Department of Business and Management Studies

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User fees in private non-for-profit hospitals in Uganda: a survey and intervention for equity
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2005) Amone, Joseph; Asio, Salome; Cattaneo, Adriano; Kweyatulira, Annet Kakinda; Macaluso, Anna; Maciocco, Gavino; Mukokoma, Maurice; Ronfani, Luca; Santini, Stefano
Background: In developing countries, user fees may represent an important source of revenues for private-non-for-profit hospitals, but they may also affect access, use and equity. Methods: This survey was conducted in ten hospitals of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau to assess differences in user fees policies and to propose changes that would better fit with the social concern explicitly pursued by the Bureau. Through a review of relevant hospital documents and reports, and through interviews with key informants, health workers and users, hospital and nonhospital cost was calculated, as well as overall expenditure and revenues. Lower fees were applied in some pilot hospitals after the survey. Results: The percentage of revenues from user fees varied between 6% and 89% (average 40%). Some hospitals were more successful than others in getting external aid and government subsidies. These hospitals were applying lower fees and flat rates, and were offering free essential services to encourage access, as opposed to the fee-for-service policies implemented in less successful hospitals. The wide variation in user fees among hospitals was not justified by differences in case mix. None of the hospitals had a policy for exemption of the poor; the few users that actually got exempted were not really poor. To pay hospital and non-hospital expenses, about one third of users had to borrow money or sell goods and property. The fee system applied after the survey, based on flat and lower rates, brought about an increase in access and use of hospital services. Conclusion: Our results confirm that user fees represent an unfair mechanism of financing for health services because they exclude the poor and the sick. To mitigate this effect, flat rates and lower fees for the most vulnerable users were introduced to replace the fee-for-service system in some hospitals after the survey. The results are encouraging: hospital use, especially for pregnancy, childbirth and childhood illness, increased immediately, with no detrimental effect on overall revenues. A more equitable user fees system is possible.
Corporate governance and accountability in Uganda a stakeholder perspective
(University of Dundee,, 2007) Wanyama, Simeon; Burton, M. Bruce; Helliar, V. Christine
The interviews documented in this study suggest that much more sensitisation is needed to develop an awareness of the importance of good governance and accountability among a wide range of groups of stakeholders in Ugandan corporations. Several organisations, including the ICGU, are attempting to improve the situation, but the government itself is seen as perhaps needing to exhibit a greater will to tackle corruption— and encourage accountability and good governance—not just in words, but in practical actions. Political cronyism, vested interests and interference, as well as a lack of sufficient backing for regulatory agencies, appear to be serious obstacles to the emergence of improved governance structures in Uganda. A concerted effort was thought to be required to ensure that management and boards develop better corporate governance practices and enhance their accountability framework so that they become (and are seen to become) good corporate citizens. In summary, there is clearly a need for the Ugandan authorities to address the issues identified in this study, and work towards a system of governance that will enhance confidence (both domestic and international) in the inherent accountability of the Ugandan corporate system. It is apparent, however, that many of the key players in the system perceive there to be a sufficiently widespread degree of corruption to make substantive improvement difficult. The priorities of the Western-based codes on corporate governance may therefore only have limited applicability for a developing nation such as Uganda. While the present study has limitations, most notably in the fact that only those willing to be interviewed took part, the results point strongly to a common view along the lines stated above and a need for action that is increasingly urgent
Frameworks Underpinning Corporate Governance: Evidence on Ugandan Perceptions
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2009) Wanyama, Simeon; Burton, Bruce; Helliar, Christine
Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Question/Issue: This paper sets out to investigate perceptions about corporate governance practices in the developing African nation of Uganda. The study employs interview and questionnaire analysis to examine the part played by a range of factors in supporting effective governance. Research Findings/Results: The findings suggest that pervasive corruption and weaknesses in underlying frameworks have hampered attempts to improve practice. The results indicate that the mere emergence of detailed governance codes in developing countries does not necessarily mean that de facto practices will improve. Theoretical Implications: The results suggest that corporate governance standards in developing countries may appear on paper to be broadly similar to those in developed countries. However, a widespread perception exists that Ugandan frameworks are not yet strong enough to support what might normally be considered to be “good” practice. Sound corporate governance is seen as being a multi-faceted notion, with a range of political and social frameworks requiring strengthening before meaningful improvements can be made. Practical Implications: The evidence indicates that attempts to improve governance standards in a particular nation require more than the simple publication of codes of best practice. Root and branch changes in a wide-range of contextual factors, including at political and cultural levels, are required to provide the conditions in which meaningful improvements in corporate governance will occur.
