Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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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.
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.
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.
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, 2018-01) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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