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Loan Accessibility and Socio-Economic Development of Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda, A Case of Rulindo District, Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine loan accessibility and socio-economic development of women entrepreneurs in Rwanda using a case of Rulindo district. The specific objectives were to assess the effect of secured loan on socioeconomic development of women entrepreneurs in Rulindo District, establish the effect of unsecured loan on socio-economic development of women entrepreneurs in Rulindo District, analyze the effect of revolving loan on socio-economic development of women entrepreneurs in Rulindo district and examine the effect of term loan on socioeconomic development of women entrepreneurs in Rulindo District. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was 884 women entrepreneurs’ secondary information and the sample size was 388. The study utilized primary and secondary data and thus questionnaires, interview guide and documentary analysis were used to collect the data. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics. rom NGO. The study found that various loan strategies employed in promoting women entrepreneurs in Rulindo District, Rwanda, have significant impacts on their socio-economic development. The research identified secured loan strategies such as individual collateral, group collateral, and third-party collateral. Inferential statistics revealed positive correlations between these strategies and socio-economic development, with a p-value of <0.05 indicating statistical significance. This suggests that an increase in group collateral, for instance, correlates with improved socio-economic outcomes for women entrepreneurs. Regarding unsecured loans based on loan tenure, the results indicated mixed opinions: 35.4% agreed, 52.7% strongly agreed, and 31.6% disagreed with the effectiveness of unsecured loans. The Pearson correlation coefficient suggested that these relationships were positive but statistically less significant. Interestingly, each element was found to significantly reduce socio-economic development in the district. The study also examined revolving loan strategies, such as loans through group membership, the choice of personal projects, and NGO funding as sources. A strong positive correlation was found between these types of loans and improved nutrition status, education, accommodation, and health status of women entrepreneurs, with high correlation coefficients (r values > 0.9) and p-values of 0.000, indicating strong statistical significance. Finally, the study's fourth objective revealed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the increase in revolving group loans and improvements in nutrition, education, accommodation, and health status. This implies a mutually reinforcing relationship between access to these loans and socio-economic benefits for women entrepreneurs in Rulindo District. The study recommends that more training and microcredit schemes to enable women to successfully do their business. A reevaluation of unsecured loan structures is recommended, with a focus on loan tenure to better support women entrepreneurs.
Keywords: Loan Accessibility, Socio-Economic Development, Women Entrepreneurs, Rulindo District, Rwand
Influence of Strategic Communication on Performance of State Corporations in Kenya
No full textState corporations are government-owned companies, boards, or organizations which help the government to deliver some essential functions of the government. Many government programs are delivered through them and a substantial budget is allocated to them. However, in recent times though, reports indicate massive losses and failure of some state corporations in Kenya. Hence, as a contribution to the better performance of state corporations, this study sought to establish the influence of strategic communication on performance of state corporations in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the influence of open communication, clarity of ideas/communication and clear channels of communications on performance of State Corporations in Kenya. The descriptive research design was used. The target population was 187 State Corporations in Kenya. The study used a sample of 66 State Corporations with a total of 264 respondents (4 from each sampled state corporation). The data was collected using questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that strategic communication (open communication, clarity of ideas/communication and clear channels of communication) are significant in explaining performance of state corporations in Kenya. It was found that open communication, clarity of ideas/communication and clear channels of communication can explain 52.9% of the variations in the performance of state corporations in Kenya. The study recommended that state corporations in Kenya should embrace strategic communication such as open communication, clarity of ideas/communication and clear communication channels since it influences performance significantly. The state corporations need to ensure equal information sharing, develop communication feedback mechanisms and encourage employees to express their feedback and thoughts. State corporations in Kenya need to embrace the clarity of ideas before communicating and ensure concise communication. The state corporations in Kenya should enhance the accessibility of communication channels, use top-down and bottom-up communication channels and use modern technologies for communication.
Keywords: Strategic communication, performance, state corporations, Keny
Diversification Strategy and Profitability of Selected Food and Beverage Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textThe rapid pace of competition in today’s global business environment had prompted the need for the Food and Beverage (F&B) firms around the world to produce strategies on how best to improve performance through the provision of product varieties and the need for expansion through an increase in market share, productivity, and full utilization of resources at their disposal. Despite this awareness, a persistent decline was observed in the organizational in terms of profitability and their performance outlook remained poor. The study, therefore, examined the effects of diversification strategy on the profitability of selected F&B firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined the effect of diversification strategy and profitability of selected food and beverage firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design, the population is given as 12, 495 regular employees of six selected F&B firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. The research advisor sampling table was used to select a sample size of 491 from the population while data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire with a Cronbach alpha value greater than 0.7. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential tools. Multiple Regression Analysis was used to determine the impact of the variables using the Statistical Package for Science Solutions (SPSS) version 24. Diversification has a significant effect on profitability (β = 0.947, t = 47.805, R2 = 0.839, p-value = 0.001). The study concludes that diversification has a significant effect on profitability of selected Food and Beverage (F&B) firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends that Food and Beverage firms can also explore new distribution channels, invest in marketing and branding, and enhance their operational efficiency to achieve better profitability. It's also essential for them to keep track of the latest market trends and consumer preferences to develop products and services that meet the evolving needs of their customers.