Application and Effectiveness of New Public Management in National Water and Sewerage Corporation
(African Journals Online, 2009) Mukokoma, M. Maurice
Worldwide, public uti liti es are undergoing reforms, including the adopti on of New Public Management (NPM)—a managerial strategy that departs from monopolisti c forms of public uti liti es to argue for the adopti on of market-oriented approaches to the provision of social services. In Uganda, Nati onal Water and Sewerage Corporati on (NWSC) is reported to be applying principles of the strategy. Hitherto, however, research had not been conducted into whether the corporati on’s management typifi es the applicati on of these principles and, if it does, what the results of doing so have been. This study was, therefore, conducted to examine the applicati on of these principles in the corporati on and assess the level of customers’ sati sfacti on with the corporati on’s services, with the view to highlight the link between the two, if any. Data were collected through documentary analysis; survey of the corporati on’s customers’ sati sfacti on with its services; and interview, of some of the corporati on’s managers. The fi ndings were that, with a few excepti ons, the corporati on applies the principles of NPM (i.e. autonomy, accountability, customer orientati on and market orientati on); and that the applicati on of these principles has enhanced customer sati sfacti on. It is, therefore, recommended that the corporati on increases its adhere
Researching the Reintegration of Formerly Abducted Children in Northern Uganda Through Action Research: Experiences and Reflection
(2010) Angucia, Margaret; Zeelen, Jacques; De Jong, Gideon
This paper presents experiences and reflections on the use of a participatory research methodologyunder the difficult conditions of a war situation in northern Uganda. We draw from two compli-mentary approaches in action research to explain our methodology while doing research on thereintegration of formerly abducted children. First, the experience oriented approach, which empha-sizes the need to articulate experience as a basis for learning and knowledge. Second, the exemplaryparticipatory approach which highlights the importance of enhancing empowerment and the need tofind solutions for social problems. We find these two approaches useful for doing action research in aconflict area because of their emphasis on experience and empowerment respectively. In our research,experience is important because of the children’s encounter with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)rebels that both needs to be understood and justifies reintegration. On the otherhand, empowerment isimportant for our assumption that the children’s experience and encounter with the LRA hasdisempowering effects on them. We demonstrate the use of the approaches in our research byenhancing participation, balancing power relations and being aware of ethical issues while at thesame time attempting to make the research valid inspite of the challenges. Copyright#2010 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘People’s Budget’ and Budget Effectiveness: the Case of Local Governments in Uganda
(African Journals Online, 2010) Mukokoma, Maurice
All over the world, participatory budgeting is being advocated. This is based on the belief that stakeholders’ participation in the budgeting process improves transparency, accountability and service delivery. Using evidence from 105 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kabalore and Kamwenge district local governments, therefore, this study set out to analyse the participation of CSO’s in the budgeting process and the effectiveness of the budget process, as a result of such participation. The findings were that the participation of CSOs in the budgeting process is still very low and that the relationship between this participation and effectiveness of the budget process is very weak (spearman’s correlation coefficient = .08). Therefore, it is recommended that relevant organisations build the capacity of CSOs to participate in the budgeting process, to secure the benefits of budget effectiveness associated with such participation.
Effect of Introducing Audiovisual Learning Materials on Distance Learning Students’ Performance and it’s Cost Implication for Uganda Martyrs University
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2010) Ouma, Richard; Kule, Abraham; Ssemwogerere, Edward A.
The study investigated the effect of introducing audiovisual learning materials on distance learning students’ performance, perceptions of learning and its cost implications for Uganda Martyrs University (UMU). The study employed a case study research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It considered a showcase of the use of audiovisual learning materials in one module in Micro finance. The study established the cost implications of introducing audiovisual learning materials and the effect of audiovisual learning materials on students’ performance and perceptions in the selected module against other modules without audiovisual learning materials. Four staff members and 17 micro finance final year students participated in the study. Interviews were used to probe teaching and support staff perception, cost and challenges they face in developing and using audiovisual materials. Questionnaire was used to capture students’ perception of the impact of using audio visual materials on their academic performance. The findings of this study indicate that the importance of using audio visual learning materials in distance education should be underscored. Academic staff face several challenges in developing and using audio visual teaching materials. It is costly to in terms of money and time to develop and use audio visual materials. These findings have implications for the university in developing distance learning policy, other teaching faculties to improve on their distance learning delivery, and for further research.
