Volume 11, Issue 4, April 2023 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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FACTORS IMPACTING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND EMERGING BLACK CONTRACTORS IN GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA []


This study was aimed at examining the factors influencing the operational performance of small and emerging contractors in construction projects in Gauteng, South Africa. The study took a qualitative approach, conducting eight semi-structured interviews with selected respondents, and using judgemental random sampling from two large and three small emerging construction companies. The study results revealed that the factors affecting the performance of emerging contractors are project planning, skilled human resources, funding, ability to innovate, quality products and services, pricing, management, and health and safety plans. Successful operational performance is attained by project planning, competent and skilled staff, risk management and retention of skilled staff. Factors that lead to failure to perform during a construction project are insufficient funding, reliance on unreliable suppliers and sub-contractors, lack of project management skills, lack of skilled personnel and lack of knowledge of legislation. The impact of these factors varies, depending on the size of the organisation. Small contractors are severely affected by a lack of funding, skilled personnel, project knowledge, and legislative knowledge. The large emerging contractors have developed and are either no longer affected by all the factors or only affected to a certain level. It is recommended that emerging contractors ensure staff training and development, a learning organisation culture that innovates, staff retention initiatives, government training and funding initiatives.

Sharing Web Services between Enterprises: "Trusted Network" []


Web services are self-contained, modular, distributed, and dynamic applications that can be created, published, searched, or invoked over the network to create products, processes, and supply chains. These applications can be local, distributed, or web-based. Web services are based on open standards such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and Java. Web services enable software applications written in different programming languages and running on different platforms to exchange data over computer networks such as the Internet. This is similar to communication between processes on a single computer. Web services allow companies to host their services in a larger market and connect with other companies. But as the business grows, trust issues arise. A trust relationship is required to share web services in a business partner relationship. The main principles of trust in web services are security and privacy. Reliance may be directly enforced or brokered by a third party. Therefore, to build web services as a "trust network," an organization must understand the threats that web services pose and the technical solutions to mitigate those threats. Then, either directly or through a third party, establish and follow a defined engineering process that manages security from the beginning and throughout the lifecycle of the web service.

TRAINING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR SOUTHERN LUZON TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. []


The main objective of the study was to develop a Training Management System for Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc., using Agile Development Methodology that centralized the Training and Placement procedure of the Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc., Legazpi City, Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation Pio Duran, Inc, Pioduran, Albay and Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation Pilar, Inc. Specifically, these were the following objectives in completing the project: First, to design and develop a Training Management System consisting of: 1.1) A module for Training Tracking that will centralized listing of trainees, trainers, and qualification information to track the progress of training; 1.2) A module for Short Message Service (SMS) notification for trainees for fast and convenient dissemination of information regarding the training and placement after the training; 1.3) A module for Portal for each school branch to centralize record-keeping of training 1.4) A Report Module that will generate data reports needed for TPD transaction; The second specific objective is to evaluate/validate the developed system in terms of: 2.1) functionality; 2.2) reliability; 2.3) usability; 2.4) efficiency/speed; 2.5) Maintainability; and 2.6) portability. The developed system generated desirable results based on the findings formulated. The developed system is considered to be “Highly Applicable” as perceived by the different respondents. The developed system is serviceable to SLTCFI, SLTCFPDI, and SLTCFPI. The President/CEO, Schools Administrators, and TPD Employees were the primary beneficiaries. The developed Training Management Tool with an overall mean of 4.65 is “Highly Applicable” to the needs of the clientele: the School Administrators of SLTCFI, SLTCFPDI, SLTCFPI, and TPD personnel perceived by the nine (9) respondents. It passed ISO 9126 – (which is concerned primarily with the definition of quality characteristics to be used in the evaluation of software products). Therefore, serviceable to the needs of SLTCFI, SLTCFPDI, and SLTCFPI. Key Words: Training and Placement, Training Management System, Vocational Training

THE INFLUENCE OF POSITION ANALYSIS, CAREER DEVELOPMENT, AND COMPETENCY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES AT THE FOOD CROPS AND LIVESTOCK DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHEAST SULAWESI PROVINCE []


This study aims to find out and analyze (1) the influence of job analysis, career development, and competency on employee performance; (2) the influence of job analysis on employee performance; (3) the influence of career development on employee performance; (4) Influence competence on employee performance. The population in this study was all employees of 152 employees. The determination of the number of samples in this study was by using the census method, namely the number of samples taken from the entire population of 152 civil servants. The analytical tool used is multiple linear regression using SPSS software. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that (1) job analysis, career development, and competence have a positive and significant effect on employee performance; (2) job analysis has a positive and significant effect on employee performance; (3) career development has a positive and significant effect on employee performance; and (4) competence has a positive and significant effect on employee performance.

