Vol 6 Issue 1 April 2018-September 2018

Abstract: This research examined the effect of stakeholder involvement on the success of community projects in Rwanda because, it has been observed that stakeholders of community development projects are rarely or even not fully engaged in crucial stages of the project implementation for example, at the planning, monitoring and evaluation phase. However when the project phases out /ends, it is hardly to sustain the continuity of the project activities and outcomes. This may be attributed to the fact that usually stakeholders are not sufficiently empowered and fully engaged in every single activity of the project. The researcher achieved this by use of three specific objectives namely; to establish the effect of Stakeholder participation in Planning on success of Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy Project; to examine the effect of Stakeholder participation in Project Control on success of Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy Project, and to assess the effect of Stakeholder involvement in Project Implementation on success of Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy Project. The researcher used descriptive design of study based on qualitative and quantitative approach in order to get better analysis of the study. The population size was 212 and the sample of 138 respondents was taken using random sampling and Slovene’s formula was used also to determine the sample size. Both primary and secondary sources with the relevant tools, like questionnaire, interview guide, observation and documentary analysis was used in order to come up with required data. Data was processed by use of SPSS and analyzed by use of regression analysis and Anova table. The research is of benefit to the researcher, Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy Project and JKUAT. In the findings it was established that Stakeholders involvement has a significant relationship with project success. The regression equation above established that taking all factors into account project success as a result of (Stakeholders involvement in planning, Stakeholders involvement in control, Stakeholders Involvement in implementation) at Zero project success of Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy Project constant Term. The equation presented also shows that taking all other independent variables at zero, a unit increase in Stakeholders involvement in planning would lead to a 0.567 unit increase in the scores of project success on Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy Project, a unit increase in Stakeholders involvement in control would lead to a 0.542 unit increase in project success of, a unit increase in Stakeholders Involvement in implementation would lead to a 0.568 increase in the scores of project success on Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy Project.

Keywords: Stakeholder, Stakeholder Involvement, Project Success, Planning and Project planning.

Title: EFFECT OF STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT ON PROJECT SUCCESS IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC POLICY INFORMATION, MONITORING AND ADVOCACY (PPIMA) IN GATSIBO DISTRICT (2012-2016)

Author: KWIZERA Julius, Dr. Patrick MULYUNGI, Dr. Jaya SHUKLA

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This research examined the effect of Community Involvement on the Sustainability of Development Projects in Rwanda because, it has been observed that often when project start, communities members are actively participating. However when the project phases out /ends, there is hardly any continuity of the project activities. This may be attributed to the fact that usually community members are not sufficiently empowered and fully engaged in every single activity of the project. The researcher intended to achieve this by use of three specific objectives namely; to establish the effect of Community participation in Planning on sustainability of Essential Nutrition and Health Package Project; to examine the effect of Community participation in Project Control on sustainability of Essential Nutrition and Health Package Project, and to assess the effect Community participation in Project Implementation on sustainability of Essential Nutrition and Health Package Project. The research was beneficial to the researcher, Essential Nutrition and Health Package Project and JKUAT. The researcher used descriptive design of study based on qualitative and quantitative approach in order to get better analysis of the study. The population size was 185 and sample of 115 respondents was taken. Both primary and secondary sources with their relevant tools, like questionnaire and documentary analysis was used in order to come up with required data. Data was processed by use of SPSS and analyzed by use of percentages, mean and standard deviation. The relationship between the variables was established by use of Pearson correlations module. In the findings it was established that Community Involvement in development projects inform of Community Project planning, Community Project control and Community Project implementation contributes highly to on sustainability Essential Nutrition and Health Package Project in form of physical financial sustainability and project operational sustainability. Table 4.16 gave the relationship between Community Involvement and Sustainability of Development Projects in Rwanda whereby the respondents  N is 115 and the significant level is 0.01, the results indicate that independent variable has positive high correlation to dependent variable equal to .781** and the p-value is .000 which is less than 0.01. When p-value is less than significant level, therefore researchers conclude that variables are correlated and null hypothesis is rejected and remains with alternative hypothesis. This means that there is a significant relationship between Community Involvement on the Sustainability of Development Projects in Rwanda. We can therefore conclude Community Involvement greatly contribute to positive Sustainability of Development Projects in Rwanda.

Keywords: Essential Nutrition and Health Package Project, Community Involvement, Community participation.

