Vol 6 Issue 1 April 2018-September 2018

Abstract: Due to the increase in competition and increasing market liberalization, firms in the telecommunications industry are facing a threat to the profit sustainability. As market players’ increase and offerings diversify, the market share reduces causing decrease in profit. Furthermore, customers’ preferences are dangerously volatile, and satisfaction of their diverse needs can prove arduous and the heightened customer awareness results in search for better alternative offerings in the market. As a result, customers may voluntarily switch from one vendor to the other. The general objective of the study was to assess of effect of service strategies adopted by internet service provider on customer retention. A case of Airtel Rwanda Ltd. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine the effect of service quality on customer retention in internet service providers in Rwanda, to investigate the effect of loyalty programs on customer retention in internet service providers in Rwanda, to determine the effect of market penetration on customer retention in internet service providers in Rwanda and to determine the effect of price on customer retention in internet service providers in Rwanda. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 150 full time employees of Airtel Rwanda that included IT and Network staff, Heads of the following departments: Customer Care, business Market, Marketing and Finance department. A sample size of 110 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size from the departments of IT and Networking, whereas Census was applied for departments where only heads were considered. The study used both primary and secondary data. Structured questionnaires and interview were used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS version 21. Data analysis involved statistical computations for averages, percentages, and correlation and regression analysis. Results revealed that a strong relationship exist between the factors that influence customer retention in Rwanda. The questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS. Likert scales and descriptive data was used to determine frequencies. Chi-square was used to establish the relationship between retention variable factors and the customer category to establish the major determinants of retention. The Chi- square was obtained at 95% confidence level and at 68 degrees of freedom. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to establish the relationship between the independent variable (retention factors) and dependent variable (customer satisfaction). The results confirm that the variable factors observed have a positive impact on customer retention in the Internet Service Providers in Rwanda. From the above regression equation, it was revealed that holding Service quality, loyalty programs, market penetration and price to a constant zero, customer retention in Airtel Rwanda would be at 0.455. A unit increase on service quality would lead to increase in customer retention in Airtel Rwanda by a factor of 0.016, a unit increase in loyalty programs would lead to increase in customer retention in Airtel Rwanda by a factor of 0.182, a unit increase in market penetration would lead to increase customer retention in Airtel Rwanda by a factor of 0.153 and unit increase in price would lead to increase in customer retention in Airtel Rwanda by a factor of 0.204.

Keywords: Service quality, customer retention, internet service providers in Rwanda.

Title: EFFECT OF SERVICE STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER ON CUSTOMER RETENTION: A CASE OF AIRTEL RWANDA LTD

Author: GISELE UWAMAHORO KAYIGI, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Globally, share price volatility is the unavoidable market phenomenon that reflects on fundamentals of finance, information in the market and investor expectations. Share price volatility disturbs the proper operations of the financial system and negatively affects stock market performance. High volatility above a mark raises the investment’s risk profile hence possibility of losses is paramount. This study assessed the effects of stock price volatility on stock market performance companies listed on the Rwanda Stock exchange. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to determine the effect of exchange rate on the stock market performance of firms listed in Rwanda Stock, to determine the effect of interest rate on the stock market performance of firms listed in Rwanda Stock, to determine the effect of inflation rate on the stock market performance of firms listed on Rwanda Stock exchange. The study adopted descriptive research design and the population contained all the eight companies listed in the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE). A census survey was conducted on all the eight listed firms and purposive sampling technique was used to sample the respondents to participate in the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis using SPSS version 21. Correlation and regression methods used to carry out the inferential analysis. Statistical t-test and F- test was used to test the significance of explanatory variables on dependent variable. The study found that Exchange rate had a positive influence on the stock market performance in Agricultural, Industrial allied sectors and a negative influence on Finance and investment sectors and commercial and services sectors. Inflation had a positive influence on the stock market performance in investment sector and a negative influence on all the other sectors. Interest rate had a positive influence on the stock market performance in Commercial, sectors and a negative influence on Investment sectors. The study also found that fuel prices had a negative influence on the stock market performance in the Automobile sectors while having a positive influence on the stock market performance in all the other sectors. The findings showed that the type of sector characteristics had a moderating effect on the relationship between macroeconomic variables of exchange rate, Interest rate, Inflation, and the stock market performance at the RSE.

