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Item Accounting information system quality and Financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Lira City(Lira University, 2021) Opio, Kenneth; Oguti, Robert EtenguBackground: The quality of the accounting information system that affirm has would affect the financial performance. This study examined the effect of accounting information system quality on the financial performance of small and medium enterprise in Lira City as a case study. Specifically, the study looked at the effect of data quality, information quality and service quality on the financial performance of SMEs in Lira City. Using a sample of 100 managers and owners drawn from a population of 117 SMEs of SMEs in Lira City, the study attempts to achieve three objectives. The first objective is to examine the effect of data quality on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Lira City. The second objective is empirically to examine the effect of information quality on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Lira City. The final objective is to empirically evaluate the effect of service quality on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Lira City. Methods: The study adopted a cross- sectional survey design and employed quantitative approach. The data collected was tested for validity and reliability and analyzed using SPSS version 23in form of descriptive statistics, correlations and regressions. Results: The findings of the study revealed firstly, that data quality has a positive significant effect (Adjusted R square = 33%, P < 0.05) on the financial performance of the SMEs in Lira City. Secondly information quality had a positive significant effect (Adjusted R squire = 36%, P > 0.05) on the financial performance of the SMEs in Lira City. Thirdly, the examination of the effect of service quality on the financial performance of SMEs in Lira City revealed a positive and statistically significant effect (Adjusted R square = 51%, P < 0.05). Recommendations: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that all SMEs should adopt accounting information system in order to ensure correctness in their financial reporting and this would enhance their financial performance. The government and policy makers should come up with policies and guidelines that will facilitate the implementation of these systems in SMEs. Keywords: Accounting information system quality, Financial performance, Small and Medium Enterprises, Lira CityItem Adult Learning: An Alternative Gateway to Women's Improved Participation in Children’s Education in Lango Region, Northern Uganda(International Journal of Education, Training and Learning, 2022) Akello, Judith Abal; Lutwama-Rukundo, EvelynThis research explored the contribution of Functional Adult Literacy training (FAL) and what it did to women’s involvement in children’s education in Apac District. The main objective of this study was to explore whether and how women participants in Lango Region supported their children’s education from the skills acquired from FAL training. A study of 7 participants based on qualitative interpretive framework intended to examine the benefits reaped by FAL-trained women after their positive perception and support to children’s education. Using individual in-depth and key informant interviews based on qualitative content analysis, the study indicates that women trained in FAL became active agents of their socio and economic development. The study was influenced by Kabeer's socio-economic perspective and Freire's literacy perspective, both of which emphasize the importance of conscientisation in making marginalized non-literates actors of socio-economic progress. Women who participated in FAL obtained abilities that vividly improved their lives, according to the conclusions, which were based on facts or witnessed evidence inductively derived from the participants. Furthermore, the women gained a better understanding of their role and influence on their children's academic achievement, perseverance, and success as a result of the practical skills. Therefore, this study recommends that key stakeholders like, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, global supporters, (Non-Governmental Organisations) NGOs as well as Civil Society Organisations should prioritise in supporting putting into practice FAL training.Item Agricultural Credit Facility and Performance of Agri-Business Enterprises in Lango Sub Region(Lira University, 2022) Opudo, Robert Caesar; Ogwang, JohnBackground: This study examined the agricultural credit facility and performance of agri-business enterprises in Lango Sub-Region. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of agricultural credit facility on the performance of agri-business enterprises in Lango Sub-Region focusing on cotton and simsim enterprises in Lira and Kole Districts. The objectives of the study were to determine the effects of agricultural credit facility, interest rates, loan limit, loan periods and collaterals on the performance of agri-business enterprises in Lango Sub-Region. Methods: The study used quantitative approach with cross-sectional survey design and guided by theory of constraints (TOC). A study population of 454 with a sample size of 246 respondents. The study employed simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling to reach the respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (regression) with the aid of Eviews version 9. Results: The findings showed that ACF