Strategic Faculty Management Plan for Teaching and Research at the Faculty of Business Administration and Management – Uganda Martyrs University, Uganda
(2010) Kibrai, Moses
The Ugandan higher education system is built on the one which was promoted by the colonial government from about 1920s. The system has been remodelled under the ‘higher education reforms’ implemented during 1980s and 2000s. The reforms, among others, allowed government to shift the bulk of the education budget from higher education (universities and other tertiary institutions) to the lower level, especially at primary. It also introduced private students’ enrolment for university education and privately paying for their education. It further allowed private investment in university education and other tertiary institutions by entrepreneurs. This led to an increase in the number of universities, tertiary institutions, and privately sponsored students. This thus required additional staff (part-time) to teach the big number of students, who sometimes study during evening and weekend. The big number of part-time staff created a challenge in faculty management, since most of them report to university only to teach and thereafter leave immediately to attend to other engagements. Many of the part-time staff lack teaching and research skills thereby affecting the quality of teaching and learning, and research and scholarship in the higher education system. At Uganda Martyrs University, the Faculty of Business Administration and Management (BAM) in particular lacked formal strategic planning which included a lack of clear strategic direction, uncoordinated teaching and learning, the absence of a faculty research agenda, difficulties in managing staff work load, failure to track
Utilization of Teaching Resources and Academic Performance in Technical Colleges in Oyo State, Nigeria.
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Ssempebwa, Jude
The debate on technical education in Nigeria has centred on access to and the quality, funding and benefits of technical education. Questions relating to differences in the resources allocated to technical colleges; and the relationship between the availability and utilization of resources and academic performance in these colleges have remained unanswered. Taking the case of Oyo State, therefore, this study was conducted to examine the variations in the resources allocated to these colleges; and the relationship between the availability and utilization of resources and academic performance in the colleges. Data were collected using documentary analysis, questionnaire and observation. Analysis of variance in the resources allocated to the colleges indicated that there were variations in the resources allocated to the colleges. Notwithstanding, all the colleges studied were under-facilitated. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and regression analysis indicated significant relationships between the availability and utilization of resources and academic performance in the colleges.
Foreign Direct Investment and Development of Local Firms: Highlighting the Need to Build Absorptive Capacity
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Lugemwa, Peter
Many developing countries are investing a lot to attract FDI. As a consequence of the linkages between FDI and the local firms and the resultant technological spillovers, local firms are expected to experience growth. However, there is evidence to suggest that FDI does not necessarily lead to the growth of local firms. Rather, local firms may be competed out of business. It is therefore imperative that local firms build absorptive capacity to benefit from FDI. A minimum threshold of absorptive capacity is necessary for FDI to contribute to the growth of local firms. In this context absorptive capacity is the technological gap between the domestic and foreign firm. Evidence suggests that the wide technological gap between local and foreign firms is impediment to the technological transfer between them.
Neglected Outcomes of Customer Orientation in Urban Public Water Utilities in Uganda and Tanzania
(African Journals Online, 2012) Mukokoma, Maurice; Ssemwogere, Edward Anselm
We used 30 decision making units (DMUs) of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Uganda and Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Corporation [DAWASCO] in Tanzania to collect data from customers and workers/regulators of the two utilities. We also collected secondary data on the performance of the utilities in 2010. We used this data to calculate the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for the DMUs. The results indicate high adoption of customer orientation in NWCS’ DMUs (mean score = 86%) while in DAWASCO’s DMUs the mean score is 44%. The results from DEA analysis show a mean efficiency score of 93% for NWSC and 71% for DAWASCO. Also, the findings indicate a service quality gap of -1.98 for NWSC and -2.81 for DAWASCO. We found that there is a positive correlation between customer orientation and efficiency (0.58 [p<0.01]); a positive correlation between customer orientation and customer satisfaction (0.36 [p>0.01]); and an inverse correlation between customer satisfaction and efficiency (0.043% [p>0.01]). These results imply that increased adoption of customer orientation reforms enhances technical efficiency albeit the resultant improvement in customer satisfaction is statistically insignificant.
