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Project Planning Practices and Performance in Rwanda: A Case of Umurimo Kuri Bose Project in Rwamagana District
No full textNobody sets out to fail, yet projects are still failing to reach to their intended objectives. This cross-sectional research design investigated effect of project planning practices and project performance, evidence from Umurimo Kuri Bose in Rwamagana District, Rwanda. Specifically, this study sought to analyse the effect of project scope planning, and project risk planning on project performance, a case of Umurimo Kuri Bose Project. The population of this research was beneficiaries of Umurimo Kuri Bose, a project implemented by education development center in Rwamagana district and local leaders in Rwamagana district. Total population were 906 and sample size was 279 calculated using Yamane formula. Both simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed. Regarding to first objective of this study, the findings showed that 50.5% concurred that, identifying project activities significantly contribute to the performance of Umurimo Kuri Bose Project, and about 46.5% strongly agreed that estimation significantly contributes to the performance of the project while 37.7% asserted that identifying risk and their risk response is the main contributor of project performance. During the interview, staff members of EDC emphasised that identifying overall project activities and align them with time and budget should be the root foundation of ensuring better project performance. Moreover, the findings showed that most of the respondents agreed that cost efficiency, quality of a completed project and completing a project on time are the main indicators of a project performance indicated by 78.8%, 68.4% and 65.2% respectively. Based on the interpretation of collected and analyzed data during this study which aimed to assess the contribution of project planning practices and project performance. The study concluded effective scope planning, cost planning and risk significantly contribute to the performance of project in Rwanda whereby scope planning has 0.696, cost planning has 0.749 and risk planning has 0.845 with project performance. The study recommended similar organizations to EDC to adopt the habit of cost, scope and risk planning in their planning practices as a way of securing project performance; for effective and efficiency use of resources, during cost planning, organizations are advised to outsource experienced personnel in budgeting and finance; lastly there is always a need to set a clear and realistic project scope during project planning which is the basis for setting clear project indicators, outputs and outcomes.
Keywords: Project Planning, Project scope planning, Project risk planning, Performanc
Influence of Project Resources Management and Performance of Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of project resources management on the performance of the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) in Rwanda. The study had three specific objectives: to determine the impact of human resource management, to establish the influence of financial resource management, and to assess the effect of access to physical resource management on SAIP performance. The study was grounded in the theories of resource dependence and resource-based theory, providing a solid foundation for the investigation into the relationship between project resources management and SAIP performance. The study utilized both descriptive and inferential research designs. Descriptive research was employed to describe project resources management and project performance, while inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple linear regressions, were used to analyze the relationship between project resources management and SAIP project performance. The target population consisted of 1124 employees of the SAIP project, with a sample size of approximately 92 employees determined using Yamane's formula. Convenience sampling was used to select the sample. Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires and an interview with the project manager. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis, and the results were presented in a narrative format. The results revealed a significant positive effect of human resources on SAIP project performance, with β1 = 0.404, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05, t = 7.127. This implies that increasing human resources by one unit leads to a 0.404 unit increase in SAIP project performance. Similarly, financial resources were found to have a significant positive effect on SAIP project performance, with β2 = 0.284, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05, t = 4.821. Increasing financial resources by one unit results in a 0.181 unit increase in project performance. Additionally, physical resources were found to have a significant positive effect on SAIP project performance, with β3 = 0.106, p-value = 0.043 < 0.05, t = 2.041. Increasing physical resources by one unit leads to a 0.395 unit increase in project performance. The overall view of respondents regarding the performance of the SAIP project was highly positive, with a mean score of 4.29 and a standard deviation of 1.16, providing strong evidence of high project performance. The study concluded that efficient management of project resources, including human, financial, and physical resources, greatly influences project performance in terms of timely completion, reduced costs, satisfaction of project beneficiaries, and improved project deliverables. The study recommends that SAIP projects prioritize training programs to enhance the performance of human resources. Additionally, effective financial resources management, careful monitoring of costs, accurate estimation of project costs based on execution conditions, and special attention to project materials management are crucial. Developing a comprehensive project schedule and implementing regular checks and controls are also recommended to ensure timely completion and proactive management of deviations.
