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Technological Features and Effectiveness of Human Resource Information System in Tanzanian Local Government Authorities
Hadija Matimbwa,
Orest Sebastian Masue,
Venance Shilingi
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
29-40
Received:
5 August 2020
Accepted:
22 August 2020
Published:
8 September 2020
Abstract: Information and Communication Technology has drastically become indispensable for companies aiming to favourably compete in the business world. The traditional way of storing information is losing its ground; organisations are abandoning paper documents and quickly adopting digital storage. Today, most organizations have upgraded their file storage systems from paper filing to digital filing whereby documents are stored on servers and storage devices. By so doing, documents can be easily accessed by anyone who is granted access. Organizations are able to store and maintain tremendous amount of information, which enhance immediate access of information from the system. Tanzania like many other countries has decided to use Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to replace manual record systems in Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the Local Government Authorities (LGAs). The aim of introducing HRIS in the MDAs and LGAs was to reduce manual performance of administrative activities and to enable HR officers maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date employees’ information by using computerized application software. The purpose of this article is to assess the influence of technological features on (HRIS) effectiveness. The study involved 37 LGAs in six regions-Mwanza, Arusha, Dodoma, Morogoro, Iringa, and Kagera. Primary data were collected through administration of 201 questionnaires to Human Resource Officers (HROs) and interviews with 8 key informants. Secondary data were mainly collected through documentary review. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study employed the ordered logistic regression model to assess the influence of technology features on the effectiveness of HRIS in LGAs in terms of information timeliness, completeness and accuracy. Based on the results, technological features have significant influence on HRIS effectiveness in terms of timeliness, completeness, and accuracy of information. These include compatibility, complexity, usefulness and reliability. The implication of the results is that a new and reliable system is needed to facilitate decision making, increase access from other devices, address the needs of the institution, and be procedurally clear. It was suggested that the current system should be changed to accommodate technological advancement and cover loopholes which are being manipulated by employees in LGAs.
Abstract: Information and Communication Technology has drastically become indispensable for companies aiming to favourably compete in the business world. The traditional way of storing information is losing its ground; organisations are abandoning paper documents and quickly adopting digital storage. Today, most organizations have upgraded their file storage...
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The Effects of Logistic Management on Enterprise Performance: A Case of Gas Depot Atem in Yaounde Cameroon
Francis Mbah Takwi,
Atem Atabongfua Mavis
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
41-48
Received:
6 September 2020
Accepted:
25 September 2020
Published:
29 September 2020
Abstract: In a global economy, competitive and dynamic environment, logistics managements is an important strategic factor for increasing competitiveness. The significance of logistics management had evolved from a more passive and cost minimization oriented activity to a key success factor for firm competitiveness. There was therefore an emerging consensus about the need for companies to handle logistics issues together with economic and business issues. The performance of logistics systems was typically related to delivery service, logistics cost and tied up capital. Customers increasingly expected shorter delivery times and more accurate services and logistics management was perhaps most easily conceptualized in a third party logistic service provider like Gas Depot Atem. The study also looked at the effect of the logistics performance as the moderating variable on the relationship between logistics management and the firm Performance. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the influence of transport management on firm performance, evaluate the influence of inventory management on firm performance, examine the influence of order processing on firm performance, establish the influence of information flow on firm performance, and evaluate the moderating effect of logistics information system on the relationship between the logistics management and firm performance. The study used both descriptive and explanatory research designs. The target population for this study was the workers of Gas Depot Atem (about a 100). Our sample was about 40 workers of gas depot. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered through the e-mail survey and hand delivery. Secondary data was obtained from both published and unpublished records. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to analyses the data with the assistance of SPSS software program version 22. The study found that transport management; inventory management; order process management and information flow management were individually predictors of firm performance with inventory management being the most significant predictor. The study concludes that logistics management has the potential of positively influencing performance on firms in terms of cost reduction, timely delivery, reduced lead time, demand realization, increased market share, quality products and customer service satisfaction. Consequently, this study provides firms‘ managers with insights of how firms can develop a competitive edge through the implementation of logistics management. This study therefore, recommends that factors associated with logistics management need to be considered by firms in their performance strategic plans as they have significant impact on performance.
Abstract: In a global economy, competitive and dynamic environment, logistics managements is an important strategic factor for increasing competitiveness. The significance of logistics management had evolved from a more passive and cost minimization oriented activity to a key success factor for firm competitiveness. There was therefore an emerging consensus ...
