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Contribution of Agriculture Projects and Project Beneficiary Welfare: Case of Sustainable Agriculture Intensification and Food Security Project in Gwiza, Rwanda
No full textThe welfare of farmers is influenced by many factors such as the performance of agriculture projects which help give good productivity to the farmers. Some agriculture projects did not show an effect on the farmers improving their welfare. This research mainly aimed to investigate the agriculture project's contribution to the project beneficiary welfare, the case of Sustainable agriculture intensification, and food security projects for the Gwiza cooperative. This research was divided into three objectives: Agri-inputs, capacity building, and market access. A descriptive research design was utilized to conduct the study. The target population was 345 respondents comprising Gwiza farmers and project managers of Sustainable agriculture intensification and food security projects. A sample of 136 was selected from the population of 345 using simple random probability sampling to pick the participants from Gwiza Cooperative farmers. Self- Administered questionnaires were utilized to collect the primary data. SPSS version 25 was utilized for analyzing the data. Quantitatively, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; multiple chi-square and linear regression. The linear regression established the link between variables. The data was presented in tables through percentage, frequencies, and standard deviations. The study found that Agri inputs contributed to farmers' productivity with a high-level average mean of 3.97 and a standard deviation of 0.808. The study also found that the overall average mean was 3.6 with a standard deviation of 1.0, implying that respondents agreed that the skills obtained from SAIP on capacity building of modern agriculture. The study also found an overall mean of 3.83 and a standard deviation of 0.95, implying that the respondents agreed that the SAIP helps farmers of Gwiza access finance and the market. Therefore, the statistics on test on Agri- inputs, capacity building, and access to the market by farmers has provided enough evidence to conclude that SAIP has contributed to the welfare of farmers because variables are statistically significant because their p-values equal 0.000 or less than 0.005 (sign=0.0000<0.05). The study results showed variations in the dependent variable that the statistical model predicts; an adjusted R squared value of 0.862 shows that about 86% of changes in the welfare of farmers are explained by Agri inputs, capacity building of farmers, and access to a market of farmers; therefore, it shows that the model has a good fit. The study recommended that stakeholders should be involved in the management of the projects.
Keywords: Contribution of Agriculture, Projects, Beneficiary Welfare Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security
 
Procurement Practices and Public Projects Implementation in Rwanda: A Case of African Evangelist Enterprise
No full textThis study examined the role of procurement practices on public projects implementation in Rwanda using a case of African Evangelist Enterprise. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of procurement planning, professionalism, and supplier selection on implementation of public projects in Rwanda. This study is pertinent because it improves knowledge of procurement, which will help procurement officers to create effective procurement practice, which can save time, cost, and achieving project objectives. This research used agency theory, legitimacy theory and linear policy model owing to the product their pertinence in assessing the role of product procurement practices on public project implementation. In conducting this study, a descriptive study design and correlation regression size effect was used with a mixed research approach. A sample size of 154 was selected among 250 target population. The researcher chose respondents though simple random technique and key informants were selected purposively. Information was obtained using questionnaire survey and interviews. The study ensured reliability and validity by conducting a pretest. The researcher analyzed data through the use of descriptive statistics in term of frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Moreover, inferential statistics was used to provide regression size effect between research variables in accordance with each specific objectives. Results from the first objective show that AEE has implemented public project successfully owing to effective procurement planning (34.0%),personnel in charge of procurement knows how to design procurement process are done, (40.1%), procurement plans enough explanation on procurement requirements (40.1%), the expected budget of the requirement (61.8%). Results to the second objective felt that AEE has procurement training (40.1%), inadequate training in procurement practices stimulates poor low performance (55.9%), documents of procurement policies that guide training (59.8%). Results to the third objective felt the AEE comply with adequate rules and regulation in choosing suppliers (30.2%), the supplier choice procedure respect all requirements establish (56.6%), the competency of suppliers is suitably assessed in making decision on persons to be selected for supplying products (74.3%). From the results, the study recommends that public institution should encourage firms to select the suitable abilities suppliers who are capable to provide goods in a high quality. Project managers should make sufficient funds for knowing procurement capacity building. Similar studies should be done in other public sector procurement entities or faith based organization in Rwanda. Further studies should investigate in details influence of supplier selection have to the compliance or organizational success in the public sector organizations.