Keywords: Project Resources Management, human resources management, financial resources management, physical resources management, SAIP, Rwand
Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of Projects in Rwanda: A Case of Building Learning Foundations (BLF) Project of British Council in Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this research was to examine the effect of monitoring and evaluation practices on performance of British council projects in Rwanda. The research adopted a descriptive research design and targeted a population of 109 individuals where a sample of 99 respondents were drawn by use of simple random sampling. 98 participated in this research giving response rate of 98.2%. The results of the first objective of the study revealed a strong agreement among respondents by mean scores ranging from 4.250 to 4.333 indicate a high level of agreement and support for the statements regarding linking M&E with strategic plans enhances project performance in the British council education project in Rwanda. The correlation results support the descriptive findings by providing statistical evidence of strong positive relationships between linking M&E to strategic plans and project timeline, budget, and quality. The Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.899 for project timeline, 0.867 for project budget and 0.875 for project quality demonstrated the strength and direction of these relationships. The p-values of 0.00 which are below the standard statistical significance indicate that these correlations are highly significant. The results of the second objective showed mean scores for all statements range from 4.277 to 4.342 confirming the respondent’s agreement regarding the positive effect of participatory M&E on performance of British council education project. Its correlation results show that the correlation coefficients/Pearson correlation (r) indicate strong and positive relationship between use of participatory M&E and project timeline (r = 0.883, p < 0.01), project budget (r = 0.890, p < 0.01), and project quality (r = 0.855, p < 0.01). Since, all the calculated p-values (Sig. 2-tailed) for all correlations are reported as 0.000, which is less than the significance level of 0.01. This implies that these correlations suggest that there is a significant and positive effect of the use of participatory M&E on performance of British education project in Rwanda. The third objective results show mean scores ranging from 4.250 to 4.629 confirming that respondents strongly agreed that M&E results dissemination has effect on performance of British council education project. Its correlation results show a strong positive correlation between M&E results dissemination and project timeline (r = 0.868, p < 0.01), project budget (r = 0.913, p < 0.01), and project quality (r = 0.878, p < 0.01). The p-values (Sig. 2-tailed) for all correlations are reported as 0.000, which is less than the significance level of 0.01. The study reveals significant positive effects of disseminating M&E results on the performance of the British Council education project in Rwanda. Respondents strongly agree that integrating M&E into strategic plans, employing participatory approaches, and ensuring results dissemination are key to enhancing project performance and achieving successful outcomes.
Keywords: M&E Practices, Project Performance, British Council, Rwand
Influence of Strategic Implementations on Performance of Organizations in Rwanda: A Case Study of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC)
No full textThe general objective of this study was to assess the influence of strategic implementation on the organizational performance in Rwanda. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the influence of the strategy implementation on the timely goal’s achievement of WASAC, assess the effect of the strategy implementation on employees’ commitment in WASAC and analyze the contribution of the strategy implementation on internal process performance in WASAC. The study was anchored on resource-based theory, the agency theory and the balanced scorecard model. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The study population comprised of 135 employees of WASAC/Head Office. Using stratified sampling technique, a sample size of 101 respondents was established through Slovin formula, and a 100% response rate was obtained. The researcher used primary data in this study. A closed end questionnaire was utilized. The study used a descriptive research design and correlation analysis to understand general trends, and multiple regression for hypothesis testing, all analyzed through SPSS 26 software. The results of correlation analysis showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the strategy implementation and Timely goals achievement (r=0.721 and sig=0.00<0.01), Employees’ commitment (r=0.758 and sig=0.00<0.01), and internal process efficiency (r= (0.701 and sig=0.00<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that strategy implementation variables contribute 60.84% of the timely goals achievement, 53.3% of the employee commitment, and 58% of the Internal process efficiency in WASAC Ltd. Based on the hypotheses testing within ANOVA, all null hypotheses were rejected at 5% level of significance due to the fact that the results indicated that there is positive and significant effect of strategy implementation on performance of WASAC. The study recommended that WASAC implement mechanism which should ensure that it adapts quickly its budget on evolving changes occurring while implementing its strategy, and that it enhances more its strategic implementation so that they ensure it reaches its goals within specified time frames. The study also recommends that WASAC Ltd prioritize the three identified independent variables: resource allocation, strategic leadership, and strategy evaluation systems, in their strategy implementation process. The strategy evaluation systems should also be continually updated and refined.
Keywords: Strategic Implementations, Performance of Organizations, Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), Rwand
Crowdfunding and its Impact on Startup Financing Among the Youths in Tampines, Singapore
No full textCrowdfunding has revolutionized startup financing by providing a platform for entrepreneurs to secure capital from a broad base of investors or backers. This innovative funding method has democratized access to financial resources, enabling startups to turn their creative ideas into viable businesses. The impact of crowdfunding extends beyond financial support, fostering community engagement, market validation, and a sense of shared ownership among backers, making it a dynamic force in the entrepreneurial landscape. Descriptive research methodology was used for this study. The 900 young entrepreneurs of Tampines, Singapore were the intended audience. The study's sample size was 750 people, drawn at random from the pool of 900 young entrepreneurs in Tampines, Singapore. The information was collected using questionnaires. In conclusion, crowdfunding has emerged as a vital source of startup financing among youths in Tampines, Singapore. It offers a democratic platform that allows young entrepreneurs to access capital, test market demand, and build a community of supporters. However, its impact can vary depending on the campaign's appeal, marketing efforts, and the unique challenges faced by each startup, highlighting the need for a well-thought-out strategy when utilizing crowdfunding as a financing avenue. The study recommended that to harness the potential of crowdfunding for youth startups in Tampines, Singapore, it is crucial to invest in digital marketing and social media campaigns that effectively communicate the value proposition of the business and engage the local community. Collaborative efforts between government agencies and local organizations can help educate young entrepreneurs on the intricacies of crowdfunding, providing workshops and resources to enhance their campaign planning and execution. Startups should focus on building a compelling narrative and showcasing their social impact, as this can resonate strongly with backers and increase the chances of successful crowdfunding campaigns while fostering a sense of community involvement in Tampines.
Keywords: Crowdfunding, Startups, Financing, Youths, Singapor
Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Women Empowerment in the Tea Industries of Rwanda A Case of Rwanda Mountain Tea, Rutsiro Tea Estate
No full textThe purpose of this research is to examine the monitoring influences, practice evaluation and women's empowerment in the tea industries in Rwanda. This work is guided by three specific objectives which are: To determine the effect of monitoring and evaluation planning on women's empowerment in the tea industries in Rwanda, to establish the effect of monitoring and evaluation technical expertise on women's empowerment in the tea industries in Rwanda and to determine the influence of stakeholder involvement in monitoring and evaluation on women's empowerment in the tea industries in Rwanda. This descriptive study focused on the impact of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices on women's empowerment in Rwanda's tea industry. The target population included permanent and casual workers at Rutsiro Tea Estate. The study employed a descriptive research design, utilizing Slovene's formula for sample size determination. A sample of 178 respondents was selected via simple random purposive sampling. Data were collected using interviews and questionnaires. The study results indicated a significant positive relationship between M&E planning and women's empowerment (mean result: 4.37), with a statistically significant relationship (Pearson correlation: 0.956**). Similarly, the technical proficiency of M&E demonstrated a significant relationship with women's empowerment (Pearson correlation: 0.857**). Stakeholders' involvement in M&E also showed a notable influence on women's empowerment (mean result: 4.27) with a statistically significant relationship (Pearson correlation: 0.959**). The research highlights the critical role of M&E practices in promoting women's empowerment in Rwanda's tea industry. Stakeholders' involvement, technical proficiency, and effective planning were found to be crucial in enhancing women's empowerment. The study underscores the need for policymakers, specifically the National Agricultural Export Development Board, to implement facilitated policies and provide consistent professional support and resources to promote women's engagement in the tea industry.
Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation Practices, Women Empowerment, Tea Industries, Rwand
Strategic Value Addition and Performance of Coffee Export Project during Covid-19 Era in Rwanda: A Case Study of Charles Dorman Rwanda, Kamonyi District
No full textThis research investigated the impact of strategic value addition on the coffee export industry in Rwanda, particularly during the Covid-19 era, using Charles Dorman Rwanda in Kamonyi District as a case study. The study aimed to assess the influence of factors such as coffee accessibility to the global market, the involvement of coffee farmers, and the presence of high-quality coffee washing stations, and skilled labor on the export project's performance. Through a descriptive research design, data were collected from 124 respondents through questionnaires and from 9 senior managers and board members through semi-structured interviews. The sample size was determined using the Slovene formula, and respondents were selected through simple random sampling. SPSS version 24 was utilized to analyze the data, employing descriptive statistics, as well as correlation and regression analysis to uncover the relationships between the variables. The results have showed that training coffee farmers showed strong correlations with market expansion (r = 0.837), profitability (r = 0.804), and stakeholder satisfaction (r = 0.895). Higher quality coffee washing stations showed significant correlations with market expansion (r = 0.880), profitability (r = 0.910), and stakeholder satisfaction (r = 0.919). Voluntary coffee certification demonstrated strong correlations with market expansion (r = 0.884), profitability (r = 0.883), and stakeholder satisfaction (r = 0.892). In addition, other factors like market demand, financial support, and export incentives revealed highly significant positive correlations with market expansion, profitability, and stakeholder satisfaction. These findings underscore the multifaceted drivers shaping the project's performance. This study has demonstrated that training coffee farmers, investing in higher quality coffee washing stations, and implementing voluntary coffee certification significantly enhance the performance of the Charles Dorman coffee export project in Rwanda. Recommendations are made on continued government investment in coffee farmer training, improvements in coffee washing stations, streamlined certification processes, and active stakeholder engagement as well as collaboration since it is vital for project success and sustainability.
