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Project Evaluation and Performance of Roads Construction in Rwanda: A Case of Nyarutarama Property Developers COTRACO Projects
No full textThe general objective of this study was to determine the degree to which Rwandan road building performance is influenced by the evaluation of road projects. The specific goals were to examine the road construction project evaluation process and its effect on Rwanda's road construction performance, to assess the impact of formative project evaluation on Rwanda's road construction performance, and to evaluate the impact of summative project evaluation on Rwanda's road construction performance. Descriptive research design was adopted for this study as it assessed a sample at one specific point in time without trying to make inferences or causal statements; the target population is composed of sixty-six (66) fulltime workers of NPD – COTRACO Ltd in Rwanda who spends their working hours of the day in road construction activities in this company. The sampling technique was census. In this research work, questionnaires, and documentation data collection techniques were used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23.0) software. It was first edited, categorized, or coded and computerized. Mean and standard deviation were utilized in descriptive statistics, while regression analysis was employed in inferential statistics to identify and demonstrate the strength of the link between the variables. The findings show that process evaluation relates positively with performance of road construction projects and cannot be concluded that this variable affects the dependent variable since (β=0.063, p˃0.05; p=0.360); There is a positive relationship between formative evaluation and performance of road construction of NPD-COTRACO as results are statistically significant since (β=0.875, p<0.5; p=0.000); and summative evaluation relates positively with performance of road construction of NPD-COTRACO and cannot be concluded that this variable affects the dependent variable since (β=0.59, p˃0.5; p=0.265). The recommendation that construction companies need to have a budget covering the whole of the project as the budget affects the performance of road construction implementation was provided.
Keywords: Project Evaluation, Performance of Roads Construction, Nyarutarama Property Developers COTRACO, Rwand
Contribution of Poultry Farming Products on Farmer’s Socio-Economic Well-Being in Rwanda: A Case of Cooperative of Murambi Poultry Farming “COMUPOFA”
No full textThe Rwanda's economy is largely based on agriculture, but many farmers remain distressed due to low productivity, small family land ownership, rapid population growth, and the use of local farming systems. Poultry production, as one part of livestock production, has a difficult toward miss benefit to add to the poultry sector and poultry are kept within rural areas for consumption and marketing. The objectives of the study were the following: to determine the contributions of poultry farming products, to examine the level of social wellbeing and its correlation. The methodology comprised of a descriptive research design, quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Target population was 103 farmers of COMUPOFA and all of them were our sample. Sampling techniques used was purposive and census sampling techniques. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and interview guide. The findings revealed that poultry farming products contributed to the social wellbeing after joining the cooperative COMUPOFA as respondents said that eggs, meat and manure contributed to improve food and nutrition security (62.1%) and increased earning and savings (46.6%), increased job opportunities (51.5%), increased harvested crops (41.7%), paying school fees (44.7%), health insurance (41.7%) and poultry products contribute to gain of land, buildings, and equipment (40.8%). The challenges encountered by the farmers were identified: Vaccine, non-Quality and Accessibility (48.5%), large poultry feed prices (57.3%), presence of adulterated poultry food flooding at the market (40.8%), high start-up capital (45.6%), the issues of inclusion of antibiotics (50.5%) and the problem of inadequate water supply (43.7%). In addition, there was correlation between production of eggs, meats and manure and socio-economic wellbeing of farmers characterized by payment of health services, payment of education services, contribution to food and nutrition security and increased income demonstrated by increased of earning and savings. Therefore, since the results of the study showed that there is a significant and positive correlation between poultry products (eggs, meat, and manure) and socio-economic wellbeing among farmers. It is very paramount to conclude that the production of poultry products is positively associated with the ability to pay for health and education services, contribute towards food and nutrition security, and increase earnings and savings. Therefore, the study suggests that investing in poultry farming may have positive socio-economic impacts on the livelihoods of farmers. It is in this regard, the cooperative staff, NGOs, and Government agents should continue mobilizing the young people to join or create the cooperative for better improving the level of well-being and continue influencing the community to invest in livestock farming to improve their well-being.
