Differences in student job attribute preferences for SMEs and MNCs in Uganda

Increasing graduate employment in SMEs is a challenge in many sub-Saharan countries. This study analyzes career prospects of undergraduates in Uganda by establishing which job attributes predict overall attraction to SMEs and MNCs by gender. The study utilized a systematic sample of under graduates to rate 17 job attributes. SMEs are rated poorly on all attributes compared to MNCs

Impact of Multiparty Politics on Local Government in Uganda

This study traces the development of political parties and local governments in Uganda. It then examines how multiparty politics has resulted in changes that have impacted decision making at the local government level.Following years of civil strife, Uganda emerged as a “movement only” state under the National Resistance Movement led by Yoweri Museveni. One of the major innovations of this new government was to implement a strategy of administrative and fiscal decentralization. This experiment was long hailed as an African success story, but the reemergence of multiparty politics in 2006 is having a major impact on local governance. This study traces the development of political parties and local governments in Uganda. It then examines how multiparty politics has resulted in changes that have impacted decision making at the local government level. The study concludes that multiparty politics is leading to fiscal insolvency of local governments, the creation of unviable new district governments, and administrative recentralization

Cultural predictions of entrepreneurial orientation and the moderating role of entrepreneurial competencies on graduate entrepreneurial intentions: A cross-sectional survey of East Africa

This research project examines a theoretical gap (impact of culture on entrepreneurial orientation EO) to try and mitigate a practical problem (unemployment) among graduates in three East African countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Unemployment would be mitigated if only graduates embraced entrepreneurship by starting their own business projects, and many governments have encouraged their youth/graduates to do this. Unfortunately, graduate student interest in entrepreneurial activities in many countries in Africa is very low, and the three study countries are no exception to this trend. While many explanations have been advanced for this phenomenon, a key theoretical gap left unattended in entrepreneurship research is the way in which culture impacts upon EO and how this affects entrepreneurial intention (EI), yet EO is often considered the most important variable in the formative stage of a given project. A close look at how culture influences EO is important because EO is unexplainable without considering the socio-cultural framework in which it is embedded, since it can be supportive or a hindrance to entrepreneurship in different contexts. Thus the key question which this study tries to address is: „Does culture constrain the development of a strong EO, eventually leading to low start-up in this region?‟ Specifically, can the low graduate start-up in these countries be explained by the impact of five cultural orientation dimensions (ambiguity intolerance, power distance, masculinity, independence and interdependence) and ability perception variables (achievement motivation and learning goal orientation LGO) on two variables of EO namely risk taking and proactiveness? How does gender affect these relationships? Besides gender, this study also sought to know the level of prevalence in the study population of three other important culturally influenced variables in entrepreneurship literature namely experience, fear of failure and modernity in order to throw more light on the study problem In particular, given that individuals with a modern outlook are somehow liberated from firm cultural norms, this study sought to establish whether students with a more modern outlook differ from those with a less modern one in terms of the study variables. Further, does optimism another important culturally inclined characteristic of entrepreneurs moderate the relationship between EO and entrepreneurial intention? Some authors argue, however, that culture does not matter; rather, what matters are the entrepreneurial competencies of an entrepreneur. Hence another major question addressed in the current study is to what extent do entrepreneurial competencies (such as knowledge/networks) moderate the relationship between EO and entrepreneurial intention? Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), upper echelons theory and image theory, this study seeks to address these questions based on a pragmatic paradigm and thus a mixed methods approach in two phases. Phase one of the study was qualitative consisting of non- structured interviews and conversations with various stake holders and is the basis upon which the study instrument was refined. Phase two was quantitative, utilizing a cross-sectional survey research design based on a non random sampling to gather data from finalists in business faculties in three public and two private universities in the study countries (N=1086) during their classes. Data analysis consisted of three phases, comprising ten steps. Phase one was more of a preliminary analysis and consisted of five steps: Generation of descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and normality tests in step 1, T-tests to gauge the prevalence of experience, fear of failure, and modernity as well as a MANOVA to gauge the prevalence of the cultural dimensions in each study country in step 2, Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by Varimax/promax rotation to examine the factor structures of the study dimensions in step 3, followed by examination of validity (construct validity, discriminant validity) and reliability for all study instruments (alpha and composite reliability, CR) in Step 4, while step 5 confirmed the factor structure of the measures using confirmatory factor analysis CFA (Lisrel 8.8). The second phase utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) based on latent variables (using AMOS 23) to first estimate a CFA model, followed by a structural baseline model for all data combined (omnibus model) in step 6. This was followed by fitting the baseline model into each country data set in step 7. In step 8, data was divided by gender into male and female samples and by modernity into low and high modernity groups and the baseline model was fitted into each of these four data sets. This was followed by invariance tests between the gender sets and modernity sets as a basis for their meaningful comparison (step 9). The third phase utilized the process macro in SPSS (step 10) to conduct the moderation analysis. Study findings indicate that in all three countries, only 50% of the respondents had some sort of start-up experience. A third (31%) of the students in the three countries indicated that fear of failure would prevent them from starting a business, while the rest indicated that it would not. Further, students who do not regard fear of failure as a barrier to entrepreneurial activities scored significantly higher on proactiveness, knowledge, achievement motivation and modernity in all the three countries, while in at least two of these countries, these people scored significantly higher on risk taking, networking and learning goal orientation. This finding confirms that fear of failure is an important barrier to graduate entrepreneurship in this region. Turning to the structural models in SEM, findings indicate that the low start-up rate in these countries can be attributed to the negative impact of ambiguity intolerance (the most problematic variable), power distance, and lack of an optimistic bias as well as possible negative attitude towards those with an independent cultural orientation. However, Independence and Interdependence support EO, in agreement with researchers who assert that both cultural variables are good for entrepreneurship. Theoretically, the study makes an extension of the TPB since achievement motivation predicts intention in all study samples (apart from Kenya and Tanzania). In terms of gender, there are no significant differences on the reported levels of risk taking; however females score significantly higher on proactiveness. Further structural models indicate that males are more achievement oriented than females, while the low modernity group seems to be more entrepreneurial than the high modernity group. Lastly, networks and knowledge moderate the relationship between risk taking/proactiveness and intention, while optimism does not. The study calls for a revision of the curriculum to include tolerance for ambiguity, proactiveness and autonomy courses in entrepreneurship education as well as a change in the mode of delivery of this subject. A transformation in the education systems of the three countries is needed to produce critical thinkers and to introduce entrepreneurship early in the education system to make everyone appreciate entrepreneurship, thus nurturing an entrepreneurial culture