collateral requirements have a positive significant effect at 5% level (p<0.05) on performance of agri-business enterprises. It was also noted that the effects of credit size on performance was insignificant (p-value>5%). The credit period was found to have negative coefficient of (-0.0219, p>0.05) implying a weak insignificant negative effect and the interest rate had coefficient of (0.0645, p>0.05), hence showing a weak positive insignificant effect. Conclusion: The study concluded that ACF collateral requirements are the major factors responsible for the effectiveness of ACF on performance of agri-business enterprises, specifically, cotton and simsim. Recommendation: The study recommends that ACF collateral requirements be relaxed and objectively valued, and well aligned to the value of the loan so that many farmers can access credits. Meanwhile, sensitization of farmers on how to apply and get ACF loans should be intensified and that government and agency should set deliberate credit system for cotton and simsim and also to reduce on the costs of the agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, tractors among others and that future studies examine the effects of monetized economy on household production and consumption pattern in Lango Sub Region. Keywords: Agricultural Credit Facility, Performance, and Agri-Business EnterprisesItem Cash Flow Management Practices and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Lira City, Uganda(Lira University, 2023) Opio, Thomas; Akello, Judith AbalBackground: This study examines the impact of cash flow management practices on the financial performance of small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lira City, Uganda. SMEs splay a crucial role in economic growth and development, contributing to job creation, innovation, and poverty reduction. However, they often face challenges that hinder their financial performance and sustainability. Effective cash flow management practices are essentials for SMEs survivals and growth, enabling them to meet financial obligations, invest in opportunities, and mitigate risks. Despite this, there is a significant gap in research on the cash flow management practices adopted by SMEs in Lira City and their impact on financial performance. Methods: To address this gap, this study employs a quantitative cross-sectional design and encompasses SMEs from diverse sectors. The study aims to achieve three specific objectives: 1. Assess the cash flow management practices adopted by SMEs in Lira City. 2. Measure the financial performance of SMEs in Lira City using relevant financial metric. 3. Investigate the relationship between the cash flow management practices and financial performance among SMEs in Lira City. Results: The study revealed that the SMEs in Lira City prioritize cash flow management practices, particularly in cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and receivables/payables management albeit with varying adoption levels. Financially the SMEs exhibit healthy profit margins and efficient expense management. However, there are opportunities for enhancing investment in innovation and growth initiatives. Notably, the study establishes a significant relationship between cash flow management practices and financial performance with these practices explaining 47.2%of the variation in financial performance. These findings underscore the critical role of effective cash flow management in influencing SMEs’ financial wellbeing. Conclusions: The study recommends strengthening cash flow management, fostering innovation, and providing tailored financial literacy programs for SMEs. Policy makers are encouraged to facilitate access to external funding sources and promote networking among SMEs. Future research avenues encompass qualitative studies, cross-regional comparisons, and analyses of external factors impacting cash flow management and financial performance in SMEs. Keywords: Cash flow management practices, Financial Performance, Small and Medium EnterprisesItem Competitive Strategies and Financial Performance of Beverage Companies in Uganda: A Case of Coca Cola Company, Northern Uganda(Lira University, 2022) Odongo, Jimmy; Ogwang, JohnBackground: The study examined the effects of competitive strategies on the financial performance of Coca Cola Company Limited in Northern Uganda. The study assessed the effects of product differentiation strategy; cost leadership strategy and market focus on the financial performance of Coca Cola Company Limited in northern Uganda. Methods: The study used a cross sectional survey as a research design to investigate the characteristics of the population as expressed in a particular point in time. This design was suitable for the data that are quantitative in nature to enable the researcher collect numerical data with selfadministered questionnaires. The study was carried out in Coca Cola Company branches in the districts of Apac, Lira City, Lira District, Oyam, Pader, Agago, Gulu City, Kitgum, Dokolo, Alebtong, Kole, Kwania, Nwoya, Amuru, Amolatar and Otuke. The target population was 176 participants that was composed of managers, accountants, cashiers, stores officers and sale representatives. Because the target population was homogenous, a stratified random sampling technique, purposive sampling and simple random sampling were used. The size of the study population was determined by the researcher using Krejcie and Morgan. The primary data was collected from the respondents using a 5-likert type scale questionnaire. The