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Effect of Project Risk Management on Performance of Social Development Projects in Rwanda: A Case of VUP Financial Services Project in Gakenke District
No full textThe general objective of the study was to assess the effect of project risk management on performance of social development projects in Rwanda. This study had the following specific objectives: to determine the effect of project risk identification on performance of VUP financial services project in Gakenke District, find out the effect of project risk analysis on performance of VUP financial services project in Gakenke District, assess the effects of project risk response on performance of VUP financial services project in Gakenke District and analyze the effect of project risk control on performance of VUP financial services project in Gakenke District. Target population of this study was 122 including 14 VUP staff at district level, 72 VUP at sector level and 36 Gakenke District Local leaders. The Solvin formula utilized to determine the appropriate sample size, as it provides a straightforward approach for computing the number of participants required for the study. The formula provides sample of 94 for the study. Cluster sampling used for selecting groups, or clusters, of participants from the population. The clusters chosen based on position and categories of population in VUP. The study also employed purposive sampling as the sampling technique. Questionnaire, interview and documentation research used as tools of data collection. The statistical analysis of the collected data conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) which is a widely used tool for statistical computation in research. The model summary presents the results of a regression analysis on project risk control, project risk identification, project risk analysis, and project risk response, on the dependent variable of project performance within the context of the VUP Financial Services project in Gakenke District. The value of R is 0.729, indicating a linear effect of the predictors on project performance. The R-squared value is 0.532, indicating that approximately 53.2% of the variance in project performance can be attributed to the combined effects of project risk control, risk identification, risk analysis, and risk response. This indicates a moderate level of explanation and indicate that the included predictors collectively contribute to understanding project performance. Gakenke District should establish a comprehensive risk identification framework regarding VUP financial services project involving diverse stakeholders, implementing rigorous risk analysis practices with advanced tools, fostering a proactive risk response culture through cross-functional collaboration
Human Resource Succession Planning and Resilience of Multinational Oil and Gas Producing Companies in Nigeria
No full textThe aim of this paper was to investigate the relationship between human resource succession planning and resilience of multinational oil and gas producing companies in West Africa, Nigeria. Cross sectional survey was the research design adopted and because this study was a macro level study, the five multinational oil and gas producing companies in Nigeria constituted the population, and the executives of the multinational oil and gas producing companies who are fifty-two (52) in number constituted the sample size while also adopting the census technique. Being a quantitative study, the structured questionnaire was used to gather data for analysis while the Cronbach Alpha of 0.7 was adopted as the reliability standard. This analysis was aided with the use of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient was adopted as the statistical tool used in ascertaining the degree and level of relationship in the hypothesized statements. The findings derived from this study showed a moderate significant positive relationship between human resource succession planning and resilience of multinational oil and gas producing companies in Nigeria. The results showed that indeed human resource succession planning significantly impacted on the measure of resilience (situation awareness). Relying on the findings derived from this study, the researcher recommends that to become resilient, top executives and decision makers in the multinational oil and gas producing companies in Nigeria, should formulate an effective and efficient succession planning technique that will ensure continuity of leadership, ethics and culture that will enable the corporation to gain competitive edge. In addition, the human resource manager needs to take the succession planning technique seriously, as this will aid the multinational oil and gas producing companies to depend less on external human resource supply, as this will boost employee morale and so aid in resilience and longevity
Keywords: Human Resource Succession Planning, Resilience, Situation Awareness
Assessing the Main Risk Traits Associated With Motorcycle Accidents among the Motorcycle Riders in Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textMotorcycles are increasingly popular as a mode of transport, particularly in rural areas of Kenya, due to affordability and accessibility. However, the rise in motorcycle usage has led to numerous fatal accidents, making it a major cause of death and injuries. This study aimed to determine the main risk traits associated with motorcycle accidents among riders in Kiambu County. The conceptual framework examined the relationship between risk traits as independent variables (over speeding, riding under influence, rider fatigue, experience, motorcycle defects, road conditions, regulatory non-compliance) and motorcycle safety as the dependent variable measured by accident occurrence. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design, with motorcycle taxi riders in Kiambu County as the target population. Using simple random sampling, a sample of 140 riders was achieved. Questionnaires were used for primary data collection and analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. The findings indicate majority of accidents occurred in bends (32%), roundabouts/junctions (28%), entrances (13%), bumps (12%) and crossings (11%). The main causes were rider misjudgement/inattention (42%), steering issues around bends/junctions (21%), potholes/uneven surfaces (15%), wet/slippery surfaces (10%), motorcycle faults (9%) and intimidation by other vehicles (3%). Majority had little knowledge in riding skills enhancement (42.9%), first aid (45%), health/safety (43%) and accident avoidance (45.7%). T-tests showed knowledge gaps in riding skills (F=8.320, p=0.005), accident avoidance (F=4.131, p=0.018), bike maintenance (F=4.223, p=0.042) and road craft (F=5.416, p=0.012) were significantly related to accident occurrence. The study concludes the main risk traits are linked to accident-prone locations, rider inattention/misjudgement, and lack of crucial safety knowledge. Recommendations include comprehensive training on navigating risk areas, improving judgment/steering, motorcycle maintenance, first aid, and partnering with authorities to enhance road conditions and implement safety measures through the licensing process
Effect of Contract Management on Performance of Roads Projects: A Case of Nyabihu District, Rwanda (2019-2022)
No full textThe general objective of this research was to examine the effect of contract management on performance of roads projects in Nyabihu District. Specifically, the study guided by the following objectives: To establish the effect of contract planning on performance of roads projects in Nyabihu District, assess the effect of contract negotiation on performance of roads projects in Nyabihu District, establish the effect of contract execution on the performance of roads projects in Nyabihu-District, and examine the effect of contract monitoring and evaluation of the performance of roads projects in Nyabihu District. This study based on Agency theory, Resource Dependence Theory, and Institutional Theory. The study was descriptive designed, correlative designed, qualitative designed, quantitative designed, and primary and secondary data-based designed. The total population of this study was 146 individuals including 134 staff of Nyabihu District (local government) who are active participants of the projects both users and developers, 4 contractors, 4 top administrators and 2 policy makers from MINALOC on Rehabilitation, Upgrading and Multi-year Maintenance Works of Indicative Feeder Roads in Nyabihu District, (Lot I and Lot II), Rehabilitation of Vuga-Kiramira-Gaharawe road and Construction of Mukamira-Kabashumba road. Thus, the target population was 146 individuals. The sample size determined by the help of Yamane formulae. Researcher used simple random to select 107 respondents into groups based on each employee department. To collect main data, Researcher used a questionnaire and predetermined interview questions, and to compile secondary data, Researcher did a paper search means documentary technique. The researcher used SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists, version 20) findings to make sense of things like frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings on multiple regression coefficient show that contract Planning has β1=0.350, p-value of 0.000<0.05 indicates that there is statistically significant influence of contract planning on the performance of the roads projects in Nyabihu District. On contract negotiation, β2=0730, p-value of 0.000<0.05 indicates that there is statistically significant influence of contract negotiation on the performance of the construction project in Nyabihu District. Also, for contract Execution, β3=0.474, p-value of 0.005<0.05 indicates that there is statistically significant influence of contract execution on the performance of roads projects in Nyabihu District. Lastly, for contract Monitoring and Evaluation, β4=0.319, p-value of 0.002<0.05 indicates that there is statistically significant influence of contract Monitoring and Evaluation on the performance of roads projects in Nyabihu District. Top administrators should invest in strengthening contract management practices across all phases. Contractors should adopt a collaborative approach in contract negotiations, focusing on compliance and reputation.