Effectiveness of Internal Controls on the Management of Internally Generated Funds at the University Teaching Hospital []


Abstract While there exist internal controls in the public health institutions in Zambia, several inconsistencies; violation of established financial management guidelines and procedures, contracts and services are not being rendered in accordance to set-out procedures, cost overruns due to delays in project completion, inappropriate payments for equipment supplied, equipment and goods procured at a much higher cost than market value, have been observed and cited by stakeholders and the Auditor General’s report. It is not clear therefore, why these irregularities would exist in public health institutions when the internal controls system exists. We aimed to assess the Effectiveness of internal controls on internally generated funds at the University Teaching Hospital. We employed a cross sectional descriptive study design. We sampled 40 study participants composing of the finance/revenue and procurement officers. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents and primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. A binary logistic regression model was fitted on the data to determine the factors that influence the effectiveness of internal controls on the internally generated fund. Findings show that the internal controls implemented at UTH are; control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring activities. The factors which were found to influence the implementation of internal controls are; age of the employees, having employees with Certificate, Degree, Masters levels of education, having employees with an accounting profession and having employees with 1+ years of experience. Age of the employees, having employees in tertiary education; Degree, Masters levels of education, having employees with an accounting profession and having employees with 1+ years of experience influenced the effectiveness of internal controls positively while having employees with certificate influenced the effectiveness of internal controls negatively. Furthermore, findings indicate that internal controls at the University Teaching Hospital are quite effective. There is greater need of improving them especially in the areas of information technology, information and communication, and Monitoring activities, they need more improvement in audits and accountability as this would make the system very effective. Keywords: Management, Effectiveness, Internal Controls, and Internally Generated Funds

Risk Management Practices and Performance of Public Infrastructural Projects: A Case of the Second Rwanda Urban Development Project in the City of Kigali []


The main objective of this study was to carry out an analysis of the effects of risk management practices on the performance of public infrastructure projects in Rwanda. The study was carried out in the City of Kigali using the Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP II) as a case study. This study follows the following objectives: to evaluate the influence of risk identification practices on the performance of RUDP II project, to assess the influence of risk analysis practices on the performance of RUDP II project, and to determine the influence of risk mitigation practices on performance of RUDP II project. The study population comprised 70 staff of the city of Kigali involved in the implementation of the RUDP II and 62 from private companies within the project, a total population of 132. The sample size of 99 was determinate using the Slovin's Formula, and only 95 respondents returned well filled responses. The researcher used primary and secondary data in this study. Descriptive research design, correlation analysis and multiple regression were used to assess the data. The results in Table 4.2 show that majority of respondents agreed with the statement about the influence of risk identification on performance of RUDIPII project. Whereby 31.6% agree and 63.2% strongly agree that RUDPII project record the risks in risk identification. The findings are supported by overall mean of 4.55 which is high mean as evidence on existence of the facts and also standard deviation of 0.50 which shows that there was homogeneity of responses. The results in Table 4.3 show that majority of the respondents 34.7% agreed and 50.5% strongly agreed that risk analysis begins at the quantitative analysis stage in RUDP II, with high mean of 4.21 and a standard deviation of 0.52 in heterogeneity. The results in Table 4.4 show that 27.4% agreed and 15.8% strong agreed that RUDIPII project consistently picked the most effective risk-acceptance to mitigate the risk with a moderate mean of 3.02 and achieved a 0.57 standard deviation heterogeneity. The regression analysis on model summary results indicated that there is significant positive relationship between risk management practices and performance of RUDP II, as it was revealed in table 4.18 that a greater variation of 54.6% in performance of RUDP II was due to changes in risk management practices measured by risks identification, risks analysis and risks mitigation practices. The results in Tables 4. (11, 14 and 17) show that risk identification (P=0.02<0.05), risk analysis (P = 0.000<0.05), risk mitigation (P = 0.000<0.05) are statistically significant influence the performance of RUDP II project in the city of Kigali. Hereby, the researcher rejected null hypotheses (Ho1, Ho2, and Ho3). The study recommended that RUDP II should enhance the way it manages the delayed payment and risk connected with supplier in order to improve its performance.

Determinants of Youth Entrepreneurship Development In Nepal []


The study intends to investigate “Determinants of Youth Entrepreneurship” Data for the stud was collected through convenience sampling techniques. In this research report, 400 questionnaires were distributed in Nepal selected Business houses, School, Colleges. Out of which only 395 responses were collected. 5 questionnaires were eliminated from the data as some were not returned and some were incomplete. The questioners are distributed to all the Business houses, School, Colleges. Descriptive and causal comparative research design was used to conduct the research study using correlation and regression analysis. It is also analyzed that majority of respondents have not started to operate business and they are currently facing obstacles while operating business is lack of capital expansion. From the analysis of chi-square test it is found that gender have significant effect on youth entrepreneurship development. From the research report it is also analyzed that Education and Training, Access to Finance, Unemployment, Government support, Family support, Societal Entrepreneurial culture, Youth perception towards Entrepreneurship have significant effect on Youth entrepreneurship development expect Entrepreneurial skill. It is analyzed there is no any multi-collinearity. Likewise, it is analyzed that youth’s entrepreneurs have impacted on generating employment for the Rupandehi people. Entrepreneur’s skill is the important factors that have impacted on youth’s entrepreneurship development. Due to lots of entreprenship skill development program people are motivated to start their own business. Education and training have encouraged people operate business and run them in a systematic way by the help of their education and training they got. Keywords: Education and training, Government support, Youth perception towards Entrepreneurship, Unemployment, Assess to finance, Entrepreneur skill, Family support, Societal Entrepreneurial culture and Youth Entrepreneurship development.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG TEACHERS AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MISAMIS ORIENTAL []


This paper examines the factors contributing to stress concerning mental health amidst the pandemic. This is carried out using quantitative research and includes the descriptive correlational design. It aims to describe the relationship among variables that are factors contributing to stress and mental health condition. This study uses 237 samples as a source of information about the study conducted. It also demonstrates the salient sources of information and the use of different statistical tools to process the intended result. As the study progresses, the overall outcome reveals that several significant variances support that to some degree, stress is built up through the modern learning approach specifically the modality. It came across that some contributory causes are the teaching experience wherein capital adjustment and adherence to the new learning trend require a lot of energy and effort for teachers. The mental health condition of teachers faced a tremendous challenge and is somewhat heavy as it demands the right, appropriate qualifications, and educational attainment to submerge into the new and extraordinary learning arena and has strong significant relationships that draw some unfavorable impact to their health conditions. With this, the modern learning approach although it is temporary in nature forces teachers to leave in abeyance for the moment their usual mode of learning delivery and prefer the new modality attune to the changing time despite facing the challenge considering that the traditional classroom setting is transformed to synchronous and asynchronous mode. This is done to guarantee continuous access to educational knowledge and adopt the new normal. The avoidance of stress which results in teachers experience that affects their mental health embraces different elements such as working conditions, fear of contagion, and economic status and should therefore be controlled through an effective intervention plan designed to aid the teachers to cope with stress.

HYDROPONICS SYSTEM FOR AEMILIANUM COLLEGE INC. []


