College of Business and Economics
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Item Challenges and Opportunities of Honey Market in Tigray: In the Case of Kilte Awlaelo Woreda(Mekelle University, 2024-01-25) Yukum G/Michael DestaThe honey market in Kilte Awlaelo Woreda, Tigray, presents both significant challenges and promising opportunities for local beekeepers. This study assesses the current status of the market, identifies key barriers to its development, and explores potential avenues for growth. Employing a mixed-methods approach—including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations—the research highlights major constraints such as a shortage of skilled labor, poor post-harvest management, inadequate extension services, and market-related issues like price instability and limited access to profitable markets. These factors hinder the productivity and economic viability of the honey sector in the region. Despite these obstacles, the study identifies substantial opportunities for market expansion. Growing demand for honey, the region’s rich biodiversity, and potential for international trade create a strong foundation for industry growth. If properly harnessed, these opportunities can transform the honey market into a more efficient and profitable sector. To address the existing challenges and maximize market potential, the study recommends targeted interventions, including capacity-building initiatives, improved infrastructure, enhanced market linkages, and stronger collaboration between stakeholders. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for further research to develop sustainable strategies that will support the long-term growth of the honey industry in Kilte Awlaelo Woreda and contribute to the broader economic development of TigrayItem Assessment on the Practices and Challenges of Humanitarian Supply Chain Management in the case of International Rescue Committee Ethiopia (IRC)(Mekelle University, 2020-07-25) Rigat GebretinsaeThe effectiveness of humanitarian supply chains is critical for ensuring the timely and equitable delivery of aid to populations affected by crises. This study examines the practices and challenges of supply chain management within the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Ethiopia, focusing on procurement planning, inventory utilization, warehousing, and distribution. Primary and secondary data were collected through structured interviews, observations, and reviews of organizational reports and standard operating procedures, with analysis conducted using SPSS. Key findings reveal significant issues in procurement planning, including inaccuracies in specifications, pricing, and delivery timelines, which lead to unutilized inventory and reduced supply chain efficiency. Although the IRC demonstrates strong practices in warehousing and distribution, these are often dependent on timely inputs from program teams. Additionally, while inventory utilization is generally effective, leftover stock at the end of projects highlights areas for improvement. The study recommends enhancing procurement planning processes, implementing accountability tools, optimizing inventory utilization, strengthening coordination between warehousing and program teams, increasing senior management oversight, and investing in technology to improve forecasting and inventory management. By addressing these challenges, the IRC can further enhance its supply chain efficiency, ensuring resources are used effectively to support its humanitarian mission. This research contributes to the field by offering evidence-based recommendations for improving the resilience and performance of humanitarian supply chains, particularly in resource-constrained environments like Ethiopia.Item EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRATICE ON PERFORMANCE OF BREWERY FACTORY (TheCASE OF DASHEN BREWERY Share Company)(Mekelle University, 2024-11-25) NIGUSSE KELEMUThis research investigates the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation on the performance of Dashen Brewery Share Company in Ethiopia, focusing on data collected from 2015 to 2023. This is due to the reason that companies frequently assume QMS practices and ISO certification can improve organization performances. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative performance metrics with qualitative insights from management and employee interviews.Financial statements & performance reports are used as secondary data and Questioners & interview are used as primary data. Purposive sampling used to select the interviewees and respondents for the questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics as well as tested for its significance using SPSS version 20 software. Findings reveal that key TQM practices—such as top management commitment aspect, customer focus, continuous improvement and innovation, employee involvement practices, reward and recognition, effective communication and information systems and Benchmarking—significantly influence performance metrics (p < 0.05), including product quality, operational efficiency, and employee engagement. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges persist, such as insufficient employee involvement, lack of comprehensive training, and limited resources, which hinder the effective implementation of TQM. The research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence of TQM's significance within the Ethiopian brewing sector, offering practical recommendations for organizations seeking to enhance performance through effective quality management strategies.Item FACTORS AFFECTING PRICING STRATEGY DECISION IN THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY(Mekelle University, 2025-02-23) MUHSINA MOHAMMEDBIRHANItem FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN OWNED MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES IN WUKRO TOWN(Mekelle University, 2024-11-25) MICHAELE GEBREMARIAMThe study was investigated the factors affecting the performance of women owned micro and small enterprises the case of Wukro Town. .The researcher was keen on finding out an in- depth understanding of subjects on the factors affecting the performance of women owned MSEs. That’s why, the study employed mixed approach research design, thereby applying both quantitative (inferential statistics and descriptive statistics) and qualitative data. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were applied to nominate 362 the women small and micro enterprise owners. Furthermore, purposive sampling was employed to select 3 microfinance managers, five SME experts and 20 women developmental group members. Data were collected through questionnaire, focus group discussion, and interview. The collected data were, then, was tabulated with concise frequency, percentage, and mean descriptions and supported by regression analysis looking into which factor strongly affects women owned micro and small enterprises. According to the findings of the research, most women were found to be uneducated who did not have the necessary skills to run their business effectively. Moreover, the findings indicated that factors like inefficient implementation of government policies and programs, war elated factors, financial factors, technological factors, social and cultural factors were among the contributing factors that heavily affect the performance of women owned factors. In line with this, women had very limited access to loans and getting financial support. Eventually, the researcher recommended that revising existing policies to ensure they are inclusive and specifically address the challenges faced by women owned MSEs by creating targeted programs that provide financial aid, training, and resources tailored to women-owned MSEs, developing comprehensive training programs focused on entrepreneurship skills, financial literacy, and technological proficiency, creating specialized loan products with favorable terms for women owned MSEs Organize workshops aimed at enhancing financial literacy among women owned MSEs to improve their ability to manage finances and access funding, incorporating entrepreneurship education into school curricula, focusing on empowering young women with the skills and knowledge needed to start their own businesses as some of the measures to be taken so as to rehabilitate the performance of women owned MSEs.Item Factors Influencing Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Practices in International NGOs (The Case of imagine1day International Organization, Tigray, Ethiopia)(Mekelle University, 2025-01-25) Libabie Gebaw KahsayEffective Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)are crucial for ensuring the impact and sustainability of humanitarian and development initiatives. The purpose of this study was to assess factors influencing MEAL practices at Imagine1day International Organization in Tigray, Ethiopia focused on stakeholders’ engagement, organizational culture, technology, and financial resources. A combination of explanatory and cross-sectional research design, and mixed data approach were implemented. A total of 69 respondents encompassing 47 project staff, 15 middle-level, and 07 top-level managers were selected using census. A questionnaire via Kobo Toolbox, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis provided both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Median test, while qualitative data underwent thematic/content analysis. Correlation analysis examined relationships between key variables and accountability and learning. Findings revealed that; inadequate engagement of stakeholders in MEAL planning and designing, poor dissemination and communication of MEAL findings negatively influenced the MEAL practice. The organizational culture that has no; Board endorsed and published MEAL policy, independent MEAL organogram, MEAL-friendly management body, and trained staff negatively impacted MEAL practice. Additionally, limited technological tools, technology unfriendly staff, and inadequate IT policies hindered effective MEAL implementation. Financial constraints like absence of a clear MEAL budgeting policy and limited authority of the MEAL section over budget administration, further restricted MEAL practice. Hence, it can be concluded imagine1day’s MEAL practice remains a lot. Thus, to overcome the major factors influencing MEAL practice, recommendations have been forwarded. these includes; the endorsement of MEAL policies, the establishment of an independent MEAL structure, staff training, the adoption of MEAL-friendly technological tools, hiring of professional staff, and the development of a MEAL budgeting policy with sufficient allocation.Item THE EFFECT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON CUSTOMERS’ SATISFACTION (THE CASE OF DASHEN BANK S.C., SELECTED BRNACHES IN MEKELLE)(Mekelle University, 2025-02-23) KIDANEMARIAM HAILUNowadays, firms especially, service providing firms are running their business under a stiff completion. One among the major requirements for them to beat such completion and enjoy competitive advantage is to provide quality service to their customers. Hence, the objective of this research was to examine the determinants of service quality in Dashen bank, Mekelle district as perceived from its customers. Specifically, the focus of the study was to investigate on how service quality dimensions (Tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) affect customer satisfaction in the banking sector, specifically focusing on Dashen bank’s branches in Mekelle city. The main objective is to examine the effect of the above mentioned service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction. The specific objectives included assessing the effect of each dimension and identifying major challenges faced by customers. Methodologically, the research employs a cross-sectional and explanatory survey design, using both primary data (collected via structured questionnaire) and secondary data. 200 customers were selected