Keywords: Strategic value addition, coffee export, Charles Dorman, Kamonyi District, Rwand
Role of Project Risk Assessment on Performance of Credit Products at Bank of Africa, Rwanda
No full textThe study examined the role of project risk assessment on performance of credit products at the Bank of Africa in Rwanda. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To determine the contribution of technical feasibility on performance of credit product at Bank of Africa, to establish the contribution of project financial viability on performance of credit product at Bank of Africa and to evaluate the contribution of client’s credit rating on performance of credit product at Bank of Africa. This study applied descriptive design to get results related to the study, the target population as well sample size was 72 respondents. Researcher utilized census as sampling technique. The source of data was primary and secondary methods. Questionnaires were adopted to collect primary data and documentary review applied for collecting secondary data. The data was obtained using descriptive statistical analysis with use of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics by the use of Pearson correlation (r) and multiple linear regression analysis through Social Packages and Statistical Science version 23. The presentation of results was presented using tables, the pilot test was determined to ensure the validity and reliability of instrument used in data collection. The results were presented using Pearson Coefficient Correlation to indicate the relationship between variables, the findings showed that technical feasibility correlated with credit product at Bank of Africa at r=0.76; Furthermore, project financial viability influences performance of credits products at correlation coefficient of .738 while the findings showed that there is positive correlation between client’s credit rating and performance of credit product at Bank of Africa at 72.1%. The study concludes that project risk assessment contributes to the performance of credit products through technical feasibility, project financial viability and client’s credit rating. The study recommends that project implementors need to improve the client credit rating to enhance performance of credit products.
Keywords: Project Risk Assessment, Performance, Credit Products, Rwand
Enhancing Project Management through Exploratory Factor Analysis of Safety Performance in Dubai's Construction Industry
No full textThe construction industry in Dubai, known for its rapid growth and towering skyscrapers, has faced significant challenges ensuring the safety of its workforce. The purpose of this study was to enhance project management practices through an exploratory factor analysis of safety performance within this sector. This research aimed to identify the underlying factors that contribute to safety outcomes and to provide a data-driven foundation for improving safety measures. Addressing the problem of frequent construction accidents and the high rate of safety incidents, this study hypothesized that a multifaceted approach to safety analysis would reveal complex interdependencies affecting worker safety. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of incident reports and safety records from various construction projects in Dubai over the past five years, coupled with surveys and interviews with industry professionals. The data underwent exploratory factor analysis to ascertain the primary variables impacting safety performance. Findings indicated that key factors affecting safety included worker training, communication efficacy, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of protective equipment. Surprisingly, statistical analysis revealed that projects with high safety investments did not always correlate with lower incident rates, suggesting the importance of qualitative factors over mere financial commitment. The study concludes that enhancing safety performance in Dubai’s construction industry requires a holistic approach that goes beyond financial investment in safety. Recommendations include implementing regular, targeted training programs, improving on-site communication channels, strict enforcement of safety protocols, and fostering a safety-centric organizational culture. In light of these conclusions, the study advocates for policy revisions at the regulatory level and a shift in the industry’s safety paradigm. The recommended strategic changes aim to not only mitigate the risks inherent in the construction industry but also to enhance the overall management of construction projects in the dynamic landscape of Dubai.
Keywords. Project Management, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Safety Performance, Construction Industry, Duba
Influence of Empowerment of Team Leadership on Team Effectiveness of Collaborative Partnerships in International Research Organizations in Kenya
No full textThe study examined the impact of empowering team leadership on the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya. The research was guided by the following question: How does empowering team leadership influence the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya? The study utilized Hill's (2001) theory of team leadership as a theoretical framework and employed a positivist research philosophy. A correlational research design was employed, and a census of 164 program leaders, project managers, and heads of departments from 12 international research organizations was conducted. Structured questionnaires were employed as the data collection method, and the collected data was subsequently organized, coded, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed for analysis. The correlation results indicated a positive and significant association between empowering team leadership and team effectiveness. The regression analysis (R2) demonstrated that 33.2% of the variation in team effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya could be explained by empowering team leadership. Furthermore, the regression results revealed a significant positive relationship between empowering team leadership and team effectiveness (β = .597, t (151) = 8.72, p<.05). The null hypothesis was rejected. Hence, empowerment of team leadership significantly influences the team effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in international research organizations in Kenya. The study concludes that strategies for empowering team leadership may involve skill development, promoting awareness and fostering inclusivity in decision-making processes. Empowerment can enhance motivation and engagement among team members, thereby facilitating better communication and collaboration within the team. It is recommended that international research organizations operating in Kenya prioritize the empowerment of team leadership. Empowering team leadership is crucial for any organization as it cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability among team members, leading to heightened motivation, productivity, and overall team effectiveness. The international research organizations in Kenya should provide training and development opportunities, establish clear goals and expectations, and foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. Additionally, international research organizations operating in Kenya should promote open communication, encourage collaboration and teamwork and establish mechanisms to recognize and reward exceptional performance.
Keywords: Empowerment, team leadership, team effectiveness, international research organizations, Keny