Stakeholders, accountability and the theory-practice gap in developing nations’ corporate governance systems: evidence from Uganda
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2013) Wanyama, Simeon; Burton, Bruce; Helliar, Christine
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions about the nature and role of corporate governance in Uganda, with the emphasis on accountability within a stakeholder framework. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs interviews and questionnaires to gauge the views of key players in Uganda about the way the nation’s firms are governed, in the context of the stakeholder notion and the need for corporate accountability. Findings – The results suggest that the research participants take a broad view of the corporate governance concept, with recognition of a wide range of stakeholders evident. However, issues relating to corruption and the de-facto legal framework mean that practices depart markedly from any reasonable understanding of what might represent ‘‘best-practice’’. Practical implications – The results suggest that there is a gap between the theory and practice of corporate governance in Uganda, and regulators need to address this issue and deal with the endemic corruption and extant legal weaknesses that have given rise to this situation. Originality/value – This is one of the first studies to explicitly examine perceptions about governance standards within an accountability framework in a developing nation. Keywords Uganda, Corporate governance, Accountability, Stakeholder analysis, Corruption, Developing countries
Importance of Intrapreneurial Practices Prevalent Among Secondary School Teachers in Kalungu District (Uganda)
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2015-01-10) Musoke, Genza Gyaviira
This study examines teachers’ business initiatives within schools (intrapreneurial ventures) and highlights the economic and educational importance of these initiatives. It first unveils the prevalence of different intrapreneurial practices among teachers, before going on to state the meaning of these practices for both the economic and professional welfare of teachers in particular, and schools in general. The study concludes with several recommendations for the development of education on the African continent.
Action learning, the tool for problem-solving in universities;
(2015-03-15) Bwegyeme, Jacinta
The article presents an account of how action learning principles were implemented to alleviate complex problems in universities. It focuses on the registrars and administrators under the academic Registrar's department. The Marquardt model of action learning was used in combination with the constructivist theories of learning, namely community of practice, experiential learning, discovery learning, problem-based learning and situated learning. The importance of culture and knowledge sharing is also highlighted. The results indicate that action learning contributes to problem-solving. The community of practice creates a conducive environment for successful implementation of action learning, and different organizational cultures impact on the implementation of action learning.
History and Evolution of Public Procurement Reforms in Uganda
(2016) Wanyama, Simeon
This chapter discusses the history and evolution of public procurement in Uganda and presents a thorough review of the laws and regulations, audit and investigation reports, as well as the opinions of the practitioners about the relative success and failure of reform. Wanyama demonstrates that political interference and economic bilateralism between Uganda and China are shifting the preferential schemes from local to foreign companies rather than abolishing them as international discourse on competition would want it.
General Practice Patients Treated for Substance Use Problems: Acrossnational Observational Study in Belgium
(2016) Wanyama, Simeon; Boffin, Nicole; Antoine, Jerome; Moreels, Sarah; De Ridder, Karin; Peremans, Lieve; Vanmeerbeek, Marc; Van Casteren, Viviane
General Practitioners (GPs) are well placed to care for patients with (chronic) substance use problems. This pilot was carried out to study the feasibility and usefulness of a continuous surveillance of substance use problems among general practice patients. The objectives were (i) to describe variables with missing values exceeding 1% and whether patients were reported without substance-related problems; (ii) the profile and the magnitude of the patient population that is treated for substance use problems.Observational study by the Belgian Network of Sentinel General Practices (SGP) in 2013. Baseline (at the first encounter) and 7-month follow-up data were reported of all patients treated for substance use problems. Two main measurements were type of substance use and patient status at follow-up. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine patient status at follow-up. Of 479 patients, 47.2% had problems with alcohol alone, 20.3% with prescription drugs, 16.7% with illicit drugs other than heroin or methadone and 15.9% with heroin or methadone. Problems with alcohol alone were more prevalent in Flanders (53.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 46.8–59.1%) than in Wallonia-Brussels (39.8%; 95% CI33.1–46.8%), while problems with heroin or methadone were more prevalent in WalloniaBrussels (27.0%; 95% CI 21. 1–33.5%) than in Flanders (7.1%; 95% CI 4.3–10.9%). At followup, 32.8% of the patients had dropped out, 29.0% had discontinued GP treatment and 38.2% had continued GP treatment. Overall, 32.4% of 479 patients had continued GP treatment for substance use problems during the study period. In Wallonia-Brussels, this proportion was higher (42.7%; 95% CI 35.9–49.6%) than in Flanders (24.3%; 95% CI 19.2–29.8%). A continuous surveillance of the general practice population treated for substance use problems seems to be feasible and useful. The latter is suggested by the specific profile and the relative magnitude of the population. Inter-regional health system differences should be taken into account to estimate the epidemiology of substance use problems among general practice patients.