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Guerilla Marketing Strategies of Neochurches in Cameroon
Francis Mbah Takwi,
Bejanga Etonde Abene Sharon,
Nchise Delphine Nchang,
Kiven Cynthia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
49-55
Received:
6 September 2020
Accepted:
23 September 2020
Published:
29 September 2020
Abstract: The subject of this thesis is a phenomenon of guerrilla marketing, an innovative and unconventional form of marketing that emerged relatively recently and became a popular tool of marketing. In Cameroon there have been the opening of many new churches, especially the Pentecostal and evangelical churches who aim at the prosperity gospel. Neochurches are an offspring of the traditional churches with their leaders having a celebrity status and miracles, deliverance and prosperity their main market offerings. Most of these churches have not had significant growths in terms of membership as compared to the traditional churches. There are 89 religious denominations in Cameroon. Cameroon is you see so many churches opening and ending up w very poor membership growth and after 3 or 4 years they shut down. Also if new churches follow the various steps on how to attract a crowd and keep them as permanent members of their churches most new churches in Cameroon will excel in their numbers and membership. The main aim of this study to explore the marketing strategies used by these churches to win new members and keep existing ones and propose innovative marketing strategies to improve on their market position. The results from this exploratory study ahows that here is evidence to prove that all new churches need a good marketing plan to succeed and avoid stagnant growth or shutting down due to few membership in the churches. Marketing is necessary for all organizations both profit making and non profit making organizations and hence churches are not an exclusion. Most neochurches in Cameroon focus to pull a crowd to the Sunday services and special events like crusades and retain the existing members by overt signs of miracles, deliverance, testimonies of prosperity and inspiring massages. It is recommended that these Neochurches should exploit the social media as one of the simplest ways to win in members into their churches and also maintain a fragrant media presence.
Abstract: The subject of this thesis is a phenomenon of guerrilla marketing, an innovative and unconventional form of marketing that emerged relatively recently and became a popular tool of marketing. In Cameroon there have been the opening of many new churches, especially the Pentecostal and evangelical churches who aim at the prosperity gospel. Neochurches...
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Family Businesses Management and Succession: A Meta-Analysis
Francis Mbah Takwi,
Benz Enow Bate,
Vivian Akosso
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
56-61
Received:
7 September 2020
Accepted:
23 September 2020
Published:
29 September 2020
Abstract: Purpose: This paper assesses how management and succession is handled in family businesses. In addition, the research seeks to find out how to manage the business succession in the family business during the transitional period of the case company. Furthermore, the objective of my research is to provide guidelines for implementing family business succession strategy. Approach: Study was a meta-analytical literature review based on the analytical and descriptive research designs used. Findings: This paper found that rewards of a family-owned business are many as are the challenges. The findings of this research indicate that family businesses are unique and they have several common characteristics that differentiate them from other businesses. This uniqueness also causes the special challenges and opportunities, which family businesses face in their operations. The most significant characteristic that separates family businesses from non-family businesses is the family’s impact on the business and ownership. The unique family business characteristics, challenges and opportunities stated in the theoretical framework can be applied to the family businesses used in this research. It can be stated that both of the case companies fit the concept of a typical family business, which is unique compared to other businesses. Limitations: the design and process of sieving articles for critical review is time consuming and involves voluminous data analysis. Conclusion: Family businesses try to intersect the distinctions between family issues and business matters. This needs to be handled with utmost care as it spells the difference between success and failure. The outcomes of this research pointed out that there are mainly two obstacles concerning the family business i.e. The company does not have a proper successor, the family governance issues have an impact on the family business succession. In other words, the family governance issues which are aspects of the poor management mode and feudal family culture. Originality: There is a paucity of recent research in this area and this paper makes a contribution towards filling this gap.
Abstract: Purpose: This paper assesses how management and succession is handled in family businesses. In addition, the research seeks to find out how to manage the business succession in the family business during the transitional period of the case company. Furthermore, the objective of my research is to provide guidelines for implementing family business s...
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Business Management and Innovation: A Critical Analysis of Small Business Success
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
62-73
Received:
7 September 2020
Accepted:
23 September 2020
Published:
12 October 2020
Abstract: In a management field, success and failure can be interpreted as measures of good or indifferent management, but it may occur for other reasons such as luck. Numerous terms have been used in the literature to describe firm failure, for example: bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, death, deregistering, discontinuance, ceasing to trade, closure, and exit. The overall aim of this research was to develop a clearer understanding of the factors that influence success of Micro Enterprises in Bamenda, as perceived by local Small business managers. The prime motive for conducting this study is to get a comprehensive model relating to the various success factors for small business managers. The mixed methods approach is used to avoid common method bias that could affect the results of this research study. In the first phase, a quantitative approach was employed in the form of a survey questionnaire, in order to identify the critical success factors for Small businesses in the city of Bamenda as perceived by Small business managers and to classify and compare successful and less successful Small businesses with respect to the identified factors. The second phase adopted a qualitative approach to explore how Small business Small business managers see the factors that facilitate business ‘success’ in relation to their experiences in Bamenda. This study has shown that understanding the success of small businesses from the perspective of small business managers is a complex challenge. Findings of the two phases of the study showed that a host of internal as well as external factors, which are usually moderated by other variables, seem to influence business success in Bamenda. However, while many factors are conceptually similar to other studies in different contexts, others are context-based and closely linked to the specific characteristics of the situation in Bamenda. This finding suggests a close relationship with networking and business success. It can be suggested that the ability to develop relationships and to build a method of business that strengthens and manages relationships is a significant factor in Cameroonian business and society in general.
Abstract: In a management field, success and failure can be interpreted as measures of good or indifferent management, but it may occur for other reasons such as luck. Numerous terms have been used in the literature to describe firm failure, for example: bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, death, deregistering, discontinuance, ceasing to trade, closure, and...
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