College of Business and Economics

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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
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    Assessment of the Contribution of Community Savings and Credit Associations to the Livelihood of Vulnerable Households in Mekelle City, Tigray Regional State
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Girmay Tesfay Endashaw
    The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of community savings and credit associations (CSCA) to the livelihoods of vulnerable households. These associations were established through modalities of NGOs focused on livelihood and economic strengthening programs. The research was conducted in Ayder and Semen sub-cities of Mekelle, located in the Tigray National Regional State. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used to evaluate the impact of CSCA on the livelihoods of these households, and the study adopted a descriptive approach. Data were collected from 253 respondents using simple systematic and purposive sampling methods through questionnaires and interview guides as data collection tools. The collected data were analyzed descriptively with the help of SPSS software, and the findings were presented in both tabular and narrative formats. The study revealed that CSCA enabled economically vulnerable households to increase their savings and access loans, thereby improving their income and resilience. CSCA also served as a community platform where members became more actively engaged in social and economic issues. These associations contributed to developing members' knowledge, facilitated decision-making within families, and encouraged participation in local structures. Additionally, the study identified basic services provided by the government and evaluated their effectiveness in supporting business activities. It highlighted the need for formal saving and credit associations under formal and legal frameworks for CSCA members. In conclusion, livelihood improvements among CSCA members included increased capacity to afford education, food, housing, clothing, and social capital. It is recommended that the CSCA model be expanded to other vulnerable areas with ongoing support and follow-up from the government and nongovernmental organizations.
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    ASSESSMENT OF FOOD INSECURITY AND ITS DETEMNANTS IN ENDERTA DISTRICT, SOUTH EASTERN ZONE OF TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPEA
    (Mekelle University, 2025-03-25) GEBREGIORGIS WELDU KAHSAY
    This study was initiated to assess the status of food insecurity and its determinants among rural households in Enderta district, south eastern zone of Tigray region, which is one of the droughtprone area. The main objective of the study was to assess the status of food insecurity and identify factors influencing food insecurity in the study area. Data for this study was obtained by crosssectional design whereby random sampling was used to select 120 respondents from the study area. Focus group discussion and key informant interview were conducted and a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to collect data for this study. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to obtain variability among variables. From the study, households self-report result shows that about 81.7 percent of the households were food insecure and 18.3 were food secure. Households with large family size, non-educated and old household heads were more likely to be food insecure than those with smaller family size, educated and young household heads. Similarly, factors like low land size, not livestock and not using farm input by the households, Unreliable rains, Limited use of modern technology and Poor soils were positively and significantly associated with food insecurity. Policy interventions aimed to change food security situation in the study area need to be diversified by focusing on enhancing family planning programs, promoting access to basic education to rural households and to motivate extension service providers as well as farmers to be insisted to utilize the services effectively and efficiently.
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    ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES /MSEs/: THE CASE OF MEKELLE CITY ADMINISTRATION, TIGRAY
    (Mekelle University, 2025-11-25) Gergs Tesfanchial Teklehaymanot
    This study assesses the key factors influencing the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Mekelle City Administration, Tigray, Ethiopia, recognizing their critical role in economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, particularly in developing economies. The primary objective was to identify and analyze the impact of financial factors, infrastructural challenges, and institutional coordination problems on MSE performance. Employing a quantitative research design, the study collected primary data through structured questionnaires distributed to 394 MSE owners selected via stratified and simple random sampling techniques from a population of 25,559, achieving a 90.1% response rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple regression analyses via SPSS version 22.The study revealed that financial factors, such as high collateral requirements (mean=4.52) and complicated loan procedures (mean=4.55), were the most significant barriers to MSE performance, followed by severe infrastructural deficits such as inadequate water supply (mean=1.22) and unaffordable electricity (mean=1.30). Institutional coordination issues, including weak inter-organizational relationships (mean=1.65) and ineffective communication (mean=1.75), further constrained performance.Regression analysis indicated that these factors collectively explain 66% of the variance in MSE performance, with financial (β=0.325) and infrastructural factors (β=0.314) being the most influential. The study concludes that limited access to finance, poor infrastructure, and weak institutional coordination significantly hinder MSE growth. It is recommended that financial institutions and government bodies simplify loan processes, reduce collateral demands, increase funding, improve utility services and infrastructure, and enhance inter-institutional coordination and governance to foster a more supportive environment for MSE development and economic contribution.