Keywords: Poultry Farming Products, Farmer’s Socio-Economic Well-Being, Cooperative of Murambi Poultry Farming, COMUPOFA, Rwand
Outsourcing Practices and Organizational Performance in Rwanda: A Case of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd
No full textThis paper examined the effect of outsourcing practices on performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd in Rwanda. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of human resource practices outsourcing on performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd, to assess the effect of accounting practices on organizational performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd, and to establish the effect of maintenance practices on performance of Ampersand Rwanda Ltd. The target population was 287 and the sample size was 182 respondents using Yamane formula. The study used simple random sampling and purposive sampling to choose respondents. The researcher collected data using questionnaire, interview guide and desk review from Ampersand reports. The researcher used descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics for statistical (correlation and regression analysis) information while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis in terms of themes and subthemes. Findings on outsourcing human resource activities indicate strategic management at a mean of 4.333, service development at a mean of 3.666, and operational services at a mean of 4.000 have been outsourced as human resource activities. For strategic management, there was a positive insignificant relationship between strategic management and cost efficiency (=0.049, p=0.41), strategic management and profitability(r=0.074, p-value=0.233). A significant relationship was between cost leadership and sales (r=0.231**, p value=0.006), rising investment (r=0.159**, p-value=0.043), with net profit (r=0.174**=0.014). Results on outsourcing accounting demonstrated a mean of 3.33, human resources with a mean of 4.400, information resources with a mean of 4.00 were adopted by Ampersand Rwanda Ltd. There are significant correlations found between finance and cost efficiency (r=0.215, p-value=0.048), accounting and profitability (r=0.512, p-value=0.036). Human resources were insignificantly associated with cost efficiency. There is a significant correlation found between information resources and cost efficiency (-0.523*, p-value=0.031). Results found that outsourcing security activities (mean of 3.833). Outsourcing work force activities (mean of 3.333), outsourcing cleaning activities (mean of 2.833) were adopted. Significant correlations were established outsourcing security activities and cost efficiency (r=.167*, p=.078), outsourcing security activities and productivity (r=0.393, p-value=0.000), profitability (r=0.560*, p-value=0.056). Outsourcing work force activities was negatively associated with cost efficiency) r=.050*, p=.078), and productivity (r=-159*, p=.093), but it was positively correlated with profitability). The researcher recommended the need to rely on primary activities, and to revise its policies. The firm should adopt maintenance activities outsourcing to increase flexibility and reduce weaknesses, which can be an appropriate outsourcing activity.
Keywords: Accounting and Finance Outsourcing, Maintenance practices Outsourcing, Cost Efficiency, Operational Outsourcing, Practices, Organizational Performance, Human resource practices, Productivity, and Profitability
Entrepreneurial Mindset and Venture Success: A Study of Startups in Vancouver, Canada
No full textThe entrepreneurial mindset plays a crucial role in the success of ventures across Canada. Startups led by entrepreneurs with a strong entrepreneurial mindset are more likely to achieve sustainable growth, secure funding, and attract talented employees. Traits such as risk-taking, resilience, innovation, adaptability, and a growth-oriented mindset are key drivers of venture success. The presence of a supportive ecosystem that provides access to capital, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities further enhances the likelihood of entrepreneurial success in Canada. Fostering the entrepreneurial mindset and creating an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning are essential for promoting venture success across the country. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between the entrepreneurial mindset and venture success among startups in Vancouver. Startups whose founders exhibited a higher level of entrepreneurial mindset are more likely to achieve sustainable growth, secure funding, and attract talented employees. Entrepreneurs with strong entrepreneurial mindsets actively sought partnerships, mentorship, and access to industry networks, enhancing their startups' visibility, growth opportunities, and potential for success. The study concluded that entrepreneurs who embrace calculated risks and introduce innovative products or services gain a competitive advantage and adapt to dynamic market conditions. Entrepreneurs who possess a resilient mindset, learn from failures, and persevere in the face of adversity have a higher likelihood of achieving venture success. The study recommended that in order to cultivate and nurture the entrepreneurial mindset among aspiring entrepreneurs, educational institutions should incorporate entrepreneurship education and training programs. Creation of incubators and accelerators that provide workspace, networking opportunities, and tailored support services will foster a collaborative environment for startups to thrive and overcome challenges.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Mindset, Venture Success, Startups, Canad
Employee Relations and Staff Performance in Public Universities within Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe study examined the link between staff performance and employee relations practices in public universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine how employee welfare, communication, and participation affect staff performance. Descriptive research methodology was used, guided by the Human Theory and Scientific Management Theory. The target respondents were university staff members, including teaching and non-teaching staff. To accomplish the study's goals, descriptive statistics were used to analyse the primary data obtained (structured questionnaires). SPSS version 26 was used to analyse the quantitative data produced using descriptive statistics. The study found that there was a significant positive correlation between all the study variables: employee performance and employee welfare (r=0.783, p <0.05); employee performance and employee communication (r=0.803, p <0.05); and employee performance and employee participation (r=0.759, p <0.05). The regression results indicate that all three objectives (employee welfare, employee communication, and employee participation) positively affect employee performance in public universities in Nairobi, Kenya. The study found that there is a strong positive correlation between employee relations practices and staff performance in public universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. This means that when employee relations practices are well managed, staff performance is likely to be high. The study recommends that public universities in Nairobi County, Kenya should focus on improving their employee relations practices in order to enhance staff performance.