Hydroponics crop production is gradually gaining popularity around the world because of efficient resource management and quality food production. Soil-based farming is now facing various challenges such as urbanization, indiscriminate use of harmful chemical, climate change, and natural disaster which affects global food security. World wide spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has aggravated food insecurity because of the disruption in the food supply chain, aggravating the physical and economic challenges that restrict access to food, and disastrous increase in food waste. Hydroponics System was developed to improve food and nutrient security while reducing waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and water use, the system can promise food security through a steady supply of fresh fruits and vegetables to urban neighborhoods. There is a need to integrate Information technology tools in Agriculture, which could help maintain food supply during and after the pandemic, as well as make agriculture more sustainable. The proposed Hydroponics System would greatly assist in providing a steady food supply during and beyond the pandemic. It possesses features that can be used to measure the water level and detect the ambient temperature and humidity which will help crop production. The Hydroponics System was evaluated by three sets of respondents. It was tested against an Industry accepted quality model – the ISO 25010. It has withstood the criteria in functional suitability, efficiency, compatibility, usability, reliability, security, maintainability, and portability. The result is pointing toward the attainment of the objectives of the proposed system. It is therefore declared acceptable and suitable to the needs of the client. Recommendations of the IT Experts signified that the system is ready to be deployed. Key Words: Agriculture, Arduino, Humidity Sensor, Hydroponics, Microcontroller, Ultrasonic Sensor, Urban Farming, Vegetable Farming

The impact of remittances on economic growth: evidence from four developing remittance-dependent countries: Tonga, Jordan, Philippines and Bangladesh []


While living in the 21 century, there had been some discussion on the causes of GDP in developing countries. The positive or negative effects of founts of GDP have been very much recorded in writing. Despite the expanding significance of remittances' incomplete global capital streams, still, the direct or indirect connection between remittances and economic growth has not been enough studied. In many developing nations, remittances from traveler laborers are progressively turning into a critical wellspring of exports. This examination plans to break down the elements that influence the GDP of developing countries whereby Tonga, Jordan, Philippines, and Bangladesh, are chosen as a delegate. The work explores the effect of remittances using time series data spanning from 1975-2019. The relationship between GDP and remittances are examined using ARDL and VECM approaches and performing Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test - Stationarity and Johansen Cointegration Tests. Ultimately, a Granger Causality Test was conducted to see if the one time series (GDP per capita) can be used to predict another (remittances).

Classifying Retina Optical coherence Tomography OCT Images For The Presence of eye Disease with Support Vector. MACHINE AND NEURAL NETWORK []


Image classification is a fundamental challenge encountered in computer vision and data analysis. Images are unstructured data and sometimes hard to analyze because of the arduous feature extraction steps involved. Some algorithms often used in image classification tasks include minimum K-Nearest neighbor, Clustering, Fuzzy C -Means. However, advancements in deep learning allow deeper feature extraction and better representations of image data and has shown it is more efficient and has wider applications in computer vision like classification and image detection. Support vector machine algorithm too is strong and useful in image classification. Even though it’s normally regarded as a binary classification technique, it can be tweaked and extended for multi-label classification tasks. Deep learning so far has provided successful results for machine learning problems. In this paper, we compare the accuracy of image classification performed using convolutional neural network which is became standard with the accuracy of image classification done with support vector machine which uses principal component analysis for feature extraction. The image data used are Retina optical coherence tomography (OCT) with four classes, three classes have diseased retina while one class is normal. The aim is to observe which classification algorithm performs better in identifying an image with a disease. At the end of this project, it was discovered that deep convoluted neural network performed better than other machine learning approaches used in classifying the OCT images.

ASSESSMENT OF BRUSSELS SPROUTS GENOTYPES BASED ON GERMINATION AND HEADING FORMATION []


Abstract: evolution of genotypes is major criteria for improvement, therefore the present research was conducted in the month of November 2022 at AJ Science college Mirpurkhas the aim of this research was to evaluate the performance of Brussels sprouts under normal and organic compost soil by using two hybrid genotypes namely Dagan and Redarling based on germination percentage and heading formation. Research was conducted early in pot experiment with six pots containing 15 number of seeds. Later it was transplanted into main field. Result regarding pot experiment under organic compost declared that POT-IV was considered with maximum germination percentage (66.66%) and while the minimum germination percentage was noticed in POT-II and POT-VI (46.6%). The result for Variety-I in normal soil condition depicted that maximum germination percentage was reported in POT-V (73.3%), whereas the POT-III was recorded with minimum germination percentage (46.6%). It proposes that the soil contain favorable conditions for Brussels sprouts growth which could be beneficial for upcoming selection for further improvement. In case of variety-II POT-V was recorded with maximum germination percentage under organic compost soil (53.3%), while greater value for germination under normal soil was reported in POT-V (73.33%). Considering head formation for variety-I under organic compost soil POT-II plants were taken maximum days, while the POT-III was recorded with minimum days. In case of variety- II POT-IV was recorded with maximum number of days whereas the POT-III was noted with minimum number of days. Regarding beginning of head formation for variety- I and II under normal soil the POT-VI was taken with maximum number of days while POT-III for variety-I and POT-V for variety-II were noticed with minimum number of days. It indicates that Brussels sprouts possess good resources and favorable environment. If this crop is included for further evolution and horticultural breeding program it may be best resulted for obtain maximum yield.

Special Libraries and Information Systems in Nigeria: A Review of The National Center for Agriculture Mechanization (NCAM) Library []


The National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) Library is used as a case study in this study to examine the goals and difficulties of special libraries in Nigeria. The purpose of the study is to define the goals of special libraries, the services they provide, the kinds of library collections they house, and the difficulties they encounter. The study's findings show that, while 1% of respondents disagreed, 99% of the research team and IT students at the NCAM Library agreed that the purpose of special libraries is to meet the information needs of their parent bodies. Therefore, special libraries' goals include meeting the unique informational needs of their parent organization, fostering research and development, and assisting the organization’s decision-making processes. According to the study's findings, the biggest problem facing special libraries in Nigeria is a lack of funding. The underfunding and neglect of this crucial component of every public institution have resulted from a lack of recognition of the value of library services. Other issues include a lack of staff, inadequate ICT infrastructure, inadequate staff training and development opportunities, and low user awareness. The following recommendations were made to raise the calibre of special libraries in Nigerian public institutions. First and foremost, special libraries require adequate funding. Second, there is a requirement for sufficient staffing and training options for librarians. Thirdly, adequate ICT infrastructure and electronic resources must be made available. Last but not least, there is a need to raise user awareness of the value of library services and the resources that are available to them

ANALYSIS OF EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF REGIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NORTH KONAWE DISTRICT []


This study aims to determine and analyze (1) the efficiency level of regional financial management in North Konawe Regency during 2016 – 2020; and (2) the level of effectiveness of regional financial management in North Konawe Regency during 2016 – 2020. Primary data, in the form of data obtained from the Regional Financial Management report in North Konawe Regency for the 2015-2020 period and the results of interviews with three research informants. The data analysis technique method uses a descriptive quantitative approach. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that (1) The efficiency level of Regional Financial Management in North Konawe Regency is in the efficient category. This shows that the performance of the regional income of North Konawe Regency has increased. This is because the local government of North Konawe Regency can increase regional income to finance routine expenses. The regional compatibility ratio of North Konawe Regency is still above 20 percent, meaning that the priority allocation of routine and development expenditure funds has not run optimally, and (2) The results of the analysis of the effectiveness of North Konawe Regency's Financial Management show that the overall effectiveness level of the North Konawe Regency is included in the effective category. This means that the total income obtained can meet the expected target. The effectiveness in the North Konawe Regency area has two derivative ratios, namely the independence ratio of the North Konawe Regency if the independence value from 2016 to 2020 is in the very low category with an instructive relationship pattern. While the growth ratio of the North Konawe Regency from 2016 to 2020 has changed but the overall growth is positive.

Isolation and characterization of endogenous mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) yeasts that can be used in the fermentation industry []


This study aimed to isolate and characterize endogenous yeast strains of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). Thus, we harvested the fruits of the mangosteen in the Moungo department, Littoral region of Cameroon. Isolation was carried out on SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) 0.05% chloramphenicol agar medium. The identification was made using the API gallery. A total of 30 yeasts strains were isolated. Among these isolates, three were selected on the basis of their ability to produce and resist alcohol, and then characterized. According to the biochemical characterization using Gallery Api 20 C AUX Bioméreux, these isolates L1H1, L1G and L1I2 isolated from the arils of mangosteen belong respectively to the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1, Cryptococcus luteinis. These isolates were identified as the most efficient not only in terms of ethanol production but also in the resistance to it. Therefore, it was concluded that these isolates could well adapt to biotechnological uses. Key words: Isolation, mangosteen, yeasts, fermentation

EFFECT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN RWANDA PERIOD OF 2010-2021 []


The research study investigates the effect of foreign direct investments on economic growth, A case study of Rwanda. The research focused on the level of foreign direct investments (FDI) in Rwanda, the level of economic growth in Rwanda and the relationship between foreign direct investments and economic growth in Rwanda. In addition, SPSS tool and E-views 11 were used to analyze data. The results show that FDI inflows in mining and quarrying sector was higher in year 2014, 2013 and 2010 than other years while in year 20202, 2012, 2019 was lower. The results showed that FDI inflows in finance and insurance sector was higher in year 2019, 2020, 2018 and 2016 compared to the other years. The results showed that GDP of Rwanda was periodically changed where in year 2021 national GDP was drastically increased at 10.9% than other years while in year 2020 GDP was heavily decreased to -3.4%. Decrease observed was caused by COVID-19 pandemic which was occurred in year 2020. The results in the figure 4.4 showed that GDP was higher in year 2019, 2015, 2018 and 2012 than other years but GDP was dramatically decreased in in year 2020. The same as for FDI inflows, the results indicated that FDI inflows was higher in year 2018, 2019, 2014, 2017, 2015. The results from regression analysis indicated that The results indicate that FDI inflows in mining and quarrying sector has significant contribution on economic growth (ᵦ1=0.361, t=9.215 sig=0.000). This shows that 1 unit increase in FDI inflows in mining and quarrying sector leads to 0.361 unit in improving economic growth. FDI inflows in financial and insurance sector has significant contribution on economic growth (ᵦ2=0.440, t=12.142, sig=0.000). This indicates that 1 unit increase in FDI inflows in financial and insurance sector lead to 0.440 unit in improving economic growth. FDI inflows in manufacturing sector has significant contribution on economic growth (ᵦ3=0.412, t=8.423, sig=0.000). This indicates that 1 unit increase in FDI inflows in manufacturing sector leads to 0.412 unit in improving economic growth. FDI inflows in utilities sector has significant contribution on performance of financial institutions (ᵦ2=0.335, t=5.003, sig=0.000).

Credit Management Processes and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks In Rwanda: A Case of COGEBANQUE Plc []


Background: This research study assessed the the effect of credit management process on performance of commercial banks in Rwanda with reference to Cogebanque Plc. The research design in this study was descriptive. Materials and Methods: A sample size of 110 respondents was drawn from 152 employees working at Cogebank Plc Headquarters, using a simple random technique. The study used a purposive sampling technique to select respondents. Information was collected using a questionnaire administered to respondents. The study used a Statistical Package Product and Services Solutions SPSS-version 25.0 for data analysis. Results: Finding showed that 62.6% of respondents agreed with the increase of Return on Assets in 2018, 53.2% for 2019, 58.3% for 2020, while 51.8% agreed with the increase of financial performance for 2021. Return on Equity, is well appreciated by respondents given that 62% agreed with the increase of Return on Equity that for the year 2018, 63.7% for 2019, 63.6% for 2020 and, 54.5% for 2021. Results to the first objective showed that when credit appraisal process is hold constant financial performance was 2788. Unit of credit appraisal process will stimulate a change of financial performance by a factor of 0.042 with p-value of 0.048. The researcher rejected the null hypothesis Ho1 and confirmed that there is significant, positive and weak correlation between credit appraisal process and financial performance of Cogebanque Plc. Results to the second objective showed that Credit Risk Control was hold constant financial performance of Cogebanque. was 2.883. Unit of credit risk control will increase financial performance of Cogebanque by a actor of 0.49 with ρ-value of 0.48. The researcher rejected the null hypothesis Ho2 and confirmed that there was significant, positive and weak correlation between credit risk control process and financial performance of Cogebanque. Findings to the third objective showed that when Credit Collection Policies was hold constant financial performance of Cogebanque was 4030. A unit of Credit Collection Policies will increase financial performance of Cogebanque by a factor of 0.068 with p-value of 0.047. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis Ho3 and confirmed that there was a significant, positive and weak correlation between credit collection policies and financial performance in Cogebanque. Conclusion: From the research findings, he study recommended Cogebanque Plc and other banks to scrutinize its credit management process asking to credit department staffs to identify their role in low level of financial performance. The Central Bank should establish policies helping banks to establish a set of rules of saving banks encountering difficulties related to catastrophes. Further researches should study the impact of the management of loan default on financial performance of banks and study the effect of credit risk management process on the financial performance of banks’ customers. Key Words: Credit management process, financial performance, commercial bank in Rwanda.