effects of competitive strategies on financial performance was analyzed using regression model. Findings: There were significant effects of some of the measures of competitive strategies dimension constructs of (cost leadership) on the financial performance of coca cola. The construct of cost leadership was significant at 1% level of confidence while the constructs of market focus strategy on financial performance of coca cola company yielded a regression positive coefficient of 0.1223 with a positive p-value of 0.1212. The results answer the research question about the effects of market focus strategy on financial performance of coca cola company and differentiation strategies had a positive p-value of 0.5533 and a coefficient of 0.0418 which had insignificant effect on the financial performance of coca cola. However, some of the measures used to assess differentiation and market focus strategies had significant effects on financial performance of coca cola company. Conclusion: The study concluded that other measures like; possession of competitive resources and product uniqueness are important in enhancing ROI of coca cola company limited, efficiency of processes, sources of raw material and cost saving for customers are good in enhancing ROE and that focus on specific classes of customers, focus on specific market are important in enhancing the profitability of coca cola company limited. Recommendations: The study therefore recommended that management of coca cola should invest more on the cost leadership strategy since the findings indicated that, the strategy had significant effects on financial performance of coca cola company limited. The study also recommended that management of coca cola should do market analysis so as to deliver market products according to the needs of the customers. This will avoid supplying products to certain areas that are not the preference of customers in those areas. Keywords: Competitive Strategy, Performance, and Financial PerformanceItem Competitive Strategies and Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Lira City of Northern Uganda(Lira University, 2021) Otim, Joe Dalton; Jehopio, Peter Jegrace; Kuka, PhinenousThe study sought to find out the significance of competitive strategies on performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SEMs), particularly in Lira City of Northern Uganda. Specifically, the study focuses on the influence of the market focus on the performance of SMEs, the effect of cost leadership on the performance of SNEs and the significance of product differentiation on performance of SMEs. According to Porter (2000) higher performance would be attained in an industry that is filled with competition through pursuing strategies which include being a leader in term of low cost, strategy for differentiating product and services and strategy on focusing at a particular market segment. A theoretical model was induced using competitive strategy paradigm of literature. It consisted of market focus strategies, differentiation strategies, cost leadership strategies and performance dimension. Cross-sectional design with quantitative method of investigation was moved to fulfill the objectives of the study. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to measure responses of 390 business respondents in Lira City. Three hypotheses were posted to explore the effects of competitive strategies on performance of SMEs. The study was structural equation Modeling (SME) for analysis. The result indicated that cost leadership strategies positively and significantly influence performance of SMEs in Lira City. Recommendations arising from the study are that SMEs should adopt competitive strategies particularly cost leadership strategies, as it shown to enhance productivity leading to better performance. This finding is in agreement with Porter (2000) who argued that higher performance would be attained if affirm is a leader in term of low cost. In conclusion, cost leadership has a significant influence on performance of SMEs while product differentiation and market focus have no significant influence on financial performance of SMEs.Item Contribution of Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA) to Household Welfare Improvement in Bala Sub-County, Kole District, Uganda(Lira University, 2021) Ocen, Tom; Akello, Judith AbalThe study was conducted to examine the effect of VSLA loan activities on poverty reduction in Bala Sub-County. Specifically, the study examined the effect of lending modality on the household welfare improvement in Bala Sub-County, assessed the effect of financial literacy on the household improvement in Bala Sub-County and assessed the effect of small business financing on the household welfare improvement in Bala Sub-County. The study employed cross sectional design and the approaches used were both quantitative and qualitative; the sample size of the study population was 110 respondents comprising of members of VSLA in Bala Sub-County, the District Commercial Officer and Community Development Officer. From the target population of 110, a sample size of 86 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were applied to sample the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative primary data while interview guide and Focus Group Discussion was employed to collect qualitative data. Data analysis was done using the help of the SPSS version 23. Correlation coefficient was used to test the strength and the direction of the relationship between the variables. The