Business process reengineering in developing economies Lessons from microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Uganda

Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between organizational adaptability, institutional leadership and business process reengineering performance using the tested complexity theory in a developing economy setting. Design/methodology/approach – This study is correlation and cross-sectional and adopts institutionallevel data collected via questionnaires from reengineered microfinance institutions in Uganda. Cluster analysis as data mining technique was used to classify cases based on respondents’ opinions into homogeneous clusters. Nvivo was used to understand the perceptions of business process reengineering performance based on qualitative data. The authors used structural equation modeling to derive the predictive model of business process reengineering performance in a developing world setting. Findings – The authors find that organizational adaptability and institutional leadership are key predictors of business process reengineering performance. Results reveal a predictive model of 61 per cent based on structural equation modeling for the study variables. Cluster analysis as data mining approach explored complex patterns of reengineered business processes. Research limitations/implications – The use of cluster analysis is susceptible to problems associated with sampling error and absence of fit indices. However, the likelihood of these problems is reduced by the interaction with the data, practical implications and use of smart partial least square to generate structural equations based on derived measurement models of each study variable. Practical implications – Policymakers of Bank of Uganda, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, should develop sound policies in relation to knowledge management, institutional leadership and adaptive mechanisms to enhance business process reengineering performance to take advantage of new knowledge opportunities for the improvement of their businesses. Social implications – Given the results from structural equations generated, managers need to consider institutional leadership and organizational adaptability as key drivers of business process reengineering performance in microfinance institutions. The results confirm the significant role of institutional leadership, organizational adaptability in determining business process reengineering performance outcomes. Originality/value – Unlike most of the business process reengineering literature, this study contributes to literature by domesticating and testing complexity theory to explain business process reengineering performance in developing economies

Testing for Volatility and Market Efficiency of Uganda Securities Exchange

This study presents empirical evidence of volatility and market efficiency of Uganda Securities Exchange. Results indicate that the Uganda Securities Exchange exhibits a weak-form efficiency based on Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH), Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and the serial correlation tests. This may be attributed to few listed companies and less liquidity hence the need to implement the over the counter facility, two tier market, more listing and promotion of collective investment schemes. Firms and individuals should be encouraged to buy or sell securities outside their face values, as a means of encouraging financial activities in the economy

Does Business Process Reengineering Perform in a Third World Setting? A Qualitative Perspective

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceived predictors that explain  business process reengineering performance in a third world context using evidence from Uganda’s microfinance institutions.This study uses a narrative case study methodology conducted using qualitative data collection technique specifically the appreciative inquiry. We used QSR NVivostatistical package version 9 to analyze qualitative data. Business process reengineering being an evolving phenomenon, there superficial empirical studies exploring the theoretical explanation of business process reengineering performance in a third world perspective. The study provides novel insights of business process reengineering performance from a Uganda’s microfinance institutions as one of the third world countries using complexity theory.Methodological, theoretical, managerial and policy implications herein play pivotal role in bridging the knowledge gap that exists in microfinance institutions. Keywords-Business processreengineering, Institutional leadership and adaptabilit

Risk management and profitability of manufacturing firms in Uganda

This study was carried out to establish whether the risk in manufacturing firms could have a significant impact on the level of profitability that these firms expect to get in their operations. The study investigated the main components of risk management in manufacturing firms operating in Uganda and how the risk management process could be influential in the profitability levels of these firms. The unit of analysis was composed of a set of manufacturing firms in Uganda engaging in production of goods for sale within and outside the country. Two respondents were selected from each of the 80 (sample size) manufacturing firms. Data collection was carried out by means of a questionnaire which was self administered by the respondents. Correlation, regression and factor analyses were carried out to address the main aim of the study. Findings indicated that risk management process is carried out by first identifying the risk (or probably estimating its occurrence), evaluating its existence and probable effect to a business and finally put in place mitigation measures (control). In relation to the effect that this process has on level of profitability, it has been found that risk management process influences up to 35% of the changes in profitability levels of manufacturing firms in Uganda. This is further supplemented by the positive and significant correlation (R = 0.598; p?0.01) between risk management and profitability of manufacturing firms in Uganda. Basing on this finding and hence the conclusion, it is recommended that manufacturing firms in Uganda need to adhere to risk management procedures and where possible adopt new ways to manage risk to ensure that their profitability levels are not negatively affected. Key words: Risk Management, profitabilit

Knowledge management, adaptability and business process reengineering performance in microfinance institutions

The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical explanation of business process reengineering performance using emerging themes of adaptability and knowledge management in the context of developing economies. The study used a narrative cross-sectional survey conducted using qualitative data collection technique, specifically the appreciative inquiry. The study used operations managers and senior executive managers to gather qualitative data from Uganda’s reengineered microfinance institutions to provide indepth explanation of business process reengineering performance. The authors find that adaptability, knowledge creation and knowledge sharing explain business process reengineering performance. The results suggest that business process reengineering be made mandatory to ensure sustainable competitiveness of the financial sector. The study provides novel insights of business process reengineering performance using a theory of change and a complexity theory. Methodological, theoretical, managerial and policy implications herein play pivotal role in bridging the knowledge gap that exists in Microfinance institutions of developing economies

ICT fusion on the relationship between resource transformation capabilities and quality management practices among SMEs in Uganda

The major objective of this study was to determine the relationship between resource transformation capabilities and quality management practices under conditions of varying levels of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) fusion among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). Data were collected using cross-sectional and descriptive survey designs; which involved 210 SMEs selected from the Central and Eastern regions of Uganda. Hierarchical regression models and a mod-graph were used in the analysis. The results reveal that the influence of resource transformation capabilities on quality management practices varies with the level of ICT fusion among SMEs. Further, there exists a positive and significant relationship between resource transformation capabilities and quality management practices. Based on findings, it is imperative for managers to re-tool their employees with modern ICT applications to strengthen the relationship between resource transformation capabilities and quality management practices among SMEs

Factors Contributing to Maternal Mortality in Uganda

The study aimed at establishing the factors affecting maternal mortality in Uganda. It was guided by the following objectives; to investigating whether the number of antenatal Care visits, maternal education, age, area and region of residence had any effect on maternal mortality in Uganda. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize characteristics of the respondents, and the results presented in frequencies and percentages. Cross tabulations on the number of antenatal care visits, maternal education, region where mother comes from, age and area of residence to maternal mortality were run to establish the association between them. The Binary Logistic model was used to analyze the relationship between maternal mortality on the number of antenatal care visits, maternal education, age, area and region of residence. All the variables apart from area of residence were found to be significant at bivariate level. The study found mothers who make fewer or no ANC visits had a higher likelihood of death, both for themselves and their babies, than those who had more visits. It was also found that, mothers living in rural areas, compared to those in urban areas, are more likely to die due to pregnancy or related conditions. Maternal education, especially at secondary and tertiary levels increases the likelihood of using and attending ANC hence reducing maternal mortality. The study recommends that the government of Uganda and other stakeholders should increase efforts to enhance female education to attain favorable maternal health outcomes in the future and also to sensitize families more on the effectiveness of attending at least 3 ANC so as to reduce the scourge of maternal mortality

Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Child Mortality in Uganda

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of factors associated with child mortality in Uganda. The Demographic and Health Survey data set (2006) is used to investigate these factors. A random effects regression model and logistic regression model were fitted to establish the significant factors affecting child mortality. The paper considers two types of factors which are maternal Factors (Education level, age of mother, wealth of household) and child factors (birth order, weight of child, Sex of a child, and duration of breastfeeding). Sex, birth weight, Education level, age of mother and household wealth were found to be important predictors of child mortality. However, controlling for mother level factors in model II, the within childhood characteristics were highly correlated. From an explicit multilevel analytic framework, the study therefore demonstrates that individual (child) and mother level characteristics are independent predictors of child mortality; and that there is significant variation in odds of reporting child mortality, even after controlling for effects of both child and mother-level characteristics. The p - values in the random effects model were small compared to the p – values of a standard logistic model. The results of random effects model are more statistically significant than those of a standard logistic regression model. Therefore, the random effects regression model is recommended as an appropriate alternative to standard logistic regression in order to account for variations due to a hierarchical structur

Empowerment and National Fisheries Policy Implementation in Uganda

The Uganda National Fisheries Policy was introduced in 2004 to guide fisheries development. Essentially, the policy was designed to achieve sustainability and ensure economic and social development within fishery communities. However, since its inception, there has been increasing concern over the declining fish stocks and poverty within fishery communities. These lingering problems continue to raise concerns about the implementation of the National Fisheries Policy in Uganda since these are what, among others, the policy is meant to address. Indeed, the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), continue to employ coercion, dominance and authoritarianism in their enforcement of this policy, with marginal and mixed results. In this regard, the inability to tackle these challenges continues to threaten the sustainability of fisheries as a major economic activity upon which entire communities depend. This study addresses these concerns by answering the question: what is the role of empowerment in fisheries policy implementation? The study was qualitative. It utilized 14 interviews and five focus group discussions as its data sources. Findings suggest that “Kantian” power, support, and information can facilitate fisheries policy implementation and should therefore be engaged