Keywords: Competitive Advantage, Diversification, Food and Beverage Companies, Performance Outlook, and Profitabilit
Effect of Strategic Leadership on Strategy Implementation in Insurance Firms in Des Moines, USA
No full textEffective and efficient strategy implementation has been identified as a primary factor driven by the strategic leadership. The main goal of any strategic manager is to provide a firm's exceptional performance achieved via excellent planning, successful strategy execution and getting a competitive edge over rivals. Strategy implementation is a crucial component of the strategic management process since it ensures that the organization's strategic goals, purpose, and vision are attained as effectively as anticipated. The ability to successfully implement a strategy will depend greatly on the leadership abilities. It was found that firms often have trouble implementing their goals, with leadership being one of the major challenges. The study used the descriptive research design. The target population was 90 insurance firms in Des Moines, USA. The research did sampling of 40 participants that were chosen from the target population of 90 firms in Des Moines, USA. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the data. In conclusion, strategic leadership fosters a culture of accountability, encourages innovation and risk-taking, and sets the tone for the organization's overall performance. Hence, organizations that invest in developing and promoting strategic leadership are more likely to succeed in implementing their strategies and achieving their goals. It is recommended that the insurance firm’s needs managers and professionals who can develop better strategies to support the growth of the insurance business. Regarding strategic leadership and strategy implementation, the regulators and policymakers in this sector need to make better-informed decisions. Organizations should prioritize investing in developing and promoting strategic leaders at all levels of the organization. This can be achieved through training, coaching, mentoring, and succession planning. Strategic leaders should monitor the progress of strategy implementation and adjust the strategy as needed based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Keywords: Strategic Leadership, Strategic Implementation, Insurance Firms, US
Strategic Planning and Performance of Women’s Small Sized Business in Rwanda: A Case of Kigali City
No full textThis research explored the effect of strategic planning practices on performance of women in small and medium enterprises in Kigali City, Rwanda. Specifically, the study determined effect of vision strategy on women entrepreneurs’ performance in small and medium enterprises from Kigali City, to analyze effect of growth strategy on women entrepreneurs’ performance in small and medium enterprises from Kigali City, and to ascertain effect of competitive strategy on women entrepreneurs’ performance in small and medium enterprise from the Kigali City. The researcher used resource-based view theory, institutional theory, and upper echelon theory. A descriptive and analytical design where the mixed approach was adopted. The target population was 478 persons. The sample size was 218 respondents and five key informants. Results to the first objective revealed a positive association between guiding customers and sales (r=0.320**, p-value=0.001), investment (r=0.317, p-value=0.001). Significant correlation between for clear reason vibrant goal and specific objectives (r=0.408*, p-value=0.048), and with profit (r=0.716, p=0.000). Results on the correlation between vibrant goal and specific objectives and dependent variables, indicate a significant correlations between vibrant goal and specific objectives and sales (r=.407**, p=0.000), investment (r=538, p=0.000). Results to second objectives felt positive association between volunteering strategies with sales (r=0.424**, p=0.000), investment (0.740**, p=0.000), profit (0.484**, p-value=0.000). Findings from the third objective felt significant association between the mark cost concertation and sales (r=0.244**, p=0.013), investment (r=0.322*, p=0.001) with profit (r=0.270*, p=0.006). A positive high significance was established between acquiring same sector with sales (r=0.181*, p=0.063).The study recommends to understand strategic execution in place to attain organization objectives, to endure the unserved efforts to improve skills and willingness.