findings of the study revealed that household welfare was positively and significantly correlated with lending modality, financial literacy and small business financing. Finally, the results of the regression revealed that VSLA lending modality, financial literacy and small business financing all had a positive significant effect on the level of household welfare hence poverty reduction among members of VSLA in Bala Sub-County. Based on the findings, the study concluded that all the credit activities of the VSLA that were studied by the researcher affect the level of household welfare among the members of the VSLA in Bala Sub-County. The study therefore recommended that government should support the VSLA activities as it is playing a big role in reducing the level of poverty among the poor people at the grassroot level who can not access credit facilities from the formal financial institutions in Uganda.Item Contribution of Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA) to HouseholdWelfare Improvement in Kole District- Northern Uganda(European Journal of Business and Management, 2022) Ocen,Tom; Akello, Judith AbalAbstract The study was conducted to examine the effect of VSLA loan activities on poverty reduction in Bala Sub-county. Specifically, the study examined the effect of lending modality on the household welfare improvement in Bala Sub-county, assessed the effect of financial literacy on the house welfare improvement in Bala Sub-county and assessed the effect of small business financing on the household welfare improvement in Bala Sub-county. The study employed cross-sectional design and the approaches used were both quantitative and qualitative; the sample size of the study population was 110 respondents comprising of members of VSLA in Bala Sub-county, the District Commercial Officer and Community Development officer. From the target population of 110, a sample size of 86 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were applied to sample the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative primary data while interview guide and focus group discussion was employed to collect qualitative data. Data analysis was done with the help of SPSS version 23. Correlation coefficient was used to test the strength and the direction of the relationship between the variables. The finding of the study revealed that household welfare was positively and significantly correlated with lending modality, financial literacy and small business financing. Finally, the results of regression revealed that VSLA lending modality, financial literacy and small business financing all had a positive significant effect on the level of household welfare hence poverty reduction among members of VSLA in Bala Sub-county. Based on the above findings, the study concluded that all the credit activities of the VSLA that were studied by the researcher affect the level of household welfare among the member of VSLA in Bala sub-county. The study therefore recommended that government should support the VSLA activities as it is playing a big role in reducing the level of poverty among the poor people at the grass root level who cannot access credit facilities from the formal financial institutions in Uganda.Item Corporate and Strategic Information Disclosure and Earnings Management: Evidence from Listed Firms at the Uganda Securities Exchange(Journal of Finance and Economics, 2019) Etengu, Robert O.; Olweny, Tobias O.; Oluoch, Josephat O.The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of corporate and strategic information disclosure on earnings management among listed firms at the Uganda Securities Exchange. We conduct our survey on a census of 9 non-financial listed firms spanning a period of 6 years (2012-2017). The study uses the magnitude of discretionary accruals obtained from the De Chow, Sloan and Sweeney (1995) model as a proxy for earnings management. The study’s results show a negative and significant effect of corporate and strategic information disclosure on earnings management. The implication of this finding is that information disclosure related to corporate and strategic information constitutes a constraint to the proliferation of earnings management. The study could benefit regulatory bodies that are considering making disclosure regimes effective. For instance, we find that the disclosure of corporate and strategic information drives EM downwards. In addition, the results of this study might assist regulators and policy makers in understanding better the interconnections between corporate and strategic information disclosure and earnings management practices in Uganda. This study, however, has some limitations. First, because the study uses a self-constructed disclosure index, certain information items employed in prior studies might be omitted. Second, whereas hand collecting the necessary data on corporate and strategic information from the narrative section of the annual reports allows for a data set containing rich information, the exercise is costly and time-consuming.Item Credit Management and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Uganda: A Case of Equity Banks Ltd in Northern Uganda(Lira University, 2022) koli, Jacqueline; Oguti, Robert EtenguBackground: The management of the risk involved in the loans that the banks give affects financial performance. The study examined the effect of credit risk management on the financial performance of Equity Bank Limited with a focus on Equity Bank branches in northern Uganda. Specifically, the study looked at the effect of risk identification, risk assessment and risk control on the financial performance of equity Bank Limited. Using a sample of 73 staff drawn from a population of 90 staff of equity Bank branches in northern Uganda, the study attempts to achieve three specific objectives. The first is to established the effect of risk identification on the financial performance of equity Bank branches in northern Uganda. The second objective is to empirically examine the effect of risk assessment on the financial performance of equity Bank branches in northern Uganda. The final objective is to empirically assess the effect of risk control on the financial performance of Equity Bank branches in northern Uganda. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and employed quantitative approach. The data collection was tested for validity and reliability and analysed using SPSS Version 23 in form of descriptive statistics, correlation and regressions. Findings: The findings of the study revealed firstly, that risk identification had a positive significant effect (Adjusted R Square =39.9%, p < 0.01.) on the financial performance of Equity Bank branches in northern Uganda. Secondly, risk assessment had a positive significance in effect (Adjust R Square=45.6%, p < 0.01) on the financial performance of Equity Bank branches in northern Uganda. Thirdly, the examination of the effect of risk control on financial performance in Equity Bank branches in Northern Uganda revealed a positive and statistically significant effect (Adjusted R Square =51.4%, p < 0.01.) Conclusion: In conclusion, the management of Equity Bank Limited is advised to mitigate gender inequality among its staffing level through instituting a flexible policy working document. It is concluded that employing more female staff I the Bank would facilitate effective communication between bank staffs and female clients. This because majority of loan recipients (debtors) are also female clients. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that Equity Bank Limited should address gaps in credit risk management practices in order to ensure enhanced financial performance. One of the gaps is gender disparity in recruitment of more staffs in the management of credit departments. Keywords: Credit Management, Financial Performance, Commercial BanksItem Customer Relationship Management and Customer Loyalty in Selected Star-Rated Hotels in Lira City(Lira University, 2022) Abila, Ambrose Duca; Kuka, PhinehasBackground: The study examined the effect of customer relationship management on customer loyalty in star-rated hotels in Lira City. The objectives of the study included to assess the effect of complaint handling, service personalization and customer orientation on customer loyalty. Methods: The study adopted a cross- sectional design and employed a mixed methods approach for both qualitative and quantitative data. The study population was 190 respondents from where a sample of 123 was selected based on Krejcie & Morgan, 1970. The study used both questionnaire and interview guide as main methods of data collection. Findings: The study findings revealed that complaint handling is the least contributor to customer loyalty with a coefficient value of 0.2648 at p=0.0064. service provision had a positive and significant relationship with customer loyalty. It was further revealed that service personalization is the second contributor to customer loyalty as indicated by a coefficient value of 0.3435 at p value=0.0007 significance level. Customer orientation has a positive and significant relationship with customer loyalty. It is also noted that customer orientation is the greatest contributor to customer loyalty with a coefficient=0.3773 at p value=0.0005 level of significance. Recommendations: The study recommended that the management of star-rated hotels should put more emphasis on complaint handling as this plays a significant role in the industry. When customers’ complaints are listened to and addressed, possess a great opportunity for the business to thrive as repeated sales shall be assured of. The management of star rated hotels should put more emphasis on offering of the personalized services in nature through ensuring that customer needs are routinely met in a satisfying manner. In regard to customer orientation, star rated hotels should have a program to assisting in orienting their customers as this shall help such customers to quickly adopt to the environment. Key Words: Customer Relation Management, Service Quality, Customer Orientation, and Customer LoyaltyItem Determination of Women Engagement in Entrepreneurship: A Case study of Packwach District of North -Western Uganda(Lira University, 2021) Abyeto, Stella; Agweta, Cosmas; Jehopio, Peter JegraceThis study sought to establish the determinants of women engagement in entrepreneurship in Packwach District, North -Western Uganda. The study employed a cross- sectional design with quantitative method of data analysis to achieve its objectives. The researcher Collected data by using a structured questionnaire that measured the responses of 375 women entrepreneurs in Pakwach District. Three research questions were posited to explore the determinant of woman engagement in entrepreneurship in Pakawach District. The study moved structural equation modeling (SEM) and descriptive statistics for statistical data analysis. the structural equation modeling results indicated that support from financial institutions (β =-0.636, p<0.001); support from