Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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Assessing internal control effectiveness in selected organizations in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-10) Tsiriniaina Rakotonirina Andrianarimanana
The present research centered on an exhaustive evaluation of internal controls within specific entities affiliated with the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The primary objective was to pinpoint areas needing improvement, thereby ensuring alignment with the foundational mission and objectives of the affiliated institutions. Grounded in the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework, this study covered the key domains of Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, Monitoring Activities, and the integral aspect of Frequency of Control. The methodology employed was quantitative, relying on an adapted questionnaire for data collection. This instrument was informed by the COSO (2013) framework and was adapted from the "ICE Control Environment Questionnaire". Data were collected from fifteen selected entities, namely the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, the SIDMEDIA institution, twelve unions, and one attached field. A diverse group of 136 participants, spanning roles from officers to finance secretaries, provided valuable insights. While 'Table 20' offers a range of actionable strategies, the study emphasizes the recommended measures to enhance the efficiency of internal controls. Key recommendations include the establishment of robust reporting systems, the creation of specialized training modules, and a revisiting and potential revamping of prevailing policies. This research underscores the paramount importance of robust internal controls, highlighting their role in bolstering transparency, fostering accountability, and elevating overall organizational efficiency within religious institutions.
Factors contributing to financial preparedness for retirement among manufacturing industry employees in Blantyre, Malawi
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-05) Bonongwe Tonny
Financial preparedness for retirement has garnered significant attention in an era marked by increasing life expectancies and shifting economic landscapes. Retirement, once viewed as a period of leisure and relaxation, now necessitates careful financial planning to ensure a secure and comfortable lifestyle in later years. With the decline of traditional pension systems and the rise of self-directed retirement accounts, more employees leave the workplace without properly preparing financially for their retirement (Muhome, 2023). Against this backdrop, this thesis sought to investigate why Malawi employees do not have enough savings for retirement by looking at contributing factors, which are financial literacy, attitude toward retirement, demographic characteristics, and cultural and societal influences in relation to financial retirement preparedness for employees in the manufacturing industry in Blantyre, Malawi. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional causal research design, collecting data from 458 participants in the selected manufacturing firms in Chirimba and Makata industrial areas. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression and correlation analyses. The study discovered a moderate positive significant relationship between financial preparedness for retirement and financial literacy (r = 0.629, p = <0.001), cultural and social influence (r= .51; p<.001) and attitude toward retirement (r = 47; p = < .001) among respondents respectively. Additionally, the study found that there are differences among the different age groups (χ2(4) = 3.49, p = 0.480) and gender (χ2(1) = 2.78, p = 0.095) when it comes to financial retirement preparation. The study also discovered that financial literacy (39.6%), attitude toward retirement (22.3%), and cultural and social influences (26.3%) significantly predict financial preparedness for retirement (p = < .001). These predictors when combined, account for 46% (p = < .001) of financial preparedness for retirement among employees. Lastly, using attitude toward retirement as a mediator showed significant mediating effects on direct and indirect relationships between financial literacy (p<.001), cultural and social influences (p<.001) respectively and financial preparedness for retirement. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to financial preparedness for retirement among employees in the manufacturing industry in Blantyre, Malawi. The study’s findings can inform targeted interventions and policies to enhance employees’ financial preparedness for retirement in the sector.
The effect of working capital management on the profitability of selected manufacturing firms listed on the Ghana stock exchange between 2016 to 2021
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-05) Owusu-Ansah Philip
Working capital management (WCM) is a crucial component of financial analysis in organizations. This study investigates how working capital management (measured by accounts receivable management, account payable management, inventory management and cash management) impacts the profitability of industrial enterprises listed in Ghana. Several studies have been conducted in this country regarding the effect of working capital on profitability, and the findings point to different conclusions. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more studies to obtain a clearer understanding of this situation. This study utilized a quantitative causal research design, focusing on a balanced panel of 15 Ghanaian manufacturing firms listed on the Ghanaian Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2021. The findings of the study show that accounts payable management, accounts receivable management, and inventory management have higher means than cash management. ROA has a negative mean of 0.35%. Further, the results show a significant and positive relationship between the following working capital management elements: accounts payable management, inventory management, and cash conversion cycle on one hand, and return on assets on the other hand. However, account receivable management and return on assets were not significantly correlated. Regression analysis showed that working capital management had a significant effect on ROA, with an r2 of 36.5%. Further, the findings indicate that firms’ years of existence do not seem to moderate the relationship between working capital management and profitability. The recommendations focused on boosting profitability through the effective management of working capital to reduce short-term borrowing.
