College of Business and Economics

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Start date: 2024

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    ANALYSIS OF TRENDS, OPPORTUNITIES, and CHALLENGES OF TIGRAY SESAME EXPORT MARKET (THE CASE OF -TAHTAY-ADYABO WEREDA)
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Kidu Tafere Asgedom
    This study aimed to analyze the trends, opportunities, and challenges of the Tigray sesame export market in Tahtay-Adiyabo wereda by employing a mixed-methods approach and a cross-sectional survey design, using a census of the entire target population of 24 sesame market actors—including local traders, exporters, Tekeze Union, and the temporary market center—supplemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Findings reveal that sesame marketing in Tigray is highly seasonal, with peak trading in September and complete inactivity from February to August; smallholder farmers supply about 95% of traded sesame, indicating heavy reliance on fragmented production systems. The study further shows that the war severely disrupted the sesame export market through the destruction of roads, warehouses, and stored commodities, causing total cessation of export activities between 2020/21 and 2023/24 and leading to a sharp decline in foreign exchange earnings. Despite this, the sector retains substantial opportunities stemming from high global demand, favorable agro-ecology, the premium quality of Humera-type sesame, and proximity to international markets; however, its performance remains constrained by conflict-related damage, limited finance, weak institutional coordination, transport shortages during peak months, price volatility, inadequate storage infrastructure, and lack of timely market information. Based on these findings, the study recommends first strengthening post-war institutional coordination, infrastructure rehabilitation, and financial support systems to restore export functionality and, second, improving market information flow and storage/transport systems to stabilize prices and enhance the competitiveness of Tigray’s sesame in international markets
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    Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices: The Case of Mesebo Cement Factory, Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Rigbe Abrha Desta
    At present, corporate social responsibility is growing in importance in business practices. It is a business model that encourages businesses to operate in ways that enhance society and the environment while still being accountable to their stakeholders and the public. As a consequence of fast-growing socio-economic and political development and awareness, communities increasingly demand corporate accountability. The search for answers to these questions led to the development of the concept of corporate social responsibility. Corporate social responsibility can be defined as a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. This study assessed the extent and dimensions of CSR practices at Mesebo Cement Factory and their alignment with Carroll’s CSR framework. Corporate social responsibility contains four components/domains that were developed by Carroll in the form of pyramid these include: legal, ethical, economic, and philanthropic domains. The study used corporate social responsibility model adopted after detailed review of theories and empirical studies. The research design is mainly descriptive survey. Data for each of the major four domains were collected through sets of questions asked to respondents to rank their perception. To enhance the credibility of the data collected triangulation method of research approach is applied. The Sample survey was conducted with 200 respondents applying probability sampling design and simple random technique from both internal (122 employee respondents) and external (78 respondents) from nearby community members. The survey was also accompanied by an interview with key informants and in-depth interview as well as document analysis. Finally, the data gathered through a questionnaire from the survey were analyzed through mean scores, frequencies, percentages, and ranking using SPSS software version 20. The descriptive statistics results were presented in the form of Tables and figures. The finding of the study shows that the company mainly works on good employees handling, the economic domain of corporate social responsibility and from the philanthropic aspect it participates in sport and it supports in education buildings, indicating that the company works within the legal framework. However, majority of the results indicate that the company is not working on environmental protection, health care, infrastructure, and ethical aspects of corporate social responsibility. The results imply that the management of Mesobo Cement Factory need to comply with and further implement Corporate Social Responsibility strategy alignment, stakeholder communication and activities that ensure corporate sustainability. From the findings, the study gives a general remark that corporate social responsibility is not well practiced by the Company. Therefore, the major findings suggest that such organizations need to understand and consider the advantages of engaging in corporate social responsibility for their growth on sustainable basis.