Keywords: Procurement Practice, Procurement Planning, Procurement Professionalism, Procurement Supplier Selection, Public Project Implementation
Assessment of Planning as a Tool for the Project Performance; A Case of Projects of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of planning on project performance in the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, focusing on project scope, schedule planning, and cost planning. With a population of 651 employees, a sample size of 105 was selected using Kothari's method and standard random sampling procedures. Standardized questionnaires were used for data collection, ensuring validity and reliability through validation and pre-testing. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis, presented through tables and figures. The study's findings contribute to enhancing both the researcher's and other scholars' understanding of project planning's influence on performance. According to the study's first research hypothesis was tested and shown that project scope had a positive non-significant effect on project performance as project effect with (ꞵ=0.157, ρ<0.084) and cost planning with (ꞵ=0.774, ρ<0.000) while schedule planning had a negative and non-significant with (ꞵ=-0.143, ρ<0.013), the hypothesis two was so tested where project scope had a positive non-significant impact on project performance with (ꞵ=0.157, ρ<0.084) and cost planning with (ꞵ=0.774, ρ<0.000) while schedule planning had a negative and non-significant impact with (ꞵ=-0.143, ρ<0.013). Last research hypothesis was tested demonstrates the effect of project scope on cost overrun is both favorable and insignificant (ꞵ=0.152, ρ<0.382) but schedule planning with (ꞵ= -0.064, ρ<0.559) and cost planning with (ꞵ=-0.165, ρ<0.366) had a negative and non-significant on cost overrun. Thus, a number of variables from independent variables influence the cost overrun briefly the project performance with short, medium and long-term impact for CHUK projects always fit the project scope and cost planning between stakeholders based on organization projects. According to the study, projects should focus on academic, managerial, and emotional competency while controlling and evaluating health projects in order to achieve sustainability, efficacy, and efficiency. Health projects should also evaluate the factors of challenge performance, such as employee turnover and workplace competency as well as communication channels.
Keywords: Planning, Project Performance, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwand
Strategic Management Practices and Sustainability of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Processing and Manufacturing Sector in Rwanda: A Case of 7 Selected Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Rwanda
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the influence of strategic management practices on the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda's processing and manufacturing sector, with Royal Drains Services Ltd, Tets Chaussures, Brodd Wines Ltd, The Power Ltd, Incuti Foods Ltd, Vynes Ltd, and Hope of Destiny Ltd as the focus companies. The research objectives encompassed examining the effects of strategic formulation, implementation, and evaluation on SME sustainability. The study employed a descriptive research design, focusing on seven SMEs in Rwanda's processing and manufacturing sector. The target population consisted of 97 managers and board members. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and document review, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Ethical considerations included informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. Firstly, the results on the effect of strategic formulation on SME sustainability in the processing and manufacturing sector in Rwanda was evident, with a strong mean of 4.1 and standard deviation of 0.82, demonstrating the importance of effective strategy formulation. Secondly, the contribution of strategy implementation was highlighted, with a significant mean of 4.07 and standard deviation of 0.81, emphasizing the necessity of clearly defined structures and resource allocation. Thirdly, the influence of strategy evaluation on SME sustainability was underscored, with a robust mean of 3.95 and a standard deviation of 0.91, emphasizing the critical role of well-defined key performance indicators and effective feedback mechanisms. Furthermore, the sustainable growth indicators revealed that SMEs in the processing and manufacturing sector in Rwanda are consistently focusing on sustainable practices, evidenced by means ranging from 4.1 to 4.38 and standard deviations from 0.64 to 0.92. Lastly, the strong correlations (0.859, 0.882, and 0.841) and regression coefficients (0.215, 0.222, and 0.207) confirmed the significance of strategic management practices in fostering sustainable growth for SMEs in Rwanda. The study's findings, which rejected all hypotheses, emphasized the significant influence of strategic management practices on SME sustainability. In conclusion, strategic formulation, implementation, and evaluation were identified as key contributors to sustainable business growth and performance. As a recommendation, Small and Medium Enterprises should prioritize effective strategic planning and implementation, coupled with adaptable management practices, to ensure their long-term viability in a dynamic business landscape.
Keywords: Strategic Management Practices, Sustainability of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Processing and Manufacturing Sector, Rwanda
Community Participation in Monitoring Evaluation and Project Sustainability in Rwanda
No full textMonitoring and evaluation enhance the sustainability of various projects. The participation of community in such monitory and evaluation plays a significant role. The purpose of this paper sought to evaluate the impact of community participation on project sustainability in Gakenke District in Rwanda. This paper employed descriptive research design. The target population was 244 people corresponding to the sample size of 151 respondents. Questionnaire and documentation review were used as data collection instruments. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed there is strength of the relationship of the variable in the model and magnitude with which it impacts the dependent variable. The model summary analyzing the impact of project objective development on project sustainability showed an R square of 0.976, suggesting that about 97.6% of the project sustainability's variance can be explained by beneficiaries' participation, activities identification, and understanding project objectives. In the model evaluating the influence of the project design system on project sustainability, the R square was 0.111, indicating that roughly 11.1% of the variability in project sustainability could be attributed to these factors. The model assessing the effect of the reporting system on project sustainability had an R square of 0.074, suggesting that these variables account for approximately 7.4% of the variation in project sustainability. The study concludes that project monitoring and evaluation is a necessary tool for long term sustainability so that the institutions supported through projects and the benefits realized are maintained and continue after the end of the project. The study recommends that All institutions, both private and public, including for profit organizations, NGOs and international organizations should involve their beneficiaries’ participation and even the employees in M&E because it is believed that participation would lead to empowerment through capacity building, skills and training. projects which in turn contribute to the broader notion of sustainable national development. Clear system design and detailed activities identification should be implemented to ensure a roadmap to positive results and prevent ambiguity. Further, increasing beneficiaries' involvement and improving the quality and frequency of result reporting could improve project performance. In addition, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be established to enable learning, data-driven decision making, and improved project performance
Keywords: Project monitoring and evaluation, community, project sustainability and community participation
Project Planning Process and Performance of Government Projects in Rwanda: A Case of Bank of Kigali Arena Sports Project in Gasabo District, Rwanda
No full textProject planning is critical in project management; this research focuses on planning process and performance of Governments projects in Rwanda. Professionals in the field have known for some time that the success of a project relies heavily on the quality of its planning. The Project Manager's primary responsibility is to ensure that the project is set up for success from the perspective of the client or stakeholder. The general objective of this research was to assess the contribution of the project planning roles on project success in Rwanda. Specific objectives are; to establish the effect of budget planning, communication plan and risk management plan on performance of BK Arena sports project. Through this study, the researcher’s skills and knowledge were increased in the field related to the project under study. Other researchers who would need to carry out studies related to this topic used it to get a useful literature review. The analytical-descriptive method was adopted for this investigation. The study included both quantitative and qualitative methods. There were 46 specific individuals in mind. Therefore, a census approach was necessary to ensure that all workers of the BK Arena sports project were included. Self-administered surveys were the major source of information. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 (Statistical Package for the Social Scientists) so that the study's connections could be established. The acquired data will be examined using an analysis of variance and descriptive statistics before being presented and summarized with frequency and distribution tables. The results show a favorable and statistically significant association between the budget plan and the BK Arena Sports project's actual outcomes (r = 0.633, p<0.05). The communication strategy for the BK Arena Sports project correlates positively and significantly with the project's success (r = 0.716, p<0.05). The BK Arena Sports project's success is positively and significantly correlated with the organization's risk management strategy (r = 0.735, p<0.05). With a R Squared value of 0.625, the model successfully accounts for around 62.5% of the variation in project outcomes. A good correlation between project success and the three plans used as variables in the regression model is evident. When working on the BK Arena Sports project, it's important to receive an accurate estimate of the prices of the materials and equipment that will be needed.
Keywords: Project Planning Process, Performance of Government Projects, Bank of Kigali Arena Sports Project, Gasabo District, Rwand
Product Design Management Project and Success of Manufacturing Project in Rwanda. A Case of Route to Market Project in Bralirwa Plc
No full textMuch new product design is not capable to match with the process design and machine capability in the production process due to issue of project monitoring and evaluation in manufacturing industries. The new product development emphasizes the importance of introducing new products in the market for business sustainability rather than market responsiveness and satisfaction. The general objective of this study is to assess product design management project and success of manufacturing project in Rwanda. A case of route to market project in Bralirwa Plc. The Specific objectives was to determine the role of product branding on success of manufacturing project of Bralirwa Plc, to assess the effect of product life cycle on success of manufacturing project of Bralirwa Plc and to establish relationship between product design management project and success of manufacturing project. The research based on two theories such as Theory of change (ToC) Contingency Theory (CT). The study used a descriptive research design with two mixed method such as quantitative and qualitative. The target population was production officers, sales and distribution officers, Monitoring and evaluations specialist, performance management specialists (190) from which 129 was selected as sample. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview and then the analysis was done through SPSS (Statistical product for service solution) version 21. The findings of product branding on success of manufacturing project showed an overall mean of 3.77 with a standard deviation of 0.461 which means that product branding can influence the success of manufacturing project and this also increased. On product life cycle and success of manufacturing project it had an overall mean of 3.79 and a standard deviation of 0.514. It also shows that product life cycle has that influence on success of manufacturing project of Bralirwa plc. As indicated product design management project contribute to the success of manufacturing project as indicated by the mean of 3.982 and the standard deviation of 0.502 which shows that the products are well branded in the target market. Then the finding on success of manufacturing projects in terms of returns to the company and making profits As conclusion, The branding introduces a product to the customers and also to the market places, when a product is well introduced to the customers they will understand it well because it’s the one that talks about the company and the product itself. As recommendations, from the finding it’s highly recommended that Bralirwa plc should put more efforts on customer satisfaction because if customers are satisfied with the product then they will buy more. Thus higher success will result into great revenue collection. Researcher suggests that other researchers can do more studies on the relationship between product design management and product life cycle to challenge the outcome