Student evaluation of e-service quality criteria in Uganda: the case of automatic teller machines

This study aims to identify the most important e-service quality evaluation dimensions in an emerging market context, focusing specifically on automatic teller machines (ATMs).Purpose – This study aims to identify the most important e-service quality evaluation dimensions in an emerging market context, focusing specifically on automatic teller machines (ATMs). Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a triangulation approach, using both qualitative and quantitative methods based on a convenience sample composed mainly of students at Uganda Christian University. Instrument development was based on the results of a qualitative study. The psychometric properties of this instrument were assessed using exploratory factor analysis followed by cross-validation using confirmatory factor analysis. This was followed by hierarchical linear regression to identify the most important dimensions of e-service quality. Findings – The study establishes that tangibles, card issues, reliability and location are the most important student service quality evaluation dimensions of ATMs in Uganda. Research limitations/implications – The study utilized a convenience sample of mainly college age students; however, many of them are working and engaged in business activities. Practical implications – Managers should consider the identified dimensions when designing an ATM network to encourage usage of ATM facilities and decongest their banks. Originality/value – This study is one of the few of its nature in an emerging market context

Construction of an instrument to measure social valuation in an emerging market context

This article has been published in a revised form in Education + Training, Vol. 53 Issue: 5, pp.371-386,available at https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911111147695. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © copyright holder.Purpose – This study aims to construct a parsimonious instrument to measure social valuation in a collective setting using Uganda as an example. Design/methodology/approach – A triangulation technique was used in this study. Conversations with students, parents, teaching and non‐teaching staff at Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus were carried out, as well as a rigorous review of the literature to gather an original set of items on social valuation. Content and face validity were carried out in order to get rid of redundant and ambiguous items. The remaining items were incorporated in a questionnaire which was pretested before being distributed to a convenience sample of 650 third‐year business students on the four campuses of UCU, each located in one of the four regions of Uganda. Findings – Principal axis factoring by promax rotation extracted six oblique factors accounting for 56 percent of the variance, namely, teaching of entrepreneurship in schools, family, knowledge, institutions, perception of education, and culture. Confirmatory factor analysis found the measurement model to have acceptable fit statistics. Research limitations/implications – The study used a convenience sample of students from four campuses of one institution in the country. Practical implications – Government and other stakeholders in the entrepreneurial sector should use the instrument developed in this study as a guide in a bid to enhance entrepreneurship. Originality/value – Existing measures of social valuation were designed in the West and may not be wholly applicable in a developing country setting. The instrument designed in this study in a collective setting should be a great contribution to entrepreneurial research and development in developing economies

Constraints to Ugandan SME’s Participation in AGOA

The objective of this study was to examine the constraints that hinder Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda from utilizing these opportunities presented by AGOA.Many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda have not utilized the opportunities presented by AGOA. The objective of this study was to examine the constraints that hinder these firms from utilizing these opportunities. Specifically the study examined the macro constraints facing these firms, with a view to finding solutions to them. A literature review was carried out to identify challenges to SME’s participation in AGOA. , followed by a triangulation technique in which a qualitative study (Focus Discussion Group) involving key stakeholders in this business was done to further identity these constraints and their underlying dimensions. Instrument development was next, followed by a reliability analysis in which the psychometric properties of the instrument were assessed on the basis of Cronbach’s alpha. A quantitative study was then done by administering the refined questionnaire to a group of exporters. Factor Analysis by promax (oblimin ) rotation revealed six oblique factors identifying that the most important constraints facing Ugandan SMEs are Lack of middle managers, infrastructure, technology, marketing , inadequate export credit and governance issues. The study calls for technological transfer from the developed countries to the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) in addition to addressing the other barriers. There is also a need for exporters to develop better marketing skills through training .The study implores the government to put policies in place that will enhance the development of SMEs

Examining the ADR-tistry of land mediators in northern Uganda

Land wrangles are astonishingly common in Uganda today. Recent studies show that disputes over customary land—which accounts for 80 percent of the country and nearly all land in Northern Uganda—are on the rise, especially in the wake of recent development schemes and returns from displacement. With agriculture accounting for 82 percent of the country’s labour force and nearly a quarter of its Gross Domestic Product, the prevalence of these disputes threatens Uganda’s social stability and economic development. The vital role played by access to land in the sustenance of rural livelihoods also lends itself to particularly brutal strains of conflict. These cases—viewed by many as fights for survival—are often characterised by arson, destruction of property witchcraft, physical assault, and murder. A host of different actors from both traditional and formal sectors have responded to demands to resolve these escalating land conflicts. With such a milieu of independent doctors treating the same epidemic, however, it is not surprising that duplicated efforts, technical inefficiency, and arbitrary prescriptions often result. Moreover, the capacity of both state and local institutions to efficiently handle such large caseloads is severely lacking. In response, Non-­‐Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and community actors have begun offering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to amicably and affordably resolve these conflicts among the most vulnerable populations. Yet the large working gaps between today’s justice actors and the widespread lack of enforcement of both judgments and ADR settlements remain sources of intense frustration for many people seeking justice

The management practices of ICT integration in the curriculum of the primary schools in Uganda

The study investigates how ICT integration in the primary school curriculum is managed in UgandaThe study investigates how ICT integration in the primary school curriculum is managed in Uganda. School management practices were conceptualized as planning, organization and coordination. The dependent variable is ICT integration. The study is a cross sectional survey using mainly quantitative data. The population comprised teachers and school head teachers in Mukono District in Uganda. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires using a likert scale. The response rate of 94.2% was sufficient to rely on the results of this study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis (Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient) and multiple regression analysis to establish the causal influence of management practices on ICT integration. The major finding of this study was that planning, coordination and organization significantly impacts ICT integration. A multiple regression analysis revealed that all the management practices had a casual effect on ICT integration. Recommendations are made that the state should formulate and implement policies to schools to regulate ICT implementation and prescribe strategies to influence teachers’ attitude to ICT integration, and offer support to school management to enhance their management practices in order to manage the ICT integration process into the curriculum. In addition, based on the research, we propose that more software and hardware should be made available to schools. Further research may measure the management styles and change management strategies that may be adopted in order to successfully integrate ICT into the primary school curriculum. Such a study may be triangulated with the qualitative views from the respondents

THE IMPACT OF COLLEGE ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION ON ENTREPRENEURIAL ATTITUDES AND INTENTION TO START A BUSINESS IN UGANDA

This paper reports results of a longitudinal quasi-experimental study that focused on the impact of entrepreneurial education and societal subjective norms on entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions of university students in Uganda to start a business. Data were collected in two waves: wave one before the entrepreneurship course and wave two after the entrepreneurship course — four months later. The sample composed of college students. Analyses included tests of significance of changes in the attitudes and intentions of students after the entrepreneurship course, the mediating role of attitudes and moderating role of employment expectations. The results show small but significant changes in attitudes and a significant mediating role of attitudes — perceived feasibility, perceived desirability and self-efficacy, but non-significant moderating influence of employment expectations. The findings offer lessons for policy makers and more questions for researchers.Entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial attitudes, social subjective norms