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    Assessment of Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction: A Case Study of Ethiopian customs Commission, Mekelle Branch office
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Tewodros Huluf Tesfay
    This study investigates the assessment of service quality and its impact on customer satisfaction at the Ethiopian Customs Commission, Mekelle Branch office. Using the widely recognized SERVQUAL model, the research evaluates five service quality dimensions— tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy—and their relationship to customers' satisfaction levels. Employing a quantitative descriptive research design, data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaires from 78 customers including importers, exporters, and customs agents. The analysis incorporated descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression to test the hypotheses concerning the effects of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction. Results indicate notable gaps in service quality particularly in tangibility and responsiveness, which affect overall customer satisfaction. The study highlights the necessity for the branch office to enhance physical facilities, staff competence, and customer-centric responsiveness to improve satisfaction levels. Findings contribute valuable insights for public service improvement in customs operations and provide a foundation for future research on service quality enhancement in similar public sectors. The study recommends improving physical facilities, staff competence, and responsiveness to enhance customer satisfaction, contributing insights for public service improvements in customs operations.
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    DETERMINANT FACTORS OF SUCCESS OF SAVING AND CREDIT COOPERATIVES IN TIGRAY
    (Mekelle University, 2025-11-25) TESFAHUNEGN GUESH ABAY
    Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) are key to promoting financial inclusion and socio-economic growth, particularly in regions with low exposure to formal banking. While SACCOs are registered in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, most of them fail to achieve sustainable success. This study assesses the determinants of the success of SACCOs in Tigray, with a specific emphasis on governance, technological adoption, and financial management practices. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, and quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 257 officers, managers, and board members of selected urban SACCOs. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze data and determine factors that were significantly linked with SACCO success as measured by loan repayment rates, membership growth, and savings mobilization. The findings indicate that SACCOs in Tigray are staffed by a highly educated workforce, implying high human capital potential. The regression model identified four statistically significant determinants of success: Work experience (AOR = 00.211, p<0.030), Governance Effectiveness (AOR = 0.115, p < 0.001), the Impact of Technology Adoption (p = 0.002), and Dividend Payment (AOR = 5.430, p = 0.022). SACCOs with very strong governance, experienced employees, and those that paid dividends were significantly more likely to be successful, while a moderate (as opposed to high) technological impact was negatively associated with success. Operationally, speedy loan processing was the principal membership growth driver, overshadowing traditional drivers like low-interest rates. A fundamental "governance paradox" was observed, whereby formal arrangements like regular board meetings exist alongside a grave deficiency in board member training. The study concludes that SACCO success in Tigray is multifaceted, premised on the effective alignment of robust governance, deep (not moderate) technological integration, and strategic financial practices like dividend distribution. It recommends that SACCOs invest in board capacity through continuous training, in core banking and mobile technologies, and formalize financial strategies. Policy recommendations are that policymakers establish a tiered regulatory framework and facilitate technology adoption. This research provides valuable empirical lessons for enhancing SACCO performance and sustainability in Tigray and similar settings.
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    CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF SAVING MOBILIZATION IN MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS (A CASE OF DEDEBIT CREDIT AND SAVING INSTITUTION, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA)
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Teklay Gebremedhin Gebretsadikan
    Savings mobilization is a critical function for the sustainability and outreach of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in developing economies, and this study aims to assess the major challenges and opportunities in this area, using Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution (DECSI) in Tigray, Ethiopia, as a case study. Employing a descriptive research design, primary data were collected from a sample of DECSI employees using structured questionnaires, supplemented by secondary data. The analysis identified significant internal operational weaknesses, with the absence of remarkable remuneration identified as a "very strong" barrier; other strong internal operational weaknesses included manual financial systems, time-consuming procedures, lack of modern advertisement, and absence of overtime fees. Externally, peace and political instability posed a "very strong" challenge, alongside competition from other financial institutions, poor saving culture, and underdeveloped infrastructure. While staff commitment and the potential for quality service delivery were identified positively as opportunities, factors such as staff incentives, stakeholder cooperation, and product diversification were found to be underutilized. The study concludes that DECSI's savings mobilization efforts are hindered by a combination of critical internal operational weaknesses and external environmental factors. Consequently, it is recommended that DECSI invest in a modern Management Information System (MIS), introduce technology-driven channels (e.g., mobile banking), improve working conditions and remuneration to retain skilled staff, and develop more diversified savings products.