Title: EFFECT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT ON SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN RWANDA: CASE STUDY OF ESSENTIAL NUTRITION AND HEALTH PACKAGE (ENHP) IN KABUGA, GASABO DISTRICT, RWANDA

Author: MUTAMULIZA MARIE JUSTINE

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This study examined the effect of donor support on the success of Climate Change Adaptation project in Rwanda because most donors’ projects failed due to poor financial accountability, inadequate capacity to manage the projects and lack of knowledge base technology to manage the projects. The researcher achieved this by use of three specific objectives namely; to assess the effect of financial support and accountability on the success of Climate Change Adaptation Project in Rwanda; to analyse the effect of capacity building on the success of Climate Change Adaptation Project in Rwanda and to analyse the effect of knowledge base information on the success of Climate Change Adaptation Project in Rwanda. The research is beneficial to the researcher, donor, government and JKUAT. The research theoretical review, conceptual and empirical literature on the theory, conceptual framework and research gap. Descriptive method of study based on qualitative and quantitative approach was used in order to get better analysis of the study. The population size was 65 and sample of 65 respondents was taken by use of Universal sampling technique. Both primary and secondary sources with relevant tools like questionnaire and documentary analysis were used in order to come up with required data. Data was processed by use of SPSS and analyzed by use of percentages, mean and standard deviation. The relationship between the variables was established by use of Pearson correlations model and the significant level was measured by a regression analysis based on regression models and Anova table. In the findings it was established that donor support has effect on success of environmental projects in Rwanda. Donor support in form of financial support service shows that donors provided operational funds, donors provided material funds, donors provided training funds and donors provided equipment funds. Findings on capacity building shows that donors have provided experts to advice on the project operations, donors have provided trainings for the project staffs and beneficiaries, donors have provided sensitization and training for community on climate change adaptation and donors have provided information available on climate change adaptation to the beneficiaries. The findings on knowledge base technologies shows that donors have provided technology on meteorological early warning system, donors have provided technology to improve innovations in the projects activities, donors have provided database which contains all information on Climate Change Adaptations and donors have provided technology that has promoted communication among the stakeholders. Donor support has, improved on project performance inform of income and standard of living. Table 4.3, 4.7, 4.10 and gave the relationship between Donor support on success of Climate Change Adaptation project whereby the respondents  N is 65 and the significant level is 0.01, the results indicate that independent variable has   Positive strong correlation to dependent variable equal to .951** and the p-value is .000 which is less than 0.01. When p-value is less than significant level, therefore researchers conclude that variables are correlated. This means that there is a significant relationship between donor support on success of Climate Change Adaptation project. Researcher can, therefore conclude that Donor support affects project success inform of income and standard of living.

Keywords: donor support, Climate Change Adaptation project, financial accountability.

Title: EFFECT OF DONOR SUPPORT ON SUCCESS OF ENVIROMENTAL PROJECTS IN RWANDA A Case Study: Climate Change Adaptation Project in Rwanda (2010-2013)

Author: Edward TUSHABE

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This project analyses the possibility of goat production for sustainable development and improvement of livelihoods of Bugesera district farmers. The specificity of this study relied on the mixed mechanism of crops and livestock production for tiring small land where other sustainable agricultural mechanisms are inexistence or almost impossible to implement. This study applied quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyze the real consequences of intensive use of inorganic fertilizers and proposed a coping mechanism of goat manures as a sustainable solution for small landholders. It combines data that captured the field’s yields, and applied quantity of organic and inorganic manures in experimental fields to grow different crops, the experiment fields replicated using organic and inorganic fertilizers data were collected for comparability aspect. The study associated those findings with the structured interview questionnaire to examine further the importance of goat production on livelihood improvement as ultimate objective to alleviate poverty sustainably. Also, this study concluded by showing the potential role that the goat production intervention should have for sustainable development in Bugesera district. This requires a dramatic change in both policy and technological need to foster the economic development especially to alleviate the poverty by ensuring a sustainable living mode for farmers and increase their wellbeing using affordable investment to increase the small lands productivity and provide alternative sources of income for farmers who are heavily dependent on agricultural production.

Keywords: Goat production, Economic growth, Sustainable development, Organic and inorganic fertilizers, Rwanda           .