Key words: Contract Management, Contract Planning, Contract Negotiation, Contract Execution, Contract Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance of Roads Projects
Public Procurement as Economic Development Tool in African Nations
No full textThis article examined the role of public procurement as a tool for economic development in African nations, highlighting its potential to drive growth, create employment, and support local industries. Public procurement accounted for a significant portion of government spending across Africa, yet its impact on economic development had been hindered by challenges such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and limited technological capacity. Through a desktop review, this study explored the ways African countries have used procurement to advance social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and industrial growth. Case studies from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Rwanda illustrated effective strategies such as inclusive procurement policies, green procurement practices, local content requirements, and digital procurement systems. These examples demonstrated how targeted reforms could help overcome existing barriers and maximize the benefits of procurement in fostering sustainable development. The study concluded that public procurement, when aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development agendas, had the potential to become a powerful economic driver. Key recommendations included enhancing transparency through digital platforms, promoting inclusive procurement, strengthening local content policies, integrating sustainability criteria, and building institutional capacity. These strategies offered a pathway for African governments to transform public procurement into a central pillar of economic development, contributing to poverty reduction, industrialization, and social progress across the continent.
Keywords: Public Procurement, Economic Development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & African Nation
Supply Chain Localization Strategies in African Public Procurement Systems
No full textThis article examined the importance of localizing supply chains within African public procurement systems, highlighting strategies aimed at reducing import dependency and strengthening domestic economies. As African countries increasingly recognized the benefits of procurement localization, they encountered challenges such as limited industrial capacity, infrastructural deficiencies, regulatory constraints, and inadequate financing for local businesses. Using case studies from countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia, the study highlighted how targeted policies, regulatory support, and capacity-building initiatives empowered local suppliers, supported small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostered economic resilience. The article emphasized the need for well-defined regulatory frameworks and cross-border cooperation, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to enhance localization. Key recommendations included strengthening policies to promote local sourcing, developing infrastructure, improving access to financing for SMEs, and aligning national and regional procurement standards to create a cohesive environment for supply chain localization. These insights aimed to guide African governments and stakeholders toward more effective localization strategies that could contribute to sustainable growth and economic independence.
Keywords: Supply Chain Localization, Public Procurement, Economic Resilience & African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA
Effect of Loan Portfolio Management on Profitability of Financial Institutions: A Case Study of Bank of Kigali Plc (2020-2022)
No full textAbstract
This 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
Contribution of Microfinance Services on Performance of Cooperatives in Rusizi District, Case Study of KOIMUNYA
No full textThis study had to determine the contribution of microfinance services to performance of cooperatives in Rusizi district, with a case study of KOIMUNYA, through identifying the contribution of microcredit, assessing the contribution of saving services and the contribution of money transfer services, as offered by microfinance, in addition to analyzing the contribution of financial trainings organized by microfinance, to the performance of KOIMUNYA, from June 2023 up September 2023. The literature review defined key concepts and developed conceptual review related to microfinances services and cooperative performance, and theoretical review such as Financial Intermediation Theory, Agency theory, Social Capital Theory, Social Exchange Theory and Resource Dependence Theory. Moreover, empirical review and conceptual framework regarding the contribution of microfinance services, in terms of independent variables, on performance of KOIMUNYA, in terms of dependent variables, were provided to finally end up with a research gap. This study was conducted on 1804 members of KOIMUNYA, among whom a sample size of 327 respondents was selected, to respectively answer to questionnaire for a descriptive and correlative analysis, with the help of SPSS computer packages, version 20. The study revealed that microcredit, saving services, money transfer and financial trainings as offered by microfinance institutions, with respective (β=0.539), (β=0.597); (β=0.593) and (β=-0.593) and with significance (all p<0.05) had significant contribution to the performance of KOIMUNYA. So, the study concluded that microfinance services had been significantly contributing to the performance of cooperatives in Rusizi district. However, the study recommended, for cooperatives, to further develop and expand its microcredit offerings to better meet the diverse financial needs of cooperative members, to consider introducing innovative savings products that incentivize regular saving and provide competitive interest rates, and assess the content, format, and delivery of financial training programs to identify potential areas for improvement.
