Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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An action plan to foster adequate preparation for retirement for Seventh-Day Adventist employees of West Cameroon Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-03) Ndoumbe, Guillaume Calvin
Retirement is an inevitable stage in the lives of workers. It is a transition from the world of work into a world of less rigorous activity and more rest and recreation, especially if retirement is due to old age or long years of service. Adequate preparation for retirement is a great challenge for workers and management in organizations. Many persons in the world, including church workers, are dealing with this problem daily. This study assessed the preparations of current employees towards their future retirement and proposed an action plan that would promote adequate preparation for retirement in the West Cameroon Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist for employees. The research was conducted using simple descriptive statistics. The population in this study was 384 including pastors, teachers and medical personnel of Adventist West Cameroon conference. Data were gathered through questionnaires,which were administered to the latter by the researcher. The results are based on data collected from 105 respondents. The study findings revealed that most Adventist workers do not adequately prepare for retirement. In particular, the study indicates that the workers have not even really stopped to think about their retirement years. This is shown in the level of “undecided” answers through the survey. Most importantly, employees are not prepared financially. In relation to this, the workers do not seem to realize that their employers do have a role to play in that situation. They were vaguely aware of what should and could be done by their employing organization. The study recommends an action plan that Seventh-day Adventist organizations, especially West Cameroon Conference, can use to encourage workers to adequately prepare for a better retirement.
An assessment of internal control systems of selected Seventh - Day Adventist secondary schools in Zimbabwe
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-05) Sithole, Patience
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of internal control systems existing in selected Seventh-day Adventist secondary schools in Zimbabwe. The study was necessitated by the desire to have effective internal control systems in the institutions to prevent and reduce the occurrence of wrong practices, mismanagement of resources and accounting errors being experienced in the institutions despite the awareness to all institutions by the Zimbabwe Union Conference on the benefits of effective internal controls. Quantitative cross-sectional and causal study designs were used in collecting data from a sample of four Adventist schools in Zimbabwe selected using the conveniencesampling method due to their proximity and accessibility to the researcher. A sample size of 103 respondents from the schools was selected using the stratified random sampling to ensure representation of all the stakeholder groups targeted in the schools. Data was collected using a researcher-constructed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistical (multi regression and correlations) techniques computed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS 20). The findings of the study revealed that internal control systems exist in the Adventist schools but are not effective, thus leaving room for improvement in order to achieve the objectives. The results have also shown that the institutions are performing in the range of average, with fees collection shown as their greatest challenge. Furthermore, the findings revealed that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between internal control components and institution performance with control activities component being a strong predictor of institutional performance. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends that the school authorities strengthen their internal control components in order to achieve internal control effectiveness and enhance performance. This can be accomplished through the establishment of an effective control environment, establishment of committees responsible for risk assessment and monitoring committees, establishment of a whistle blowing policy, and internal control manuals for continuity in the event of the hiring of new employees. It was also recommended that management improve communication and information through clear lines of communications and regular reporting to stakeholders. To enhance performance, management should strengthen their fees collection policies.
Challenges affecting the growth of Seventh-day Adventist healthcare institutions in North-East Congo Union Mission
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-04) Habiyambere, Ngayaboshya Eraston
Healthcare service is one of the main methods of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to draw people to Jesus Christ as ultimate mission. To do so, a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) health facility must effectively and efficiently deliver healthcare through its operations. However, the Adventist healthcare institutions in North-East Congo Union Mission (NECUM) are confronted with several challenges that have affected their performance over many years. The purpose of this study was to identify major challenges affecting the growth of healthcare and to find solutions that could minimize that challenges. Based on research questions, descriptive study was used for describing the Adventist Healthcare Institutions (AHCIs) state. Descriptive survey strategy has been useful for data collection, analyzing data, and reporting results. Questionnaire method was developed to be the major instrument for data collection, with a supported interview method. Sixty-three (63) questionnaires from respondents were received out of sixty-eight (68) distributed to participants.Findings from the study revealed that leadership, workforce, and financial factors are all sources of challenges affecting the progressive growth of the health facilities. These challenges can affect quality healthcare service which is part of the SDA identity and strategy for evangelism. As solutions, the church leadership and healthcare institution managers should work on these discovered challenges in order to turn the situation around.