government (β=0.545, p<0.015); support from family and community (β=0.546, p<0.033); were the determinants of woman engagement in entrepreneurship in Pakwach District. The study recommended that government should better further policies that support woman engagement in entrepreneurship and such policies should also regulate financial institutions favour this course.Item Effect of Corporate Disclosure on Earnings Management Among Listed Firms At The Uganda Securities Exchange: A Critical Evaluation and Literature Survey(European Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance Research, 2019) Etengu, Robert Oguti; Olweny, Tobias O.; Oluoch, Josephat O.The primary purpose of this paper is to critically examine literature on the effect of corporate disclosure on earnings management among listed firms at the Uganda Securities Exchange. We discuss some background information on the interlinkages between corporate disclosure and earnings management. We also explore some of the theories available in literature on corporate disclosure and earnings management. In addition, we critically review extant literature on corporate disclosure and earnings management, highlight the research gaps, provide a justification for novelty of the paper and draw a conclusion. The paper is also expected to make a significant contribution to knowledge by shedding light on the effect of CD on EM, particularly in the context of a developing country.Item Effect of Mandatory Disclosure of IAS/IFRS on Earnings Management Among Listed Firms At The Uganda Securities Exchange(International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2019) Etengu, Robert O.; Olweny, Tobias O.; Oluoch, Josephat O.Prior research provides conflicting results on whether mandatory adoption IAS/IFRS deters or contributes to greater earnings management. On this basis, this study sought to examine the effect of mandatory disclosure of IAS/IFRS on earnings management among listed firms at the Uganda Securities Exchange. First and in accordance with prior empirical disclosure research, mandatory disclosure of IAS/IFRS is examined using a disclosure index. Secondly, earnings management represented by the absolute value of discretionary accruals is measured using the modified Jones model. Thirdly, robust regression is used to examine the effect of mandatory disclosure of IAS/IFRS on earnings management for a census of 9 non-financial companies for the period 2012 to 2017. We find an increase in earnings management following the 2005 mandatory adoption of IAS/IFRS among listed firms at the Uganda Securities Exchange. One important implication of this study is that studying several IFRS enables the accounting standard setters to identify standards that have a significant influence on financial reporting quality and those that need to be revised as they offer the opportunity to manage earnings and allow managers to opportunistically exercise the allowed reporting latitude. Secondly, the mandatory disclosure index used in this study might act as a benchmark for regulators for purposes of future analysis and evaluation. Despite the evidence documented in this study, the population of listed non-financial firms used in this study is small. Consequently this limited the number of firm year observations available over the six year periodItem An Empirical Analysis of Sovereign Credit Risk Co-movement between Japan and ASEAN Countries(Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 2016) Jitmaneeroj, Boonlert; Ogwang, JohnJapan is the most developed economy in Asia. However, it has been on record for being the most heavily indebted country among OECD countries. In many circumstances, the high sovereign debt level indicates a high possibility of sovereign credit risks associated with investment in government bond. The high sovereign credit risk may also generate a number of negative externalities for private businesses operating in the host country. This paper investigates whether sovereign credit risk of Japan as measured by its sovereign credit default swap (SCDS) can better predict and commove with sovereign credit risk of selected ASEAN countries. The bivariate VAR model was used to test for Granger Causalities among these countries SCDS premiums and correlation analysis to investigate co-movements between SCDS of these countries. The results indicate that Japan’s sovereign credit risks do not co-move with those of ASEAN countries, Furthermore, Sovereign credit risks of ASEAN countries tend to lead those of Japan as evidenced by unidirectional causalities from these countries to Japan. The overall suggestion is that sovereign credit risk of Japan is not likely to influence those of ASEAN. The paper concludes with some implications for businesses.Item The Employee Motivation and Job Performance in Local Governments: A Case Study of Otuke District Local Government.