Francis Maina Mararo – Department of Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics, School of Social Sciences, Mount Kigali University

Festus Irungu – Department of Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics, School of Social Sciences, Mount Kigali University

Email: Umugwanezamylene8@gmail.com

Abstract: The study intended to assess the role of bilateral aviation partnerships on diplomatic enhancement in Rwanda, with particular reference to the RwandAir-Qatar Airways Partnerships. A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to 127 respondents from RwandAir, Qatar Airways, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, and Kigali International Airport, with 18 key informant interviews. Soft Power Theory and Network Theory provided the theoretical framework. Quantitative analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between bilateral aviation partnerships and diplomatic enhancement (R = 0.882; R² = 0.778; β = 0.882; p < 0.001), with the partnership explaining approximately 77.8% of the variation in Rwanda’s diplomatic outcomes. Spearman correlation coefficients (0.74–0.81) confirmed consistently strong associations across all dimensions. Qualitative findings corroborated these results, highlighting improved participation in high-level forums, stronger institutional cooperation, and enhanced bilateral communication between Rwanda and Qatar. Bilateral aviation partnerships function as strategic diplomatic instruments that advance national visibility, foreign policy implementation, and alliance formation. The study recommends institutionalizing aviation diplomacy within Rwanda’s foreign policy frameworks, strengthening partnership impact monitoring, and expanding strategic airline partnerships to broaden global connectivity and diplomatic reach.

Abstract: This study examined the effect of capital adequacy on the profitability of selected commercial banks in Rwanda. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the effect of Capital Adequacy Ratio on bank profitability, examine the influence of Tier 2 Capital Ratio on bank profitability, and analyze the effect of Internal Capital Quality Ratio on bank profitability, while controlling for non-performing loans. The research adopted an explanatory research design using panel data methodology to analyze secondary data from eight commercial banks operating in Rwanda from 2018 to 2024. Bank profitability was measured using the Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) as key performance indicators. Data analysis employed data transformation from annual data to quarterly (Q1-Q4) data. Rigorous diagnostic tests were conducted, including the Im-Pesaran-Shin (IPS) test for stationarity, Pedroni test for cointegration, correlation matrix, Breusch-Pagan test for heteroscedasticity, Wooldridge test for autocorrelation, and the Durbin-Wu-Hausman test for endogeneity. The findings revealed that Capital Adequacy Ratio had a statistically significant negative effect on bank profitability (β = – 0.1176, p = 0.000). Conversely, Tier 2 Capital Ratio demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect on profitability (β = 0.1677, p = 0.000). Internal Capital Quality Ratio, a proxy, measured as retained earnings to total equity, also exhibited a statistically significant positive effect on profitability (β = 0.0427, p = 0.000). The control variable, non-performing loans ratio, showed a negative and statistically significant relationship with profitability (β = -0.1124, p = 0.000).

Abstract: This study examined the effect of stakeholder engagement on project success, with a case study of the renovation of Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda. The study objectives were: to examine the influence of project planning on project success; to analyse the effect of project execution mechanisms on project success; and to assess the effect of project decision making on project success. The target population was 150 project participants. The study applied Stakeholder Theory, Agency Theory, and the Resource-Based View (RBV). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used, employing Pearson correlation and a multiple regression model. Correlations between project planning, project execution mechanisms, and project decision making were 0.925, 0.862, and 0.945, respectively (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that project planning was not statistically significant (p = 0.105), while project execution mechanisms (p = 0.000) and project decision making (p = 0.000) were significant predictors of project success (R² = 0.904). The study concludes that stakeholder engagement significantly influences project success. It is recommended that the Ministry of Infrastructure actively engage citizens through awareness campaigns, training programs, and collaborative initiatives.