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    THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISEMENT ON CUSTOMERS' ATTITUDE: - A SURVEY OF COSMOTICS INDUSTRY IN MEKELLE CITY
    (Mekelle University, 2025-11-25) GENET TSEGAY
    The impact of social media advertising on customer attitudes in the cosmetics industry remains underexplored, particularly within the Ethiopian market. This study investigates how social media influences consumer attitudes in a survey in cosmetics industry and used both explanatory and descriptive research designs, data were collected through questionnaires distributed across three sub-cities. A five-point Likert scale was used, with 384 questionnaires distributed and 357 valid responses analyzed. Descriptive statistics were employed to present the demographic characteristics of the respondents, while multiple linear regression analysis examined the relationship between four independent variables—product reviews, influencer endorsements, interactive advertising capabilities, and customer expectations—and the dependent variable, customer attitude. Data analysis was conducted using STATA 14.0. The results revealed that social media advertising has a positive and significant impact on customer attitudes. Specifically, product reviews, influencer endorsements, interactive advertising capabilities, and customer expectations were found to significantly shape attitudes toward cosmetic products. These findings highlight the importance for advertisers to strategically leverage social media features to enhance customer engagement and purchase intentions. The study offers valuable insights for marketers seeking to harness the persuasive potential of social media in emerging markets such as Ethiopia.
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    CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF E-BANKING SYSTEM IN COMMERCIAL BANK OF ETHIOPIA (CBE MAIN DISTRICT OFFICE ) IN MEKELLE CITY
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) GEBREMEDHIN TAKELE
    The aim of this research was to investigate the challenges and opportunities of electronic banking users in the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in Mekelle city at the main district office. The Researcher used 180 samples of e-banking users that were conveniently found around the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Mekelle main district office. The researcher employed a questionnaire instrument of data collection to analyze the opinions of electronic banking users regarding the challenges and opportunities of electronic banking. The researchers findings, the opportunities and benefits were increasing habit of customers to use e-banking, governments role on by establishment of directive and guideline of e-banking like limiting cash withdrawal and commitment and expansion of ICT infrastructure, denial of unauthorized access,provision of speed and convenient service were among the main opportunities of electronic banking. and also, beyond the opportunities electronic banking play important role on customers by better provision of service at low cost,low transaction error and mistakes, provision of bank service with minimum cycle time, safe, facilitate e purchasing, satisfy customers with speed of service, updating account.in addition to the above challenges of e banking was lack of reliable power and weak internet penetration, fear of security , lacks of trust of by customer ,fraud and scamming, lack of legal frame of e-banking to resolve dispute, poor inter banking network connectivity, providing weak and suspect able password to users, outdated software application was among the challenges of e-banking. Hence, the research found the above-listed opportunities and challenges. The researcher recommends as following: Create awareness on customers that e-banking is easy to use, fast and convenient, so as to avoid the fear and worry of customers. the bank should build strong e-banking network connectivity to provide fast, reliable and convenient e-banking service to customers. Monitor and track the online-banking system to protect unauthorized access of scammers and to avoid/reduce financial fraud and update new information to customers via social media, SMS or main stream media channels to aware, Provide strong PIN and pass word to users that is not vulnerable and easily suspect able or teach to user to change their password with strong code and not to show to anyone. The bank uses blockchain security protection tools such as biometric authentication methods, facial recognition, and fraud detection to meet regulatory framework, strengthen cyber security defence, and build lasting trust with customers.