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    ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICIES IN MEKELLE CITY, THE CASE OF KEDAMAY WEYANE DISTRICT
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) SAMRAWIT BIRHANU
    Municipal solid waste causes substantial harm to the environment and human health if mismanaged. With a rapidly expanding human population and growing trend of urbanization, problems related to the management of municipal solid waste have become of considerable importance in Ethiopia from both environment and human safety. This urges for better understanding of the existing practices and problems of solid waste management in emerging towns of Ethiopia. This study therefore assessed the existing solid waste management practices and problems in Mekelle city. Samples were selected using probabilistic and non- probabilistic techniques. The primary data were collected via questionnaires, interview, and field observations. Whereas the secondary data were extracted from different published and unpublished materials. A total of 95 respondents were used in the study. The findings of the study revealed that the main types of solid wast in Mekelle are peels of vegetables, ash and dust, plastic, paper and cardboard, leaf and the physical composition of MSW in the city is composed from both biodegradable and non-degradable components, the current SWM practice of City is weak and also there is a problem on solid waste reduction strategy: separation, reuse, recycle, and resource recovery. According to the results different main factors that aggravate the existing poor status of SWM practice in the city. These are: socio-cultural, technical and institutional factors. To alleviate the problems the study suggests that, the current study showed that the solid waste production rate of Mekelle city at the household level is 8,380.869 kg/day, 58,666kg/weak, 251,426kg/month and 3,0590,28.5 kg/year with 41,696 population of Mekelle city. The per capital solid waste generation rate is 0.201kg/cap/day/25 households. The study employed binary logistic regression model to identify the factors that determine households decision to practice solid waste management in the study revealed that family size, education status, households perception towards SWM, and distance were the main factors that determine households decision to practice solid waste management in the study area. Poor municipal solid waste management is practiced in the town. Therefore, it is recommended that the municipal should develop good infrastructure, and prepare appropriate disposal sites where solid wastes can be disposed. Awareness raising among the inhabitants and also organizing the youth groups in small and micro enterprises in solid waste management activities is found to be important. Normal monitoring of the functionality of the system is also essential
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    THE EFFECT OF SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE (THE CASE OF MAA GARMENT)
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) MEDHIN REDAE GIRMAY
    The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supply chain practices on organizational performances in MAA garment. the dimensions of SCP examined in this study were strategic supplier partnership, customer relationship management, level of information sharing, quality of information sharing and internal lean practice. The study used a descriptive and explanatory research design. simple random sampling method. Using a total of 262 questionnaires; the primary data was collected from 200 employees. The researcher was able to exercise discretion in choosing samples from the target population by using the probability sampling technique, Quantitative research approach was used for this study to determine the effect of supply chain practices and organizational performance in MAA Garment. From the result of the analysis it was concluded that there was strong positive and significant correlation between SCP and overall organizational performance since the SCP explained by 65.4% of the variability of the organizational performance of the company. Pearson correlation was used to quantify the relationships posited in the framework; Based on the findings results indicate that supply chain practices and organizational performance have a high level of correlation. Supply chain practices have, with the exception of the strategic supplier partnerships, customer relationships management, levels and quality of information sharing and internal lean practice provided a positive and significant relationship with the performance of an organization. MAA Garment should strengthen strategic supplier partnerships, prioritize key suppliers, and adopt quality-focused selection. the company needs to implement fast, reliable information-sharing technologies and enhance customer feedback systems to improve service and loyalty. reliable communication with retailers and wholesalers is also recommended to boost production efficiency and overall organizational performance.