Gitahi Njenga – School of Business and Economics, Mount Kigali University, Kigali, Rwanda

Email: sefbamu@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the influence of work breakdown structure (WBS) on the performance of the Rurambi Rice Project in Bugesera District, Eastern Province of Rwanda. Using a descriptive mixed-methods research design, the study targeted 74 project staff, all of whom were included due to the small population size, with 70 questionnaires successfully returned (response rate: 94.6%). Primary data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, while secondary data were obtained from document analysis. Instrument reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha (WBS: α = 0.864), exceeding the acceptable 0.70 threshold. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 23.0 through descriptive statistics,Pearson Correlation, and simple linear regression. Findings revealed that WBS positively and significantly influenced project performance, explaining 82.1% of the variance in project performance outcomes (R² = 0.821; F = 311.704; p = 0.000). The regression equation was: Yₚₚ = 0.330 + 0.777(WBS) + 0.044. The study concludes that systematic work breakdown structure implementation particularly the decomposition of complex tasks into manageable components and the accurate identification of required resources is a critical determinant of agribusiness project performance in Rwanda. The study recommends that project managers adopt detailed WBS frameworks at the planning stage to minimise delays, improve resource clarity, and enhance project outcomes. Future research should explore WBS application in road construction and hydropower projects in Rwanda.

Abstract: This study examines the contribution of project initiation to the successful implementation of Business Development Fund (BDF) projects in Rwanda, focusing on the Access to Finance for Recovery and Resilience Project (AFIRRP). A descriptive research design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 269 BDF staff involved in AFIRRP, with a sample of 161 respondents selected using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and document reviews and analyzed using SPSS software version 25, employing descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses. Findings indicate clear objectives, proper role allocation, stakeholder engagement, feasibility assessments, and integration of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tools significantly enhance project performance. The correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.823, p <0.01) between project initiation practices and successful implementation, while regression results confirmed that project initiation is a strong predictor of project outcomes (R² = 0.758). The study concludes that structured project initiation is crucial for ensuring efficient, timely, and sustainable project implementation. Recommendations include strengthening planning, institutionalizing stakeholder engagement, conducting comprehensive feasibility assessments, and integrating M&E tools from the outset. These findings provide practical insights for BDF and similar development initiatives to enhance project performance and sustainability.

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of budgeting practices on the performance of the Amahoro National Stadium renovation project in Rwanda. Employing a descriptive research design, data were collected from 124 employees involved in financial resource management, project planning, and execution, drawn from a target sample of 136 respondents, yielding a 91.1% response rate. The demographic profile comprised 61% male and 39% female respondents, with the majority aged 26–35 years (41%), holding bachelor’s degrees (51%), and possessing 1–3 years of professional experience (40%), ensuring diverse perspectives on budgeting practices and project performance. Correlation and regression analyses examined the relationship between budgeting practices and project performance, revealing a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.994, p < 0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated that budgeting practices accounted for 98.9% of the variance in project performance (R² = 0.989, F = 10,528.783, p < 0.001), with a regression coefficient of β = 0.994 (t = 102.61, p < 0.001). The study concluded that effective budgeting practices including accurate cost estimation, clear budget communication, timely adjustments, and contingency planning significantly enhance project performance across timeliness, cost adherence, and quality outcomes. These findings offer valuable insights for construction project managers and stakeholders seeking to strengthen project delivery through sound financial planning and robust budgetary control mechanisms in large-scale infrastructure developments. The study recommends strengthening cost estimation accuracy, institutionalizing regular budget reviews, enhancing financial forecasting capabilities, expanding contingency planning provisions, and integrating budgeting with working capital management and financial reporting systems.

Abstract: Despite significant growth in Rwanda’s construction sector, challenges persist including project delays, cost overruns, and inefficient resource utilization. This study examined the impact of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on construction project efficiency in Rwanda, focusing on the Amahoro Stadium Modernisation project in Kigali. Using a mixed-methods case study approach, 200 construction professionals from engineering, project management, operations, IT, and finance departments were selected through simple random and purposive sampling (Slovin formula, 5% margin of error) from a population of 400. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA). Reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.82. Findings revealed strong positive effects of BIM on construction efficiency, with 93.50% of respondents agreeing that BIM enhanced design accuracy, collaboration, and cost control (mean scores 4.29–4.32, SD < 0.70). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between BIM and project efficiency (r = 0.788, p < 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated BIM’s significant contribution to efficiency (β = 0.35, p = 0.001), with the model explaining 83% of variance in project efficiency (R² = 0.83, F = 85.80, p < 0.001). However, 70–75% of respondents cited high implementation costs and insufficient trained personnel as major adoption barriers. The study concludes that BIM significantly improves construction efficiency in Rwanda, aligning with Vision 2050 and the Smart Rwanda Master Plan. Recommendations include investing in BIM training programmes, modernizing infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies to promote wider adoption across the country’s rapidly growing construction sector.