Keywords: Employee Relations, Staff Performance, Public Universities, Nairobi County, Keny
Role of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices to the Successful Implementation of Projects: A Case of Health Post Project in Musanze District, Rwanda
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices on the effective execution of health projects in Rwanda, focusing on the Society for Family Health's (SFH) initiatives in Musanze District. Utilizing a descriptive survey and correlational research design, both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed, targeting a population of 102 individuals through stratified and universal sampling techniques. The results revealed strong positive correlations (0.774, 0.756, and 0.764) between M&E design and planning, M&E information dissemination, M&E budgeting, and project implementation, emphasizing the critical role of robust M&E practices in achieving successful project outcomes. Furthermore, the multiple regression analysis highlighted the significance of M&E design and planning (β=0.811, p=0.026), M&E information dissemination (β=0.676, p=0.019), and M&E budgeting (β=1.379, p=0.000) in optimizing project implementation. In light of these findings, it is recommended that SFH prioritize comprehensive project planning, incorporating well-defined objectives, measurable indicators, and clear M&E frameworks. Moreover, continuous and effective dissemination of M&E information is crucial to ensure stakeholders' awareness and engagement. Additionally, dedicating ample resources to M&E budgeting is essential for the successful execution of health post-projects, further emphasizing the necessity of robust M&E practices in fostering the Society for Family Health's initiatives in Musanze District.
Keywords: M&E practices, projects implementation, design and planning, information dissemination, budgeting
Influence of Risk Management on Project Performance: A Case of Investment and Mortgage Bank (I&M Bank) Building Project in Nyarugenge District (2018-2022)
No full textThis research is investigating the influence of risk management on project performance: a case of investment and mortgage bank (I&M Bank) building project in Nyarugenge. This research achieved the following objectives: to examine the influence of risks identification on performance of Investment and Mortgage Bank building project in Nyarugenge district; to analyze the influence of risks analysis on performance of Investment and Mortgage Bank building project in Nyarugenge district; the influence of risks response on performance of Investment and Mortgage Bank building project in Nyarugenge district and the influence of risks evaluation and control on performance of Investment and Mortgage Bank building project in Nyarugenge district. The population was comprised of respondents of Investment and Mortgage Bank building project in Nyarugenge district in different departments targeting 151 respondents. The study adopt primary and secondary data to get all information needed in this study, the quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics after running the data collected through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The coefficients for the predictor variables show that Risks identification has a coefficient of (β= 0.193, t=2.449, p value=0. 016) indicates a significant influence of risks identification on performance of I&M Bank building project in Nyarugenge district, Risks analysis has a coefficient of (β= 0.173, t=2.235, p value=0.021) indicates a significant influence of risks analysis on performance of I&M Bank building project in Nyarugenge district, Risks response has a coefficient of (β= 0.247, t=2.881, p value=0.005) indicates a significant influence of risks response on performance of I&M Bank building project in Nyarugenge district, Risks evaluation and control has a coefficient of (β= 0.264, t=3.274, p value=0.001) indicates a significant influence of risks evaluation and control on performance of I&M Bank building project in Nyarugenge district. As indicated by their associated Sig. Values below 0.05, all these coefficients have significant effect on Performance of project. Investment and Mortgage Bank building project in Nyarugenge district is recommended to have effective communication with employees about the company's risk assessment recommended, as it will help them understand the approach to risk management.