Keywords: Exchnge rate, Share price volatility, Rwanda stock exchange.

Title: EFFECTS OF SHARE PRICE VOLATILITY ON STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE OF COMPANIES LISTED ON RWANDA STOCK EXCHANGE IN RWANDA

Author: MAURICE BAHANDWA NSHUTI, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The operating environment for business has become very volatile and dynamic following increased innovation and globalization. This has meant that organizations have to constantly be ready to develop and implement new strategies that would boost their competitiveness. Diversification is developing as one of the most important growth strategies adopted by firms to boost performance. Some firms that have adopted diversification strategies have succeeded while others have failed. The study sought to determine the effect of corporate diversification on the financial performance of manufacturing firms in Rwanda. To achieve this objective the study used a descriptive survey. A census approach was used, and secondary data was used for five years (2012-2016). The data was gathered from financial statements and records. Data analysis was done using a regression model. The study found that corporate diversification was positively related to financial performance of 15 selected manufacturing firms in Rwanda. Data analysis was done using a regression model. The study found that corporate diversification was positively related to financial performance of the manufacturing firms in Rwanda. Growth and firm size were found to be negatively related to financial performance of manufacturing firms. The correlation results were found to be weak but moderate between corporate diversification and financial performance of manufacturing firm. From the descriptive results, it was found that a few selected manufacturing firms had diversified their products. The mean value of the selected manufacturing firms that had diversified their products was 0.0209. This mean value shows that the level of corporate diversification is moderate. Firm size and financial performance was found to have a weak positive relationship which was represented by R= -.354. There was no relationship between growth of the firm and financial performance of manufacturing firms. From the model of coefficients, corporate diversification was found to be statistically significant in the model. This is because its p-value was lower than 5%. The results were as follows p=0.004. These finding are consistent with the hypothesis of the study which predicts a positive relationship between corporate diversification and financial performance of the selected manufacturing firms in Rwanda. Further, it was observed that firm size and growth of listed manufacturing firms were statistically insignificant. The results obtained were as follows p=0.007 and p=0.094. The study recommends that firms should offset the risk of doing business. Through expanding, a firm is not dependent on a limited number of products, locations, or markets in order to survive. A company may pursue this diversification in reaction to a change in the market. The study was conducted within a limited time and scope. The results and the conclusion drawn in this study cannot however, be used to make generalization of all the manufacturing firms operating in Rwanda.

Keywords: Product diversification, financial performance, manufacturing firms in Rwanda.

Title: EFFECT OF CORPORATE DIVERSIFICATION ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS

Author: FLORENCE MUKAMANA, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Taxation is an important element in the management of the national economy. The purpose of taxation in Rwanda is to finance government planned activities. However collecting different revenues is a major challenge due to narrow tax base and cases of non-compliance among taxpayers. The agency in charge of collection of tax put in place different strategies to mitigate those challenges. This study entitled the effect of value added tax collection strategies on VAT collection performance in Rwanda analyzed the effect of three different strategies in collection of VAT on revenue performance using a case study of Rwamagana district. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To determine the effect of Electronic billing machine on the performance of VAT collection in Rwamagana district, to assess the effect of administrative fines on the performance of VAT collection in Rwamagana district and to examine the effect of training of taxpayers in VAT filing on the performance of VAT collection in Rwamagana district. The study used descriptive survey design. The target population was made up by a total of 328 people from Rwamagana district taxpayers registered in VAT and the employee of RRA involved in VAT collection. A sample of 180 persons was used but only 176 respondents return the questionnaires. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the effect of VAT collection strategies on revenue performance. And it has been found that all the three strategies have a significant positive effect on VAT collection performance and without them the VAT collection performance would be very poor. These findings provided a practical and useful tool for RRA to establish barriers to compliance and put in place proper and adequate mechanisms to encourage voluntary compliance and minimize non-compliance cases, and for the academicians it will be a useful tool for the empirical reviews.

Keywords: Electronic billing machine, Performance, VAT collection, Rwamagana district.

Title: EFFECT OF VALUE ADDED TAX COLLECTION STRATEGIES ON REVENUE PERFORMANCE IN RWANDA: CASE STUDY OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT

Author: MINANI FIDELE, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The study examines factors affecting the performance of livestock based cooperatives societies in Isiolo County. It specifically aims at finding out the effect of organizational systems, to examine corporate governance, identifying the effect of leadership and investigating whether organizational structure affects performance of the cooperatives. The study uses descriptive research design aided by the use of a questionnaire as the main data collection research instrument. In total, 205 questionnaires were distributed but only 152 successfully filled and returned giving a response rate of 74 percent. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling.  Data analysis was conducted descriptively (using frequency and percentages) and inferential (Chi square test) statistics to realize the set objectives. The study discloses a significant association of the level of coordination with members/staffs interaction, implementation of policies, adoption of feedback and service to the client. In addition, there exists a significant association between adherence of bylaws with the board and staff dealings and members obtaining relevant information. The findings also disclose that performance of the cooperatives is influenced by leadership. The study concludes that corporate governance and leadership are highly associated with the performance of the livestock based cooperative. The study suggests for triangulation with other non-deposit taking societies performance and review of the policies. Further, the study advocates for the  need to strengthen and build the capacity of members to appreciate its contribution towards ensuring fairness, equity and equality in the prosperous Sacco's, need for training programs on leadership and associated as well as regulating dynamics.

Keywords: Cooperative, livestock, livelihood, pastoralist.

Title: Factors affecting the performance of Livestock Based Cooperatives Societies in Isiolo County, Kenya

Author: Khalif Abdirahman Abey, Dr. John Muhoho

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Small and medium tax payers form the greatest percentage of tax payers. In an effort to enhance tax compliance hence tax collection, the government of Rwanda introduced e-tax system of filling and remitting tax returns. As much as the RRA has tried to achieve its tax collection targets the tax collected is still low and this still leads to a relatively large budget deficit. Since the introduction of the system, no study has analyzed the perception of small and medium tax payers towards the e-tax system and the extent of its adoption. The research purpose was therefore to assess the effects of electronic tax system on tax compliance among small and medium tax payers in Nyarugenge sector. The specific objectives included to establish the effect of e-filling on tax compliance among small and medium tax payers in Nyarugenge sector, to examine the effect of e-payment on tax compliance among small and medium tax payers in Nyarugenge sector and lastly to identify the challenges of electronic tax system to the small and medium tax payers in Nyarugenge sector. The study adopted both correlational and descriptive research designs. The target population for the study included small and medium tax payers in Nyarugenge sector. A sample of 99 respondents was drawn from a population of 15,507 using Slovin’s formula with 10% margin of error. Proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the sample size. The findings indicated a strong positive association between E-tax system and tax compliance with high Rsquared value of 68.4%. The study recommended training programs and improved fibre optic network to improve connectivity and server efficiency. Primary data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and presented in form of tables and graphs. The findings of this research will help the RRA management staff to know the various challenges facing tax payers in adopting the e-tax system for appropriate action to be taken, small and medium tax payers to know the benefits of e-tax system in improving efficiency of doing business and to the future researchers as reference material.

Keywords: Electronic tax, SM Taxpayers, E-tax systems, Nyarugenge Sector.

Title: EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC TAX SYSTEM ON TAX COMPLIANCE AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM TAX PAYERS IN RWANDA: CASE STUDY OF NYARUGENGE SECTOR

Author: UTETIWABO SOLANGE, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI, Dr. OLUOCH OLUOCH

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The efficient prices of transport are a critical component of economic development, globally and nationally. Cost-push inflation to road transport prices occurs when the inflation moves in the same direction as fuel prices, exchange rate of domestic to foreigner currencies and inflation on imported fuels and other Lubricants.  Inflation destroys the terms of trade in a country by increasing the price of domestic goods and services more than the regional and the world market price. In additional to this effects from exchange rate developments dampened the effects of the oil price.  In Rwandan economy, the macroeconomy has been characterized with the problem of inflation since 1973; Inflation has been mainly driven by various factors.  The recent study on determinants of inflation in Rwanda considered international oil price and exchange rates as main determinants of inflation. The transport price is mainly linked to oil price such as fuel and lubricants price index and growth in exchange rate. The objectives of the research were to establish the relationship between determinants of cost push inflations with regards road transport prices in Rwanda, and to assess its causal effects since 2006-2016. The data were gathered in published reports by National Institute of statistics of Rwanda, and National Bank of Rwanda. The review of other related studies were done. The data was analysed using econometric and statistical analysis such as descriptive and correlation design, timeseries analysis, cointegration, granger causality and impulse response were tested. The results from the study revealed that the cost-push inflation which is the increase of inputs used in transport services, has a positive relationship to influence and affects the price of transport in Rwanda. The most influence to transport prices was observed from the change in price of fuel, lubricants, imported inflation of fuel, the fluctuation of exchange rate between US dollars and Rwandan francs. Inflations on transport have less influence than other variables. In other words, if the price of fuel and lubricants increases, it has immediately effect on increase of transport prices. The high growth of exchange rate between US dollars and Rwandan francs has an influence in fixing the price of transport in Rwanda. In additional to this, imported inflation on oil influences its price, which in turn affects the price of transport in Rwanda.  The recommendations, along with the findings of this study could be used by policy makers in Rwanda to frame a suitable economy policy with regards to combating imported inflation on inputs used in transport services and to stabilize exchange rate. Moreover, the study found that inflation is mainly accelerated by the supply side (high cost of inputs transport) and external factors (import of fuel and lubricants and other transport services). Therefore, in Rwanda, Cost-push inflation can be efficiently controlled by monetary policy and fiscal policy through government spending, improvement in term of trades (not to depend on imports only). Additional to this the investors of inputs used in transport services should create fuel and other lubricants storage facilities to sustain the transport services and stabilize the transport prices in Rwanda.

Keywords: Cost push inflation, road transport price, determinants of cost push inflation.

Title: Analysis of the Effect of Cost Push Inflation on Road Transport Price in Rwanda (2006-2016)

Author: Mr. BIZIMANA VENUSTE, Dr. JAYA SHUKLA

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Gender Based violence is a day-to-day tragedy around the world. Many females, both children and adults, have suffered a great deal from different acts of violence because of their sex. Rape, beating, female genital mutilation (FGM), abduction, and early marriage are among the dominant types of Gender Based Violence that affect women physically, psychologically, socially and economically. Scholars in media, gender and politics have interest in the apparent gender differences in media coverage and framing of those in GBV. The general objective of the study was to examine the influence of print media on the framing of the perceptions on Gender Based Violence in Rwanda. The study based on the following three objectives; to assess the perceptions and beliefs of print media practitioners on GBV in Rwanda, to examine the factors that influence the framing of print media content on GBV in Rwanda and to examine the role of Print Media frames on the perceptions and beliefs of GBV in Rwanda for better understanding of these portrayals. The theoretical underpinning of this study is borrowed from the media framing theory. The research approach of the study was qualitative in nature and employed content analysis and in-depth interview data collection techniques. The sample frame for the study included New times publications published daily over a period of one year (January to December) 2017. The sample size for the content analysis included all the newspaper articles that mentioned any form of GBV. A total of ten senior editors and writers working for the New Times was purposively selected for the in- depth interviews. The themes and priming of these articles were identified. The results indicated that there are ten types of Gender based Violence as reported during the period of analysis. The articles given the most prominence was on physical violence and Domestic violence while those that occupied the smallest space were on rape, child abuse, physical violence, and which appeared under letters to the Editor and on News. From the findings, there is need for the Rwandan journalist to be part of the solutions in the fight against GBV. While news can, and often does, offer in-depth and informative coverage of issues, strategies need to be developed to encourage journalists to incorporate more context and analysis when reporting violence against women. This study makes several conclusions. This study has analyzed how the print media in Rwanda has primed GBV. The study used the New Times newspapers to give examples of how the print media in Rwanda prime GBV. The media in Rwanda should have more thoroughly researched feature stories on gender-based violence to communicate to society and set the agenda of a gender-based violence-free Rwanda. The agenda setting role of the media is important because people many times conform to the media agenda and use it in their lives. Due to time constraints, the researcher could not study everything in the field of media, framing and gender-based violence and was restricted to only study sexual violence. After the findings of the study, the researcher also noted that there are areas that can be enhanced to create other useful studies.

Keywords: Mainstream print media, gender-based violence, New Times.

Title: INFLUENCE OF PRINT MEDIA FRAMING ON THE PERCEPTIONS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF THE NEW TIMES

Author: DOREEN NAKURE, Dr. CAROLINE NABUZALE (PhD), Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI (PhD)

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The use of project management approach in management of organizations is gaining importance globally. Project management provides organizations with powerful tools at every project stage. Project initiation is the first stage in project management and is marked with the presence of communication plans, project design, risk management plans and project procurement plans. The aim of this research was to find out how these plans influence the project performance with focus on government projects in Gasabo District in Rwanda. The research was conducted through a survey. The target population of this study was the group of project managers of the 150 managers of ongoing and the stalled government projects in Gasabo District. Stratified sampling basing on the 9 ministries and the District office was used to get the sample of 110 managers. Information about the projects was obtained by visiting the project site and a self-administered questionnaire completed by the respondent manager. The validity of the questionnaire was established by seeking expert opinion. Reliability was established through a test-retest in a pilot study with 10 managers responding to the questionnaire twice without expectation. Data collection was done by use of a self-administered questionnaire. Statistics like mean standard deviation and percentages was used to analyze the data. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. The research culminated in a research project. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research in its data analysis. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS version 21. Data analyzed was reported using frequencies presented in tables, percentages, pie-charts and histograms. Qualitative data was incorporated in research findings on the basis of reviewed literature and field experiences. The findings led to the provision of recommendation on how utilization of project design plan documents can be used to improve project performance in Gasabo District. The study found that, lack of reviewing communication plan influenced the performance of government projects in Gasabo District. Communication between the parties also influenced the performance of the project which was not effective in Gasabo District. The study further revealed that past experience and relevant data should be used in designing project, and the standards to be achieved should be clear since they influence the performance of government projects in the District. The study recommends that the governments’ employees should improve the current status of projects in the District. The projects should attain any tangible and observable performance levels. The study further recommends that the regulatory and legal conditions should be clear to the project team and a clear plan outlining timeframe for acquiring the products should be in place since it also affects performance of government projects in the District.

Keywords: Project design plan documents, Project Performance, Projects.

Title: INFLUENCE OF UTILIZATION OF PROJECT PLAN DOCUMENTS ON PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNMENT PROJECTS IN RWANDA: A CASE OF SELECTED GOVERNMENT PROJECTS IN GASABO DISTRICT

Author: DANIEL HANYURWIMFURA, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The increasing propensity of commercial banks to take part in derivative activities is one of the notable developments in the present day financial markets. Latterly, the financial innovation improvements, deregulation and development of the financial markets, and banks” margins decrease, due to low-quality loan applicants, motivate the commercial banks to provide advanced services and products to expand their profits. Profits from traditional banking activities has been decreasing whilst the competitiveness of markets have been increasing thus forcing banks to undertake derivative activities. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of financial derivatives on the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. To achieve this the study was guided by the following specific objectives; to determine how the risk management in derivatives affects the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda, to examine if efficiency in trading of derivatives affects the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda, to establish if price stabilization in derivatives affect the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda and to explore if price discovery in derivatives affect the financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. This study adopted a descriptive research design in soliciting information on effects of liquidity management on financial performance of commercial banks. The target population was 14 commercial banks in Rwanda. The sampling technique that was employed is simple random sampling and the sample size was 42 respondents. 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 liquidity management and financial performance of commercial banks in Rwanda. Data was presented in tables, charts, figures and mathematical expressions. Return on Assets (ROA) was used as the proxy for financial performance while financial derivatives, liquidity ratio and shareholders‟ equity ratio were the predictor variables. Content analysis was used to operationalize qualitative data and eventually was analyzed using statistical methods for inferential conclusions. F-test was used to test the significance of the overall model xvii while significance of each specific variable was tested using T- test. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that ownership structure, market structure and business risks play significant role in explaining interest rate spread. The study recommends that the government and policy makers should implement sustainable political and macroeconomic environment to boost investors’ confidence in the banking sector which would go a long way in reducing interest rate spread. This study did not include all determinants of IRS and a further study is recommended to include other factors such as effects of information and communication technology on interest rate spread.

Keywords: Inflation rate, Financial performance, Commercial banks in Rwanda.

Title: EFFECT OF INTEREST RATE SPREAD ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN RWANDA: A CASE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN RWANDA

Author: TONA DIDINE, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Communication is a set of various aspects such as reading materials from scholars, books, publications, e-materials etc. Reading culture plays a key role in the way communication flows between people, within organizations, schools (communication between pupils and teacher) and professional career (meetings, conferences, workshops). When the reading culture starts at a very early age, children grow competently with ability to analyze a set of writings, which is the source of the fundamental knowledge. Due to an increasing internet spread, school children tend to reduce time allocated to read publications and books in the library which affect their performances both at school and in their pursued careers. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of digital communication era on the reading culture among primary school children in Rwanda. The study was guided by the following research objectives namely: Assess the effect of access to internet among school children in the digital communication era in Rwanda; Analyze the skills needed to operate the digital technologies; and Examine children’s perceptions on using and adapting to digital technologies. The study was carried out at Gahanga and Remera Catholique Primary Schools, in order to assess both rural and urban perspectives. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The target population of the study is 284 respondents at primary school level from P2-P6, as it is where they learn basic skills of reading which helped them later in their advanced education. Random sampling technique was employed for the study to select the respondents. Questionnaires with close ended questions was used to collect data. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS. After findings, suggestions and recommendations was made according to observed results from respondents. The findings indicated that Access to the internet is significantly correlated to Reading culture (r=0.347, p<0.05). Skills needed is significantly correlated to Reading culture (r=0.427, p<0.05). Pupil’s perceptions are significantly correlated to Reading culture (r=0.347, p<0.05). From the analysis and discussion of the findings, the study revealed that electronic media use by pupils affect their reading culture. This is because of using abbreviated words in text messages to save time, space and cost. Using figures to represent words, using acronyms in place of full spellings, to save time and cost, and they indulge in words shortening in electronic media communication to save space. The persistent practicing of these patterns of writing contributes to pupils forgetting the correct spellings of words that can influence their reading culture. The researcher is suggesting that further studies could be undertaken in the following areas; The problems and prospects of electronic media use by primary school pupils in Rwanda. Electronic media as a resource for academic enhancement in Rwanda primary institution.

Keywords: Skills needed, digital technologies, reading culture primary school pupils Rwanda.

Title: INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ERA ON THE READING CULTURE AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN RWANDA: CASE OF GAHANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL AND REMERA CATHOLIQUE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Author: BUMWE RITHA MARIE CLARISSE, Dr. CAROLINE NABUZALE, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Over the past few decades, environmental practitioners and activists have increasingly recognized the importance of a strong communication mechanism with lay communities as a way of educating them on the necessity to protect the environment and win their support and participation. However, in some areas, such efforts have done little efforts to change the behaviors of local communities. In the areas around Rwanda’s fourth and latest National Park – The Gishwati-Mukura – the situation is no different. Ongoing human encroachment in the form of grazing, tree cutting, illegal mining and hunting, among others, meant that the Park’s biodiversity was for long threatened with extinction despite the efforts led by several organizations and institutions to educate local people on the necessity to preserve this natural mountain forest. Efforts from environmental practitioners to solve this negative trend have mostly focused on addressing the complicated forces they perceive to be the main drivers behind the degrading environment: lack of proper education, severe poverty, lack of farmland and economic hardships, among others. The adoption of participatory communication approaches is the latest of the strategies used to encourage communities to adopt environmental-friendly practices. However, there have been few studies on the role of participatory communication in environment conservation. Therefore, this study seeks to understand how participatory communication approaches are used to stimulate environment conservation actions, investigate the existing challenges that are blocking environmentally positive behavior changes and how participatory communication can be better applied to address them within communities around the Gishwati-Mukura National Park. The study used a descriptive research design and stratified random sampling to determine the sample size. Questionnaires were administered to respondents to generate primary data necessary to draw conclusions on the topic of this research. Data generated was analyzed using the Statistical Package for social Sciences (SPSS) software and the results were presented in form of tables and graphs. The results show that the most frequently used communication methods were interest groups (85%; mean = 3.55), face-to-face (84%; mean = 3.47), council for ethnic relations office (86%; mean = 3.46), letters (79%; mean = 3.23), telephone (73%; mean = 3,21), organized groups (66%; mean = 2,91), and citizen information office (62%; mean =2.76). Adjusted R squared is called the coefficient of determination which indicates how the environmental conservation with variation in Areas of local communities’ participation, Modes of community participation, challenges of community participation. From table above, the value of adjusted R squared is 0.632. This implies that, there was a variation of 63.2% of environmental conservation varied with variation at a confidence level of 95%. The ANOVA results for regression coefficients showed that the significance of the F statistics is 0.000 which is less than 0.05. This implied that there was a significant relationship between Areas of local communities’ participation, Modes of community participation, challenges of community participation affecting the dependent variable the Environmental conservation. The study concludes that most of the residents of Gishwati-Mukura National Park have not been adequately involved in significant areas that local communities ought to be involved in. Thus, majority are only left to participate in the programme during the budget speech by being spectators as the budget is read. The only other significant area in which the residents were involved was in the monitoring of service delivery where about half of the residents had participated.

Keywords: Participatory management, Environment conservation, Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Title: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF THE GISHWATI-MUKURA NATIONAL PARK

Author: Jean Pierre BUCYENSENGE, Dr. CAROLINE NABUZALE, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Government of Rwanda is still facing the problem of negativist peoples who lives outside of the country are use social media for smash up the Rwanda image. The government institution like Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cooperation and East African community through its different Rwanda embassies are putting much effort on showing the truth of Rwanda image after Tutsi genocide of 1994. The general objective of this study is to examine the use of social networks in promoting Rwanda’s image. This research was adopted descriptive research design where descriptive statistics was applied to analyze data from questionnaires and other information of government official tweets. In line with this, the target population is 77 respondents. During this study, the research used the census method. Social networks have an overall correlation with Rwanda image of 0.743 which is strong and positive. This means that approximately 74.3% variations from promotion of Rwanda image are explained by the social networks variables at 5% level of significance. Therefore, this is a good indication of the true position of promoting Rwanda image explained by the usage of Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram. The rule of thumb said that, usually an R square of more than 50% is considered as better, this study show that R square is (0.743) implying that socio networks have impact on promoting the Rwanda image. The overall significance of the regression estimation model. It indicates that the model is significant in explaining the relationship between socio networks and promotion of Rwanda image at 5% level of significance. Analysis of Variance shows that f-calculated is greater that f – critical that is 6.301>0.01.  Social networking being an appropriate tool to promote tourist destination, diplomacy,fitting genocide ideology, investment opportunities. Considering this research the social networks should be a clearest path to promote the country image.

Keywords: social media, government institution, promoting Rwanda’s image.