Designing a budgetary control system for the local churches of Kenya Lake Conference for optimum use of funds
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate studies, 2017-04) Agalo, Kilion Mingusa
The aim of this study was to design a budgetary control system for the local churches of Kenya Lake Conference to enable them to use the generated cash optimally for the achievement of the mission of the church. The study determined the budgetary process of the local churches in Kenya Lake Conference, the levels of budgetary controls, and the challenges affecting the budgetary control system of the local churches. A systematic probability random sampling method was used to select 255 participants to gather data. Findings indicate that the budgetary process in local churches in Kenya Lake conference begins with the departmental heads and that the church board has the sole responsibility to evaluate and monitor variances. The budgeting process faces different challenges which are addressed through the recommendations and propositions of a budget process and control manual. Based on the findings from the study, there is a need for regular seminars to be held to sensitize all the stake holders in the budget preparation and control in the local churches.
Determinants of the internal control effectiveness of the IOUC’S selected entities in Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-03) Rafaliniony, Herimamy
Internal control must be the everyday life of each entity as it is the process established by the entity’s management to prevent and detect frauds, errors and thefts in order for the entity to achieve its established missions and objectives. Having effective internal control is the prime priority of today’s entity as it leads to good corporate governance, elimination or diminution of risks and fraudulent acts, growth and development of the entity and achievement of objectives. Unfortunately, some of the Indian Ocean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (IOUC)’s entities can’t achieve these goals and objectives because of ineffective internal control in the workplace. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of the internal control effectiveness of four IOUC’s selected entities in Madagascar. For the present research, questionnaire and structured interviews were used to collect data. The target population was 310, and 202 out of 310 shared questionnaires were collected. Male gender was the most represented and the majority of respondents were from the age group 30-39 years. The 5-9 years category of service was more represented compared to others and many of IOUC’s selected entities employees had a bachelor’s degree and above. A pilot study was conducted before the actual one in order to correct possible flaws in the instrument. One month was given to the respondents to complete the questionnaire and to give it back. For the interviews, different methods were used according to the prevailing situation. With the level of significance at 0.01, the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth null hypotheses of the present study were rejected while the second null hypothesis was accepted. Thus, just four components of internal control of the four IOUC’s selected entities in Madagascar contribute to their internal control effectiveness which was the dependent variable of the study. Accordingly, the determinants of the internal control effectiveness of the four IOUC’s selected entities by order of impact are the information and communication system, risk assessment, control activities and monitoring of control. As the internal control of the four IOUC’s selected entities is not effective enough due to the deficiencies in the area of risk assessment and monitoring of control, the major recommendation and implication of the researcher is that internal audit unit should exist within those entities and both management and employees should be totally committed and engaged in the improvement of the deficiencies area of internal control.
The effect of employee motivation on the attainment of the organisation goals: The case of Malawi Adventist University
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-05) Mandala, Rose
Employee motivation is a very important subject as far as the achievement of organisation goals in universities is concerned. This has been recognised by some studies on staff motivation in Malawi and even abroad. Nevertheless, not much has been done on the factors that affected the achievement of organisation goals. Therefore, this study examined the effect of intrinsic, extrinsic and demographic factors on the achievement of organisation goals at Malawi Adventist University. A causal research design was used in this study. The university population was 241 employees whose employment status was permanent and contract, teaching and non-teaching, excluding those on wages. To ensure that all employees were represented, employees were randomly selected for the study. Krejicie and Morgan pre-calculated sample size table was used to select a sample of 181 employees from the population. Data was collected with a self-structured questionnaire validated with Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of .535 on extrinsic factors, .579 on intrinsic factors, .611 on demographic factors and .690 on organisation goals. A total of 146 questionnaires were validly completed and returned, representing an 81% response rate. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the data. The results revealed that at the 0.05 level of significance, intrinsic motivation factors such as nature of work and responsibility significantly affected the achievement of organisation goals at Malawi Adventist University, as evidenced by the p-values of (0.180, 1.961 and 0 .052) and (0.225, 2.574 and 0.011). Also, a p value of (0.279, 3.221 and 0.002) provided evidence that extrinsic motivation factors such as co-worker significantly influenced the achievement of organisation goals at Malawi Adventist University. Furthermore, at p-values of (0.238, 2.519 and 0 .013) and (0.185, 2.304 and 0.023) on job position and education level respectively, the demographic factors determined the achievement of organisation goals at Malawi Adventist University. The study concluded that management provision and integration of the nature of work, responsibility and co-worker motivation factors, in collaboration with the job position and education level are important towards achieving organisation goals. Therefore, the study recommended that management provide: 1. opportunities to its employees to advance in their career. Career advancement opportunities will help employees to acquire new skills and experiences which will benefit the organisation in the long run. This can be done either by sponsoring the individual employees in their area of work or by giving them an opportunity for career advancement at their expense. This will motivate employees to work and achieve the organisation goals. 2. supervise and monitor its subordinates to see the progress of their work and be able to spot the challenges faced by the employees to achieve the organisation goals. 3. introduce a reward system to recognize the work achievements of employees. The employee reward system will act as a tool for encouraging employees to work hard and go an extra mile with their respective work obligations, with an aim of being recognized. Eventually this will help the organisation achieve its goals.