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    ASSESMENET OF DRY PORT PERFORMANACE: - (The Case of Mekelle Dry Port)
    (Mekelle University, 2025-11-25) Assefa Tesfay Gidey
    The main purpose of the study is to assess the performance of the Mekelle dry port based on customer perspectives using indicators such as customs clearance, infrastructure and equipment, service providing, handling efficiency and incidents, delays and waiting times. The study also aims to identifying the key opportunity and challenges hindering dry port performance and what should be done to improve and eliminate the problems that affect the performance of the dry port. A descriptive research design was employed to explain the performance variables. Both closed and open-ended questionnaires were designed and distributed to respondents using a convenience sampling technique to select Mekelle Dry Port customers. A total of 248 questionnaires were distributed to the Mekelle dry port proportionally, and 237 questionnaires were returned, while 11 questionnaires were not returned. Therefore, 237 responses were used for data analysis. The result of the descriptive analysis of the responses of customers of the Mekelle dry port shows that among the five Indicators of Mekelle dry port performance measurement, Infrastructure and Equipment has the lowest mean value of 2.35, followed by Handling Efficiency with a mean value of 2.62. The remaining three indicators, namely service provided, Incidents, Delay and Waiting time has a mean value of 3.11 and custom clearance, had mean values of 3.02, 3.11, and 3.44, respectively. The study results revealed that a significant number of variables showed discrepancies, indicating that the overall performance of the dry port was far below its customers’ expectations. Thus, customers of the Mekelle dry port were less satisfied with its services. Consequently, the overall dry port performance was below average. The discontent for infrastructure and equipment is the highest score that calls for immediate action by the Mekelle dry port management because the improvement in this indicator significantly changes the customer’s satisfaction and improves its performance as well. Therefore, the Mekelle dry port should invest more in infrastructure and equipment. Second, it is 10 important to invest in incident, delay, and waiting time to avoid unnecessary wastages and extra costs. By doing so, the Mekelle dry port could have sustained competitive advantages as the human aspect of an organization is not easily imitated by competitors.
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    DETERMINANTS OF LIVELIHOOD CHALLENGES IN CONFLICT PRONE AREA: THE CASE OF SAMRE WOREDA
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-25) Asqual Hagos
    This study investigates the determinants of livelihood challenges in SamreWoreda, a conflictprone district in southeastern Tigray, Ethiopia, focusing on Lemlem-Arena, Samre-Town, and Nebar-HadnetKebeles. Conflict-prone areas face significant livelihood challenges due to violence, resource scarcity, and has led to land scarcity in rural farm households. These challenges include the destruction of physical assets, restricted access to land and resources, and the breakdown of social networks. Violent conflicts often lead to a cycle of poverty and insecurity, exacerbated by displacement and resource disputes. Households often adopt reactive coping strategies. The lack of effective governance and institutional support hinders the development of sustainable livelihood strategies. In light of the devastating impacts of armed conflict on rural communities, the study aims to understand how conflict has affected livelihoods, especially in agrarian households. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, data from 198 households, supplemented by focus group discussions (56 participants) and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and SPSS Version 27 were employed for data analysis. Data were collected from households, selected through purposive and simple random sampling. Primary data were gathered via household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, and were complemented by relevant secondary sources. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS Version 27 and descriptive statistical tools. The study explores three major aspects in a logical sequence: the current situation of livelihood challenges in the area, the livelihood strategies adopted by dispossessed and resettled households, and theunderlying determinantsof these livelihood disruptions. The Findings indicate that conflict has caused widespread disruption to the agricultural economy, the primary livelihood source in the area. Nearly 97% of respondents reported substantial income losses. Determinants such as displacement, destruction of infrastructure, poor market linkages, and reduced access to agricultural inputs and extension services have further deepened the crisis. The study identifies several determinants of vulnerability, includinghousehold size, proximity to markets, availability of financial services, andgender-based disparities. Women, in particular, face compounded marginalization due to unequal access to land, credit, and protective services. Men, meanwhile, experience role dislocation and trauma. Qualitative findings further illustrate high levels of food insecurity, collapsed health and education systems, and weakened institutional support. The research highlights that mitigating livelihood challenges in conflict-affected areas like SamreWoreda requires integrated, context-sensitive, and gender-responsive interventions, and emphasize the need for asset-based recovery programs, revitalization of agriculture and extension services, enhanced market and credit accessas well asclimate-resilient practices. Furthermore, sustainable recovery must prioritize inclusive development, peacebuilding efforts, andinstitutional coordination to foster long-term resilience.