Effect of Project Planning Practices on the Performance of Tourism Projects: A Case of Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association, Kinigi Sector, Musanze District
No full textThe general objective of this research was to find out the effect of project planning practices on the performance of tourism projects in Musanze District. Specifically the study guided by the following objectives to find out the effect of scope planning practice on s performance of SACOLA in Musanze District, determine the effect of cost planning practice on performance of SACOLA in Musanze District, investigate the effect of human resource planning practice on performance of SACOLA in Musanze District and assess the effect of risk planning practice on performance of SACOLA in Musanze District. The population of this study was 145 people including Project staff, District staff, Sector staff and SACOLA members representatives. This study used a sample of 107 participants which was chosen using Slovin’s formula. The investigator relied on document analysis, questionnaires, and interviews in collecting data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) used in the study. The findings indicate that R Square value is 0.523 for scope planning practice which means that scope planning practice has effect on performance of SACOLA's projects at a52.3%. The p<0.05 indicates that there statistically significant effect of cost Planning Practice on the performance of SACOLA in Musanze District. The unstandardized coefficient (B) for the Human Resource Planning Practice is 2.445. A very low p-value of .000, reinforcing the significance effect of human resource planning on project performance. The Model Summary provides insights into the effect of risk planning practice on performance of SACOLA in Musanze District, The R-squared value of 0.579 indicates that approximately 57.9% of the variance in the project performance variable can be explained by variations in the risk planning practice variable. This indicates a significant effect of risk planning practice on performance of SACOLA in Musanze District. SACOLA is recommended to prioritize effective human resource planning by identifying skill requirements early in the project. Developing comprehensive recruitment, training, and development strategies will ensure that the project team possesses the necessary expertise.
Key words: Project Planning Practices, Scope Planning Practice, Cost Planning Practice, Human Resource Planning Practice, Risk Planning Practices and Project Performanc
Effect of Currency Devaluation on Performance of Small and Medium Firms in Beirut, Lebanon
No full textCurrency devaluation refers to a deliberate and official reduction in the value of a country's currency in relation to other currencies. It can occur through various mechanisms, such as adjusting interest rates, intervening in foreign exchange markets, or implementing monetary policies aimed at reducing the supply of domestic currency. Currency devaluation can create financial challenges for SMEs. Financial institutions may be more cautious in extending credit due to increased risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations. Devaluation reduces the value of collateral assets, making it harder for SMEs to secure financing. The research used the descriptive research design. The target population was 200 small and medium firms in Beirut, Lebanon. The study did sampling of 150 participants that were chosen from the target population of 200 small and medium firms in Beirut, Lebanon. Questionnaires were utilized to gather data. In conclusion, the devaluation of the Lebanese currency has presented numerous challenges for these businesses, impacting their competitiveness, profitability, and sustainability. It is crucial for SMEs to understand the direct and indirect impacts of currency devaluation. Increased import costs, inflationary pressures, and reduced purchasing power have placed significant strain on SMEs. By recognizing these challenges, SMEs can develop effective financial management strategies and explore hedging mechanisms to mitigate currency risk. The study recommended that Lebanese SMEs should consider developing export-oriented strategies, including identifying new export markets, conducting market research, and adapting their products and services to meet international demand. By capitalizing on export opportunities, SMEs can diversify their revenue streams and reduce their vulnerability to the domestic economic challenges caused by currency devaluation.
Keywords: Currency Devaluation, Performance, Small and Medium Firms, Lebano
Effects of Instructional Materials on Literacy Levels of Learners among Primary Schools in Helsinki, Finland
No full textInstructional materials are many different tools and resources used by teachers to facilitate learning and encourage the learning process. The study sought to examine the effects of instructional materials on literacy levels of learners among primary schools in Helsinki, Finland. Learner-centered instructional materials encourage meaningful learning and makes learning more enjoyable. Nowadays primary school entry ages make it extremely convenient to employ instructional materials. Literacy is the ability to read, write, talk and listen in a manner that enables people to successfully communicate and make sense of the outside world. Literacy is highly valued in Finland, where over half of all young children can read before entering school. At the pre-school level, play-like activities and emergent literacy are prioritized. The study used the descriptive research design. The target population was 30 primary schools in Helsinki, Finland. The research did sampling of 15 participants that were chosen from the target population of 30 primary schools in Helsinki, Finland. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the data. The study concluded that instructional materials have a significant impact on the literacy levels of learners. The quality and relevance of instructional materials can affect how well learners comprehend and retain information, and ultimately, their ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. Effective instructional materials should be designed with the learner in mind, taking into account their age, reading level, cultural background, and learning style. The study recommended that the government should set aside enough funds to increase the number of instructional materials in primary schools. The government should locate materials centers to make it easier for teachers to borrow or collect teaching materials that are unavailable in primary schools.
Keywords: Instructional Materials, Literacy Levels, Learners, Schools, Finlan