International Journal of Technology and Management
The International Journal of Technology and Management (IJOTM) is a refereed interdisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high quality, original and research-based papers addressing issues on policy, technology, e-applications in service delivery, governance, management, analytical sustainable development, innovation and strategies that harness the use of technology in addressing management problems. IJOTM is published twice in a calendar year.
The Efficiency of a Framework to Enhance Confidentiality and Privacy of Data in Motion
Using a descriptive cross-sectional research design, this study sampled 44 participants comprised of top managers and directors; experts in car tracking and sensor installers, and FMS Clients. Data was collected using structure questionnaires and analyzed quantitatively. Various analysis and test including correlation and regression were conducted. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between consent and the effectiveness of the designed framework of data in motion (r=.686**); implying that consent enhance trust and honesty, and empower the users to have the final say on who retrieves their data unlike before when the service provider and other third parties would without seeking permission from the client. It was noted that there is a significant effect of confidentiality on the effectiveness of the designed framework of data in motion (r=.342**). This implies that anonymity of the users shall build trust, protects reputation and prevents misuse of confidential data. Study findings noted that there is a significant effect of privacy on the effectiveness of the designed framework of data in motion (r=.589**). This implies that in privacy, there is respect for individuals reputation and movement, enhance trust and individuals has a reasonable desire to keep something private. Undertaking mediation and interaction effects amongst variables and well as establishing the longitudinal results of the relationship between study variables are recommended in further studies.
Copyright (c) 2024 © Uganda Technology and Management University
Participatory Planning and Implementation for Organizational Sustainability: Empirical Findings from Uganda National Teachers' Union (UNATU) Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO)
This paper explores the connection between stakeholder participation in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) implementation and Organizational sustainability, specifically exploring participatory planning and implementation. While the importance of participation in sustainable development is widely recognized, many organizations still rely on specialists for M&E system setup, often excluding the input of those they aim to engage. The study introduces a participatory stakeholder model for M&E based on the experiences of Uganda National Teachers' Union (UNATU) Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) in Uganda. A sample of 79 members out of 94 yielded a 100% response rate for quantitative data collected through self-administered questionnaires, and 9 key informants were interviewed for qualitative insights. Quantitative data underwent descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data was content-analyzed. Results revealed a significant positive link (r = 0.462**, p<0.05) between participatory planning and implementation and organizational sustainability, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The paper concludes that stakeholder participation substantially influences Organizational sustainability in UNATU SACCO. Consistent motivation, effective stakeholder engagement, and interest management are identified as contributors to heightened levels of Organizational sustainability.
Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME)
Dr. Wilfred Kokas Aupal (PhD) Dr. Wilfred Kokas Aupal (PhD)
Interest Rates and SMEs: A Study of Performance Dynamics in Arua Municipal Council, Uganda
Interest rate is viewed by many scholars as factor that has a direct influence on the performance of SMEs. This paper therefore examined the relationship between interest rate and the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in Arua Municipal Council, Uganda. A cross sectional design adopting both the qualitative and quantitative approaches was utilized. With a population of 224 SMEs, a sample of 149 respondents was drawn using both purposive and simple random sampling techniques and this yielded a response rate of 87.3%. Validity and reliability of instruments was taken care of, and data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and interview guide. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while the qualitative data was based on the content analysis. The results indicated that, there is a positive significant relationship between interest rate and the performance of SMEs in Arua Municipal Council with a significant correlation coefficient (r=0.270, sig= 0.01). In conclusion, the paper established that interest rate influences SME’s performance. In order to enhance SME’s performance, it’s important for government to strengthen mechanisms for controlling the interest rates in order to strengthen SME’s performance.
Does Collateral Security Still Determine Performance of SMEs? An empirical Study from Arua Municipal Council, Uganda
Collateral security is viewed by many scholars as factor that has a direct influence on the performance of SMEs. This paper therefore examined the relationship between collateral security and the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Arua Municipal Council, Uganda. A cross sectional design adopting both the qualitative and quantitative approaches was utilized. With a population of 224 SMEs, a sample of 149 respondents was drawn using both purposive and simple random sampling techniques and this yielded a response rate of 87.3%. Validity and reliability of instruments was taken care of, and data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and interview guide. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while the qualitative data was based on the content analysis. The results indicated that, there is a positive relationship between collateral security and the performance of SMEs in Arua Municipal council with insignificant correlation coefficient (r = 0.052, sig = 0.01). In conclusion, the paper established that though collateral security does not influence SMEs performance, it hinders SMEs access to financial services as MFIs prefer collateral security as precondition for loan disbursement. Though collateral security plays an insignificant role in SMEs performance, SMEs’ access to microfinance is vital for its performance and should be softened through government guarantee.
Responses to COVID-19 by Selected East African Governments: Case Studies of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya
COVID-19 has caused immeasurable and untold social, political, economic, and emotional suffering around the globe. It has pushed millions of people into extreme poverty and has brought devastating and everlasting impact on the already fragile health system around world. It has accentuated inequalities as was witnessed in vaccine distribution between global South and global North. The study process consisted of a desk study of available documentation on Covid 19. The main findings indicate that the world should embrace the fact that COVID-19 is here to stay, we need to learn and prepare how to live with it. Many countries that have struggled should learn from countries that have managed the pandemic well. In East Africa, Rwanda has done a tremendous job in curbing the impact of COVID-19 and may be worth emulating by African countries.
Noel Kiiza Kansiime (PhD) Noel Kiiza Kansiime (PhD)
Stakeholder Management in Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation for Organization Sustainability. An Empirical Study
This paper examines the linkage between stakeholder management in Participatory M&E and Organizational sustainability in the Uganda National Teachers' Union (UNATU) Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO). The objective was to understand how effectively engaging and managing stakeholders contributes to the SACCO's long-term viability. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, interviews, and documentary reviews. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, were performed using SPSS software. The findings suggested a positive association between stakeholder management and Organizational sustainability. The study highlights the critical role of effective stakeholder management in realizing sustainability objectives for SACCOs and organizations at large. To enhance sustainability efforts, the study recommends a focus on stakeholder management strategies and incorporation of stakeholder perspectives in growth planning and monitoring activities. This means that with consistent motivation, proper involvement and management of stakeholders and their interests, increased levels of Organizational sustainability will be realized.
Transactional Leadership in Uganda Prisons Service: A Performance Catalyst
This paper sought to examine the relationship between transactional leadership style and employee performance in Uganda Prisons Service taking Uganda Government Prison Upper-Luzira as station study. Transactional leadership as viewed by many, relies entirely on rewards and punishment as a means of leading and to many this style of leadership does not yield positive results often times arguing that this style is suitable for military operations were rules and regulations are required for the attainment of objectives. Yet organisational leaders have continued to use transactional style to achieve organisational objectives through motivating followers, being visionary and directing their followers amidst among other ways. This paper documents efforts by leaders to see to it that employees are guided to attain organisational objectives amidst the existing challenges as drawn from the experiences of the staff of U.G. Prison Upper-Luzira. Using a cross-sectional design that adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches, a sample of 133 respondents was drawn using both purposive and simple random sampling techniques from a target population of 200 employees, and this yielded a response rate of 97%. Validity and reliability of instruments was taken care of, and data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and interview guide. Data was analysed using SPSS computer package and involved the use of descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and content analysis for qualitative data. The findings indicated a strong and significant positive relationship between transactional leadership style and employee performance in Uganda prisons Service which as indicated by correlation coefficient (r =0.502**, p<0.05). The study concluded that, transactional leadership style plays a pivotal role in employee performance in Uganda Prisons Service. This means that with increased motivation, direction and visionary leadership, there will also be increased performance from the employees.
Utilization of Agile Project Management Methodologies and the Success of Software Development Projects at Flock of Birds Uganda
This study examines the effect of utilizing agile software development methodologies on the success of software development projects at Flock of Birds, Uganda. This was prompted by low success rates of software development projects despite employing agile methodologies. The study specifically sought to: investigate the effect of utilizing agile project management methodologies on continuous development of software products at Flock of Birds, Uganda; examine the effect of utilizing agile project management methodologies on timely delivery of software projects at Flock of Birds, Uganda; and to determine the effect of utilizing agile project management methodologies on teamwork at Flock of Birds, Uganda. Using a cross sectional design, data was collected from 110 respondents using questionnaires and interview guides. The study found out that using agile software development methodologies has a significant positive effect on continuous development, early delivery and teamwork on software development projects. The study concluded that using agile software development methodologies improves the success of software development projects. The study recommends that management Flock of Birds should continuously utilize agile software development methodologies in order to improve software development project opulence.
Copyright (c) 2018 © Uganda Technology and Management University
Valuation of Agricultural Extension Information
The agricultural sector is heavily dependent on information about weather, pest and disease management, inputs, improved cultivation practices, markets and prices to deal with prevailing uncertainties. However agricultural extension information is still characterized by quality (timeliness, relevance, completeness or adequacy, accuracy and appropriateness) challenges if addressed, can enhance its value and hence increase profitability on the farm. The purpose of this study is to understand how information is valued, the different contexts of information valuation that exist in literature and propose a theory that can guide valuation of agricultural extension information which is the first step to enable smallholders extract more value from agricultural extension information. To fulfill the main objective of this paper, a comprehensive literature review on information valuation was conducted to establish existing knowledge in literature and also identify existing gaps in valuation of agricultural extension information. The study found that information valuation is context specific and varies depending on the reason for valuation and therefore a value-in-use approach grounded in subjective use value of information was proposed to value agricultural extension information. However, the proposed approach is theoretical and therefore there is need to validate this theory by means of case study or action research.
Copyright (c) 2020 © Uganda Technology and Management University
A Conundrum of Learning Theories and ICTS in Learning: Challenges and Possible Solutions
A learning needs analysis traditionally led to the identification of desirable ICTs. Lately, ICT and digital natives drive eLearning without much attention to learning theories. An ICT enters the market, students learn how to use it, and then instructional designers adopt and adapt it to learning. Although expectedly ICT adoption should and has been evolving, ICT adoption is at crossroads between designing programs to sort learning and teaching problems and designing learning to suit an ICT. The digital divide between the haves and not haves exacerbates the cross of roads. In this paper, I argue that, although the roads are not mutually exclusive, ICT adoption faces challenges and possibilities of lecturer roles being taken over by computer technologists.
Tax Administration Strategies and Tax Compliance of Small and Medium Enterprises: Evidence from Kwara State Internal Revenue Service
Despite the vibrancy of state internal revenue service in Nigeria, noncompliance of SMEs to various tax administration strategies seems to have adverse effect on the level of tax revenue generation. The study used survey research design.720 SMEs owners were obtained as population for this study. Out of this population, sample size of 257 SMEs was scientifically selected. Study used questionnaire which is a primary source of data and was analyzed using multiple regression analysis to identify the significant and relationship between tax administration strategies and SMEs tax compliance. The findings revealed that tax education strategy and tax enforcement strategy has significant impact on tax compliance of SMEs in Kwara State. Base on the findings, the study recommended that; Kwara State Internal Revenue Service’s should continue the provision of platforms such as human capital training; tax clinic; tax advocacy desk and publicity should be made available to properly educate SMEs on tax-related issues so as to increase the level of tax compliance. The study contributes to the current body of information about tax education strategy and tax enforcement strategy i.e., tax penalties by offering further apprehension into how tax administration strategies impact tax compliance.
Entrepreneurial Training and Career Choice among University Undergraduates in North-central Nigeria: Any Correlation?
The inadequacy of conventional educational system to suitably groom young entrepreneurs who would transform ideas to business empire that would compete in the 21st century global market, has necessitated the introduction of entrepreneurship training to Nigerian higher education. However, the extent to which this has achieved the intended goal has been seriously contested in academics. This study examined the influential role of current entrepreneurial training on career choice of tertiary education students in North Central Nigeria. Data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire from a selected sample of 237 final year Business Administration and Entrepreneurship students. A 5-point Likert scale was designed to capture and measure variables relating to entrepreneurial training and career choice. The data were presented and analyzed using descriptive statistic of simple percentage table, while hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analytical tools with the aid of SPSS. The results show a significant level of 0.860 between entrepreneurship training and entrepreneurial attitude, and 0.820 between entrepreneurship training and drive for achievement on one hand. On the other hand, there exists a strong positive correlation of 0.930 between entrepreneurship training and opportunity recognition, and 0.83 on entrepreneurial risk-taking. Therefore, the findings revealed that entrepreneurial training has a significant impact on entrepreneurial attitude and drive for achievement, thus, influencing career choice amongst tertiary education students in North-Central Nigeria. It was recommended that, education policy makers and other stakeholders need to intensify efforts towards designing a well-structured entrepreneurship training that focuses on students’ competence development, opportunity recognition and innovativeness. This enhances entrepreneurial career pursuit among undergraduates.
The Financial Performance Dilemma in Agricultural Cooperatives of Kamwenge and Sheema Districts in Uganda. The Credit Facilitation Decisions Perspective
This paper argues that forming agricultural cooperatives was to mitigate agricultural financing deficiencies experienced by small holder farmers. These cooperatives however, are experiencing financial performance challenges; decline in accessible credit compared to farmer’ credit demand and increased loan nonrepayments. The paper examined this dilemma from a credit facilitation decision perspective. A cross-sectional research design along a mixed methods approach for data collection was utilized. The sample size was 113 credit facilitation decision makers from six agricultural cooperatives in Kamwenge and Sheema districts in Uganda, with an 88.5% response rate. The bivariate findings reflected a positive significant relationship between credit facilitation decisions and financial performance. A breakdown of which reflected: A positive significant relationship between credit capital sourcing decisions and financial performance with r of 0.300** Sig (=0.002). A positive significant relationship between credit terms and screening decisions and financial performance with r of 0.504** Sig (=0.000). A positive significant relationship between credit terms and screening decisions and financial performance with r of 0.309** Sig (=0. 0.002). The multi-variate findings reflected r2 of 21.8%. To mitigate the financial performance dilemma, agricultural cooperatives need to adopt optimal techniques of making credit facilitation decisions with emphasis on setting credit terms and screening decisions
Accountability, Rule of Law and Fairness in Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) Management in Vwawa Constituency, Tanzania
This paper presents findings from a study which set forth to examine the governance of Constituency development Catalyst Fund. It focused on three pillars of governance which are; accountability, rule of law and fairness. The study was conducted in Vwawa constituency, in Mbozi District, Songwe Region - Tanzania. The study data were collected through semi-structure interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and Observation. They were later transcribed and subsequently thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that CDCF implementation was imbued with lack of accountability although villagers had chances to report all cases with fraudulent elements. Rule and regulations were observed, but in some cases were violated by some officers. CDCF distribution was fair, however, in some circumstances was influenced by some politicians. The study concludes that, absence of CDCF reports in village public notice-board jeopardizes accountability. The observation of rules and regulations is silent to all CDCF stakeholders. Fairness in the allocation of CDCF is encouraging because the needs differ from one village/ward to another. The study recommends that, it is important to have well informed citizens who can be able to hold all stake holders accountable and observe rule of law. The distribution of the funds should not be influenced by the politicians or other public officers.
External Audit Quality and Users Confidence in Financial Reports: Evidence from Nigeria Deposit Money Banks
This study appraised the determinants of external audit quality and the relationship with the users’ confidence in the financial report of selected Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Secondary data were used as obtained from the financial information of seven banks purposively selected out the fifteen quoted deposit DMBs in Nigeria as at 31st of December 2017. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC), used to test the formulated hypothesis at 95% confidence level. The overall results showed that technical training and proficiency (TTP), auditor size (AUDS), engagement performance (EP), and auditor independence (AUDIN) were significant determinants of external audit quality. It was further revealed that there is a significant relationship between Audit Quality Attributes and users' confidence in the financial report of selected DMBs in Nigeria (r = 0.4201; 0.0789; 0.3952; 0.7822, P<.0.05). The study suggests that auditors should be adequately remunerated to allow for sufficient resources to conduct thorough audits capable of uncovering material misstatements and errors in the financial statements; it will enhance higher quality reports.
Transparency and Community Participation in Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) Disbursed for Projects in Vwawa Constituency, Tanzania
In recent years, many developing countries have adopted one of the many forms of Constituency Development Funds (CDFs) approaches. These are expected to provide people with another development opportunity by ensuring that an alternative community development expenditure funding is closer to them. This paper presents the findings from a study, which examined transparency and community participation in Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) in Vwawa Constituency. The study was conducted in Vwawa Constituency, in Mbozi District, Songwe Region in Tanzania. The study involved various CDCF stakeholders including community members, Village Executive Officers, Ward Executive Officers, and Constituency Development committee members. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 20 key informants and focus group discussion (FGD) participants comprising of 8 to 10 members. Data were collected through semi-structure interviews, FGD, observation, and documentary review methods. The data were later transcribed and subsequently thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that, transparency and community participation in CDCF activities were observed in the study area; yet, it was not clear how far reached/involved the community members were. Based on the findings, the study concludes that it is vital for community members to have access to information as a key aspect of transparency. Well-informed individual villagers can participate effectively in community activities. The study recommends proactive measures to be taken to educate and enlighten community members about the CDCF; as such, the individual villagers ought to be aware of development matters in their communities.
Copyright (c) 2021 © Uganda Technology and Management University
Long Run Economic Success Factors of the “Asian Tigers”
The purpose of this research study was to establish long run factors responsible for the economic success of the “Asian tigers”. The East Asian model of development has been debated since the 1980’s. There is, therefore, a need to establish a long run relationship that explains the factors responsible for the economic success of these countries which can be emulated by developing nations through their economic policies as they strive towards progressing economically. The study used a longitudinal panel series research design and annual secondary data on Gross Domestic Product, exports, imports, age dependency ratio and population growth from 1962 to 2018. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square Method was used to test the effect of independent variables (exports, imports, age dependency ratio and population growth) on dependent variable i.e., Economic Growth. The results indicated that there’s a positive relationship between (exports, imports, age dependency ratio and population growth) on dependent variable i.e. economic growth. The study recommended that; developing countries import goods and services that cannot be produced at home and those that are more costly to produce at home than to import from foreign countries, focus on boosting the export sector in terms of strengthening value addition to the exported goods and services, encourage compulsory saving policies for both private and government employees to enable them use their savings to earn a leaving during periods of retirement, work towards having productive populations in terms of promoting and supporting research and innovations, supporting talent like sports, commit themselves towards ensuring that economic policy and politics work hand in hard obtain effective results in terms of their economic success.
An Examination of the Effect of Weight and Satisfaction with Body Shape on Self-Esteem Among Men in Qatar
This study objective was to establish the effect of body mass index on satisfaction with body shape and self-esteem. An explanatory research design was adopted, and three hypotheses were tested using a sample size of 191 Qatari men. Correlation and regression analyses were used to test the relationship and effect of independent variables on a dependent variable. Findings showed that body mass index had no effect on self-esteem (F (1, 189) 1.74, p >.05, R2 = .009), but a significant effect was established between body mass index and satisfaction with body shape (F (1, 189) = 36.23, p < .001, R2 = .161). Also, satisfaction with body shape was found to have significant on self-esteem (F (1, 189) = 14.10, p < .001, R2 = .130) among the surveyed men in Qatar. It is concluded that the cultural factors could have had an impact on having observed no relationship between BMI and esteem because, generally in Qatar, men who are underweight are perceived to be weak and poor while those who are overweight is a sign of strength and rich. However, satisfaction with body shape appeared to be an important factor that influences self-esteem among Qatari men. It is recommended that medical practitioners carry out counselling to Qatari men to make them realize that being overweight and obese has health implications and need to live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy food and doing exercises. This is likely to improve men’s BMI, satisfaction with their body shape and self-esteem.
A Struggle of Discourses Attempting to Transform a Peripatetic Mind of a Black African Academic: Is there a Valid Disquiet about Research and Education in Black Africa?
The education Black Africans receive is imported and the research they do is to test and validate foreign understandings that rarely commit to the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems. I have studied subjects that do not appear in my culture, and so had to emigrate to find work suitable to my studies. My mind thus became peripatetic being all along confronted by discourses that challenge my origins. Possibly, other Black Africans have endured similar challenges. So, there seems to be a valid disquiet about research in Black Africa. Some possible spaces to transform discourses to accommodate Black African paradigms are proposed.
Nature of Performance Management of Academic Staff in Private Universities
Performance management is a continuous process of identifying, measuring and developing the performance of individuals and teams and aligning performance with the strategic goals of the organization (Aguinis and Kraiger 2009). This study described the nature of performance management of academic staff in private universities. The study majorly employed a quantitative approach using a cross sectional study design with some qualitative element. 142 respondents were carefully chosen using different sampling techniques. Use of the survey, interviews focused group discussions together with documentary analysis were employed for both quantitative and qualitative approaches respectively. A total of 142 respondents played a part in the study. Data were analyzed using different statistical techniques that mainly included descriptive and inferential statistics respectively. Results were found to be statistically related with academic performance. For that matter, both the conclusions and the recommendations are based on the four objectives of the study which were, (1) To find out the management practices that influence performance of academic staff in private universities in Uganda, (2) To outline the behavioural practices that influence the performance of academic staff, (3) To find out the nature of performance management that influence the performance of academic staff, and (4) To find out the challenges and possible remedies to the performance of academic staff in private universities in Uganda.
The Role of Management Practices on Academic Staff Performance in Private Universities in Uganda: A Case of Bishop Stuart University
Management practices relate to specific practices, formal policies and philosophies that are designed to attract, develop, motivate, and retain employees who ensure the effective functioning and survival of the organization. This paper examined the effects of management practices on staff performance in private universities. The study majorly employed a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional study design with some qualitative elements. 142 respondents were carefully chosen using different sampling techniques. Use of the survey, interviews focused group discussions together with documentary analysis were employed for both quantitative and qualitative approaches respectively. A total of 142 respondents played a part in the study. Data were analyzed using different statistical techniques that mainly included descriptive and inferential statistics respectively. Results were found to be statistically related to staff performance. For that matter, it was concluded that a number of elements of management practices were found to be influencing the performance of academic staff and these included recruitment and selection practices, compensation system (rewards incentives and penalties), employment security, training and development, use of information, performance appraisals, evaluating academic staff, development opportunities, and handling of performance misconduct. This is because these influenced academic staff’s professional conduct, promoted ethical standards and values, promoted organizational identity among staff and top management.
A Framework to Enhance Patients Electronic Health Records Sharing
In Uganda, the healthcare system experiences tremendous challenges during sharing patients' health information records. This is due to limited systems inter-connectivity and low technology penetration rate across the country. This study developed a framework for integrating referral hospitals with their associated community-based health facilities in Uganda into a centralized data scheme. The framework aims to provide an integrated and centralized platform that will sufficiently support the operations of health facilities in Uganda by creating a secure data transmission channel and enabling remote access to patients' electronic health records by patients and medical practitioners. The researchers reviewed literature about the existing framework used to share patients' electronic health records and collected data from participants to derive requirements that were used to design and develop the framework. We developed and deployed a web system that was used to test and validate the framework. Study contributions include a designed framework guiding tool for validating electronic health record systems before deployment in the health facility to improve information sharing. Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA1) and Message-Digest Algorithm 5 (MD5) encryption techniques were used to perform data encryption during information transfer to ensure confidentiality and data integrity.