The effect of budgeting and budgetary control practices on the liquidity levels of the Seventh-day Adventist Missions in Angola
(Adventist University of Africa, 2023-12) Joaquim Nzage Gonçalves Manuel
The budget defines the financial plan of the organization quantitatively during a specific period. Effective Budgeting practices are the processes of creating and implementing a budget according to the policy, within the appropriate process, and with the participation of top- and lower-level managers within an organization. Effective budgetary control practices are the processes of evaluating an organization´s budget by preventing errors from occurring and detecting them after the errors have occurred, always respecting the rules. Budgeting and budgetary control practices are instrumental in improving financial performance in an organizational setting. Non-profit organizations have a particular interest in improving income, and reducing expenses so that the liquidity can carry on their short-term operations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of budgeting and budgetary control practices on the liquidity levels of Seventh-day Adventist missions in Angola. The study was conducted in four Seventh - day Adventist missions in two Seventh-day Adventist unions in Angola. These missions experienced the problem of decreasing liquidity. This study used a causal research design. The study population comprised all committee members and accountants, who usually deal directly with budgeting and budgetary control. The instrument used for its data collection was a questionnaire that was tested for validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The findings indicate that budgeting and budgetary controls are effectively practiced in Angle’s Seventh-day Adventist missions. However, there are areas that require improvement to enhance liquidity levels. The liquidity levels are very low in such a way that they are a source of concern. The regression analysis shows that a p-value less than 0.05 for budgeting practices and budgetary control practices impacts on liquidity levels; however, only 12% of budgeting practices and 6% of budgetary control practices explain the level of liquidity. The study shows coefficient B= 1.198 and unstandardized coefficient B= 0.458, for the effect of budgeting practices on liquidity levels, and B= 1.427 and unstandardized coefficient B= 0.351 for the effect of budgetary control practices on liquidity levels. It was recommended that improvement of the utility of budgeting and budgetary control in the organization was needed: the participation of departmental directors in the budgeting making process be enhanced; and to board members be trained on issues related to budget and financial statements.
Predictive factors influencing employee retention at Botswana Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Botswana
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-05) Kgomotso Bogadi Chenset
Retaining employees is critical to the success of the business. The goal of this study was to look into the predictive factors influencing employee retention at the Botswana Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Botswana. 68 workers who are both permanent and eligible for pensions, as well as all pastors and support personnel with three years or more of service were the participants. Workers with contracts and who have been working for fewer than three years of experience were excluded from the study. Extrinsic and intrinsic factors were found to be the two factors of influence. A quantitative causal study design was employed. A partially adopted questionnaire was used to gather the information. Likert scale evaluations with a five (5) point range were utilized in this study. The findings showed that there is a significant impact of both the extrinsic (Financial Benefits, Leadership, Working Environment), with an adjusted r-square of .096, and intrinsic factors, with an adjusted r-square of .238 (Internalization of Organizational Values & Beliefs, Faith Factor, Sense of Security, Contentment with the Job, Organizational Commitment) on employee retention. However, extrinsic factors were found to have less weight than intrinsic ones. Among the extrinsic factors, the areas of strength were the financial benefits and good working environment while the weakness was leadership. Continuance and normative commitment were the weakest among the intrinsic factors. Among the intrinsic factors, the areas of strength were the Faith factor and affective commitment. Based on the findings it was recommended that the BUC and local Conference leaders must improve on the financial benefits, leadership, and good working environment to effectively retain their personnel. Being faith-based institutions, it is advised that the organization encourage the employees to put their faith into practice in the workplace to follow their calling and know that they are God’s stewards wherever they are found.