Title: RWANDA GOAT PRODUCTION: A KEY ELEMENT FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Author: JEAN RUBANGUTSANGABO, Dr. JAYA SHUKLA

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This research study entitled influence of stakeholder involvement on successful implementation of housing projects in Rwanda aimed at examine the influence of stakeholder involvement on successful project implementation in Rwanda because most development and community projects failed to meet its goals and objectives due to lack or inadequate stakeholder’s involvement in effective management of the project. This study was achieved by use of three specific objectives namely; to assess the influence of stakeholder involvement in project planning on the successful implementation of Gate Real Estates Project, to examine the effect of stakeholder involvement in project implementation on the successful implementation of Gate Real Estates Project and to analyze the influence of stakeholder involvement in monitoring on the successful implementation of Gate Real Estates Project in Gate Real Estates located in Kigali City, Rwanda for a period of four years from 2014-2017. This study used a descriptive case study design based qualitative and quantitative approach. A sample size of 105 that includes house buyers, house developers and Rwanda Housing Authority Sfaff participated in the study. SPSS software (version 22) was used to process the data and analysis was made by use of frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Skewness and regression analysis to establish relationship between the study variables. In the findings, it was established that stakeholders involvement in planning which consist of planning for requirement specification for the projects, participating in resource estimation and specification for the project, end users contributing to design input for the project and consulting developers for approval of project charter, costs, schedule and deliverables. Involvement in implementation which consist of Project stakeholders getting involved in checking on cost, time and quality compliance during project execution, project developers consulted during all major decision making during project execution, project stakeholders involvement in activity coordination for the project and stakeholders participating material sourcing of the projects. Lastly stakeholder’s involvement in monitoring which consist of quality compliance monitoring to meet the project goals and objectives, cost monitoring and control aimed at meeting project goals and objectives, following national housing legal framework and time resource monitoring and control. The finding revealed that the stakeholder’s involvement in the project increased accommodation and improved accommodation standard for Rwandans. Therefore we can conclude that stakeholder’s involvement has significant effect on project success.

Keywords: Housing construction project, Project Implementation, Project Monitoring, Project performance, Project planning, Stakeholder Involvement, Rwanda.

Title: INFLUENCE OF STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF HOUSING PROJECTS IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF THE GATE REAL ESTATES PROJECT

Author: ALICE FRIDA UMUMARARUNGU, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 

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Abstract: A majority of government institutions including Rwanda have recorded poor performance in form of service delivery and yet there is participatory budgeting to allow each ministry, districts, departments and sections to come up with their work plan to promote performance in these institutions. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the effects of budget management practices on performance of local government in Rwanda. The study specifically focused on the effects of budget planning, implementation and budget monitoring on the performance of local authorities in Rwanda. A descriptive research design was using both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. The target population of the study was 233 employees of the county authority. From this population a sample size of 129 respondents was obtained using a simple random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained by use of a closed ended questionnaire while secondary information was obtained through review of reports and journals. The data obtained was analysed by use computer based SPSS software program for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results was presented in form of frequency tabulations and regression matrices. In the finding it was established that Musanze district follow budget management practices accordingly. The district analyzes expenditure before coming up with budget plan, Musanze district analyzes income before coming up with budget plan, Musanze district analyzes likely inflation before coming up with budget plan and the manager’s delegate responsibilities. The district management approves payment as per the budget plan, Payment is done in a transparent way supported by receipt, all departmental head participates in budget management and conferences and budget is reviewed accordingly for proper utilization. The finding further shows that Budget implementation has improved performance of Musanze district. Lastly the head of department monitors the budget of their department, internal audit monitors if budget is being used as per the budget plan, external audit monitors if budget is being used as per the budget plan and District Accounts Committee monitors if budget is being used as per the budget plan.  This was justified by the relationship between budget management practices has significant effect on district performance whereby the respondents N is 98 and the significant level is 0.01, the results indicate that independent variable has positive high correlation to dependent variable equal to .85.6** and the p-value is .000 which is less than 0.01. When p-value is less than significant level, therefore researchers conclude that variables are correlated and null hypothesis is rejected and remains with alternative hypothesis. This means that there is a significant relationship between budget management practices and performance of Musanze district. We can therefore conclude budget management practices have significant effect on performance of Musanze district.

Keywords: government institutions, work plan, budget management practices, budget planning.

Title: EFFECT OF BUDGET MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL GOVERMENT IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY MUSANZE DISTRICT

Author: JACQUELINE MUKASHYAKA, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) in the world is a systematic approach for developing and managing partnerships. This study aims to fill the gaps on how supplier relations management could be used to enhance the procurement performance of the local government ministry in Rwanda. The study is guided by the following research specific objectives:  determine the effect of supplier selection on procurement performance in local government ministry in Rwanda, assess the effect of supplier quality management on procurement performance in local government ministry in Rwanda ,find out the effect of supplier collaboration on procurement performance in local government ministry in Rwanda and finally to  establish the effect supply management on procurement performance in Kicukiro district in Rwanda .The study used simple random sampling procedure will adopt a survey and target the management and the procurement staff of the Kicukiro District in KIGALI CITY. A total of population are 120 therefore targeted. The research will employ a descriptive study design. The sample size of the study will include of 92 respondents and Solvin’s formula has been used for sample size calculation. The questionnaires were issued to the concern respondents. The study concludes that Kicukiro District has put in place supplier relationships management to have a good procurement performance for achieve their goals on supplier selection management, supply quality management, supplier collaboration and supply management as indicated in this study. The study shown the great effect of supplier relationship on procurement performance and the researcher recommended the improvement on supplier collaboration and supplier selection mostly.

Keywords: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), local government ministry, supplier collaboration.

Title: EFFECT OF SUPPLY RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT ON PROCUREMENT PERFORMANCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRY IN RWANDA: A CASE OF KICUKIRO DISTRICT

Author: ZIRAJE KAJUJA, DR. Patrick MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: In Rwanda, capacity building means different things to some of different organizations, driven by their strategic needs and deficiencies and, essentially, regardless of their status and future goals. A general objective of this study is to examine the effect of operation capacity building on employee productivity in non-governmental organisations in Rwanda. On this research, Researcher used descriptive research design. The study population was comprised 34 staff of Oxfam Rwanda main branch. Researcher used Primary data and the results of the study were analyzed by using qualitative and quantitative data analysis, percentages and frequencies for comparison of opinions was generated. The coefficients of model fitness on how operation capacity building explains employee productivity in non -governmental organisations in Rwanda, especial in OXFAM Rwanda. Employee’s productivity has an overall correlation with operation of capacity building of 0.733 which is strong and positive. This means that approximately 73.3% variations of employee’s productivity are explained by the capacity building at 5% level of significance. These indicate good fit of the regression equation used. The overall significance of the regression estimation model. It indicates that the model is significant in explaining the relationship between operation capacity building and employee productivity at 5% level of significance. Analysis of Variance shows that f-calculated is greater that f – critical that is 6.321>0.00. More so training is considered as of great important to all the levels as it improves job commitment encourages specialization of employees. Human Resource Development practitioners should consider desired work-related attitudes such as organizational motivation, employee turnover, employee productivity, punctuality, organizational performance, job satisfaction and motivation to be an additional outcome of employee productivity.

Keywords: operation capacity building, employee productivity, employee turnover, job satisfaction.

Title: EFFECT OF OPERATION CAPACITY BUILDING ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN RWANDA: A CASE OF OXFAM RWANDA

Author: ANNICK BURABYO, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Any banking institution main goal is to operate profitably in order to maintain stability and sustainable growth. Both external and internal economic environments are viewed as critical drivers for bank performance. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of loan portfolio management on the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda for a period of 3 years, starting from the year 2014 to 2016. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the effects of loan risk analysis on the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda, to determine the impact of risk monitoring on the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda and to evaluate the effects of loan risk diversification on the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. Firm performance was measured using Return on Equity (ROE). This study adopted a descriptive research design in soliciting information on effects of liquidity management on financial performance of commercial banks. Stratified random sampling was used to determine the sample size. The study targeted BPR management and employees totaling to 110 respondents, the sample size was 87 respondents. The study used both primary and secondary data, where questionnaires, interview and annual reports of BPR was used. Primary quantitative data was collected by use of self-administered structured questionnaires. The researcher also used secondary data derived from the audited financial statement of the commercial banks for the period 2014 to 2016. The data collected was analyzed, with respect to the study objectives, using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mode, median, mean, standard deviation. Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine relationship between loan portfolio management and financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. Data was presented in tables, charts, figures and mathematical expressions.

Keywords: Portfolio, Loan, Management, Portfolio Management, Financial performance, Loan risk analysis, Loan risk diversification and Loan risk monitoring.

Title: EFFECTS OF LOAN PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN RWANDA: A CASE OF BANQUE POPULAIRE du RWANDA

Author: Liliane MWIZERWA, Dr. Patrick MULYUNGI, Dr. Jaya SHUKLA

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This study was to examine the effect of Internal Control practices on Project Performance in Rwanda: a case study of Lake Kivu Monitoring Project. The study were guided by the following objective: To establish the effect of control environment on project performance in Rwanda, To examine the effect of risk assessment on project performance in Rwanda, To determine the effect of control activities on project performance in Rwanda and to assess the effect of monitoring on project performance in Rwanda. A sample size of 80 was selected using Yaro Yamane (1967) formula. To ensure all categories of employees were represented in the sampling process, stratified random sampling technique was used to sample the survey respondents from the target population. The employees were selected randomly using simple random approach. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and document guides whose reliability and validity would be tested at the index of 0.70. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability on a 5-point Likert Scale for multiple items. Data analysis was done by multiple regression analysis and content analysis. The findings would provide a practical and useful tool for tourism ministry and the Government of Rwanda for policy formulation, management and regulation. In the finding, it was established that Internal Control Practices like Control Environment, Risk Assessment and control activities have significant relationship with project performance inform of improved yield and improved livelihoods. The regression equation established that taking all factors into account project performance comes as a result of Internal Control Practices in Lake Kivu Monitoring project , table 11 gave the relationship between Internal Control Practices on project performance in Rwanda whereby the respondents N is 80 and the significant level is 0.01, the results indicate that independent variable has positive moderate correlation to dependent variable equal to .793** and the p-value is .000 which is less than 0.01. When p-value is less than significant level, therefore researchers conclude that variables are correlated and null hypothesis is rejected and remains with alternative hypothesis. This means that there is a moderate relationship between Internal Control Practices on project performance, this project management principles are important in effective and efficient management of community projects.

Keywords: Internal control, Project Performance, Project implementation, Project Monitoring, Project planning, Stakeholder management.

Title: EFFECT OF INTERNAL CONTROL PRACTICES ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF LAKE KIVU MONITORING PROJECT

Author: VERONIQUE UWAMALIYA KANIMBA, Dr Patrick Mulyungi

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual business solution for courier services. This paper will also contribute to the courier service market and transporter market. The application, Run&Roll, will be based on an on-demand delivery service that targets to make on-demand delivery services a norm in Malaysia and eventually throughout the world. Run&Roll will not just deliver food products, but also merchandises and a transporter service. The drivers can be the consumers and vice versa. Literature Review, benchmarking, Business Model Canvas (BMC), 4 Lenses of Innovation, and Value Proposition Design (VPD) have been used as the methodologies for this paper.

Keywords:  courier services, delivery services, transporter, BMC, VPD, 4 Lenses of Innovation.

Title: Run & Roll Conceptual Business for Courier Service

Author: Muhammad Nazhan Mohamad Abdul Nasir, Ameerul Afiqeen Ajemeek, Khairul Ikhwan Hammad, Abdul Rahman Ahmad Dahlan