Abstract: Technology integration has transformed higher education globally, with blended learning emerging as a strategic response to educational challenges in Rwanda and East Africa. Despite international evidence supporting its effectiveness, research on blended learning impact within Rwandan higher education remains limited. This study investigated blended learning effectiveness on academic performance among Rwandan university students. A quasi-experimental design involved 108 third-year students randomly assigned to experimental (blended learning, n=54) or control (traditional instruction, n = 54) groups with balanced gender representation (27 males, 27 females per group). Conducted from January through March 2025, the study administered pre-test and post-test achievement tests. Two-way ANCOVA using SPSS version 27 analysed data, controlling for pre-test scores, with eta-squared (η²) calculating effect sizes. Blended learning students significantly outperformed traditional instruction students (adjusted means: 18.13 vs. 15.78, F (1,103) =21.004, p<.001, η² =.169), with instructional method explaining 16.9% of achievement variance. A significant gender effect favoured males (F (1,103) = 4.628, p=.034, η²=.043) across both conditions. Critically, no significant interaction between method and gender emerged (F (1,103) =3.479, p=.065, η²=.033), demonstrating equal benefits for both genders. Blended learning significantly enhances academic performance in Rwandan higher education while providing equitable learning experiences across genders. Findings support strategic institutional investment in blended learning infrastructure, faculty development, and quality assurance mechanisms to optimize educational outcomes in Rwanda’s evolving higher education landscape.

Abstract: Process optimization has become essential for enhancing project performance across sectors. Rwanda’s Kula Project has implemented workflow automation, resource allocation, and bottleneck resolution strategies, yet their measurable impact on project performance remains inadequately documented, creating a knowledge gap in understanding process optimization’s contribution to agricultural project success in developing contexts. This mixed-methods study employed descriptive and correlational designs. From 480 stakeholders, 219 respondents were selected using the Yamane formula through stratified random and purposive sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression in SPSS; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Ethical standards including informed consent and confidentiality were maintained. Process optimization significantly enhanced project performance. Respondents rated process optimization practices highly (Mean = 3.91, SD = 0.71) alongside project performance outcomes (Mean = 4.09, SD = 0.65). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.795, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed process optimization explained 39% of performance variance (R² = 0.39, F (1,217) = 160.6, p < 0.001), with significant predictive effect (β = 0.524, p < 0.001). Workflow automation, resource allocation, and bottleneck resolution improved operational efficiency, reduced delays, and enhanced stakeholder satisfaction. Structured process optimization substantially improves agricultural social enterprise performance. Institutionalizing these practices through standardized procedures, digital monitoring systems, and continuous improvement can strengthen project outcomes and support sustainable agricultural development in Rwanda and similar contexts.

Abstract: This study examined the influence of user awareness on green building adoption in project management within the Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER). Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 210 IER professionals through structured questionnaires, semi structured interviews, document reviews, and observations. Quantitative analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between user awareness and green building adoption (R² = 0.523, β = 0.723, p < 0.001), with awareness explaining 52.3% of adoption variance. While 76.2% of respondents recognized green building benefits, only 67.6% demonstrated comprehensive understanding of principles, revealing a critical awareness-implementation gap. Barriers included limited exposure to green building concepts (16.2% reported unawareness), hierarchical decision-making favouring traditional methods, and supply chain constraints. The study advocates for perception-centric strategies including localized awareness campaigns, experiential learning modules, and culturally resonant certification frameworks aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 sustainability targets. Findings position IER as both a technical guide and behavioural catalyst in bridging policy-practice divides through targeted capacity-building interventions.