Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
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This community caters for the collections of two Departments; that is Department of Business Administration & Entrepreneurship. All the staff & students under this Faculty will be required to submit the research publications in this community.
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- ItemA Review on Implementation of the Human Resource Information Systems in National Water and Sewerage Corporation.(2023) Wesonga, ElizabethThe purpose of the study is to Review on Implementation of the Human Resource Information Systems in National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Uganda. The focus is to examine the HRIS management practices at NWSC, the management challenges that affect the implementation of HRIS at NWSC and suggest appropriate management strategies that can improve HRIS implementation at NWSC. The study had a sample of 59 employees who were selected to participate in filling in the questionnaire. The descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using STATA. The study found that the HRIS management practices that are implemented at NWSC were highly agreed upon by the respondents and these included the company payroll system, employee data storage, employee recruitment, creating and updating succession plans for key positions, preparing government reports on placement information, staff training, staff leave management, performance management, health insurance management, project planning, feedback mechanisms and employee Self-Service. The key findings of the management challenges that affect the implementation of HRIS management practices at NWSC indicated that there is a lot of manual effort put into use of the system, limited HRIS training for employees, the low level of importance attributed to HR functions in general, the functionality of the HRIS is limited, there is ineffective Human Resource Management, the staff are not readily embracing technical training programs for computer usage. The study recommends that NWSC should adjust the HRIS modules to make them user friendly and compatible with the daily routines of the employees.
- ItemAccess to Agricultural Finance, Farmer training and Performance of small holder farmers: A case of one acre fund in Jinja district.(Makerere University Business School, 2021-03-04) Nanzigwa, GodfreyThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between access to agricultural finance, farmer training and performance of smallholder farmers taking a case of One Acre Fund in Jinja district. The study specific objectives were: to Examine the relationship between access to agricultural finance and performance of smallholder farmers; relationship between farmer training and performance of smallholder farmers, and relationship between access to agricultural finance, farmer training and performance of smallholder farmers. A cross sectional survey design was adopted; both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used on a sample size of 118 respondents. Data was obtained using closed ended questionnaires and semi-structured interview guide. Data was processed using SPSS v.20 to generate Pearson correlations and regression analysis results. The study found out that access to agricultural finance was positively related with performance of smallholder farmers at r=.859. It was also revealed that farmer training was positively related with performance of smallholder farmers at r=.840. Furthermore, the study revealed that both access to agricultural finance and farmer training were significant predictors of performance of smallholder farmers. Both combined account for 80.5% (Adjusted R2=.805) in variance of performance of smallholder farmers but access to agricultural finance was the highest predictor with beta value = .694 as compared to beta value = .160 of farming training. Based on the findings, the study recommended that One Acre Fund should put a lot of emphasis on availing agricultural finance inform of loans and farm inputs to smallholder farmers in order to maintain high performance. Putting more efforts in training smallholder farmers on keeping farm records would also be very important and additionally providing training to smallholder farmers on how to invest loans given to them and teach them how to use farm inputs and equipment provided.
- ItemAccess to Credit Finance, Entrepreneurial Competency and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Arua City.(2023) Ayo, DoreenThe purpose of the study was to determine the predictive power of access to credit finance and entrepreneurial competence on the financial performance of SMEs in Arua city. The researcher used quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional research design. A sample size of 140 SMEs was selected out of 220 SMEs in Arua city as guided by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination table. Validity and reliability of the instruments showed that all variables under study were reliable with Cronbach’s alpha statistic for all the variables measuring above 0.70- Nunnally, (1978). The researcher issued 280 questionnaires and received 218 questionnaires giving a response rate of 77.9%. The findings of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between access to credit finance and financial performance. It also indicated a positive relationship between entrepreneurial competency and financial performance of SMEs in Arua city implying that the level of access to credit finance and entrepreneurial competency is associated directly with financial performance of SMEs. The regression analysis showed that access to credit finance predicts financial performance by 62.6% while entrepreneurial competency predicts financial performance by 6.5%. The researcher concludes that access to credit finance is an important predictor of financial performance of SMEs in Arua city. The researcher recommends that; for SMEs to be successful, good access to credit finance and entrepreneurial competency are key.