The effect of employment terms of service on employee retention of selected Seventh-Day Adventist Institutions in Botswana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-04) Mpofu, Gift
The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between employment terms of service and employee retention, and possible mediating effects of job security, job satisfaction and organizational commitment on the relationship between employment terms of service and employee retention in selected Seventh-day Adventist institutions in Botswana. Although contract employees receive gratuities at the end of each contractual period, it appears that contract employees desire to opt out of contract employment to join government civil service. A seven (7) point interval Likert scale self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a population of 215 and a participation of 140 was achieved through a census study. Data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive, and multiple regression analysis methods to establish cross-sectional causal relationship between the independent and the dependent variables with and without mediator models. Results indicated that there is significant effect of employment terms of service on employee retention. Affective and cognitive job satisfaction, and affective and continuance organizational commitment have significant mediating effects on the relationship between employment terms of service and employee retention. However, affective and cognitive job security and normative organisational commitment do not have mediating effects on the relationship between employment terms of service and employee retention. It appears that an assurance of a stable retirement plan is a factor for employee retention. Thus, contact employees express disengagement and a desire to opt out of contract employment to government civil service.
An evaluation on the effectiveness of internal audit in South Zimbabwe Conference Churches
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-11) Ndabezinhle Tatenda Ncube, Ashley
The issue of trust between those charged with running an organization and the stakeholders, both for-profit and not-for-profit, is important. There is a need for the organizations to be reviewed frequently by an independent person so that the stakeholders are given an assurance that what the managers say is happening is really as per their claim. Therefore, there is a need for effective internal audits in any organization. This study evaluated the effectiveness of internal audits so as to help the Conference know the impact that internal audits have on the churches. Since the audit function is performed by the internal auditors, there are attributes which they have to have for internal audits to have an impact. A causal cross-sectional study was conducted by gathering quantitative data through questionnaires administered to selected church board members within South Zimbabwe Conference. The findings indicated that, generally, the internal auditors demonstrated the internal core attributes. Based on the results of the study, we can conclude that the internal audit function demonstrates the internal audit core attributes in South Zimbabwe Conference Churches. Besides, there is a positive relationship between the eight internal core attributes and effective internal audits. Furthermore, internal audit core attributes such as service culture, stakeholder management, risk focus, quality and innovation, and technology are significant predictors of the effectiveness of internal audits in South Zimbabwe Conference Churches. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that for the internal audit function to be more effective: the internal auditors should display independence when conducting the internal audits; financial prudence should be encouraged by the internal auditors as opposed to cost optimization; adequate appropriate personnel should be used in the auditing department; investment should be made in technology to be used in conducting internal audits; and service culture should be improved.
Factors affecting the effectiveness of the internal audit function in Valley View University, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-11) Ophelia, Aboagye Mensah
Corporate governance has become important in the management of every organization over some time now. The need for sound corporate governance has directed attention to internal auditing in both public and private sector organizations. This study, therefore, seeks to explore these factors and examine the effect of management support and commitment, staff competence and independence of internal auditors on the effectiveness of the internal audit function at Valley View University. The study is a cross-sectional quantitative study that utilized a causal research design. The main instruments for data collection are structured questionnaires and oral interviews to the targeted population. It adopted 250 respondents for the questionnaire and 15 for the interview. Inferential statistics were used throughout the study and analyses of the data obtained.The results revealed that management support and commitment, the competence of the internal audit function and independence of internal audit staff significantly and positively predict effectiveness of the internal audit function (r = 0.834*, r2 = 0.686, p< 0.01). The study concluded competence of internal auditors, their level of independence and corresponding management support and commitment are key predictors of the overall effectiveness of the internal audit function. Therefore, management should ensure that (1) the internal audit work is sufficiently resourced to allow it to fulfil its mandate, (2) the internal audit staff in key positions have a recognized skill set appropriate to their functions, and (3) the auditors receive the training and development they need to deal with the increasing challenges organizations are facing.