from five branches of Dashen bank, Mekelle district. The SEVIQUAL model is used to measure service quality. The study finds that all five service quality dimensions positively influence customer satisfaction, with assurance and reliability having the most significant impact. Lastly, it can be concluded that improving service quality in these dimensions can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, helping Dashen Bank maintain a competitive edge.Item Assessment of Tax Audit practice and its Challenges: case study Ministry of Revenue, Mekelle Branch(Mekelle University, 2024-11) Gibtsawit BokureThis study tried to assess the practices and the challenges of tax audits with a selected Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Revenue Mekelle Branch Office. For this end, intending to get the relevant data, this study considered only the audit department staff office and Mekelle city audited taxpayers as the population of the study. As the sources of data, the current study used both primary and secondary sources. To collect primary data, survey questionnaires were used as the methods of data collection. The questionnaires were distributed to 28 tax audit staff respondents, and out of those, 24 were returned. They were also distributed to 105 taxpayers’ respondents; out of those 87 that were returned, the secondary data was from scholarly published studies, internet sources, journals, MOR published, and unpublished documents. The questionnaires were rated at a 5-point scale rate. To analyse the collected data, statistical analysis using SPSS 20 was applied. From the data analysis, it is revealed that comprehensive tax audit was a repetitively performed tax audit type. There is a wellestablished role of tax audit. The tax audit practice of the office has weaknesses in applying IT (information technology). The department applies statistical techniques and an automatic risk scoring system for its audit selection case. The primary purpose of the tax audit in the office is not ensuring tax compliance behaviour but increasing tax revenue collection. There is a problem in the supply of audit resources such as skilled and experienced tax auditors and an organized and suitable office structure. In addition, an inadequate number of auditors, a lack of skilled and qualified auditors, and the unwillingness of taxpayers to present necessary records were some challenges of tax auditing in the office. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the office should have skilled and qualified tax auditors through training, focus on ensuring tax compliance behaviour, and apply different tax audit types. Lastly, it is suggested that the office need to have continuous assessment of the auditor's efficiency and level of tax compliance behaviour enhanced every time.Item CURRENT STATUS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF INTEREST FREE BANKING IN ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2024-12) TEKLEMARIAM ESTIFANOSInterest Free Banking (IFB) services offer ethical, Shariah-compliant financial solutions and are gaining popularity in Ethiopia among Muslim and non-Muslim clients. This study examines the socio-demographic profile of IFB clients, perceptions of services among stakeholders, managerial insights, and the operational status of IFB. A mixed-method approach was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaires for quantitative data and interviews with IFB division managers for qualitative insights. Descriptive statistics summarized key findings, while thematic analysis interpreted qualitative responses. The study reveals increasing acceptance of IFB services, driven by their ethical principles, but identifies challenges such as limited public awareness, misconceptions, and economic uncertainties. Clients and employees view IFB as a viable alternative to conventional banking, and managers highlight the need for Shariah compliance, fund segregation, and employee training. Key opportunities includeIX product diversification and digital banking solutions to meet evolving client demands. To unlock IFB’s full potential, the study recommends raising public awareness, fostering community engagement, and investing in innovative financial products and digital services. Strengthening Shariah governance and enhancing operational efficiency are essential to promoting ethical financial inclusion in Ethiopia.Item DETEMINANTS OF SELECTED COMMERCIAL BANKS LENDING DECISION IN ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2024-12) TSEGABRHAN TAJEBE SHESHAYThe main objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of lending decision of commercial banks in Ethiopia. In order to achieve the research objectives, the study used secondary data of 14 state owned and private commercial banks of Ethiopia from 2014 to 2023. The study also used quantitative research approach, descriptive and explanatory type of research design by adopting purposive sampling technique. Bank specific; industry specific and macroeconomic variables were analyzed by using the balanced panel random effect regression model. Eleven variables that affect banks’ lending decision were selected and analyzed. The results showed that bank size, real GDP growth rate, volume of deposit, Return On Asset, Bank concentration were positive and statistically significant while liquidity ratio, exchange rate of birr to dollar, lending interest rate, cash reserve requirement ratio and inflation rate were found to be statistically significant with negative effects respectively on total loans and advanced by commercial banks in Ethiopia. However, credit risk ratio was statistically insignificant with negative effects on commercial banks’ lending decision. Therefore, commercial banks should adjust their lending decision in response to the signals from these factors, such that positive signals like bank size , real GDP growth rate, volume of deposit, Return on Asset and Bank concentration in this study make banks become more favorably disposed to lending.