Risk Avoidance Strategies and Performance of Total Uganda Limited
Risk avoidance is a risk management technique that involves eliminating hazards, operations and exposures that would expose an organization’s valuable assets to operational risks. A risk avoidance strategy is aimed at deflecting as many threats as possible in order to avoid costly consequences and disruption of operations in the company. This paper examined the relationship between risk avoidance strategies and organizational performance of Total Uganda Limited. The study applied a descriptive study design using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection with a bias to quantitative methods. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires from 126 respondents. Qualitative data were collected by means of interviews which were conducted with key informants. Analytical techniques of correlation and regression analysis were applied to the quantitative data, while content analysis procedure was applied to the qualitative data. Results confirmed that risk avoidance strategies significantly influenced organizational performance (r=0.689, p=0.000). Based on the findings, the study concluded that incorporating risk avoidance strategies within the operations of the company improved their performance. The study recommends that top management should clearly understand the risks arising from failure to collect credit transactions in their organization and put-up measures to safe guard against such risks, Total Uganda should foster productive efficiency by operating at least cost so as to keep the contingency reserve sufficient in order to improve its performance.
The Influence of Human Capacity for M&E on the Performance of M&E Systems of NGOs in Juba, South Sudan
The skills and competence of the project team is considered to be one of the crucial factors influencing project implementation success. The more experienced and skilled the team, the lesser the time and other resources are spent on ensuring smooth rollouts with minimal errors; experienced teams also have good contingency and risk management plans for successful (Wong & Tein, 2007). This paper established the influence of human capacity for M&E on the performance of M&E systems of NNGOs in Juba, South Sudan. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 respondents from NGOs in Juba, South Sudan. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analyzed. A regression analysis indicated insignificant relationship between human capacity for M&E and the performance of M&E system with coefficient of 0.030 and p vale of 0.873 level of significance. The study concluded that organizations should constantly do capacity building to their project staff through trainings, seminars or workshops so as to have a clear understanding of different approaches and the tools used in monitoring and evaluation.
The Nexus Between Organisational Communication and Fiscal Decentralisation Within Government Aided Primary Schools in Busoga Sub-Region, Uganda
Purpose: The study examined the relationship between organisational communication and fiscal decentralisation in Uganda, taking selected government aided primary schools in Busoga Sub-Region. Methodology: Following a mixed research design, data was collected mainly using a questionnaire and partly an interview guide. Findings: It is revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between organisational communication and fiscal decentralisation. Limitations: The study only examined the direct relationship between organisational communication and Fiscal Decentralisation, in the context of public Primary Schools in Busoga Sub region. Originality/Contribution: The study examines the relationship stated in the context specified for the first time in Uganda, above all using a mixed design approach to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of decentralized financing of public services.
How Does Horizontal Support Communication Affect Fiscal Decentralisation? An analysis of Government Aided Primary Schools in Eastern Uganda
The paper considers a question of public schooling system in the context of how the Horizontal Support Communication (HSC) affects the notion of Fiscal Decentralisation (FD). It is a considered view that many public schools face serious challenges in the management of fiscal resources which requires that the Central Government streamlines communication and availability of information to the lowest accounting officers (Head teachers). The paper undertakes to analyse how a Horizontal Support Communication arrangement could enhance Fiscal Decentralisation delivery in the public sector. A focus for this paper is placed on a Government Aided Programme in Elementary Education Sector in Busoga sub region of Eastern Uganda. This empirical study contributes to knowledge as it is the first regional study in Uganda that adopted a crosssectional design approach using a quantitative research paradigm together with correlation and regression analysis. This approach was necessitated by the relatively inexpensive data collection process which was able to access a larger sample of 306 respondents. The key finding provides that there is a positive and significant outcome which suggests that Horizontal Support Communication could effectively improve Fiscal Decentralisation.
Effect of Mobile Banking on Bank Service Delivery in Selected Deposit Money Banks in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Highly competitive market that characterizes the banking industry in Nigeria has compelled the players in the industry to satisfy their customers electronically, specifically, through Mobile phone. This study investigates the effect of mobile banking on bank service delivery in selected deposit money banks in Ilorin, Kwara State. The study adopted survey design. The target population is 50 deposit money bank management staffs out of which 44 staffs were selected as sample size. Interval Data collected via summated rating scale was analyzed using regression analysis. Results revealed that; mobile SMS alert had significance positive effect on bank service delivery at 0.05% level of significant, with (p-value 0.000); mobile financial enquiry had significance positive effect on bank service delivery at 0.05% level of significance with (p-value 0.000), and mobile funds transfer had significance positive effect on bank service delivery at 0.05% level of significant with (p-value 0.000).The study concludes that mobile SMS alert, mobile financial enquiry and mobile funds transfer had a strong positive effect on bank service delivery. The study recommended that measures should not just be put in place by banks to encourage customers to use mobile banking service but also to educate them on it will be operated because many banks have lost their customers due to poor implementation of mobile banking platform.
Community Factors and Utilization of Monitoring and Evaluation Results: Evidence from Malaria Control Programs’ Implementation in Mukono District
The study aim was to investigate the community factors affecting utilization of monitoring and evaluation findings in implementation of malaria control programs in Mukono district, central Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional design in which questionnaires were administered to 120 project personnel from 6 organizations that were implementing malaria control programs. Results showed that attitude towards malaria control as a community factor had no significant effect on utilization of monitoring and evaluation results in implementation of malaria control programs (β = .116, p = 0.146 > 0.05). It however found beliefs about malaria (β = .116, p = 0.000< 0.05) and decision-making issues (β = .232, p = 0.004 < 0.05) as the community factors that independently influenced utilization of monitoring & evaluation results. It was concluded that though the utilization of monitoring & evaluation results is crucial in guiding improvements in interventions, it is less integrated into the implementation of malaria control programs. The community members’ beliefs and decision making about malaria are pertinent in propelling utilization. The study recommended the need for government to sensitize communities about malaria control to overcome negative beliefs and as well be informed in supporting better decision making about malaria control programs. In order to promote the learning of positive health behaviors amongst social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa, Self-Regulation and External Locus of Control should be enhanced.
Cognitive Factors and Health Behaviors of Social Media Users in Sub-Saharan Africa
This study investigated the mediation effect of Locus of Control, Self-Regulation, Age sensitivity and Behavioral Intention in the relationship between Cognitive Factors and Health Behaviors of social media users in Sub-Sahara Africa. A positivist epistemology was adopted in trying to create knowledge from empirical and observational evidences across Sub-Saharan Africa. Data were collected from 450 social media users in Uganda, Cameroon and Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis methods were used to analyze the data. Baron and Kenny procedure and Medgraphs by Jose were used to test for mediation. Findings reveal that Internal Locus of Control and Behavioral Intention mediate the relationship between Cognitive Factors and Health Behavior; Self-Regulation mediates the relationship between Cognitive Factors and External Locus of Control; External Locus of Control mediates the relationship between Self-Regulation and Health Behavior; Self-Regulation mediates the relationship between Cognitive Factors and Health Behavior; Self-Regulation mediates the relationship between Age Sensitivity and Health Behavior. The findings however reveal that External Locus of Control does not mediates the relationship between Cognitive Factors and Health Behavior. In order to promote the learning of positive health behaviors amongst social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa, Self-Regulation and External Locus of Control should be enhanced.
Influence of Entrepreneurship Eco-System on Innovation of Selected Restaurants at Ilorin Metropolis
Building an entrepreneurial eco-system is considered an organized attempt to establish friendly environment capable of increasing the success rate of established ventures in the business environment. This research examined the relationship between entrepreneurship eco-system and Innovation of selected restaurants in Ilorin, Kwara State. This research determined whether finance and policy making influences process innovation and new product development of selected restaurants in Ilorin, Kwara State. Survey research design was utilized to perform this research. Simple random sampling techniques were utilized to select 5 0restaurants out of the sixty (60) registered restaurants in Ilorin through a self-administered questionnaire. Two hypotheses were formulated and analyzed through Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software application version 23 and SmartPLS 3.3 (PLS-SEM) software applications. The outcomes from findings revealed that the present entrepreneurship eco-system in Nigeria and particularly in Kwara State is not at its peak due to absence or poor policy making that can promote sustainable business solution. The findings also showed that entrepreneurial activities in Nigeria is low due to poor funding and inability to access loan for restaurants operators in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Thus, this research recommends that entrepreneurship eco-system in Nigeria and most especially in Kwara State should be promoted through policy making to enhance Business Innovation among SME’s in Kwara State and Nigeria in general.