Factors influencing financial decision-making in Zimbabwe Union Conference institutions
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-06) Moyo, Makhosiwonke
This paper investigated various elements that affect financial decision-making in church denominational institutions operated by the Zimbabwe Union Conference and the link between financial reporting and financial decision-making. Denominational policy provides guidelines for the financial reporting process, but some entities do not adhere to the policy requirements. The study was a cross-sectional and causal one using a questionnaire that was distributed to all the board members of the five respondent institutions. The questionnaire was used to determine the financial reporting practices and their relationship to financial decision-making in the institutions. For the descriptive data, the method of analysis was frequency and percentages as well as mean and standard deviation. Correlation analysis was used to analyse the relationship between the financial reporting variables and decision making, and a regression analysis was used to assess if any of the variables have an effect on decision-making. Only three of the variables under study have a significant relationship with decision-making, namely: the combination of the financial statements constituting the financial report, the board’s understanding of the financial report and the role of the higher organization. Only the Role of the Higher Organization has a significant effect on financial decision-making. Therefore, I conclude that the higher organisation must be diligent in implementing oversight and requiring compliance with the working policy.
Financial literacy level assessment among church members in Southern Highland Conference, Tanzania: a basis for financial literacy training program
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-04) Mwanandewe, Aron P.
It has been observed that when people lack the financial skills to make informed decisions, they tend to lose their business, meet increased poverty and unemployment as a result of not exploiting available business opportunities. In particular, equipping church members with financial skills tends to impact their returning of tithes and offerings. The overall objective of this study was to assess the level of financial literacy among selected church members in the Southern Highland Conference, Tanzania, to highlight areas where there could be a need for training. The variables used were the level of understanding of church members regarding financial matters, the source of the financial knowledge acquired by church members, and the use of financial skills in real life as well as the level of giving of the church members. Finally, the effect between the use of financial skills and their giving was established. The respondents were randomly picked from the 1,527 churches of the Highland Conference and 306 respondents were asked to participate in the study. A survey was used as the instrument for the study. The study design was a causal type and descriptive. Inferential statistics calculated and analyzed. From the findings it was discovered that the majority of the respondents have knowledge on financial issues. Respondents contended to have it through interaction with other people, entrepreneur struggle, workshops or seminars and formal education institutions. The study also revealed that church members have financial skills like budgeting, saving; planning (tax, estate and retirements), though the analysis shows that they do not have sufficient confidence to engage in financial business and they are not well financially as most of them are not able to pay short term and long obligations, as well as the lack of financial freedom. Though financial knowledge has brought big improvement, the majority of church members still needs emphasize. Hence, the study recommended that knowledge on financial issues needs to be built from the childhood stage to impact on individual attitude. Secondly, financial training in formal education should be done practically rather than theory as most of church members they have knowledge, skills but lack confidence to make financial decision. Thirdly, financial training to be done in peer’s groups since business interactions seems to be the major source of financial knowledge among church members. Also, financial training is to be given more emphasizing parallel to stewardship seminars/workshops so as to empower the church and church members financially.
Financial literacy level assessment among church members in Southern Highland Conference, Tanzania: a basis for financial literacy training program
(2018-04) Mwanandewe, Aron P.
It has been observed that when people lack the financial skills to make informed decisions, they tend to lose their business, meet increased poverty and unemployment as a result of not exploiting available business opportunities. In particular, equipping church members with financial skills tends to impact their returning of tithes and offerings. The overall objective of this study was to assess the level of financial literacy among selected church members in the Southern Highland Conference, Tanzania, to highlight areas where there could be a need for training. The variables used were the level of understanding of church members regarding financial matters, the source of the financial knowledge acquired by church members, and the use of financial skills in real life as well as the level of giving of the church members. Finally, the effect between the use of financial skills and their giving was established. The respondents were randomly picked from the 1,527 churches of the HighlandConference and 306 respondents were asked to participate in the study. A survey was used as the instrument for the study. The study design was a causal type and descriptive. Inferential statistics calculated and analyzed. From the findings it was discovered that the majority of the respondents have knowledge on financial issues. Respondents contended to have it through interaction with other people, entrepreneur struggle, workshops or seminars and formal education institutions. The study also revealed that church members have financial skills like budgeting, saving; planning (tax, estate and retirements), though the analysis shows that they do not have sufficient confidence to engage in financial business and they are not well financially as most of them are not able to pay short term and long obligations, as well as the lack of financial freedom. Though financial knowledge has brought big improvement, the majority of church members still needs emphasize. Hence, the study recommended that knowledge on financial issues needs to be built from the childhood stage to impact on individual attitude. Secondly, financial training in formal education should be done practically rather than theory as most of church members they have knowledge, skills but lack confidence to make financial decision. Thirdly, financial training to be done in peer’s groups since business interactions seems to be the major source of financial knowledge among church members. Also, financial training is to be given more emphasizing parallel to stewardship seminars/workshops so as to empower the church and church members financially.