Keywords: Competitive Strategy, Growth Strategy, Performance, Strategic Planning, Vision Strateg
Strategic Controls and Organizational Performance in Rwanda. A Case of Duterimbere IMF PLC
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of strategic controls on organizational performance in Rwanda, with the case study of Duterimbere IMF PLC. The study was guided by four specific objectives: the influence of implementation control, premise control, special alert control, strategic surveillance control, and organizational performance. Using the Granular Formula, a sample size of 127 was calculated from a target population of 188. This research used an exploratory design. This design allowed the research to use mixed approaches, such as quantitative and qualitative data. The researcher used a questionnaire and interview guide as data collection instruments, and employed SPSS Version 26 for the analysis of quantitative data, while content analysis techniques were used for qualitative data. The information from each item of the questionnaire and interview was coded and categorized, and then the data were presented and discussed. The findings showed that regarding setting performance standards, the majority of respondents agreed with the statement, with a mean of 4.74 and a standard deviation of 0.440. About 74.0% strongly agreed with the statement. Concerning the extent to which monitoring and evaluation as an implementation control contributes to organizational control; the results showed that the majority of respondents strongly agreed with the statement, at 51.2%. Regarding setting measures to collect, respondents agreed with the statement, with a mean of 4.69 and a standard deviation of 0.466. About 68.5% strongly agreed with the statement, and 31.5% agreed with the statement. The study concluded that implementation control, premise control, special alert control, and strategic surveillance contribute significantly to organizational performance. The combination of these independent variables influenced organizational performance at 74.1%. This conclusion was also supported by a P-value of 0.000, which is below the predetermined level of 0.05, indicating statistical significance of the independent variables to the dependent variable.
Keywords: Strategic Controls, Organizational, Performance, Duterimbere IMF Plc, Rwanda
 
On-Site Childcare Strategy Adaptation and Performance of Female Employees; Case Study of I&M Bank (Rwanda)Plc
No full textThe study explored the impact of on-site childcare strategies on the performance of female employees at I&M Bank. This study used a descriptive research design. The study population was 410 staff of I&M Bank Rwanda (Plc) headquarter, a sample composed by 58 respondents and was selected by purposive sampling. Primary and secondary information was used. Information gathered by questionnaires and documentary review. Data were explored through SPSS. The study found that a significant majority (74.1%) of respondents confirmed the presence of on-site childcare facilities at the banks, though 25.9% disagreed. An overwhelming 84.5% believe there is a link between childcare services and motivation, and the same percentage perceive a relationship between childcare services and leadership quality. Turnover is also seen to be influenced by childcare services, with 89.7% recognizing a connection. Delving into the reasons for potential job departure, the study revealed that respondents would consider leaving their jobs due to factors such as wanting to feel valued (89.7%), seeking better management relationships (79.3%), desiring a different work environment (100%), and looking for more recognition (56.9%). In terms of work-life balance, 56.9% felt their job hinders progress in personal life, 20.7% saw household responsibilities as a challenge, and 22.4% believed both work and home responsibilities were barriers. Furthermore, the strong coefficient of correlation (R=0.894) suggests a significant positive relationship between the studied variables. This indicates that there is a positive and strong relationship between on-site childcare strategy adaptation and performance of female employees within I&M Bank (Rwanda) plc The study concludes respondents concurred that reducing turnover is a key factor in retaining the greatest skills and brains. The study recommends corporations should enhance their employee motivational frameworks in order to lower project difficulties and offer clothes on staffs that need it as they deliver crucial services. There is a need for businesses to boost employee motivation by appreciating their efforts and compensating them appropriately, so that they feel valued for each task they do and contribute to great administrators progressive. Keywords: Childcare Strategy Adaptation, non-financial rewards
Strategic Management Practices and Performance of Non Profit Organizations: A Case of Food for Hungry in Rwanda Nyagatare District
No full textThe general objective of the study was to assess strategic management practices and performance of nonprofit organizations in Rwanda and the specific objective of the study was to determine the effect of strategic formulation on performance of nonprofit organizations in Nyagatare district Rwanda, to analyze the effect of strategic implementation on performance of nonprofit organizations in Nyagatare district, Rwanda, to assess effect of strategic control on performance of non-profit organization in Nyagatare District Rwanda. In this study, three theories are used such as Modern Portfolio Theory and Resource Based Theory which have the implication on the current study. To achieve research objectives, the used a descriptive research designs with two mixed methods such as quantitative and qualitative. In this study 75 respondents was selected from the target population of 140 beneficiaries and staffs of FH using the simple random and census method of selecting the sample size. Therefore, simple random sampling technique to select the categories of respondents is used and data collected using questionnaire, interview and documentation. Data collected first be edited, coded and put into tables where analysis are done using SPSS version 21.Thus the strengths of association determined based on regression-values <0.05, mean and standard deviation. Therefore, the overall mean and standard deviation was 1.556 and 0.955 respectively which emphasizes the positive effects of project risks analysis on sustainability of manufacturing industry project in Rwanda. As indicated, the study findings showed that risks monitoring and control has led to the sustainability of manufacturing industry in Rwanda as indicated by the overall mean of 1.485 and standard deviation of 0.813. Effect of strategic management practice on performance of nonprofit organization in Rwanda has been successfully achieved as indicated by the overall mean of 1.485 and standard deviation of 0.813. In this study, R is the correlation coefficient and shows the relationship between the study variables. Therefore, the study findings revealed that there was a strong positive relationship between the study variables as shown by .884.