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    KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF SELECTED BANKS IN MEKELLE CITY
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) MAMUYE TEKLAY MEKONEN
    This study examined the effect of knowledge management (KM) practices on organizational performance in selected private banks in Mekelle City, Ethiopia. Specifically, the study focused on four dimensions of KM—knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, knowledge storage, and knowledge application—and their influence on organizational performance measured through the Balanced Scorecard perspectives: customer satisfaction, learning and growth, financial performance, and internal processes. A quantitative research approach and explanatory design were used. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to a sample of 279 employees and managers at Wegagen Bank and Lion International Bank, yielding 272 responses, which resulted in a 97.5% response rate. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS. The results revealed that all four KM dimensions are practiced to varying degrees, with knowledge application (Mean = 3.96) and knowledge acquisition (Mean = 3.78) being the most prevalent. In contrast, knowledge storage (Mean = 3.30) was the least practiced. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between KM practices and organizational performance, with knowledge acquisition having the strongest association (r = 0.817). Regression results indicated that KM practices jointly explained 71.9% of the variation in organizational performance. Among the predictors, knowledge acquisition had the most significant effect (β = 0.532), followed by knowledge storage (β = 0.166), knowledge sharing (β = 0.135), and knowledge application (β = 0.119). The study concludes that effective KM practices are critical drivers of organizational performance in private banks. In particular, investing in systematic knowledge acquisition and robust storage mechanisms significantly enhances competitiveness and service delivery. It is recommended that banks strengthen their knowledge management systems by expanding training opportunities, improving knowledge repositories, fostering a culture of sharing, and integrating knowledge into strategic decision-making. Future research should explore additional factors such as leadership, technology adoption, and organizational culture that may also influence performance.
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    Assessment of Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction: (A Case Study of Mekelle Alula Aba-Nega International Airport)
    (Mekelle University, 2025-09-25) Helen Berhane
    Customer satisfaction has become one of the primary concerns in the aviation industry worldwide, largely due to the intense competition in the sector. Airports are striving to deliver high-quality services to retain existing passengers and attract new ones. The main objective of this research was to assess airport service quality and customer satisfaction using the SERVQUAL model, which evaluates five key dimensions: Tangibles, Reliability, Assurance, Responsiveness, and Empathy. This study focused passengers on the terminal at Mekelle Alula Aba-Nega International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Ethiopia and a key hub for domestic air travel. Primary data was collected through a questionnaire administered using a non-probability sampling technique. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to passengers at the airport, and 110 valid responses were obtained for analysis. The findings revealed that passenger’s high level of Expectations: Reliability, Tangibility, Assurance, Responsiveness and high level of Perception: Reliability, Assurances and Empathy consecutive with the five SERVQUAL dimensions—Reliability, Assurance, Responsiveness, and Empathy. However, they expressed dissatisfaction with the Tangibles dimension, and which includes the physical facilities, equipment, and appearance of personnel. This result serves as a warning to the Ethiopian Airports to place greater emphasis on aligning service delivery with passengers’ expectations and perceptions. To address the dissatisfaction in the Tangibles dimension, it is recommended that airport management take concrete actions such as: training terminal shop owners in customer service, enhancing Wi-Fi speed and coverage throughout the terminal, offering high-quality and affordable food options, to improve daily of passengers Baggage’s to deliver on time and revising the airport’s infrastructure to improve passenger comfort. Furthermore, it is essential for airport managers to conduct seasonal evaluations of passenger satisfaction and service quality to ensure services remain aligned with customer expectations.
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    The role of Non –farming activities in sustaining rural livelihood, in the case of Enderta woreda, Tigray, Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-05-25) Hadush Adhana
    A research was conducted at five Tabias of Enderta woreda to examine and study the role of non-farm activities in sustaining the livelihood of respondents in Enderta Woreda. In order to attain the objectives of the study, primary data was collected from 191 stratified selected households using structured and unstructured questionnaires. Furthermore, key informants and focus group discussion had been used to obtain detailed information. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the livelihood resources/assets of the five Tabias of Enderta woreda, non-farm rural diversification.The survey result revealed that rural households in the study Tabias had diversified activities notably non-farm livelihood diversifications, as a result the livelihood of the rural household had been changed. It can also be concluded that most of the respondents had better knowhow on non-farm activities. However, the household heads underlined the obstacles of credit services to be revised and the government give due attention. Thus, government officials should provide relevant and necessary technical support and training to fil their gaps and create a wide adaptation on new technologies and credit services. For better validation, further research is also recommended in many other Tabias of the woreda and other nearby Woredas