Accounts Receivable Management and Organizational Profitability as a Function of Employee Perception in Gumutindo Coffee Cooperative Enterprise Limited ( GCCE ) , Mbale District Uganda
(OSR Journal of Economics and Finance (IOSR - JEF), 2016-11) Kakeeto, Francis; Timbirimu, Micheal; Kiizah, Pastor; Olutayo, K. Osunsan
This study sought to explore the effect of Accounts Receivable Management on Organizational Profitability, by testing the hypothesis: Accounts Receivable Management has a significant positive effect on organizational profitability. Using a descriptive research design and a case study strategy, sample size of 181 was taken from the population of 345 staff. Likert type scale questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents in terms of the two variables. The findings revealed that revealed that accounts receivable management positively affected organizational profitability (adjusted R 2=0.90; p<.01), thus the hypothesis was accepted. The study concluded that, accounts receivable management as practiced by GCCE was adequate. Recommendations were made to better enhance accounts receivable management in GCCE.
Educational Inequality and Quality of life: A comparative Study of Secondary Schools in Central and Northern Uganda
(2017) Nabasumba, Sylvia; Naamara, Winfred; Nabadda, Christine
Drawing on a comparative analysis from central and northern regions of Uganda, we identified the factors that are associated with educational inequality and quality of life in secondary schools in both regions. Our sample comprised of 358 students and 72 key informants, primary data were mainly collected through interviews and structured questionnaires. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was done by identifying common themes based on the objectives of the study, while quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Most of the factors that were identified applied to both regions as the central region has a significant number or people from other parts of the country including the northern region. However, some factors were more prevalent in the northern region. Among the factors that were found to bring about inequality in both regions included gender-based inequality, family economic status and policy related factors. Overall, the study concluded that the central region is better equipped to offer quality education due to availability of a better infrastructure and staff remuneration, however, efforts are being made to improve the quality of education in the northern region as well.
Cash Management and Performance of Small Scale Businesses in Mbale Municipality, Uganda
(2017) Nalela, Kizitod; Okware, Samuel; Kutosi, Godfrey; Phinnehas, Kuka; Eric, Mabongaa
Abstract This paper intended to determine the relationship between cash management and profitability in small businesses in Mbale municipality. Mixed methods were employed; survey design was employed with a sample of 167 small businesses determined statistically. Interviews were conducted to support data collected by questionnaires. Results indicate that there is efficient management of cash collection and cash payment in small businesses in Mbale municipality. Results further revealed a significant relationship between cash management and profitability in small businesses. Researchers therefore, concluded that small businesses are efficient in managing cash; efficient cash management is significantly associated with profitability in small businesses. Recommendation, small scale business owners should embrace the use of improved technology to enhance higher levels of efficiency in managing cash. Different methods of cash collection should be used such as; mobile money, direct deposit and fund transfers services.
Inventory Management and Organizational Profitability at Gumutindo Coffee Cooperative Enterprise Limited, Uganda
(International Journal of Business and Management Invention, 2017-11) Kakeeto, Francis; Timbirimu, Micheal; Kiizah, Pastor; Olutayo, K. Osunsan
This study seeks to explore the effect of Inventory management on organizational profitability using Gumutindo Coffee Cooperative Enterprise Limited as a case study. The study test the hypothesis: Inventory Management has a significant positive effect on organizational profitability. The study used a descriptive research design and adopted a case study strategy. Out of a population of 345 staff, a sample size of 181 was derived. However only 168 responded out of the 200 questionnaires sent out. The study revealed that inventory management positively affected profitability of the organization with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.455. The adjusted R2 was 0.202 implying that 0.2% of changes in GCCE profitability are accounted for by inventory management. Thus the hypothesis was accepted. The study concluded that the inventory management as adopted by GCCE was quite effective and recommended further investment in inventory to boost inventory levels.

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