Keywords: Strategic Management Practices, Performance of Non Profit Organizations, Food for Hungry, Nyagatare District, Rwand
Risk Management Practices and Performance of Real Estate Construction Projects in Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textReal estate development performance in Nakuru County continuously deteriorates, as evidenced by rising vacancy rates in outdated office buildings, restrained consumer spending due to the difficult economic climate, and competition from unofficial retail spaces in some submarkets. The study aimed at finding out how risk management practices influence the performance of real estate construction projects in Nakuru County. The research determined how technical risk management practices, financial risk management practices, market risk management practices and operational risk management practices affect the performance of real estate construction projects in Nakuru County. This research used a mixed-method study design with a population target of 45 ongoing and 25 completed real estate projects in Nakuru County. Using stratified simple sampling technique, a sample size of 25 ongoing and 15 completed real estate projects were selected. The study was affixed on strategic planning theory, Decision theory and risk/uncertainty bearing theory. The researcher used questionnaires to obtain data and suggestions from the respondentsA pilot study to assess the research instruments' accuracy and dependability was conducted in Nairobi County. The research utilized Cronbach's alpha to calculate the reliability coefficient of the questionnaires. Cronbach value greater than 0.7 was considered reliable. The gathered data was cleaned, coded, and accuracy checked for ease of analysis, and then subjected to descriptive analysis involving the calculation of mean, frequency distribution, and standard deviation. Using Pearson correlation analysis, the relationship between the dependent and independent variables was evaluated. Regression analysis was done using the analysis of variance technique (ANOVA). The study found that technical, operational, market, and financial risk management practices each had positive and substantial impacts, indicated by regression coefficients of 0.451, 0.313, 0.531, and 0.273, respectively. Further, the study established that these practices are crucial in managing various risks effectively, demonstrating their significant role in overall risk management strategies. . Constructed from the study findings, this study recommends that the Kenyan government should review all of the approvals that real estate developers need, formulate policies that regulate the construction sector by ensuring that real estate developers demonstrate their creditworthiness on their expected investments before granting any licenses. In addition, real estate developers should be encouraged to take advantage of staff empowerment through professional bodies that equips managers through risk management courses. Lastly, future studies conducted should concentrate on other risk variables not included in this study including legal and environmental risk management practices.
Keywords: Risk Assessment, Project Performance, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Mitigation Strategie
Bank Credit Scheme Management and Success of Business Projects Financed by Banks in Rwanda; A Case Study of Bank of Kigali
No full textThe study sought to investigate the influence of bank credit scheme management in Kigali on the success of business projects filed by borrowers. It focused on examining the loan processes that lead to project success and identifying obstacles that impede it. The study was driven by three specific objectives: to determine the impact of credit appraisal on the success of business projects, to measure the influence of credit risk control, and to assess the effect of debt collection policy on project success. To accomplish these goals, the study adopted a descriptive case study design, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to gain comprehensive insights. The study encompassed a population of 14,856, with a sample size of 95 respondents selected through a comprehensive sampling technique. Data collection was executed using questionnaires and unstructured interviews, with the Scientific Package for Social Science (SPSS) earmarked for data analysis using mean, standard deviation, and correlation coefficients. The study results indicated a significant consideration of respondent suggestions and inputs in financial statement lending and operating cash flow assumptions. The updated variables reflected a short to medium-term operating cash burn in the bank as per the financed projects. A strong correlation was found between credit appraisal and the success of business projects, evidenced by a Pearson correlation of 0.917** and a p-value of 0.000, significantly below the standard significance level of 0.01. This suggests that credit appraisal is a critical factor for the success of business projects financed by banks in Rwanda. The study recommended that the management should fortify financial statement lending and update operating cash flow assumptions regularly to mirror changing variables. Additionally, management should comprehend the probability of loss due to a borrower's failure by involving in participative budgeting and engaging in the credit preparation process to mitigate potential losses. The study also recommends prioritizing and improving credit appraisal processes to ensure thorough evaluation of loan applicants, strengthening debt collection policies to reduce default rates, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among banks in Rwanda. Additionally, it suggests a review of credit risk control practices to align them with the specific needs of businesses in the region
Keywords: Bank Credit, Scheme Management, Success of Business Projects, Bank of Kigali, Rwand