Democratic Governance, Nature of Accountability of the Elected Representatives in Local Government Institutions in Sri Lanka. (A case study on Pradeshiya Sabha) []


Abstract The main objective of this paper is to explore the real situation of the elective local representatives in Sri Lankan local authorities regarding public accountability in service delivery for the local society. Local government institutions are one of the key political organs of every democratic or non-democratic country with regard to delivering services and enhancing public well-being on the grass root. As a democratic country, Sri Lanka has a long historical timeline of the local government system and public accountability regarding people's well-being. There are three tire local institutions systems as Municipal councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Saba which have been established from the center to the periphery. Most grass-root local institutions have been established in the countryside to carry out public services for the people's well-being at the grassroots. Local government institutions and their elective people are more significant in the socio, economic and political development of the grassroots society. The social well-being of the general public has to be assured by the representatives of the local authorities. This paper especially has been focused on public accountability of elective representatives in Pradeshiya Saba which has been established in most grass root areas in the countryside. These institutions are most significant because it has been doing multiple crucial functions for the local society. These institutions are appearing as a foundation of the primary policy-making and implementations, strengthening democracy, recruiting leaders, providing political training for future leaders, etc. In a democratic society, Most Sri Lankan citizens who are living at the grassroots are well experienced in enjoying voting rights at the local election for the selection of their representatives for the local authorities. As primary political institutions, their representatives have a significant role with regard to concern for the people's necessity in the grass-root society. People of the grassroots are selecting their representatives through the democratic electoral process to the local institutions under the popular electoral campaign. It is observed many times and on occasions of the local electoral process that after the establishment of Pradeshiya Saba, the main objective of the elected representatives has not been fulfilled for the local society why? The factors of this problem have been examined through qualitative research carried out at the field level with selected grassroots local institutions in Sri Lanka. Mainly, field observations, opinion surveys, group discussions, and in-depth discussions with expert people were applied as the main methods in this qualitative approach. Data and information have been analyzed through statistical analysis using (SPSS) and descriptive analysis done by using the multiple cross-date analysis approach in this paper. Data has shown that most grassroots local authorities and their elective people have declined or given up their main objectives and responsibilities once they assumed duties in the local institutions. On the other hand, lack of confidence and education, and poverty have been discouraging the general public quest such a situation at the local level institutions in Sri Lanka. The important point of this paper is it has declared the reality of the local authorities and their elective people on service accountability beyond the theoretical and conceptual meaning. The outcome of the research ideas can be used for further examination of the local representatives and their role at the grassroots. Key Words: Grassroots local institutions, Elective Representatives, Service responsibilities, Social well-being, Lack of democracy

AN ANALYSIS OF THE LINKAGE BETWEEN INFLATION, SAVINGS AND OUTPUT IN NIGERIA []


Abstract The linkage dynamics of inflation, savings, and output forms the bedrock of this work. This study anchored on three models to explain the; the effects of inflation and savings on economic output, how economic growth responds to changes in inflation and savings in Nigeria and causal relationship between inflation, saving and output. Time series data were collated for the variables selected for the analysis while, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was used for the first and second objectives, Granger causality method was used for the third. The OLS results for the first and second objectives basically reveal that saving stimulates output, while sustained high inflation rate is detrimental to output. On the other hand, domestic savings though a leakage in the short run plays a major role in the long run by providing the needed cheap funds for investment purposes that engenders increase in output and also curbs excess cash in circulation that tames high inflation. The causality model for the first objective reveals that real Gross Domestic Product (rGDP) granger causes Gross Domestic Savings (GDS). In other words, households and firms save more in a growing economy and a growing economy is characterized by increasing output which tames inflation. It is therefore recommended that government should adopt monetary policies like low cash reserve requirements, removal of charges on savings accounts, removal of outright border closure and provision of saving facilities to households in rural areas to stimulate savings and help keep inflation low with the attendant economic benefits.