Keywords: Risk Management, Risks Identification, Risks Analysis, Risks Response, Risks Evaluation and Control, Project Performanc
Importance of Entrepreneurial Networks on Business Performance in Developing Countries: A case study of India
No full textEntrepreneurial networks play a pivotal role in enhancing business performance in developing countries. The study sought to investigate the importance of entrepreneurial networks on business performance in developing countries: A case study of India. These networks offer vital access to capital, knowledge sharing, and market insights, addressing challenges faced by startups and small businesses in resource-constrained environments. Additionally, they foster collaboration, partnerships, and provide advocacy, leveling the playing field for smaller enterprises. The collective impact of these network-driven advantages can drive economic growth and development, making entrepreneurial networks a cornerstone of success in developing countries. Findings from the case study in India highlight the significant role of entrepreneurial networks in alleviating capital constraints for businesses, enabling them to secure funding and drive growth. These networks foster knowledge sharing, helping businesses adapt to the dynamic market by exchanging experiences and best practices. Moreover, they provide essential market insights, allowing businesses to tailor their offerings to cater to the diverse regional preferences in India, ultimately improving their business performance. In conclusion, the case study in India underscores the pivotal role of entrepreneurial networks in driving business performance in developing countries. These networks offer access to capital, facilitate knowledge sharing, and provide market insights, addressing key challenges faced by businesses. Their collective impact contributes to economic growth and development, making them essential components in fostering entrepreneurship and prosperity in developing nations. It is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders focus on creating an enabling environment for network formation and strengthening. This includes measures to promote entrepreneurship education, simplify access to capital, and foster regional collaboration to expand market opportunities for businesses.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Networks, Business Performance, Developing Countries, Indi
Assessing the Role of Strategic Project Management in Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Competitive Performance of Fashion Industry in Italy
No full textThis study examines the impact of strategic project management on operational efficiency and competitive performance within Italy's fashion industry. The purpose was to ascertain how strategic project management practices influence the operational effectiveness and market competitiveness of fashion businesses in a country renowned for its sartorial excellence. Anchored by the research problem that Italian fashion companies face increasing global competition and operational challenges, this inquiry adopted a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were gathered from 150 fashion firms across Italy, utilizing structured surveys to measure project management strategies and performance metrics. In parallel, qualitative interviews with 30 industry experts provided deeper insights. Findings indicated a significant correlation between strategic project management and enhanced operational efficiency, with statistics revealing that firms employing strategic project management were 35% more efficient in resource utilization. Moreover, these firms exhibited a 40% better market performance compared to those with ad-hoc or undeveloped project management approaches. The conclusion drawn from the study is that a rigorous strategic project management framework is essential for Italian fashion firms to thrive in the competitive global marketplace. Recommendations included the adoption of bespoke strategic project management training programs, investment in project management software tailored to the unique needs of fashion enterprises, and the integration of agile methodologies to foster adaptability and innovation. The study suggests that these measures could lead to sustained improvements in operational and competitive performance for the Italian fashion industry.
Keywords: Strategic Project Management, Operational Efficiency, Competitive Performance, Fashion Industry, Ital
Risk Management Process and Public Implementation of Environment Projects in Rwanda: A Case Study of Landscape Restoration Project at Amayaga Region
No full textThe research discussed the risks management process and public implementation of environmental project. The specific objectives of this study were to identify the extent to which monitoring and control process can influence public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda, to assess the role of community involvement to ensure effective public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda and to establish the relationship between project risk management process and public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda. The study employed a stratified cross-sectional correctional research design to observe the Landscape Restoration Project at Amayaga Region. The target population of 102 included various staff members, and a sample of 81 was randomly selected from different departments. Questionnaires and documentation were utilized for data collection, and SPSS version 21 aided in data analysis, generating frequency tables and percentages. Findings showed that project monitoring and control, project risk evaluation, project knowledge and communication to a constant zero, public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda would be at 0.463. In addition, any unit increase on project monitoring and control would increase public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda by a factor of 0.174. Any unit increase in project risk evaluation would increase public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda by a factor of 0.192. Lastly any unit in project knowledge and communication would increase in public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda by a factor of 0.167.The study concluded that project monitoring and control has a positive and significant effect on public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda. It was evidenced by regression results that revealed that project monitoring and control contributed to a significant increase in public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda. Project monitoring and control through effective transparency and accountability on project finance and increasing of risk awareness, competent project teams, cost variance assessment, instituting effective budgeting, effective supply chain management and effective project team management contribute to improving public implementation of environmental projects in Rwanda.
Keywords: Risk Management Process, Public Implementation, Environment Projects, Landscape Restoration Project, Amayaga Region, Rwand