Institutional mission effectiveness on employees’ commitment in the Central African Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
(Adventist University of Africa, 2022-12) Guy Germain Mihindou Kanda
The drafting and adoption of a mission statement by both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations have become widespread in the corporate world. An effective mission statement is crucial to driving the organization’s goal and is a motivational tool to bring about employees’ commitment within an organization. Nevertheless, the institutional mission is often adopted but then forgotten by both managers and personnel. Consequently, the individuals within the organizations know very little about the mission statement and how it can affect employees’ commitment. More so, in the context of faith-based institutions, there is a dearth of research focusing on the effectiveness and impact of mission statements on employees. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of institutional mission statement effectiveness in light of its relevance, quality, and management’s ability to communicate the mission statement to employees within the Central African Union Mission of Seventh –day Adventist church. The present study also determined the relationship between institutional mission statements and employee commitment. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data from 77 respondents. The study revealed a significant relationship between institutional mission statement relevance, quality communication, and employees’ commitment. The findings show that the mission statement is relevant (mean = 3.57; SD = .49) and of high quality (mean = 3.18; SD = .53). However, the respondents also indicated that the mission statement is not communicated as fully as it should to the stakeholders (mean = 2.89; SD = .52). The finding show that the employees have a high level of commitment to their organization with a mean of 3.36 and a standard deviation of 0.50. Pearson correlation analysis was performed and the result indicated a moderate but significant correlation between relevance and commitment (r=.45,p<0.01); quality and commitment (r=.49,p<0.01); communication and commitment (r=.47,p<0.01). The results from the regression analysis showed that relevance of the mission statement has an effect on employees’ commitment, with an adjusted R square = .20; F (1, 75) = 20.050, p < 0.05. The results also show that the quality of the mission statement has an effect on the employees’ commitment: adjusted R square is 0.235, F (1, 75) = 24.344, p < 0.05. Third, there is a statistically significant effect of communication of the mission statement on the employees’ commitment. The results show an adjusted R-square is 0.228, F (1, 75) = 22.163, p < 0.05. The findings were used as a basis to propose practical strategies to the Seventh-day Adventist church leaders in the Central African Union Mission on how to use the mission statement to promote employees’ commitment.
Effect of procurement practices of medicine and medical supplies on organizational performance: a case of Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, 2024-03) Bikiltu Kenna Degu
Procurement practices constitute a pivotal function crucial for shaping the performance of organizations, irrespective of their public or private nature. Despite this evidence, many hospitals in Kenya struggle with poor performance which they attribute to poor procurement practices that have been adopted by the hospitals as one of the main reasons. This study specifically examined the impact of procurement practices of medicine and medical supplies, on the organizational performance of Tenwek Hospital in Kenya. The evaluation of Tenwek Hospital's performance considered two dimensions: financial performance and the improved healthcare services. Once the relationship between procurement practices and organizational performance is established, this knowledge can guide hospital administrators to consider key elements of procurement practices, such as stakeholder engagement, procurement planning, and supplier management, as effective strategies for improving performance. This research employed a quantitative approach, specifically adopting a causal cross-sectional research design to explore the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The target population of this study were the workers in procurement department, finance department, and the health professionals of Tenwek hospital. To guarantee the inclusion of appropriate and representative participants in the study, the research employed a combination of purposive sampling and simple random sampling methods. The study's validity was confirmed by an overall Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient exceeding 0.7. A self-designed questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Data for this research were collected at Tenwek Hospital, with a sample size of 240 respondents. A 100% response rate was achieved from the participants. The data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, which included calculating the means, standard deviations and averages to describe the demographic variables and to assess the extent to which the procurement practices were being implemented. Additionally, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between the variables. The Pearson correlation results demonstrated positive relationships between stakeholder engagement (r = 0.585, p < 0.005), procurement planning (r = 0.653, p < 0.005), and supplier management (r = 0.596, p < 0.005) with organizational financial performance. Similarly, positive correlations were found with organizational performance in improved healthcare services, including stakeholder engagement (r = 0.681, p < 0.005), procurement planning (r = 0.674, p < 0.005), and supplier management (r = 0.556, p < 0.005). The regression analysis provided significant insights into the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The adjusted R2 indicated that 45% and 49.8% of the variability in financial performance and improved healthcare services respectively can be explained by the three predictor variables. Moreover, the ANOVA results showed a p-value below 0.05, which confirmed a significant relationship between the three procurement practices, and both financial and improved healthcare services performance. Regarding financial performance, the standardized coefficients (Beta) for procurement planning (β = 0.394, t = 4.04, p < 0.05) and supplier management (β = 0.241, t = 3.35, p < 0.05) demonstrated significant effects, with procurement planning exerting a slightly stronger effect. However, stakeholders’ engagement (β = 0.097, t = 1.107) exhibited the lowest standardized coefficient and lacked statistical significance (p > 0.05). On the other side, concerning improved healthcare performance, stakeholders’ engagement (β = 0.379, t = 4.527, p < 0.05) and procurement planning (β = 0.289, t = 3.101, p < 0.05) showed significant effects, with stakeholders’ engagement having a slightly greater effect. In contrast, supplier management (β = 0.093, t = 1.353) had the lowest standardized coefficient and lacked statistical significance (p > 0.05), indicating no significant effect on improved healthcare services performance. The study recommends the following: (1) enhancing Tenwek Hospital's procurement practices by improving stakeholder engagement through consultative processes and structured communication; (2) refining procurement planning to balance timely acquisition and minimize service interruptions; (3) addressing stock outs through detailed analysis and supplier management by implementing a robust supplier selection and evaluation process; (4) and managing emergency orders with contingency plans. It is also recommended to enhance procurement planning and supplier management to improve financial performance, while emphasizing the significance of stakeholder engagement in improving healthcare service delivery.