Title: THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN PROMOTING RWANDA’S IMAGE: A CASE OF MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, COOPERATION AND EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

Author: RUZINDANA RUGASA JEAN BAPTISTE, PROF. HELLEN MBERIA, DR. CAROLINE NABUZALE

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Research on integration of technology in education prior to launching large-scale laptop projects is scarce, not just in Rwanda but in other implementing countries as well. The dearth of research disadvantages one to-one computing projects manifold: governments are ignorant to public demands even as they spend large amounts of taxpayers‟ money, while stakeholders are not sure what exactly to expect from these projects and how to contribute. Without research, both government and citizens lack the necessary knowledge about the intricacies and complexities of projects of such magnitude, and may find it difficult to initiate and sustain them. The general objective of the study was determined the factors affecting success of ICT project in Rwanda. Cross sectional descriptive research design was adopted in this study. The total target populations are 190 respondents. The study was adopted cluster sampling to pick the head teachers, ICT teacher and the finance officer in each school with OLPC programme in Kicukiro District. The overall significance of the regression estimation model. It indicates that the model is significant in explaining the relationship between factors affecting ICT success and success of ICT project at 5% level of significance. This study proves the rule of Thumb the R2 is (0.762). In this study the rule of thumb is that, usually an R square of more than 50% is considered as better. Analysis of Variance shows that f-calculated is greater that f – critical that is 5.221>0.00. Effective project management which includes; monitoring and evaluation, skills development and availability of electricity are critical and helps in achieving project goals, thus the need for project managers to remain aware and anticipate change as re-planning is necessary throughout the project. The Researcher recommends that the OLPC project should pay more attention to the factors influencing the implementation of ICT projects particularly in the primary school as it directly relates the justification and the potential significant of education benefits and values to all stakeholders. On the ICT project Team and Composition, there is a need to equip the team with the necessary trainings in order foster team work. The team composition should also be knowledgeable and skilled for the delivery of the project, and should be all inclusive and representative of all key stakeholders.

Keywords: ICT project, OLPC project, stakeholders.

Title: FACTORS AFFECTING SUCCESS OF ICT PROJECT IN RWANDA: A CASE OF ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD PROJECT IN PRIMARY SCHOOL, KICUIRO DISTRICT

Author: YVONNE RUGINA, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI, RURANGWA GERARD, Prof. MIKE IRAVO

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of team training programmes on performance of agricultural projects in Rwanda. The study used descriptive survey design. The target population of this study was the staff working for Post-Harvest and Agri-business Support Project. For this study the target population is equal to 32 employees of the project and due to the fact the total population is not large, the researcher decided to consider the total population as the sample. Primary data will be collected using questionnaires. The data collected were well examined and checked for completeness and comprehensibility. The data were then summarized, coded and tabulated. Descriptive statistics like means, standard deviation and frequency distribution were used to analyze data. Data presentation was done by the use of frequency tables for ease of understanding and interpretations. Inferential statistics such as regression and correlation analysis were used. The study provided a guide for further studies on project team training programmes and project performance. The researcher concluded a significant positive relationship between identification of training needs and performance of Post-Harvest and Agri-business Support Project; furthermore; the researcher concluded a strong relationship between training program design and performance of Post-Harvest and Agri-business Support Project and finally; the researcher concluded a significant and positive relationship setting up training objectives and performance of Post-Harvest and Agri-business Support Project. The researcher recommended the project managers and superiors to strengthen the identification of training needs so as to increase the competencies of their managing project teams. The researcher recommended the project manager and funders to effectively design training programmes the researcher recommended to the project owners to clearly set up training objectives in order to bridge the knowledge of their project team members.

Keywords: Project team, team training, project performance.

Title: EFFECT OF PROJECT TEAM TRAINING PROGRAMMES ON PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF POST-HARVEST AND AGRIBUSINESS SUPPORT PROJECT

Author: Felix Murigande, Dr. Patrick Mulyungi, Dr. Yosuf Muchelule

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals