Abstract: This study investigated the influence of organizational culture on project performance, specifically within the context of community empowerment and sustainability projects. Data was collected from 101 employees of community empowerment and sustainability project working in departments, and they were chosen by using the census sampling technique. The data analysis utilized quantitative and qualitative methods, presenting the findings of respondents through mean and standard deviation. The results revealed that if all organizational culture variables are held constant at zero, the community empowerment and sustainability project performance will reach 67.5 percent. Additionally, a unit increase in leadership would enhance Community empowerment and sustainability project performance by 75%, while a one percent increase in diversity would improve performance by 64.2%. Furthermore, a one percent rise in team cohesion and collaboration would lead to a 25% increase in Community empowerment and sustainability project performance, and a similar increase in reward and recognition system would result in a 12.5% improvement. Overall, leadership had the most significant impact on Community empowerment and sustainability project performance, followed by diversity, team cohesion and collaboration, and reward and recognition system. At a 5% significance level and 95% confidence level, leadership showed a significance level of 0.000; diversity also had a significance level of 0.000; team cohesion and collaboration were at 0.001; and reward and recognition system was at 0.041. Therefore, these findings suggest that organizations should maintain strong leader support and resource provision to inspire teams, promoting a sense of belonging and regularly assessing team dynamics and maintaining its focus on team recognition and fair rewards.

Abstract: Globally, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as climate change and resource depletion, necessitating robust quality management practices for sustainability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of quality management practices on the performance of agricultural projects in Rwanda. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics of correlation and regression analysis at a significance level of 0.05 through SPSS Version 25. The findings for first, (H01) that the quality planning does not influence the performance of Agricultural Projects was rejected since P=0.000<0.05, confirming that quality planning has a significant positive influence on performance of Agricultural Projects. Second, (H02) stating that quality planning does not significantly influence performance of Agricultural Projects was also rejected since P=0.000<0.05, indicating a significant impact of quality assurance on performance of Agricultural Projects. Third, (H03) that the quality control does not influence the performance of Agricultural Projects was rejected since P=0.000<0.05, suggesting that quality control has a significant positive influence on performance of Agricultural Projects. Finally, (H04) that the quality improvement does not significantly influence the performance of Agricultural Projects was similarly rejected since P=0.000<0.05, highlighting that quality improvement significantly contributes to improving performance of Agricultural Projects. The study concluded that the Seed Potato Fund Ikigega project exhibits strong quality management practices that significantly contribute to its success. The study recommended that there is a need of conducting comprehensive resource assessment and mobilization, implementing consistent training programs, and enhancing quality control measures.

Everlyne Chebet – Department Of Early Childhood Education, Kisii University

Ismael N. Joseph – Department of Psychology and Early Childhood Education Kisii University

Email: gmainangugi@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examines the impact of movement activities on psychomotor skill development in early childhood learners. Conducted in Kesses sub-county, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, the research follows Friedrich Froebel’s theory of play (1987). A descriptive research design was used, with a population comprising headteachers, ECDE teachers, and curriculum support officers (CSOs), totaling 410 participants. A sample size was determined using the Yamane formula, resulting in 176 primary school teachers, 18 headteachers, and 4 CSOs. Random sampling was used for teachers and headteachers, while purposive sampling selected CSOs. Data was collected using questionnaires for teachers and interview guides for headteachers and CSOs. Reliability was ensured through test-retest and Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, with a coefficient of 0.70 indicating high dependability. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, and qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings revealed a positive significant relationship between movement activities and psychomotor skills development (r = 0.229). The study concluded that the implementation of movement activities in Kesses sub-county was relatively low. The researcher recommends that stakeholders address the low levels of psychomotor skills development in early childhood education, with teachers providing age-appropriate activities. The findings are valuable for headteachers, teachers, the community, sponsors, and policymakers in developing movement activity policies for early learners.

Abstract: This research investigated the effect of working capital management on the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda, with a specific focus on Horizon Sopyrwa 2021-2023. The findings showed that inventory control management had a major impact on financial performance. Inventory control management had a statistically substantial effect on financial results, according to the regression analysis, with a standardized coefficient (β) of 0.38 (p = 0.002) for ROA, 0.44 (p = 0.001) for ROE, and 0.26 (p = 0.031) for liquidity ratios. The analysis indicated that accounts receivable management had a significant positive impact on financial performance. Regression results supported these findings, with a standardized coefficient (β) of 0.28 (p = 0.008) for ROA, 0.33 (p = 0.004) for ROE, and 0.32 (p = 0.005) for liquidity ratios. The results further showed that accounts payable management positively influenced financial performance. The results of regression analysis demonstrated that accounts payable management had a significant impact on financial performance, with standardized coefficients (β) for liquidity ratios of 0.34 (p = 0.002), ROE of 0.28 (p = 0.006), and ROA of 0.25 (p = 0.020). The study came to the conclusion that improving the financial performance of Rwandan manufacturing enterprises requires effective working capital management techniques. The research paper suggests that Horizon Sopyrwa and similar companies use best practices in working capital management to boost revenue, liquidity, and overall financial health.

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of project management practices on the performance of agricultural projects in Rwanda, with a focus on the Value Chain Development Project in Gakenke District. A descriptive and correlational research design was employed to capture both current practices and the relationships between variables. The target population comprised 1,035 individuals, including 1,065 project beneficiaries, project staff, and local leaders. Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 291 respondents was determined. Stratified sampling ensured representation across groups, while purposive sampling identified individuals with specific characteristics relevant to the study. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and documentation analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analysis, conducted through SPSS software. Regarding the individual predictors, one-unit increase in Project Planning (β = 0.256, t= 3.942, p = 0.000<0.05) is associated with a 0.256 increase in project performance. Similarly, one-unit increase in project implementation (β = 0.205, t=3.685, p = 0.000<0.05) leads to a 0.205 increase in project performance. Additionally, one-unit increase in Participatory risk management (β = 0.233, t=4.571, p = 0.000<0.05) results in a 0.233 increase in project performance. one-unit increase in Project monitoring and evaluation (β = 0.214, t= 5.189, p = 0.000<0.05) is associated with a 0.214 increase in project performance. All predictors show statistically significant effects on performance, with p-values less than 0.05. This indicates strong evidence that project planning, project implementation, project risk management, and project monitoring and evaluation each have a significant positive effect on the performance of the Value Chain Development Project in Gakenke District. Value Chain Development Project management team should focus on improving transparency in resource allocation.

Abstract: Despite significant progress in financial inclusion, with access to formal financial services rising, Rwandan microfinance institutions encounter critical loan-related challenges. The general objective of this study was to examine the effect of loan portfolio management on financial performance of financial institutions, specifically focusing on Access Bank Rwanda. Data collection involved questionnaires and documentary techniques using reports and records from Access Bank. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 25, analyzing descriptive statistics frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The unstandardized coefficient for loan origination is 0.294, the significance level for this coefficient (Sig. = 0.001) demonstrates a statistically significant relationship, highlighting the effect of loan origination on financial performance. For credit risk management, the unstandardized coefficient is 0.334, the significance of this coefficient (Sig. = 0.000) indicates a statistically significant positive relationship with financial performance. The unstandardized coefficient for loan collection and recovery is 0.220, the significance value of 0.002 indicates a statistically significant relationship, pointing to the effect of loan collection and recovery on financial performance. Research concluded that Access Bank Rwanda could shorten processing times and raise loan quality by improving its loan origination procedures and introducing more effective review and approval systems. Furthermore, the bank should engage in modern credit risk management measures, such as using data analytics to better analyze and mitigate possible hazards, which will ensure long-term financial stability.

Abstract: Mentorship and coaching programmes organized by principals play a key role in teacher performance. However, in Kiambu County, teacher performance in public secondary schools is low since many teachers do not complete syllabus in time which has occasioned low performance among students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of principals’ management of mentorship and coaching programmes on teacher performance in public secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study applied a mixed-methodology and adopted a concurrent triangulation design. Target population comprised 227 principals, 3479 teachers and 24 Sub-County Directors of Education summing up to 3730 respondents from which a sample size of 348 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. This consisted of 36 principals, 288 teachers and 24 Sub-County Directors of Education. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS Version 25 and presented in tables. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and presented in narration. The study revealed that teacher performance has been low with many of them unable to cover syllabus in time which has translated to low academic performance in KCSE among their students. The Teacher Service Commission has introduced mentorship and coaching programmes for teachers. However, principals rarely set clear objectives to be achieved during mentorship nor do they frequently monitor the progress of mentorship programmes. Hence, principals should foster best practices when organizing mentorship and coaching programmes for teachers.

Abstract: Mentorship and coaching programmes organized by principals play a key role in teacher performance. However, in Kiambu County, teacher performance in public secondary schools is low since many teachers do not complete syllabus in time which has occasioned low performance among students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of principals’ management of mentorship and coaching programmes on teacher performance in public secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study applied a mixed-methodology and adopted a concurrent triangulation design. Target population comprised 227 principals, 3479 teachers and 24 Sub-County Directors of Education summing up to 3730 respondents from which a sample size of 348 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. This consisted of 36 principals, 288 teachers and 24 Sub-County Directors of Education. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS Version 25 and presented in tables. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and presented in narration. The study revealed that teacher performance has been low with many of them unable to cover syllabus in time which has translated to low academic performance in KCSE among their students. The Teacher Service Commission has introduced mentorship and coaching programmes for teachers. However, principals rarely set clear objectives to be achieved during mentorship nor do they frequently monitor the progress of mentorship programmes. Hence, principals should foster best practices when organizing mentorship and coaching programmes for teachers.

Abstract: Principals’ financial management competencies contribute towards the performance of secondary schools. However, in Kwale County, academic performance is low. This study sought to assess the influence of principals’ financial management competency on the academic performance in public secondary schools. This study adopted a mixed methodology and applied a descriptive survey and phenomenological research designs. Target population was 4327 respondents which comprised 92 principals, 1564 members of the School Board of Management (BoM), 832 teachers, 10 Sub- County Directors of Education (SCDEs) and 1834 student leaders from which a sample of 365 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was used to create five (5) strata based on the number of sub-counties in Kwale County. From each sub-county, three principals and four (4) members of school BoM were selected using purposive sampling. All the 10 SCDEs were purposely sampled. However, from each sub-county, 40 teachers and 16 student leaders were selected using simple random sampling. This procedure realized a sample of 15 principals, 200 teachers, 60 members of school BoM, 10 SCDEs and 80 student leaders. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25) and presented using tables. The study found that academic performance in public secondary schools in Kwale County has been low and is attributed to principals’ inadequate financial management competencies. Thus, the MoE should continue equipping principals with financial management skills.

Abstract: Time management strategies adopted by principals are crucial determinants of teacher performance in schools. However, teacher performance in public secondary schools in Kiambu County is low since many teachers do not complete syllabus in time and have most of their students register low grades in examinations. This study sought to examine principals’ time management strategies as determinants of teacher performance in public secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study applied a mixed-methodology and thus, adopted a concurrent triangulation design. Target population comprised 227 principals, 3479 teachers and 24 Sub- County Directors of Education (MoE & TSC) totaling 3730 respondents from which a sample size of 348 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. This comprised 36 principals, 288 teachers and 24 Sub- County Directors of Education. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS Version 25 and presented in tables. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and presented in narration. The study revealed that teacher performance is low characterized with inability to cover syllabus in time and low students’ performance. This has been partly attributed to principals’ time management strategies. Principals rarely prioritize tasks for teachers, delegate responsibilities rarely set time for professional development, minimal communication and little encouragement to use technology for effective time management. The study recommends that principals should adopt effective time management strategies meant to accord teachers adequate time to undertake their pedagogical duties with minimal disruptions.