A strategy to combat financial non-reporting of churches in Malawi Union: a case study of North Malawi Field
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-04) Moyo, Moffat Braston
This case study was conducted to find strategies to combat financial non reporting in Malawi Union Conference. The result shows that financial non-reporting is a very serious issue that needs to be combated. The study targeted pastors, elders, church treasurers and Field officers and department directors in North Malawi Field. A sample size of 135 respondents from the selected churches using simple random sampling was to ensure that most churches in the church district are represented. The study used descriptive study design to capture the relevant issues in financial non-reporting of the local churches. The study revealed that a major reason for non-reporting is the fact that the local churches are far from each other. In addition, the distance between office/bank and the churches, the lack of commitment, training, motivation, follow-ups, mentoring, not aware of the dangers of non-reporting, illiteracy, lack of logistics are marginal causes of financial non-reporting in the local churches. Reasons attributed to non-reporting also include the absence of treasurers during the reporting period, low fund collection during the month, infrequent visitation of pastors to the churches and lack of feedback from the Field. Furthermore, the problems of financial non-reporting have resulting implications on the Field. The study revealed that income is not fairly stated, low wage factor and lack of transparency and accountability are the three top consequences of non-reporting. Besides, the three major suggestions to combat non reporting include training on how to preparing reports, more stewardship seminars and putting mechanisms to reduce distances. Based on the results, the researcher proposed strategies in order to minimize financial non-reporting. Furthermore, a list of recommendations has been proposed to address the issue of financial non-reporting.
A performance appraisal tool for Seventh-day Adventist church pastors in Côte d'Ivoire Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-04) Amon, Boa Innocent
The purpose of this study was to create a performance appraisal tool that will allow an efficient performance management of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastors within the conference of Côte d’Ivoire. The basis for such a tool was the standards of performance set by the church policy as well as the level of expectations of the recipients of the pastoral ministry, i.e. church members, and the extent to which the expectations are being met. A questionnaire was administered to that effect. The analysis of the data revealed that the church members felt that the pastors were, in general, meeting their expectations. However, for two critical pastoral functions, there is a big gap between expectations and fulfillment of those expectations: training and visitations. The findings also indicated a need for the performance appraisal tool to be developed using two sections separately. The first section is a behaviorally anchored rating scales, where the various aspects of the pastoral duties are rated. The second section is a report of the outcomes, expressed in numbers, of visitations, training, and evangelism.
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.
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.
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.
Recruitment, selection, and retention of teachers in Seventh-day Adventist Schools in North Cameroon Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-12) Abiné
Hiring the right people at the right place is important for every organization. Moreover, retaining qualified employees is a daily challenge for managers. The purpose of this study was to develop a program to be utilized by school administrators and other decision-makers to identify and retain qualified Seventh-day Adventist teachers in North Cameroon. The study used a cross-section descriptive research design to address the research questions. The study findings revealed that Adventist primary and secondary schools in the northern part of Cameroon use word of mouth as the main recruitment strategy. Also, teacher benefits, the image of the school, the attitude of administrators are the three most important factors that influence teachers’ decision to remain with their current employers. The study recommends a continuous improvement of the current efforts and strategies to maintain teachers in order to be more attractive. Also, a program for recruitment, selection, and retention of qualified teachers has been proposed.
Strategies to help small and medium enterprises access funding: a case of Cotonou-Benin
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-03) Elom, Agbodza Kodjo
The main objective of this study was to examine the accessibility of funding of selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cotonou. A descriptive research design was adopted to carry out the study. The population of our research includes the SMEs of Benin, resulting from the various branches of industry. The size of our sample was 100. This study utilized primary data. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed for descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). The study revealed that many SMEs depend on their own personal savings as a major source for funding and 72% of the respondents indicated that access to finance is their major challenge. Also, about 72% said that it is during the start-up and growth stages that accessing fund for their business poses the greatest challenge. The SMEs also face several factors that block them from getting the needed funds. The factors include absence of collateral, insufficient capital, insufficient profitability andlack of business plan. According to the SMEs, they don’t get funding because of high interest rates and perceived risks associated with their business and some unfavorable credit policies by the banks. Besides, the banks do not support their business. Also, more than 90% of the sampled SMEs said they do not enjoy any form of support from the Government of Benin. The study, therefore, concludes that SMEs in Benin largely depend on personal savings as a source of funding their business and access to funding is a major challenge confronting the SMEs as a result of lack of collateral and business plans. In addition, the study concludes that financial institutions’ stringent loan conditions also inhibit SMEs access to financing. Finally, the findings show that the government is not supporting the SMEs. The study concludes that the lack of government interventions such as giving subsidies, recognitions, funds, trainings and some tax reliefs, among other factors, may affect SMEs access to funding.