- ItemAccess to Finance and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Uganda.(2023) Kisambira, MusaThe purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between access to finance and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kampala Uganda. The study adopted a crosssectional descriptive and survey design that involved 116 private schools in Kampala. The results indicate that access to finance and structure of banks cause a significant variation in growth of SMEs. However, bank, business support services and collateral requirements had no significant variation in growth of SMEs. The combined effect of the independent variable caused a significant variation which was more than some of the independent variables except financial information access. Access to financial information is the most influential factor driving SME growth, leading to substantial development compared to those with limited access. Bank and business support services show minimal impact on SME growth, and their structures contribute less than financial information access. While collateral requirements are linked to growth, other factors play a more significant role. The study recommends that; stakeholders must focus on enhancing financial information access through initiatives like accessible databases and financial literacy programs to promote SME growth. Tailored support services from financial institutions, including specialized advice and networking opportunities, to maximize their impact. Banks should optimize their structure, streamline processes, and adopt a customer-centric approach to better serve SMEs. Re- evaluating collateral requirements, striking a balance between risk assessment and credit accessibility, is crucial. The study had several limitations. First, sampling bias was present as the selection of private schools in Kampala did not represent all SMEs in the region. Additionally, data collection was challenging due to SME owners' reluctance to share sensitive financial information. The study's timeframe was limited, hindering the capture of long term trends in SME growth and finance access. Areas for further research include; a longitudinal study to gain valuable insights into the long-term effects of access to finance on SME growth. A comparative analysis of different SME types in various industries across Uganda to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Complementing quantitative analysis with qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviews, to capture contextual factors overlooked in data.
- ItemAccess to Micro Credit, Business Training Packages to Support Business and Business Growth.(2023) Nachiyo, LucyBusiness growth and donor funding currently falls short in supporting the rural entrepreneurship groups. This study sought to investigate the relationship between Access to Micro Credit, Training and Business Growth among Emyooga groups’ association in Kaabong District with the objectives of investigating the relationship between access to micro credit and business growth, investigating the relationship between training packages and business growth and finding out the predicting power of access to micro credit and training packages onto business growth of Emyooga groups’ association in Kaabong District. The study specifically employed a cross sectional research design with a quantitative approach in particular. Primary data was collected from 201 from the thirteen sub counties and one town council using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed. Simple random technique was used to select the Emyooga groups’ association in each Sub County and town council and Purposive sampling technique was used to select the three respondents from each Emyooga’s group that included the; chairperson, treasure and the general secretary. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics software version 25 for both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings of this study indicated that access to micro credit and training packages have a significant positive association with Business growth. Multiple regression results also indicate a significant influence of micro credit and training packages on business growth. The study recommends government of Uganda to work tiresomely to ensure that Emyooga groups’ association in Kaabong District are trained and equipped with relevant skills regarding the businesses they come up with and the specific trainings need to be customized since different groups may have different kind of business dealt in. The study also recommends that Access to Micro Savings, Micro Loans and Micro Grants should be made possible so that the groups can be in position to operate their respective businesses normally and on a continuous basis. This study has a valuable implication to enable Emyooga groups to utilize the provision of micro credit and trainings packages.
- ItemAccountability in Project Implementation at Malaria consortium Uganda(Makerere University Business School, 2014-12) Kiggundu, AgnesThis study was an examination of accountability in project implementation at Malaria Consortium Uganda. The study was initiated because of failure to adhere to the organizations policies and procedures and inadequate accountability of donor funds. The study was guided by three objectives namely: to examine the current accountability system at Malaria Consortium – Uganda, to examine the challenges of accountability and Malaria Consortium – Uganda and to suggest strategies of improving accountability at Malaria Consortium – Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional design based on qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study constituted a population of Malaria Consortium staff and data was collected from 74 staff using questionnaires and interview guide. The key findings were that the organization faces various challenges in relation to accountability which include; staff not aware of who is responsible for accountability in the organization, the organization has various donors with various reporting requirements, there are no formal feedback and participation policies in place and the organization has no monitoring and evaluation processes which measure level of leadership, transparency and participation achieved in projects. Many suggestions were given to improve accountability at Malaria Consortium Uganda which included; providing consistent and timely reports to management, carry out regular external reviews in order to identify and address accountability challenges, carry out regular staff reviews and regularly disseminate existing policies and procedures to staff, training of staff on accountability and including accountability in the formal staff appraisal, review and revise existing policies in order to address gaps, train staff on various donor requirements, review of project proposals and contracts with staff before project implementation begins and hold regular feedback meetings on accountability and performance in terms of accountability.
- ItemAdoption of Digital Interactive Platforms, Usage Behavior and Customer Brand Engagement in Stanbic Bank Uganda.(2024) Nassuna, AllenThis study examines the relationship between adoption of digital interactive platforms, usage behavior, and customer brand engagement. Specifically, the study analyzes the relationship between adoption of digital interactive platforms and customer brand engagement, relationship between adoption of digital interactive platforms and usage behavior, the relationship between usage behavior and customer brand engagement, and the mediation effect of usage behavior in the relationship between adoption of digital interactive platforms and customer brand engagement. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach. Out of sample size of 136, Only 125 respondents managed to fill and return the questionnaires given to them resulting in a response rate of 92 percent. The key findings of the study indicate that there is a significant and moderate relationship between adoption of digital interactive platforms and customer brand engagement. Secondly it was established that there is a significant and strong relationship between adoption of digital interactive platforms and usage behavior. Thirdly it was established that there is a significant and strong relationship between usage behavior and customer brand engagement. These results also indicate that adoption of digital interactive platforms and usage behavior, contribute a 59.8% of the variation in customer brand engagement. Mediation effect (indicate the mediation effect the way you have stated other key findings. Accordingly, the adoption of digital interactive platforms increases substantially contributes to increased customer brand engagement in Stanbic Bank Uganda and hence the latter should continue to invest in these platforms to foster a more engaged customer base. It is recommended that bank managers should ensure that the security mechanism of digital interactive platforms is improved by developing several backup systems to ensure safe use.
- ItemAdoption of E-Commerce among Small Scale Traders with Special Attention to Perceived Benefits and E-Commerce Skills.(2023) Nalwoga, AminaThis study was guided by three main objectives namely, to explore the possible contribution of Perceived benefits in explaining E-commerce adoption, to explore the possible contribution of E-commerce skills in explaining E-commerce adoption, and to explore the interaction effect between Perceived benefits, E-commerce skills and E-commerce adoption. A qualitative approach was employed to collect data from representatives of 14 souvenir shop traders in Kampala. The traders had to have been doing business in the same location for at least three years. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and was done inductively. The results indicated that both Perceived benefits and E-commerce skills were considered to be instrumental in E-commerce adoption. Other factors that emerged as important included, cost of E-commerce infrastructure, ease of use, testimonials and the level of security. With the above results, the study can be said to have identified some of the success factors that can explain the adoption of E-commerce among souvenir shop owners.
- ItemAdoption of Online Marketing and Attractiveness of Uganda's National Parks.(2023) Ninsiima, DoreenThe study investigated the relationship between Adoption of Online marketing and Attractiveness of Uganda National Parks. The specific objectives of the study included; to establish the relationship between email marketing and attractiveness of Uganda’s National Parks; to examine the relationship between social media marketing and attractiveness of Uganda’s National Parks and to assess the relationship between website marketing and attractiveness of Uganda’s National Parks. The study employed a cross section design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population was 110 from which a sample size of 86 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table. The findings revealed that email marketing has a weak positive and insignificant relationship with attractiveness of national parks at r = 0.180 at the level of significance 0.176 given by the Pearson correlation. Also, there is a positive and significant relation between social media marketing and attractiveness of national parks at r = 0.505 at the level of significance 0.000 (2-tailed). Finally, there is a positive and significant relationship between web site marketing and attractiveness of national parks at r = 0.515 at the level of significance 0.000. The study recommends that UWA should embrace the use of social media marketing as this has a potential to reach to a big number of social media users. More emphasis should as well be directed towards ensuring continued use of the Web site as a marketing tool as most people believe in information from this source as being authentic and rich. UWA should device other strategies on how well they can utilize information passed through email.
- ItemAgent Banking Adoption, Financial Literacy, Transaction Costs and Financial Inclusion in Selected Districts of Eastern Uganda(Makerere University Business School, 2023) Natukunda, JudithThis study investigates the relationship between agent banking adoption, financial literacy, transaction costs and financial inclusion in Eastern Uganda. It was guided by objectives including; to examine the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion; to examine the relationship between agent banking adoption and financial inclusion; to examine the effect of financial literacy, agent banking adoption on financial; and to examine the mediating effect of transaction costs in the relationship between financial literacy, agent banking adoption and financial inclusion in Eastern Uganda. Financial literacy, agency bank adoption was the independent variable, transaction costs mediated the relationship while financial inclusion was the dependent variable. The guiding theories were; unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model; social learning theory and transaction cost theory. This study used a cross-sectional research design, with a study population of 564; (Mayuge (80), Butaleja (104) and Iganga (380) users of agency banking services and a sample of 234 selected randomly. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach’s test and content validity Index (CVI) confirmed reliability and validity above 0.7 for all variables. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 28) was used for data processing to compute frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviations, correlation, and regressions. Results revealed a positive but insignificant relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion in Eastern Uganda (r=.071); a positive and significant relationship between agent banking adoption and financial inclusion in Eastern Uganda (r=.154*); a positive but insignificant relationship between transaction costs and financial inclusion (r=.120). Transaction cost is an insignificant mediator in the relationship between agency banking adoption and financial (the indirect effect -0.01 at a significance level of 0.175); the mediation effect is given by the transaction cost is an insignificant mediator in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion (indirect effect -0.01 at a significance level of 0.283). Financial literacy, agent banking adoption (and transaction costs) predict 3.7% of the variance in financial inclusion in Eastern Uganda (Adjusted R Square=.037). Agency Banking Adoption (Beta=.176, P=.015) and Transaction Costs (Beta=.152, P=.036) significant predictors of financial inclusion in Eastern Uganda; while financial Literacy (Beta=.089, p=.212) was an insignificant predictor of financial inclusion. The study concludes that in a literate society, it becomes easier, although not a guarantee to have financial inclusion rooted. Improving on agent banking adoption is likely to enhance financial inclusion. A combination of financial literacy and agent banking adoption makes a good strategy bundle to accomplish the financial inclusion mission in society. Efforts to improve financial inclusion through agency banking should never interfere with the costs to let them increase per unit per user, directly or indirectly. The study recommends that banks should empower agents and end users with capabilities online or on mobile to accomplish banking activities faster. Banks should ensure that their agent banking platforms are compatible with other banking systems both today and in future. More general sensitization should be done to all people to ensure mass adoption of agent banking and improve on the positive perception in the society. The banks and agents should ensure that the indirect benefits like convenience, security resulting from use of agent banking are maintained and upheld; MoUs can be signed between telecom operators and banks to ensure realization cheap services. Banking agents should be encouraged to help clients beyond the usual routines.
- ItemAgile Practices, Socio-Cognitive Space, Project Team Resilience and Project Success of Road Construction Projects in Uganda(Makerere University Business School, 2023) Wembabazi, JosephThis study examined the mediating role of project team resilience between Agile practices, socio cognitive spaces and project success among road construction projects in Uganda. The objectives of the study were to examine the relationship between agile practices and project success, to examine the relationship between agile practices and Project Team Resilience, to examine the association between Project Team Resilience and Project success, to examine the mediating role of Project Team Resilience in the relationship between Agile Practices, and Project Success, to examine the relationship between socio-cognitive space and Project success, to examine the mediating role of Project Team Resilience in the relationship between socio- cognitive space and Project Success The study was based on a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. Data was analyzedusing ordinary partial least squares regression through SmartPLS version 3.3.3, the authors testedthe study hypotheses based on survey data collected from respondents of 44 completed road projects selected randomly to complete a self-administered questionnaire. The results indicate that Agile practice and socio-cognitive space have a significant influence on project success. The results also show that project team resilience partially mediates the relationship between Agile practices, socio- cognitive space and project success. The major limitation of the study is that the authors have used cross-sectional data to test these research hypotheses. However, this was minimised following Guide and Ketokivi’s (2015) recommendation on how to address the limitations of cross sectional data by targeting key respondents with the highest level of expertise required to answer the questionnaire. To achieve road constructions project success, Project managers should capitalize on Agile practices, creating socio-cognitive space to empower employees, empathizing mastery approaches, social capital and collective efficacy which are useful in achieving project success. Key words: Agile practices, socio-cognitive space. Project team resilience, project success.
- ItemAn assessment of Customer Perception Towards Electronic Billing in National Water and Sewerage Corporation(Makerere University Business School, 2023) Atwiine, IvanThe main purpose of the study was to examine ways of improving customer perception towards e-billing/invoicing in National Water and Sewarage Corporation (NWSC). To conduct this study, the researcher employed a cross-sectional research design which was considered appropriate given the time frames within which the study had to be conducted. The research study considered a population of 230,000 meter holders in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono, where a sample of 335 customers was drawn using a simple random sampling technique. The unit of analysis was NWSC and the unit of inquiry was the customers. The researcher collected primary data using a self-administered questionnaire. The instrument was tested for validity using the Content Validity Index and reliability using Cronbach Alpha and the threshold was met. Good practices of ethical behaviour during research studies were respected and these included voluntary participation, anonymity of the respondents and respect for scholarly works which ruled Plagiarism. The response rate was 89% . The data was analyzed using SPSS. The key findings of the study revealed the following. Electronic billing was perceived to be beneficial to the clients and this represented Mean=4.13 of the average mean. Additionally, there exist challenges in the use of electronic billing method at NWSC representing Mean=3.4 of average mean. The open ended questions suggested strategies for improving the electronic billing system at NWSC. The researcher recommends areas of further study to be done on using a longitudinal research design to track customer perceptions.
- ItemAn Assessment of Internal Audit Practices at National Water and Sewerage Corporation in Uganda(Makerere University Business School, 2023) Nasasira, BenjaminThe study's purpose was to assess effectiveness of internal audit practices. The study's objectives were to examine the effectiveness of internal audit practices at NWSC, to identify the challenges faced in improving the effectiveness of internal audit practices at NWSC, and to suggest strategies for improving the effectiveness of internal audit practices at NWSC. In order to gather information from a sample of 83 staff, the study used a self administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 25. According to the study's findings, the level of effectiveness of internal audit practices was moderate on the aspects of assisting management and the Board in refining control and risk management procedures, comparing internal audit practices of NWSC with best practices in the industry, staffing with specialists and experienced staff, monitoring the efficiency of tasks with NWSC, ensuring that quality of internal audits conducted have followed systematic procedures to ensure accuracy of the findings, conclusions and recommendations, the internal audit chief is appointed by the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee monitors the efficiency of internal audit, and internal audit team always receiving appropriate training and professional development. The challenges do exist in improving the effectiveness of internal audit practices such as management interference, inadequate freedom and independence, inadequate material resources for routine auditing activities, lack professional qualifications to perform task diligently, top management does not support, poor nature of appointment and recruitment process, and inadequate continuous professional development. The study further recommended strategies for enhancement of the effectiveness of internal audit practices such as establishing a robust internal audit policy, adherence to corporate governance practices, strengthening the reporting structure, effective communication between management and internal audit, and recruitment of professional internal auditors as stipulated in the internal audit charter.
- ItemAn Assessment of Legal Changes on Reits Performance in the Canadian and South African Markets.(2023) Ngomoloya, FionaThis research paper examines the relationship between legal factors and Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) performance in the contexts of Canada and South Africa. Through an in-depth exploration of regulatory frameworks, tax implications, and governance requirements, this study aims to uncover how legal variables contribute to the operational dynamics and financial outcomes of REITs in these two distinct markets. Drawing on qualitative data collected from expert interviews, regulatory documents, and financial reports, the research employs thematic analysis to identify key legal factors that influence REIT performance and investor sentiments in each country. By contrasting the regulatory environments, tax structures, and market trends in Canada and South Africa, this study not only illuminates the multifaceted impact of legal factors but also provides insights into potential strategies for enhancing REIT performance and sustainability in diverse global contexts. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders seeking to optimize legal frameworks for REITs and foster a conducive environment for real estate investment in Canada, South Africa, as well as new REIT markets in Africa.
- ItemAn Assessment of Team Building Efforts at Brac International (Uganda).(2024) Bulyaba, BrendaThe purpose of the study was to examine the challenges BRAC faces and propose tailored strategies to enhance team building efforts across its operations in Uganda. The research problem was that BRAC Uganda encounters significant hurdles in effectively harnessing the benefits of teamwork. According to their 2021 Annual Report, the challenges include the geographical dispersion of the workforce, cultural diversity, extensive operational areas, and limited resources. These factors contribute to a potential disconnect within the workforce. Hence the objectives of the study were: to evaluate current efforts at teambuilding at BRAC Uganda, to identify challenges of teambuilding at BRAC Uganda and to derive strategies for managing the challenges of teambuilding at BRAC Uganda. The study adopted a cross sectional design with a quantitative approach. The population comprised of a total of 310 staff working at BRAC Uganda from which a sample of 175 were chosen by simple random sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Whereas teambuilding efforts at BRAC Uganda yield a generally positive impression, there are dimensions where the organization falls short of best practices, especially in the realms of leadership involvement, technological integration, and cross-cultural understanding. Areas such as communication barriers, remote working complexities, and cultural diversity stand out as especially problematic. Solutions like cultural diversity training, work-life balance, and technological competency were rated particularly high, affirming their critical role in organizational success. Even lesser-emphasized aspects like psychological safety and virtual team-building garnered significant support, indicating that an inclusive and comprehensive strategy is likely to be most effective. Based on that, it was recommended that the organization undertakes leadership training focused on team-building, focuses on technological enablement and training, the need for communication training with special focus on remote environments, putting in place cultural auditing and sensitization programs, having a cross-departmental mentorship program as well as quarterly ―unconference‖ sessions.
- ItemAn Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Customer Complaint Management System at East African Packaging Solutions Limited, Jinja Uganda.(2023) Nairuku, AishaThis study was about an assessment of the effectiveness of the customer complaint management system at east African packaging solutions limited, jinja Uganda. The study was guided by three research objectives which included; examining the effectiveness of the customer complaint management system in EAPSL; identifying the customer complaints at EAPSL and identifying the challenges associated with the customer complaint management system in EAPSL. The study used a cross-sectional research design and employing the use of quantitative approach. A simple random was carried. The findings revealed that EAPSL has an effective customer complaint management system, it was also found out that EAPSL has customer complaint management system mailed with a lot of challenges and the most outstanding complaint registered by many respondents was that the company was unwilling to present explanations to the problems. The study recommended that customer care team should however be well staffed and competent in order to effectively and quickly handle issues of clients, the customer complaint system should allow online responses with clients this creates flexibility in communication between a client and a consumer there by creating effectiveness in service delivery. The company should repair and frequently service the system, the company should take responsibility and always respond accordingly if there is service failure, the company should put in place policies and procedures to handle complaints, always carry out frequent client visits as a way of due diligence, frequently acknowledging the complainant's distress, always recording complaints from clients, and frequently presenting explanations to the problems of clients.
- ItemAn Assessment of the Success of the Agency Banking Rollout Project in Equity Bank Uganda Head Office.(2023) Kisakye, DrusillaThe purpose of this study is to assess the success of agency banking Equi Duuka in Equity Bank. The research problem was that Equity bank has invested a lot of money to push the agency banking model and improve its business operations in Uganda. However, the bank has not seen the success as anticipated evidenced by the fact that it has not met targets of rollout of its agency banking platform. Hence the study objectives were to assess the success of the current rollout of the agency banking services Equi Duuka Project at Equity Bank, to identify challenges related to the rollout of the agency banking services Equi Duuka project at Equity Bank and to derive suggestions for managing the challenges related to the rollout of the agency banking Equi Duuka services project at Equity Bank. The study population consisted of 40 staff in charge of agency banking and a sample of 36 staff was selected using a simple random sampling approach. A self-administered questionnaire to respondents was prepared. Results show that the respondents generally agreed with the statements in the questionnaire regarding the rollout of agency banking. The same challenges that have been faced in other financial institutions are being also realized in Equity Bank. The strongest cited challenges in this case are related to accumulation of cash transactions in the economy versus electronic payments, rampant internet network failure, high rollout costs, distrust and lack of information on the agency banking model. There are several suggestions in place that the respondents agreed to with regard to the rollout of Agency banking in Equity Bank. These suggestions are many and the results could best be realized if they are all pursued simultaneously, where possible, instead of seeking only one after another or ignoring others in favor of some suggestions. To that end it was recommended that Equity Bank should focus on multiple avenues: promoting cashless transactions through incentives and user-friendly platforms, collaborating with internet service providers to enhance network stability, and scrutinizing agency banking costs for efficiency. Furthermore, the bank should invest in marketing and agent training to promote Equi Duuka services, while bolstering security measures to protect customer data. Lastly, forming strategic partnerships with local businesses can extend the bank's service reach and provide more convenient banking options for customers.
- ItemAn Evaluation of Agency Banking Services Adoption in Centenary Rural Development (CERUDEB).(2023) Muganga, DerrickThis study aimed to investigate the supervisory measures and factors affecting the adoption of agency banking in CERUDEB. The study adopted a cross sectional design because the researcher collected data from one specific point in time. The study also adopted a quantitative approach since it is meant to test rather than generate theory and focused on describing and drawing inferences from the relationships of the variables. . The study found that while some supervisory measures were strong, others needed improvement, with the strongest being the submission of daily reports and the weakest being the deposit of money above the allocated limit at the supervising branch. The study also identified several factors affecting the adoption of agency banking, including security concerns, cash management issues for agents, network connectivity challenges, technical issues with agent machines, and a moderate level of distrust between clients and agents. The highest mean score was obtained for the initiative of orientation of clients on the use of agency banking, followed by the provision of algorithms to ensure the security of the systems used by agents from hackers and ensuring constant supply of funds to curb the lack of funds by agents.The study recommends that CERUDEB should focus on improving the weaker supervisory measures, such as deposit limits, and continuously monitor and adjust the measures to ensure their effectiveness. Addressing the factors affecting the adoption of agency banking, such as improving security measures, ensuring reliable network connectivity, and addressing technical issues promptly, could encourage the adoption of agency banking in CERUDEB. Additionally, implementing initiatives that address the concerns of customers and agents, such as security, availability of funds, and client education, could increase their trust and confidence in the agency banking system and improve adoption and usage. In summary, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders looking to promote the adoption of agency banking in CERUDEB, and suggest several recommendations to improve the effectiveness of supervisory measures and increase adoption and usage of agency banking.
- ItemAn Evaluation of Supply Chain Visibility at Q3 Holdings Uganda Limited.(2024) Sekitto, RobertThe study was carried out to evaluate Supply Chain Visibility at Q3 Holdings Uganda Limited. The study mainly concentrated on the supply chain visibility practices at Q3 Holdings Limited, the challenges faced during the implementation of supply chain visibility practices and possible strategies for improving supply chain visibility at Q3 Holdings Uganda Limited. A cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires presented to 86 respondents and 71 were returned giving a response rate of 82.5%. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 23. The study results indicated that Q3 Holdings Uganda Limited endeavors to put in place supply chain visibility practices such as knowledge of asset status, information technology, information exchange and business intelligence gathering. However, there are several challenges faced during the implementation of supply chain visibility practices like budget constraint, lack of supply chain planning, inefficiency in managing, organizing, and processing of data by the firm, lack of synergy between automated systems and manual operations, and inconsistencies in the flow of data between stakeholders as identified in the study. Several strategies like ensuring flexibility in case of fluctuations in the SCs, encouraging customers to be conscious of products and services due to the company’s transparency, using KPIs tools to analyze the value or success of a firm and establishing relationships networks which can be seen at any point were suggested. The study recommends continuous strengthening of the existing SCV practices at Q3 Holdings Uganda Limited and more emphasis be given to Information exchange through sharing operational information between departments and with externally selected suppliers effectively, and ensuring logistics databases are integrated across applications within the firm. Future scholars to look at SCV practices in other contexts like manufacturing firms, SMEs and government entities.
- ItemAn Examination of Business Continuity Management Strategies during the COVID-19 Outbreak at Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited.(2023) Nakalembe, StellaThis study aimed at examining business continuity management strategies during the Covid19 Outbreak at Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited The study was mainly based on three objectives: to Identify the business continuity management strategies at SBU during the Covid-19, to establish the challenges affecting the effectiveness of business continuity strategies at Stanbic Bank Uganda during the Covid-19 and to recommend strategies for improving business continuity management at SBU. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and quantitative approach. Data was collected using the primary means by presenting questionnaires to 238 respondents and 207 were returned giving a response rate of 89%. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 23. The study findings revealed that SBU endeavored to continue their business operation during and after covid -19 through strategies like establishment of a risk management and analysis team, assigning independent members specifically to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, changing the bank’s organization plan and developing backup and data recovery strategies among others. However, SBU face several challenges that hinders the effectiveness of business continuity at SBU like lack of enough technology resources, lack of experience sharing by BCM professionals, poor culture change, complex BCP processes, lack of staff involvement, safety and security, failure to allocate funds for the BCM and lack of enough capacity and resources among others. Several strategies like: designing effective crisis communication and information systems, defining detection and prevention and procedures, restoration of services to customers, establishing means of communication during times of crisis, offering free services to clients help in resolving poor service quality, investment in technology, and investing in alternative working spaces (work from home) were recommended and strongly adopted by the respondents. This study recommends that SBU should establish a risk management and analysis team to minimize the potential risk of incidents and recover more speedily as compared to its rivals. SBU should also put in place effective crisis communication and information systems. Further studies may also be conducted on business continuity management in other context like public entities and manufacturing firms.