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The invention of Village microfinance or Village Savings and Loan Associations(VSLA) methodology of microfinance by CARE International changed the financial industry at a time when many people had no access to affordable financial services. The village microfinance has had massive impact on the livelihoods of its beneficiaries. It has given the rural poor and the marginalized financial power to save and loan using their own pool of income. This has had a lot of impact in the household level by improving their livelihoods, education access etc. However, many households are still facing with various sustainability challenges, which if not addressed could affect the life of the family members in the long-term. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of village savings and loan acquisition on sustainable livelihood in Rwanda. A case study of families in care of Societas Socialis Children's Villages (SOS) Kigali. The objectives of this study were: to establish the effect of the community VSLAs to the living conditions of rural families, to assess the extent to which, selection, planning and management of their small income generating activities influences sustainable rural livelihood, to examine how quality of trainings impacts sustainable rural livelihood through VSLAs in Rwanda. Descriptive research design was used to collect quantitative data from a target population of 108 active members of VSLAs from SOS in Rwanda. A sample size of 85 respondents, and 3 TOTs within SOS village in Kigali. Data collection was done using questionnaires which were administered to the respondents who are members of the village saving and Loan Associations. Content validity was used to establish the appropriateness of the instruments while half-split method was used to establish reliability. Quantitative data from the field were processed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 21. The analyzed data was presented in the form of tables using frequencies and percentages. The key findings of the study are as follow: the average monthly income of the old VSLA participants is statistically significantly different from and larger than those of the non and new participants. Further evidence from regression analysis showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between participation in VSLAs and household asset accumulation. Considering education, the mean education expenditure of the old VSLA participants was found to be statistically significantly different from and larger than those of the non and new VSLA participants. The results also show that participation in VSLAs significantly reduces the probability of having school drop – out children in the family. Lastly, it was evident that participation in VSLAs and the monthly savings made by the VSLA members into the association’s savings pool have a positive and significant impact on the number of IGAs initiated and being operated by the participants under the study. Overall, the conclusion of the study is that based on the evidence gathered, VSLAs are playing an important role in enhancing rural household welfare, manifested by; improvement of household income, supporting household asset accumulation, supporting the education expenditure for rural household’s children, reducing the school drop – out rates amongst rural households and supporting the development and diversification of IGAs by households. It is therefore recommended that; the government and development agencies should encourage the development of VSLAs and the general community should be sensitized about the significance of savings. Other activities like agricultural extension services can be integrated into the activities of VSLAs, and formal financial sector actors can design policies which include creation of linkages with the rural - based financial services associations like VSLAs.

Keywords: financial services, sustainable livelihood, VSLA, SOS Rwanda.

Title: CONTRIBUTION OF VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS ON BUILDING SUSTAINABLE RURAL LIVELIHOOD IN RWANDA: A case study of families in care of SOS Children's Village Kigali

Author: NIYIRERA SOLANGE, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 

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Abstract: Monitoring and evaluation system is a fundamental tool in project management aimed at checking whether the projects’ objectives and goals are being achieved. It improves the overall efficiency of project planning, management and implementation. Many of the projects funded or initiated by donors have ended up collapsing either within the project period while others that survived the project period have not proceeded further after the termination of donor support. This has raised the questions; do these projects have a well-designed monitoring and evaluations plan to ensure effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation practices? The purpose of this project was to investigate the factors that influence the implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation in HIV research projects at Project San Francisco (PSF). This study was meant to establish how financial availability, staff participation, management commitment, and relevant skills influence implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems in HIV research projects which are mainly donor funded. The research design that was applied on this study was a survey design where a census of the target population was done using questionnaires as the instruments of data collection. Descriptive statistics was used as the method of data analysis. This study targeted San Francisco project which is internationally funded and has been actively involved in research for the HIV Vaccine. About 103 respondents from Project San Francisco was formally interviewed using structured questionnaires. Briefing, rapport building, and piloting of questionnaires and respondents was done and ensure their efficiency in terms of validity and reliability. The data collected was coded, keyed into SPSS (a computer software database version 21), organized, and cleaned for any errors that might have occurred during data collection. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics with aid of the SPSS and Microsoft Excel (computer software). Qualitative statistical techniques were used to describe and summarize data. The results were then interpreted in the form of descriptive statistics which are frequencies and percentages. The findings were presented in form of tables and figures. The findings indicate that management commitment is significantly correlated to implementation of monitoring and evaluation at Project (r=0.347, p<0.01). This implies that management commitment would result to implementation of monitoring and evaluation at Project San Francisco. The study concludes that there is need for management to have commitment towards the success of the project. This will be reflected in terms of staff capacity building efforts, both in staffing and training. The management should give management commitment priority since it is a vital planning tool in project management.

Keywords: Management commitment, monitoring and evaluation, implementation of HIV project, Project San Francisco.

