflect the efficacy of ACT in supporting schizophrenia patients through community-based, holistic care, and enhancing their recovery and integration. The study also highlighted the importance of family engagement, regular follow-up with healthcare professionals, and addressing comorbid conditions. Recommendations include sustained community support, improved nursing education, and the implementation of telepsychiatry for wider service accessibility. The findings suggest that adopting the ACT model can significantly improve relapse prevention and mental health outcomes in community settings.
Keywords: Schizophrenia, relapse prevention, Assertive Community Treatment, community empowerment, mental health, medication adherence, nursing education, Bermuda, telepsychiatry, quality improvemen
Analysing the Impacts of Rusizi Urban Growth on Kivu Coastline: Evidence in Gihundwe and Kamembe Sectors
No full textRwanda has emphasized on the acceleration of urbanization from 18.4% (2016/17) to 35% by 2024 and to 50% by 2050. Urban growth is always coupled with adverse effects on land, forest, and water bodies as result of construction activities, agriculture, water discharge and industrialization. This study intended to assess the factors promoting Rusizi urban growth and related impacts on lake Kivu coastline. Water samples were studied by analyzing biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), pH and total phosphorus (TP). Besides, questionnaires and interviews were given for survey. The findings revealed that agricultural activities carried out in Gihundwe and Rusizi Sectors, water pollution caused by fertilizers, pesticide and herbicides used in agriculture, soaps from car wash, improper disposal of domestic wastes. In addition, domestic and industrial waste waters discharged into lake Kivu could be a serious threat to ecosystem of the coastline because of high increase of BOD level, where a BOD level of 336 mg/L was tested from Kivu compound, while Budiki swamp discharges BOD of 448 mg/L, Gatandara river discharges 380.8 mg/L and Kadasomwa river 504 mg/L which are beyond the standard level of 50 mg/L. The study also revealed that sedimentation from construction, contamination of water of the lake caused by oil and chemical spills from ship building and water transport could have severe effects of the coastline of lake Kivu. The study recommends that the government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Environment and local authorities, should strictly enforce environmental laws and urban planning regulations in Rusizi district to mitigate the negative impacts of urban growth on the Lake Kivu coastline. Additionally, it is recommended that educational institutions and research bodies increase their focus on developing sustainable urbanization strategies and innovative waste management solutions tailored to the unique challenges of rapidly growing urban areas near sensitive water bodies.
Keywords: Urbanization; Coastline, Soil erosion; Pollution; Migration
Analysis of the Relationship between Strategic Procurement Practices and Corporate Performance in Rwanda: A Case of Bralirwa Ltd (2019-2022)
No full textThis research on analysis of the relationship between strategic procurement practices and corporate performance in Rwanda is motivated by the research problem, According to Bralirwa`s financial report, the cost of purchase were respectively high at a rate of 1,756,012,000 in 2020 and increased by 3,755,000,000 in 2021 and increased by 8,595,700,000 and this lead to the poor corporate performance due to the high costs incurred during the acquisition of materials. The variation of the cost increase is 46.8% by 2021 and increased by 43.7% by 2022. The research objective is to analyze the relationship between strategic procurement practices and corporate performance of Bralirwa Ltd. The research specific objectives are: to investigate the relationship between supplier relationship and the corporate performance of Bralirwa Ltd; to examine the relationship between information technology and corporate performance of Bralirwa Ltd and to analyze the relationship between strategic sourcing and the corporate performance of Bralirwa Ltd. This study used three different theories which are: agency theory, Dynamic Capability Theory and Resource-based theory. The study was guided by the descriptive and correlation research design using quantitative approaches. The study targeted 100 respondents from different working unit. As the total population was small, census survey was used and data were collected by using of questionnaires. The study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze data and the findings of the study were presented through the use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. On the first research objective, a total of the respondents who were in agreement were 91.7% agreed that the strategic sourcing has led to efficiency and effectiveness of organization. The findings on second research showed that a total of 87.8% of the respondents were in agreement that information technology is very helpful in the identification and acquisition of goods. The third research objective revealed that there is adequately supplier relationship a total 96.4% of the respondents. Besides, regarding the correlation analysis, the study revealed that there is a significant, strong and positive correlation between Strategic sourcing (r=0.993, p=0.000), information technology (r=0.987, p=0.00) and supplier relationship with the corporate performance. The multiple regression analysis revealed that the regression model was statistically significant since the p-value was less than 5% and the resulting R2=0.987 showed that the performance was due to the variations in the strategic procurement practices. The study recommends investigating in the Logistics management because the flow or movement of materials or money is usually triggered by associated information movement.
Keywords: Strategic Procurement Practices, Corporate Performance, Bralirwa, Rwanda
Effect of Customs Regulations Compliance on Supply Chain Performance. A Case of Rwanda Revenue Authority
No full textThe main purpose of this project was to assess the effect of customs regulations compliance on supply chain performance. The research specific objectives were: to investigate the effect of customs valuation on the performance of supply chain performance at Rwanda Revenue Authority; to examine the effect of customs declaration on the performance of supply chain at Rwanda Revenue Authority and to analyse the effect of trade agreements on supply chain activities at Rwanda Revenue Authority. To achieve these objectives, literature was reviewed on the subject matter, and then data was collected from target population equals to 141 respondents including 55 staff of Rwanda revenue authority, 30 logistics companies and 56 business personnel and out of them a sample size of 104 were purposively selected. Questionnaire, observation, interview guide and documentation were used as tools of data collection. This research also adopted the descriptive research design and correlational analysis to gain insight into the little-known subject in order to respond to what, how or why the study should be explored and to come up with relevant findings. Results indicated that customs declaration had the greatest effect on supply chain performance at Rwanda Revenue Authority, followed by customs valuation, and lastly trade agreements. At a 5% level of significance and a 95% level of confidence, customs valuation had a 0.000 level of significance; customs declaration had a 0.000 level of significance; and trade agreements also had a 0.04 level of significance. All above variables were significant (p<0.05). From the above findings, results revealed that there is a positive relationship between customs regulations compliance and supply chain performance at Rwanda Revenue Authority. Customs compliance is an important part of international trade in Rwanda as it helps ensure that goods are properly recorded and taxes and duties are paid. Therefore, inline of findings researcher recommended that Rwanda Revenue Authority, as customs regulator in Rwanda, must make an efficient, accurate declaration and proper classification of goods, both for goods exported and imported