(Lira University, 2021) Odur, Denis Oremo; Nsisi, ChristineBackground: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of employee motivation on job performance in Local Government as a case study since employees’ performance was reported to have reduced between the periods of 2071-2019. Specifically, the study sought to examine the motivation practices on Otuke District Local Government, to assess the level of job performance in Otuke District Local Government and determine the extent to which motivation affects job performance in Otuke District Local Government. The target population for the study was 173 employees. The study sample comprised of 102 representatives who are employees of Otuke District Local Government. Methods: Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. Results: The result for spearman’s rank correlation analysis revealed that all the construct of motivation was positively correlated with the job performance. The findings of the study revealed a positive significant effect of job security on job performance in Otuke DLG. (Coef. 0.413, p<0.01). Secondly, the result on the effect of reward system on job performance in Otuke DLG further revealed a positive significant effect (Coef. 0.558, p<0.01). Thirdly, the effect of leadership relation on job performance in Otuke DLG was found to be negative and insignificant (Coef. -0.106, p<0.05). Finally, the result of multiple liner regressions yielded an adjusted R Square value of 0.454, which meant that employee motivation contributes about 45.4% to job performance in Otuke DLG. Recommendations: Based on the above findings, the study recommends that Otuke DLG should put more effort on the above ensuring that staffs are recruited following the right channel, through the right qualification and are confirmed timely in their current positions and reward systems must be very transparent with clear scheme in place for staff promotion, recognition and remuneration. The study also recommends that Otuke DLG should work ways for improving leadership relations in Otuke DLG for a better performance of employees by the district leaders coming up with plans that aim at improving staff welfare and with practices that promote good leadership relations with the employees. Keywords: Employee Motivation and Job Performance.Item Employee Motivation and Labour Turnover at National Social Security Fund, Uganda.(Lira University, 2023) Madaraka, Godwin; Christine, NsisiBackground: The study focused on Employee motivation on labour turnover in National Social Security Fund in Uganda since the rate at which employees were exiting the fund was high. The study objectives were to ascertain the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on labour turnover in NSSF with organisational policy as a moderating variable. Literature was reviewed based on the above objectives. Methods: The study adopted a cross sectional survey design, in which a mixed method (both qualitative and quantitative techniques) was used in a population of 226 comprising of all branch staff of NSSF Uganda and sample size of 142 staff determined using Slovin’s formula. Sample random sampling method was used to select the non-supervisory staff and purposive sampling method was used to select the supervisors because of their knowledge and experience. Primary source was used for collecting data. Closed ended questionnaire ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree was used to collect data from the non-supervisory staff and interview for the supervisors. The items were tested for validity and a content validity index of 0.9 was established indicating that the items were also valid and a Cronbach’s alpha value 0.807 was obtained meaning the items were also reliable. For quantitative data, descriptive statistic percentage, mean, and standard deviations computed to ascertain the effect between the variables. For qualitative data, analytical and critical thinking skills (themes) were used and later generalized to create meaning and was then presented in a narrative form. Results: The analysis of the data indicated a response rate of 98.6% and that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation had significant effects on labour turnover in NSSF Uganda whereas Organisational policy did not have a moderating influence on the relationship between intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and labour turnover. The hypotheses were therefore rejected. The study concluded that extrinsic motivation is a very important factor that determines labour turnover rate in NSSF as compared to intrinsic motivation. Recommendations: The study recommended that management of NSSF should adopt programs that are effective in motivating their employees if they are to solve the problem of Labour turnover. Keywords: Employee motivation, Labour turnover, National Social Security FundItem Entrepreneurial Competencies and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Amolatar District: A Case of Private Education Institutions(Lira University, 2023) Ongom, Maximilian Kolbe; Kuka, PhinehasBackground: The study was carried out to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on growth of small and medium enterprises in Amolatar District. The objectives of the study were to establish the effect of innovation, networking and risk-taking competencies on growth of SMEs in Amolatar District. Methods: The study employed a cross sectional study design and adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population was 130 from which a sample of 97 was drawn basing on Krejcie & Morgan (1970). Questionnaire and interview guide were the main data collection tools. Study findings indicated that innovation competencies have a very weak positive relationship with the growth of SMEs at 0.2640. Findings: Study findings further indicated that most factors under innovation competencies were significant at 1% level. Also, networking competencies have a very weak positive and significant relationship with growth of SMEs at 0.2462. it was further found out that networking competencies factors were also significant at 1% level of significance. Finally, risk-taking competencies had a moderate positive