Financial management practices at Burundi Union Fields
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-06) Ndikumana, Candide
This study concerns the financial management practices of Burundi Union’s Fields. All Seventh-day Adventist Churches in the world have a mission to go and preach the good news of Jesus Christ. However, that mission cannot be carried on without funds. To fulfill that mission, the Burundi Union Fields need to mobilize and use effectively the financial resources they receive from members and donors. Hence, the purpose of the study is to determine to what extent are the Fields effective in managing their finances. To achieve the objective, three aspects of financial management are considered: financial planning or budgeting, internal control and financial accounting practices. The instruments include a questionnaire which was distributed to 86 respondents, with the majority male, with age range between 41 and 50 and had a bachelor ‘degree as level of education. Both primary data and secondary data were used. Financial Statements were analyzed using the indicators such as working capital, liquidity and self-support ratios to determine the financial condition of Fields during the period of 2015-2017. The results show that some Fields were not managing their finances as effectively and efficiently as they should. Only the Peace Field’s budget is being used as an instrument of control and evaluation because it is regularly posted in the accounting books. The budget of other Fields is not all recorded in their books of accounting. Consequently, their budgets are not used as an instrument of control and evaluation. This is the case of Hope Field for the year of 2017, Light Field for the year of 2015 and Maranatha Field for the years of 2015, 2016, and 2017. Further, for Peace Field and Light Field the documentation which contains procedures of internal control is not produced. For all the Fields, only the 2015 financial statements are audited by GCAS. In addition, for some fields, the internal auditor does not meet the treasurers of the local churches to discuss about critical issues of internal control.
The financial management practices of selected Seventh-day Adventist churches in Malanje Municipality, Angola: a basis for financial strategic plan
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-09) Caculo, Isaaf Figueiredo Jeremias
Not long ago, financial management matters were considered secular matters, and the church was viewed as a sacred place, where only holy objects would be handled. Sound financial management is not only crucial for financial health but also for the spiritual health of the Church. Without financial resources, the mission of the church will be impeded. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to propose a strategy to be utilized by the local church administration in the Malanje Central district of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Angola; and other governance bodies in managing financial resources effectively according to the universally accepted policies in the SDA Church. The study was conducted in the Central Malanje District, Angolan Province located in the North center of the Country. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted for the study and the questionnaire was the main data collectiontool. In sum, 37 local treasurers and 252 others including pastors, elders, and other church members participated in the study. The major findings suggest that generally, the trend of giving in the Malanje central district of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the past two years from 2018- 2019 has been steady and increasing. The level of treasurers’ competencies according to the perceptions of the church members and the treasurers is high. In terms of church financial record keeping, budgetary control and financial reporting are high for both church members and local treasurers. However, there is more room for better management of the church finances in the Malenje District of SDA. Therefore, a plan of action is proposed to improve the financial management of the Malanje central District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Financial ratios in analyzing and measuring financial performance in selected Seventh-Day Adventist institutions in Zimbabwe
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-06) Moyo, Passport
Financial ratios are tools for analyzing and interpreting financial statements, these ratios are categorized into five sections if it were a for profit enterprise. In not for-profit institutions, four sections of ratios can be used to analyze financial statements. These are liquidity ratios, solvency ratios, asset turnover ratios, surplus/profitability and equity ratios. The researcher observed that in the Seventh-day Adventist institutions in Zimbabwe only three ratios were used: the two liquidity ratios and self-support ratio which are unique to the church. It is therefore against this background that the researcher investigated the usefulness of the additional ratios in the analysis of the institutions’ financial statements.The study examined the respondents’ perceptions on the usefulness of the additional ratios and also intended to suggest additional ratios that would be considered by the institutions under study in the analysis and interpretation of the financial statements to enhance the effectiveness in determining the financial performance of the selected Seventh-day Adventist institutions in Zimbabwe. The survey research strategy was used to collect data and the research was a cross sectional study which sought to identify ratios which can be used in analyzing and performance measurement of the financial statements. The study utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics to examine the usefulness of adopting additional ratios. Results from the study showed that liquidity ratios, solvency ratios, asset turnover and profitability ratios were equally important for adoption in the Seventh-day Adventist institutions. In addition, there are significant relationships between liquidity, solvency as well as profitability ratios and financial performance measurement. However, only profitability/surplus ratios are significant predictors of financial performance measurement. The study therefore concludes that there is need for the Seventh-day Adventist institutions in Zimbabwe, in particular Zimbabwe Union Conference and its entities to adopt the additional ratios for use in the analysis and interpretation of the financial statements. These additional ratios being proposed include solvency, asset turnover and especially profitability. Besides, in faith-based institutions such as the Seventh-day Adventist institutions in Zimbabwe, surpluses are key to financial sustainability.