Key words: Microcredit, Saving Services, Money Transfer and Performance of Cooperative
The Effect of E-Banking Adoption on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in Commercial Banks in Rwanda: A Case of Bank of Kigali
No full textThe study sought to assess the impact of e-banking adoption on customer satisfaction and loyalty in commercial banks in Rwanda. The study specific objectives were: to identify the relationship between using of electronic banking and customer satisfaction in Bank of Kigali Bank; to determine whether the e-banking adoption can affect customer satisfaction or at Bank of Kigali; to identify the opportunities that can increase customer satisfaction by using electronic banking adoption at Bank of Kigali; to identifies the major challenges of electronic-banking on customer satisfaction at Bank of Kigali. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study involved collection of data at a single point in time in the target population. Descriptive means that the study described phenomenon as it is without doing any form of manipulation. The study used a sample size 400 respondents from staff and customers (clients) of Bank of Kigali. Sampling techniques for this study were both simple random and purposive random. Purposive sampling was used to obtain Bank of Kigali official, simple random was used because when sampling population all were having equal probability of being selected. The source of data was primary and secondary 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. Based on correlation analysis among the explanatory variables reliability, empathy and responsiveness are good predictors of level of customer satisfaction in electronic banking due to their higher correlation coefficient in relation to assurance and tangibility. The independent variables those are the five e-banking adoption dimensions, have a positive relationship with customer satisfaction in e-banking. Beside for the response of question in reliability, responsiveness, assurance, Reliability on customer Satisfaction in Bank of Kigali.67.8% of respondents strongly agreed that the bank performs its Electronic banking adoptions without errors, 23.3% agreed with the statement, none of respondents were undecided, 6.4% disagreed with the statement while 2.5% strongly disagreed with the statement. Also 18.9 % of respondents strongly agreed that Electronic banking adoptions are performed within the promised time; 20.6 % agreed with the statement, 23.9% were undecided, 31.1% disagreed with the statement while 5.6 % strongly disagreed with the statement. Moreover, 45.8% of respondents strongly agreed that Bank shows sincere concern in solving my problems, related to electronic banking business operations, 14.4% agreed with the statement, 23.9% were undecided, 10.6 % disagreed with the statement while 5.3% strongly agreed with it. The study findings also showed that 11.7 % of respondents strongly agreed that the bank performs electronic banking adoption exactly as promised. 75.8 % agreed with the statement none of respondents were undecided. The study recommended that Bank of Kigali E-banking Service requires integrated and collaborative approach with all stakeholders. Bank of Kigali should collect customer experience data in real-time across all channels and touch points.
Key words: E-Banking Adoption, Customer Satisfaction, Loyalty, Commercial Banks, Electronic Banking
The Effect of Board Composition on Long-Term Firm Performance: NASDAQ versus NYSE
No full textIn response to multiple corporate scandals in the closing years of the 20th century, the SEC implemented board-independence requirements in 2003 for companies listed on NASDAQ and NYSE. According to the prior research on principal-agent theory and the effects of board composition on financial performance, increased monitoring and improved oversight mechanisms stemming from board independence enhance the long-term success of publicly traded companies. This study aims to determine whether the 2003 independent-board mandate affected the performance of U.S. companies traded on NASDAQ differently from those traded on NYSE. We expected the more stringent measures adopted for NYSE firms to have a greater effect on long-term firm performance than the less stringent measures adopted for NASDAQ firms. We conducted the study using a sample of 381 U.S. companies traded on NASDAQ and 857 U.S. companies traded on NYSE over the period from 1997 to 2012. We examined the information utilizing a difference-in-difference-in-difference research design and assessed company performance using Tobin’s Q. Our findings indicate that independent boards significantly improved the long-term financial performance of companies listed on NYSE but had no impact on companies traded on NASDAQ. Our contribution to the body of research is the discovery that the 2003 board-independence standards adopted by NASDAQ impacted long-term firm performance differently than those adopted by NYSE.
Keywords: board composition, financial performance, firm performance, independent boards, NASDAQ, NYSE, Tobin’s