relationship with the growth of SMEs in Amolatar District at 0.5390. it was also evident that all factors under this variable were significant at 1% level of significance. Recommendations: The study recommended that; school management committees put more emphasis on ensuring frequent innovations in their services for instance; rewarding those staff with innovative ideas could best work as this shall ensure diversification and hence continued operations. More emphasis should also be put on building strong networks for both customers and suppliers as these play a significant role in ensuring continued business operation. Continuous risk assessments should be emphasized so as to ensure no single risk affects the operations of the business. Keywords: Competencies, Entrepreneurial Competencies, SME Growth, and Small Enterprises.Item Entrepreneurship Initiatives and Entrepreneurship Skills Development in Secondary Schools in Lira City(Lira University, 2022) Olwol, Denis; Epila, JackieBackground: The study investigated the effect of entrepreneurship initiatives on entrepreneurship skills development in secondary schools in Lira City. The study was conceived due to rising youth unemployment despite several entrepreneurship skills interventions by government of Uganda. Methods: Specifically, the study looked at the effect of culture, management support and adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Both qualitative and quantitative approach was employed. A sample size of 133 respondents comprising head teachers, deputy head teachers, heads of subjects and bursars in government and private secondary schools was used. Data was collected by use of questionnaire and interview guide and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data was analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics, correlations and regression using SPSS version 20. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Validity and reliability of the study instruments were tested using Content Validity Index (CVI) and the Cronbach’s alpha respectively, producing 80% and 93.4% alpha values in the order; above the reconmended70%. Findings: The study found a significant positive effect of entrepreneurship initiatives (culture, management support and technology) on youth entrepreneurship skills development as indicated by an Adjusted R 2 value of 0.582. It was thus concluded that culture of entrepreneurship was being practiced, management support towards ESD was evident and technology was being embraced to aid entrepreneurship skills in secondary schools in Lira City. Recommendations: Accordingly, it was recommended that government should support building entrepreneurship culture in secondary schools by extending the youth Venture Capital Fund UYVCF) and the Youth Livelihood programme (YLP) to the youth in secondary schools; school management should be supportive to students in their entrepreneurship endeavors; and the Ministry of education and sport and other stakeholders should embrace the role of the technology in exposing students to the world of entrepreneurship by making ICT and integral part of entrepreneurship education for prior exposure of students to e-commerce concepts. Key Words: Entrepreneurship, Initiatives, and Entrepreneurship Skills, and DevelopmentItem Family Business Management and Business Performance in Lira City-Northern Uganda(Lira University, 2021) Ogweng, Lawrence; Ejang, Mary; Acanga, Alfred;Background: This study examined the relationship between family business management and the performance of family businesses in Lira City. The study objectives were; to analyze the influence of goal setting and visioning on family business performance in Lira City, to assess the influence of governance structure on family business performance in Lira City, to analyze the influence of professional management on family business performance in Lira City and to examine the role of management control systems in business performance in Lira City. There was evidence from literature that family businesses in Uganda and therefore Lira City are characterized by low profits, low share in the market and low productivity, leading to high rate of failure at over 26% annually. Methods: A cross sectional design based on a mixed method was used. The study used stratified and simple random sampling to sample 123 out of 135 family businesses and the response rate was 96 percent. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, correlation and linear regression models were used to assess the role of family business management on performance. Findings: The regression results indicated that: goal setting and visioning and management control systems had a positive and significant influence on performance of family business, governance structure had a significant negative influence on family business performance and professional management did not have a significant influence on family business performance. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between family business management and business performance in Lira city. Recommendations: the study recommends that; policy makers should provide for capacity building of family business managers on management control systems as an aspect of family business internal characteristic that improves performance, policy makers should come out with guiding principles and strategies to ensure that all family businesses have well documented goals and visions, business owners should refine the clan and social structures that have been ident