Financial sustainability: the case of Collège ADventiste De Maroua, Cameroon
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-07) Ndoumié, Tchamaya
Adequate financial resource is a key fundamental ingredient for the success of any organization and lack of it could lead to the demise of expansion plans in any organization. This research studied the financial sustainability of the Collège Adventiste de Maroua in Cameroon. Through descriptive research design, the researcher collected both qualitative and quantitative data from a sample of 263 respondents, including teachers, staff support employees, administration, parents, ExCom and students. The study uncovered that the institution is in a dire financial situation. This situation was caused mainly by insufficiency and lack of adequate infrastructure, insufficient number of students enrolled, the inability of the organization to charge appropriate school fees, and the lack of adequate measures aimed at the collection ofoutstanding fees. The study, therefore, suggested solutions, including major actions to be taken like the building of new infrastructure, the amelioration of the quality of service offered by the organization, and the seriousness of the administration in the collection of the school fees. In addition, the institution ought to have in place a strategic and financial plan, to diversify the organization revenue, maintain a good leadership style and ameliorate the administration of the finance, ensure teamwork among the management, and an appropriate marketing plan.
The impact of effective budgeting and budgetary control on financial performance in selected Zimbabwe Union Conference entities
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-06) Malufu, Khanyisani
Resources are scarce and our wants are unlimited. The endless wants and limited resources bring about the need for efficient and effective allocation of resources in a way that brings stability, growth and profitability of an organization. Effective budgeting involves a right budgeting process, a consultative approach, and an adherence to policy regulating the process. However, effective budgeting is not enough. There needs to be an effective budgetary control for entities to have a good financial performance. These two elements, budgeting and budgetary control are inevitable in any type of organization, including the church institutions. The study was aimed at helping administrators in the church institutions budget effectively and effectively use approved budgets as control tools in their organizations so as to improve the organization’s financial performance. Once the relationship between budgeting, budgetary control and financial performance has been established, the study will help the administrators of organisations to take budgeting and budgetary control concepts seriously. They will formulate and/or adopt policies that promote effective budgeting and budgetary controls in all entities for the benefit of all organisations and their sustainable growth while supporting the organization’s mission. The study was a cross-sectional causal study that helped the researcher analyse the effects of budgeting and budgetary control on financial performance of selected Zimbabwe Union Conference entities. The study was done in Zimbabwe using six conferences and it made use of all executive committee members of each of the six entities and all the union officers. Other employees who are either involved in the budgetary process or who make use of these budgets were selected using purposive and census sampling procedures. Data was collected using a 7-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20 after it was checked for validity and reliability. For the descriptive aspect, the data was used to calculate means and standard deviations. Correlations and regression analysis were used for inferential statistics. There was a statistically significant impact (p< .05) in both effective budgeting and effective budgetary control on financial performance. The researcher concluded that both effective budgeting and effective budgetary control are inevitable in any organization’s financial performance. The researcher recommended that the prevailing budgeting and budgetary control practices be encouraged in the future and the officers be trained in areas of weakness, especially the consultative approach. There also needs to be two-way communication that is maintained throughout the budgeting process and those involved in the budgeting and budgetary control processes be trained in order to increase their expertise. Further research is recommended to explore the area under study together with the other parts of financial management for non-profit faith-based organizations. The same study can be done in other institutions in Zimbabwe, and beyond the region, and the findings can be compared to assess if there are better ways being practiced elsewhere that can be shared and emulated. Other studies that combine both the perceptions and the financial data can be done to enrich the findings.
The impact of electronic format on purchase and use of Ellen G. White print resources among Seventh-Day Adventist Churches in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-02) Chebichiy, RoseMercy
Knowledge is important in current society, and that is why this is called the information age. There is so much information in different forms. Information materials are now available in print and in electronic formats. The Ellen G. White (EGW) writings are also available in both print and electronic formats. It has not, however, been empirically established whether the electronic format is affecting the print format in any way. The aim of this study was to find out whether the electronic format of EGW writings has had an impact on the purchase and use of print materials. The study was a cross-sectional causal design, conducted in a non-contrived setting. Seventh-day Adventist Church members, 196 in total, selected from five randomly English churches located in Nairobi CBD participated in the research. From this number, 184 were used for this research. Eighty percent of those who participated in the study were aged 40 and below. Fifty-one percent of all respondents were male,while 49% were female. More than 70% of the respondents had a Bachelor’s Degree and above. In terms of the level of income, the highest category, 43.8%, was that of people who earn more than Ksh 50,000, on the other hand, the second-highest category, 23.1%, was of those who earn less than Ksh 10,000. The data collection instrument for the study was a survey questionnaire that underwent several tests to ensure its reliability and validity. The data collected was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to generate results for the study. The findings revealed that readers in Nairobi County prefer to read EGW writings in both print and electronic formats. It was also found that individual characteristics of age and level of income have an impact on the purchase and use of EGW print materials, while the level of education and gender have no impact. Four other factors were tested: accessibility, readability, belief in authenticity and cost. Of these factors, three of them: accessibility, readability and belief in authenticity showed an impact, while cost came out as having no impact on the purchase and use of EGW print resources. Based on the findings, this research concluded that we cannot confidently say that the electronic format of EGW materials has come to phase out the print format. It is true there is an impact, but it is not big enough to replace the print books entirely. The same study can be done in different settings to compare the results and produce a wider perspective on this matter.
Impact of financial statements information on the decision-making effectiveness of selected entities in Liberia
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-05) Hosna-Janeta, Martina
Financial statements contain information that reveals the health and current condition, and the future prospect of an organization. It is a medium of communication to users of the financial activities of the entity. Information is key to decision making. Therefore, financial statements containing the financial information of an entity are useful for economic decision making. For a financial statement to be of use to the users, it must be of the right quality and the users should have the requisite level of understanding of the statements. A decision that is based on quality information can bring about confidence, satisfaction, and commitment. Knowledge drives away doubt and fear to build confidence, satisfaction and commitment. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which entities within the Liberia field of the West African Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists use information from financial statements in making financial decision, and the effect of the use and quality of the information, as well as the level of knowledge of the users on the effectiveness of decision-making. The study employed a cross-sectional causal research design to accomplish its purpose. The findings show that executive committees use financial statements but superficially, and that knowledge is of more impact on the decision-making effectiveness than quality. This study recommends that persons of knowledgeable financial background be purposefully part of the board to facilitate financial decision making.
Internal controls and financial performance : a case study of Mugonero Hospital and its health centers, Rwanda
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-06) Habineza, Rugimbabahizi
Effective internal control systems can play a very crucial role in every organization to realize organizational goals, one of which is achieving financial performance objectives. The main objective of this study was to establish the relationship between internal control systems and the financial performance of Mugonero Hospital and its health centers. Specific objectives of the study included examining the existing internal control system in the organization and investigating the relationship between the five internal control elements and financial performance. A correlational research design was adopted for this study. The study used a sample of 80 respondents from a targeted population, which also served as the sample. The findings of this research revealed that financial performance is quite good where all operating costs were covered, profitability goal attainment, enough liquid cash to cover all expenses and working capital was above 100%. The findings also indicated that internal controls were somewhat practiced and this due to the shortage of training given to the staff, segregation and separation of duties and that all risks were not daily measured. Therefore, the health institutions have to invest in establishing strong internal control systems to realize better their financial performance. Strong internal control systems must be entrenched in all levels of the organization by the managers to improve institution’s financial performance.

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