The role of internal audit in internal control effectiveness in Rwenzori Field, Uganda
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-10) Baluku., Yosia
The role of internal audit is to provide independent assurance that an organization’s internal control processes are operating effectively. Organizations have internal controls to promote operational efficiency, ensure accurate, reliable accounting records, safeguard assets, encourage employees to follow company policy, and comply with legal requirements. The Internal Audit Department in Rwenzori Field, Uganda, was created in January 2013, as the result of combined pressure from many stakeholders: a recommendation from the General Conference Auditing Service; the Uganda union mission mandate to every field to have an internal audit department; and the need of pastors for internal audit in their churches to arouse carefulness and responsible stewardship among the local church treasurers. However, there is seemingly doubt of whether the Internal Audit Department is performing its function successfully and meeting expectations. The aim of this study was, therefore,to analyze the role of internal audit in internal control effectiveness of Rwenzori Field. The study was cross-sectional and utilized a causal research design to examine the role of internal audit on internal control effectiveness of Rwenzori Field. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics whereby mean and standard deviation, as well as bivariate correlations and regression analyses were respectively used for analyses of data. Results from the descriptive statistics showed that the internal audit department is effective in ensuring internal controls in Rwenzori Field institutions and churches. The results of correlation revealed significant positive relationships between internal controls and key elements in the internal audit department. Also, multiple regression analysis for institutions revealed that among the three predictors, competence (p < .01, beta = .454) and management support (p < .01, beta = .432) are significant predictors of internal controls. The same is true for the local churches (management support = p < .01, beta = .388; competence = p < .05, beta = .201). These results show that internal audit plays an important role in the Rwenzori Field of Seventh-day Adventists.
Strategies to enhance employee motivation to improve performance at selected Cameroonian Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary Schools : the case of Yaounde Adventist Secondary School and Odza Bilingual Adventist Academic Complex
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-02) Philippe Didier Njanga Bello;
In Cameroonian Adventist secondary schools, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors used to motivate employees contribute to increased employee performance. To assess the level of motivation of Yaoundé Adventist Secondary School and Odza Bilingual Adventist Academic Complex employees, to examine the relationship between employee motivation and performance, and to find strategies to motivate employees that will enhance job performance, the researcher used cross-sectional survey and focus group discussion to solicit the opinions of 239 employees from the YASS and the OBAC. The findings revealed that there was no relationship between employee motivation and performance at both schools. Participants suggested that the most important factor to motivate employees is achievement with a mean of 4.14, followed by advancement (3.88), growth (3.79) and work itself (3.73). The researcher recommended that management should take steps to improve working conditions, salary and incentives, and training in order to get the employees who contribute their maximum effort to improve their performances at the selected schools.
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.
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.
Investigation of the effectiveness of internal control systems within the three Missions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sierra Leone
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-03) Kamara, Sieh
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sierra Leone has existed for well over a century. However, progress in terms of membership growth and infrastructural development is less than satisfactory. This may be due to the way the Church leadership handles its human and financial resources. There are several evidences indicating weak control systems that can negatively affect the Church. These evidences included the lack of local church audits, absence of training for church workers, and the other mission stations have not been audited by General Conference Auditing Service (GCAS) at all since they were opened. Therefore, there was the need for an investigation of the effectiveness of internal control systems within the three missions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sierra Leone. Data was collected from selected churches through the use of a questionnaire. One hundred and two (102) questionnaires were retrieved. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to generate percentages, frequencies, means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis to analyze data. The study generally found internal control elements to be in place but less than adequate at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sierra Leone. The study also found a significant positive relationship between monitoring & evaluation, control activities, leadership commitment and effective control systems. There was a moderate positive relationship between risk assessment and effective control system. Control environment and information and communication were not found to be related to effective control system. Also risk assessment and leadership commitment were significant predictors of effective control system. The study recommends that training is needed for church workers, and annual church audits are necessary for all SDA Churches in Sierra Leone. The Church leaders also need to improve on all the elements of internal control to enhance their proper functioning.
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.

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