Title: FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPLEMENTATION OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION IN HIV RESEARCH PROJECTS IN RWANDA: A CASE OF PROJECT SAN FRANCISCO (PSF)

Author: JEAN PIERRE NKURANGA, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

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Abstract: Modern finance and economics has been concerned with the effects of changes in exchange rates on returns and cash flow of corporations. After the collapse of the Bretton Woods System in the mid-1970s, most corporations throughout the world viewed exchange rates as significant risk factor. This is especially the case in those industries that have been subject to substantial globalization. Firms who transact in foreign currencies in the course of carrying out their businesses inevitably get exposure to foreign exchange rate risk. Firms are increasingly operating across borders; exporting and importing raw materials and finished goods, employing foreign capital, people and processes and controlling their resources globally–thus the importance of currency fluctuations. Exchange rate risk can be broadly defined as the risk that a company’s financial performance will be affected by exchange rate movements. Measuring and managing exchange rate risk exposure is critical in reducing a firm’s vulnerability from major exchange rate movements, which could adversely affect profit margins and the value of net assets. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exchange rate exposure on a company’s financial performance through a survey of listed companies in the Rwanda Stock Exchange that covered the period of 3 years 2012 to 2015. The research adopted descriptive research design which involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative data. A census approach was used on the eight firms listed in Rwanda stock exchange. The research utilized questionnaires for data collection comprising of structured questions. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary source was from senior managers in finance using questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential research methods was used to analyze data collected. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, measure of central tendency, range, variance and standard deviations. Inferential statistic included correlation analysis. While analytical tool to be used included Statistical Packages for Social sciences version 21 (SPSS) and presented using charts and tables. From the findings the study found that listed firms financial performance is affected by the foreign exchange rates movements. Use the income statement and the owner ‘s equity account to record foreign exchange differences. The study further concluded that unrealized foreign exchange gains/losses had an effect on the Net Income of listed companies as it was posted to either income statement or owners’ equity. The study therefore concludes that foreign exchange affects the company’s financial performance through, imports and accounts payables and export sales and accounts receivables thus with the net effect on the Net Income of multinational companies through the income statement or the owners’ equity reserves. From the findings of this research, the study recommends that firms listed in the Rwanda Stock Exchange should explore avenues to enhance capacities within firms for managing foreign currency risk. Future researcher may conduct further studies and identify other macro-economic factors that significantly affect a firm’s financial performance.

Keywords: Transaction based foreign exchange exposure, Financial performance, financial performance of listed firms in Rwanda.

Title: EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE EXPOSURE ON A FIRM’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF LISTED COMPANIES IN RWANDA

Author: JAMES JOSEPH OGATO, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI, Dr. JAYA SHUKLA

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Changes in the business environment are leading to new and greater demands on strategic planning systems. Existing literature shows that strategic planning significantly enhances organizational performance. However, some organizations do not have a strategic plan. Additionally, most organizations develop strategic plan with a view of making managerial and administrative tasks easy and not with a thinking of improving performance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of strategic planning on organizational performance. The study was conducted at Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER) headquarters in Remera, Gasabo district, Rwanda. It adopted a cross sectional research design. A total of 322 employees and registered members from Institution of engineers Rwanda formed the target population. A sample size of 178 employees was determined using Slovin’s formula. Stratified random sampling method was used to obtain study samples. The study used both primary data and secondary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. Collected data was analyzed using statistical package for social science. Descriptive analysis was done to obtain frequencies and percentage of study variables. Pearson correlation and regression analysis were carried out to determine the relationship between strategic planning and organizational performance. Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine relationship between strategic planning and organization performance. Data was presented in tables, charts, figures and mathematical expressions. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression method of analysis was adopted to determine the inferential statistics. The findings indicated that the beta coefficients of the resulting model indicate that strategy formulation, implementation and control had positive effect on institute of engineers of Rwanda performance with slopes of β1=0.306, β2= 0.236 and β3= 0.358 respectfully. The study results show that there was positive and statistically significant relationship between Strategy formulation, strategy implementation and strategy evaluation and control at P value 0.000< 0.05. Given the findings of the study strategy implementation competence as well as the control environment are important drivers of organizational performance. It implies that implementation and control initiatives undertaken are significant aspects of an effective strategic management practice for Institution of engineers Rwanda. The study recommends that institutions of engineers in Rwanda need to prepare plans to cope with changes as they face dynamically changing environments especially such changes may be unpredictable and may occur suddenly. Being a case study, the findings of this study cannot be generalized to other public institutions in Rwanda since various institutions have different structures. The study therefore recommends further studies on effects of strategic planning practices on public institutions performance.

Keywords: strategy formulation, public institutions, Institution of Engineers Rwanda, Performance.

Title: EFFECT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS RWANDA

Author: RUTEMBESA EPIMAQUE, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals