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Community Policing Problem Solving in Security Enhancement in Gasabo District, Rwanda
No full textIn Rwanda, the aftermath of 1994 genocide against Tutsi, the security situations were critical and the government adopted mechanisms such as community policing as a strategy for security enhancement. However, the country still struggles with insecurity challenges despite the introduction of community policing. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of problem solving on security enhancement in Gasabo District, Rwanda. The study adopted mixed methodology approach and the concurrent triangulation design. The study targeted approximately 139,358 household heads of Gasabo District, 73 Community Policing Committee (CPC) chairpersons, 15 Community Liaison Officers, and 260 Police Officers. The study sampled 576 household heads for quantitative data whereas the CPC chairpersons, Community Liaison Officers, Police Officers and Opinion leaders were used for qualitative data. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. Questionnaire, interview guides and discussion guides were used to collect data. The findings indicated that problem solving had a positive and significant influence on security enhancement. The study concludes that problem solving contributes significantly to security enhancement. The study recommended the need for RNP to strengthen the problem solving for security enhancement. In particular, the institution should focus on enhancing the following problem-solving components: night patrols, focus on vulnerable community members, resolving family disputes, proactive arrests to solve criminal activities, and adopting technological trends.
Keywords: Community policing, problem solving, security enhancemen
Internal Audit and Business Resilience in Power Sector. A Case of Geothermal Development Company
No full textOver years, internal auditors’ roles are changing from checking compliance issues to giving a strategic view of the organization processes. Internal auditors play noble role in evaluating the anticipated level of success of a project. This research sought to establish how risk management, business controls, governance and business advisory contribute to business resilience in Geothermal Development Company Limited. The study was anchored on the balanced score card, strategic choice theory, transient advantage theory, the strategic management theory, complexity theory and the normal accident theory. The study focused on 3 GDC operation regions with a target population of 200 staff based in the office and in the field. The research study used primary data collection method employing a semi-structured questionnaire. Post collecting data, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis. Correlation and regression analysis was conducted to establish the relationships between the variables. The presentation of results was through tables and figures. The study found that risk management had a positive and significant effect on business resilience of GDC; business advisory had a positive and significant effect on business resilience of GDC; internal controls had a positive and significant effect on business resilience of GDC; and governance had a positive and significant effect on business resilience of GDC. The study concluded that the internal audits positively and significantly influenced business resilience of GDC. From the study, internal audit plays a critical role in enhancing business resilience at GDC through effective risk management, robust governance, and reliable internal business controls. The study recommended organizations to place internal audit functions at strategic hierarchical positions as well as implement its recommendations. To bolster business resilience at GDC, it is recommended the company strengthen risk management practices, enhance governance structures, and improve internal business controls. Investing in internal audit capacity building and expanding business advisory services can further optimize the internal audit function. Additionally, GDC should consider benchmarking and collaborating with peer organizations to identify areas for improvement and share best practices within the power sector.
Keywords: Internal Audits, GDC, risk management, business advisory, business controls, governance, business resilience  
Influence of Ethical Leadership on Sustainability of Local Non-Governmental Organizations in Rwanda: A Case of PROFEMMES Twese Hamwe
No full textThis study explored how ethical leadership can influence the sustainability of LNGOs in Rwanda specifically looking at three dimensions including leader integrity, employee engagement, and compliance with management rules and regulations. To address the research objectives, the researcher used a descriptive research design with a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative data. The target population was 119 leaders in 52 LNGOs members of PRO-FEMMES /Twese Hamwe. Hence, purposively the 2 respondents were selected from each of the organizations under PRO-FEMMES / Twese Hamwe to make 104 respondents among leadership positions. The study used a survey questionnaire to collect data. The questionnaire was administered to 100 respondents selected while 4 respondents were given interviews based on the criteria that they are board members of the big umbrella Pro-femmes which implies they are capable to give more detailed data in a form of qualitative data. The results show an overall mean of 4.233 showing that respondents strongly agreed that leaders’ integrity influences sustainability of LNGOs in Rwanda. supported by correction analysis results showing a positive and significant relationship between leaders’ integrity and institutional sustainability (r=0.933 and sig=0.00), leaders’ integrity and financial sustainability (r=0.959 and sig=0.00), leaders’ integrity and programmatic sustainability (r=0.973 and sig=0.00). Hence, this shows that there is a positive and significant relationship between leaders’ integrity and sustainability of LNGOs in Rwanda. The overall mean of 4.276 implies that respondents strongly agreed that employee engagement influences sustainability of LNGOs in Rwanda. These results are supported by correlation analysis results which show a positive and significant relationship between employee engagement and institutional sustainability (r=0.967 and sig=0.00), employee engagement and financial sustainability (r=0.993 and sig=0.00), employee engagement and programmatic sustainability (r=0.993 and sig=0.00). Hence, this shows that there is a positive and significant relationship between employee engagement and sustainability of LNGOs in Rwanda. The overall mean of 4.238 shows that respondents strongly agreed that compliance with donor required rules and regulations have influence on LNGOs sustainability in Rwanda. These results are supported by correlation results which show a positive and significant relationship between compliance and institutional sustainability (r=0.954 and sig=0.00), compliance and financial sustainability (r=0.993 and sig=0.00), compliance and programmatic sustainability (r=0.993 and sig=0.00). Hence, this shows that there is a positive and significant relationship between compliance and sustainability of LNGOs in Rwanda.
Keywords: Ethical Leadership, Sustainability of LNGOs, PRO-FEMMES / Twese Hamwe, Rwand
Stakeholders Engagement and Project Performance A Case of Inspire, Educate and Empower Rwanda (Teaching Assistantship Project Phase II)
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the engagement of stakeholders in project performance, with a case study of Inspire, Educate and Empower (IEE) in Rwanda. The study used a mixed-methods approach, with both qualitative and quantitative data analyses. The research design was descriptive, and the study population was 227 people from IEE Organization Rwanda, including project beneficiaries, stakeholders, project managers, and IEE administrative staffs. The sample size was 144 respondents, data collected through structured questionnaires. Primary and secondary data collection methods were used. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, and secondary data was collected from literature, reports, and journals. Findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics through Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The findings of the study indicated that there is a strong positive correlation between stakeholder engagement and project performance. The study also found that project planning, project implementation, and decision making all have a significant impact on project performance. The conclusion of the study is that stakeholder engagement is essential for project success. The study recommends that project managers and organizations should actively engage with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle in order to improve project performance. The study recommends that project managers and organizations should: identify all stakeholders early in the project lifecycle. Understand the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Communicate regularly with stakeholders. Involve stakeholders in decision making. Manage stakeholder conflict effectively. The results from the field analyzed and tested where statistically indicated a positive correlation of stakeholder engagement and project performance. The researcher concluded that stakeholder engagement has a positively significance on project performance in Rwanda.
Keywords: Stakeholders Engagement, Project Performance, Inspire, Educate, Empower Rwanda
 
Determining Contribution of Savings and Credit Groups on the Social Welfare Projects in Rural Rwanda. A Case of Umuzabibumwiza Organization, Musanze District
No full textThe inadequate access to finance in Rwanda for the rural poor is one of the crucial problems faced despite the government’s efforts by prioritizing microfinance as a solution to financial access. Savings and credit groups have been introduced more than 10 years ago in Rwanda to promote access to finance and help poor people to meet their needs and improve household income. Therefore, this study is mainly assessing the contribution of savings and credit groups (SCGs) on social welfare projects at Musanze Sector. Specific objectives are to find out the contribution of Savings in SCGs on social welfare projects at Musanze Sector; to assess the contribution of Credit facilitation in SCGs on social welfare projects at Musanze Sector, Musanze District, Rwanda; to analyze the contribution of emergency fund in SCGs on social welfare projects at Musanze Sector; and to evaluate the contribution of trainings in SCGs on social welfare projects at Musanze Sector. The research will combine exploratory, descriptive, explanatory and evaluative research design. The primary and secondary data are all sources of data; the study population is 360 members of Umuzabibumwiza organization from Musanze in Musanze Sector while sample size is 190 respondents selected using purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The data collection instruments are documentation, questionnaire, personal observation, focus group discussion, and interview. The researcher computed data using SPSS IBM version 23.0 to deal with statistical data. The coefficient for Savings in SCGs (1.389) indicates that a unit increase in savings within SCGs corresponds to a statistically significant positive increase in Social welfare projects (p = 0.035). This implies that higher savings levels within these groups are associated with improved outcomes in social welfare initiatives, underlining the pivotal role that savings play in driving positive change. Emergency fund, with a coefficient of 1.839 (p = 0.021), highlights its substantial positive influence on Social welfare projects. This finding indicates that maintaining higher emergency funds within these groups is linked to enhanced social welfare project outcomes, reflecting the vital role of financial preparedness in addressing unforeseen challenges. While Credit facilitation in SCGs possesses a coefficient of 0.401 (p = 0.010), implying a weaker relationship with Social welfare projects, its contribution remains noteworthy. This indicates that while credit facilitation is a factor, its impact might be less pronounced compared to other predictors. Trainings in SCGs, with a coefficient of 1.224 (p = 0.015), also demonstrates a significant positive association with Social welfare projects. This signifies that conducting effective training programs within SCGs contributes positively to the success of social welfare projects, emphasizing the importance of skill development and knowledge enhancement. Umuzabibumwiza should strengthen the credit facilitation processes within SCGs. This can be achieved by establishing clear guidelines for loan disbursement and repayment, ensuring transparent record-keeping, and offering capacity-building programs to enhance members' business skills.
Keywords: Savings, Credit Groups, Performance, Social Welfare, Project
Effect of Capital Adequacy and Leadership Styles in Steering Small and Medium Enterprises to Growth
No full textSmall and Medium enterprises have been acknowledged by many countries worldwide as the engine for economic growth. As a result, a lot of studies have been conducted to into issues affecting their growth so as to cushion them and spur their competitiveness. While some factors have been identified such as capital adequacy and leadership styles, there is need for more research regarding their significant effects on SME growth particularly in the interior design industry thus the necessity for this study. Specifically, the study looked at the effect of leadership styles on the growth of SMEs in the interior design industry in Nairobi County, as well as the relationship between capital adequacy and the growth of SMEs in the interior design industry in Nairobi County. A descriptive research design was applied to implement the study targeting a total population of 174 firms. This study employed stratified random sampling technique to categorize the firms in to three different sections of interior design firms, interior decoration firms and architectural firms as they show different heterogeneous characteristics. Then from each section 10% was selected from the population using simple random sampling. Questionnaires were the main primary data collection instruments. A pilot study was used to confirm content validity of the data gathering instruments while the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was used to establish reliability. Quantitative and qualitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as percentages and frequencies. Chi square test was conducted to test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Besides, regression analysis was done to determine the extent to which the independent variables influence the SME growth. Inferential statistics was tested at 95% confidence level and p-value of 0.05. Data is presented in tables as they offer a better picture of results. The study observed that Interior Design SMEs in Nairobi County leadership style involves a lot of supervisory procedures as well as frequent communication which hinders output. As a result, the study recommended that employees should be involved in the process of decision-making. They do not require close supervision nor punishment for them to achieve organizational objectives. However, providing guidance without pressure is required. On a second note, the study observed that SMEs growth in Nairobi County is largely hindered by financial constraints. They are faced with short term and long-term financing shortage to run their operations. They also have restricted access to bank loans to run effectively. As a result, the study recommends that SMEs should establish a cordial relationship with Banks to improve their lending relationship. Further, the SMEs can pursue alternative sources of funding such as table banking or angel capital.
Key terms: Capital Adequacy, Interior Design Industry, Leadership Styles, Small and Medium Enterprise Growth, Nairobi County Keny
Agricultural Community Engagement and Performance of Irrigation Projects in Rwanda: A Case of Irrigation Project in Kirehe District
No full textThe primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of agricultural community engagement on the performance of the Irrigation Project in Kirehe. The specific objectives of this research comprised to assess the effect of community participation on performance of - Irrigation project in Rwanda, to examine the effect of livelihoods of farmers on performance of - Irrigation project in Rwanda, to determine the effect of capacity building on performance of - irrigation project in Rwanda. This is descriptive research in terms of its design, which used the quantitative method alone with quantitative data that was collected with the help of a questionnaire and interview guide. For the case of this research, the target population was comprised by 246 registered members of - irrigation project stakeholders, giving 148 respondents as sample size as per the attached Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table in the appendices. This study used both simple random and census method to select 148 respondents who had equal chance to participate in this study by providing quantitative data regarding agricultural community engagement and performance of - Irrigation project. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 to perform inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis, and descriptive statistics such as SD and mean were used. The findings of this study focused on the effect of community participation, farmer livelihoods, and capacity building on the performance of Rwanda's - Irrigation project. Descriptive statistics indicated a positive perception among respondents, with mean scores ranging from 4.417 to 4.637 for capacity building, 4.438 to 4.500 for farmers' livelihoods, and 4.452 to 4.520 for community participation. The correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between these factors and performance indicators, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.928 to 0.990. Hence, the study emphasizes the significance of engaging the community, improving farmers' livelihoods, and implementing effective capacity building to enhance food security, market expansion, and profitability in the Kirehe District. Based on the research findings, the investigator recommends strengthening community participation, supporting farmers' livelihoods, enhancing capacity building, fostering collaboration, implementing monitoring and evaluation, emphasizing sustainability, encouraging research and innovation, conducting awareness campaigns, addressing challenges promptly, and considering replication and scaling for the successful - Irrigation project in Rwanda.
Keywords: Agricultural Community Engagement, Performance of Irrigation Projects, Kirehe District, Rwand
Talent Management Programmes and Cost Leadership in Deposit Money Banks in Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textThe article examined talent management and cost leadership of selected deposit money banks in Lagos State, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted in the study. The population was 2,169 senior employees and managers of ten selected deposit money banks in Lagos State, Nigeria. A sample size of 425 employees was determined using the Raosoft online sample size calculator. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted in the study. The data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for talent management dimensions were: talent planning (0.860), talent acquisition (0.864), talent development (0.849), talent reward (0.943), and talent retention (0.919), and cost leadership (0.915). The response rate was 85.6%. The collected data were analysed with findings indicating that some talent management dimensions had significant effect on cost leadership. It was recommended that the management of selected deposit money banks in Lagos State, Nigeria, develop a policy to connect talent management to the cost leadership of the institution to make the sector competitive and sustainable in the long run. Such a policy would be the anchor for actions adopted by or proposed by the firms in matters pertaining to talent management.
Keywords: Talent management, Cost leadership, Deposit Money Banks, Talent Planning, Talent Acquisition, Talent Developmen
A Comprehensive Explainable Framework for Designing Enhanced Deep Learning Models
No full textMany deep learning models that show improved efficacy over current state-of-the-art models are built using ad-hoc design strategies. In this study, a framework was developed to enhance the explainability of deep learning models. The framework systematically explains each step involved in enhancing existing models so that users can understand, replicate and trust them. A design science research methodology was used to develop the framework to identify ambiguities and knowledge gaps in current approaches. Experimentation enhanced current deep learning models. The results of this study revealed that enhancing state-of-the-art deep learning models for prediction is made possible by using the suggested framework. Furthermore, the steps to achieve this are easy to comprehend. The main contribution of this study is the design of an explainable deep learning framework using a repeatable and understandable strategy that researchers can follow for improving state-of-the-art prediction models.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence ethics, time series prediction, irregular sequential patterns, machine learning models and deep learning framework.
 
Eco-Trekking in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Study of Sustainable Practices in Mountain Tourism
No full textThis research investigated eco-trekking in Southeast Asia with a comparative analysis of sustainable practices in mountain tourism. Existing literature and case studies across various countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, served as the primary sources for the evaluation of different practices. The core components of the study were understanding the impact of eco-trekking on local communities, economies, and the environment, and the sustainability of these practices. The research found a range of approaches to eco-trekking across Southeast Asia. For instance, in Vietnam, community-based eco-trekking initiatives emerged as a significant driving force for sustainable local economic development. These initiatives were also critical in preserving local ethnic cultures and traditions. In contrast, Thailand and Malaysia showcased more top-down, government-led eco-trekking practices that concentrated on environmental conservation and maintaining a balance between tourism and nature. The study also identified common challenges, such as managing visitor impacts, maintaining the quality of trekking experiences, and the need for increased local community involvement. Furthermore, the research emphasized the importance of cross-border learning and the potential for sharing best practices among countries in the region. In conclusion, the research demonstrated that while eco-trekking practices varied across countries, they all played a crucial role in promoting sustainable mountain tourism. The study highlighted the need for a more integrated, cooperative approach among Southeast Asian countries to share lessons and jointly tackle common challenges. These findings can inform policy-making and planning for sustainable mountain tourism in Southeast Asia and other similar regions globally. Future research directions may include examining the effects of recent global trends, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on eco-trekking and sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Keywords: Eco-Trekking, Sustainable Practices, Mountain Tourism, Southeast Asia, Environmental Conservation, Adventure Travel Sustainabilit