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Research/Technical Note
Assessment of Financial Management Practice of Small Businesses: A Case Study of Saja Administrative Town, Yem Zone, Central Ethiopia Regional State
Addisu Shewaye Mengesha*,
Mezmure Kebede,
Daneal Amentte
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
1-10
Received:
6 December 2024
Accepted:
19 December 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijem.20250901.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Small business enterprises (SBEs) significantly contribute to local economies but face persistent financial management challenges that threaten their growth and sustainability. Key practices like working capital management, financial reporting, and accounting systems are essential but underutilized in Saja Administrative Town. This study seeks to evaluate these practices and identify critical gaps for improvement. Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey and cross-sectional design, gathering data from 240 individuals representing 68 SBEs through stratified and random sampling. Questionnaires and interviews were used as data collection tools, and SPSS software analyzed the findings to uncover financial management practices and challenges. Results: SBEs in Saja Administrative Town face challenges such as inadequate working capital monitoring, insufficient financial reporting, outdated accounting systems, and poor financial planning. These issues stem from limited expertise, disagreements on financial structures, and lack of stakeholder engagement, highlighting the need for systematic improvements. Conclusion: SBEs' financial management challenges in Saja Administrative Town threaten their sustainability. Addressing issues like inadequate reporting, poor planning, and outdated systems requires interventions such as financial training, improved reporting systems, advanced technologies, better planning, and stakeholder engagement. These changes will enhance their financial management and long-term viability.
Abstract: Background: Small business enterprises (SBEs) significantly contribute to local economies but face persistent financial management challenges that threaten their growth and sustainability. Key practices like working capital management, financial reporting, and accounting systems are essential but underutilized in Saja Administrative Town. This stud...
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Research Article
Assessments of the Current Status and Major Challenges of Irrigated Agriculture in Fogera, Ethiopia
Belachew Muche Mekonen*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
11-23
Received:
9 January 2025
Accepted:
3 April 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: This study explores the challenges and current state of irrigated agriculture in the Fogera Plain, Ethiopia, which is vital for food security and economic stability. Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ethiopia, faces growing challenges due to climate change, population growth, and the degradation of natural resources. In Ethiopia, the heavy reliance on rainfed agriculture, compounded by climate variability, water scarcity, and inefficient practices, hampers agricultural productivity. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data to offer a comprehensive understanding of irrigation practices and their socio-economic impacts. Primary data were gathered through household surveys, focus group discussions, interviews, and field observations, focusing on smallholder farmers, irrigation managers, and local stakeholders. Secondary data from government reports and academic studies further complemented the findings. A stratified random sampling method ensured the inclusion of various irrigation systems and geographic locations. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS statistical methods, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to identify key themes such as technical challenges, institutional weaknesses, and environmental impacts. In Fogera, about 20% of the arable land is irrigated, with small-scale practices like furrow and canal irrigation predominating. The region primarily relies on surface water from the Gumara and Ribb rivers, although seasonal flow fluctuations present challenges. Groundwater is also a supplementary resource but is at risk due to over-extraction and seasonal changes. Irrigated farming supports the cultivation of staple crops such as maize, wheat, and teff, as well as high-value vegetables like onions and tomatoes, contributing to the shift from subsistence to market-oriented farming. Despite its importance, irrigated agriculture in Fogera faces significant challenges, including water scarcity, poor resource management, inefficient irrigation systems, and inadequate infrastructure. The over-extraction of groundwater and seasonal river flow fluctuations threaten crop yields and ecological balance. Fuel shortages limit the operation of diesel-powered pumps, further reducing agricultural output. Poor infrastructure, characterized by inadequate design and lack of maintenance, exacerbates productivity issues. Market barriers such as poor transportation and price volatility also restrict farmers' access to profitable markets. The study recommends improvements in water management, infrastructure maintenance, alternative energy solutions, and better market access to ensure sustainable agricultural development and food security.
Abstract: This study explores the challenges and current state of irrigated agriculture in the Fogera Plain, Ethiopia, which is vital for food security and economic stability. Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ethiopia, faces growing challenges due to climate change, population growth, and the degradation of natural resources. In Ethiopia, the ...
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Review Article
Innovations in Livestock Nutrition: Precision Feeding, Microbiome Modulation, and Sustainable Resources for Future Productivity a Review
Danayit Alem*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
24-29
Received:
13 January 2025
Accepted:
27 February 2025
Published:
24 May 2025
Abstract: The field of livestock nutrition is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in precision feeding, gut microbiome research, and the adoption of sustainable feed resources. This review explores the latest innovations in these areas, highlighting their potential to improve animal health, enhance productivity, and promote environmental sustainability. Precision feeding utilizes data-driven approaches to optimize nutrient delivery, minimizing waste while maximizing feed efficiency. Advances in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and real-time monitoring enable precise dietary adjustments tailored to individual animals, reducing environmental impacts such as nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. Gut microbiome modulation, through probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota engineering, enhances nutrient absorption, immune function, and disease resistance, reducing reliance on antibiotics. Additionally, alternative feed resources, including agro-industrial byproducts, insect-based proteins, and algal biomass, offer sustainable solutions to feed scarcity and contribute to circular economy practices. These innovations not only address the growing demand for animal products but also mitigate the environmental footprint of livestock production. However, challenges such as high initial costs, technical expertise, and regulatory hurdles must be addressed for widespread adoption. Future research should focus on refining these strategies, improving scalability, and integrating them into practical farming systems. By combining precision feeding, microbiome modulation, and sustainable feed resources, the livestock industry can achieve a more resilient and sustainable future, balancing productivity with environmental stewardship.
Abstract: The field of livestock nutrition is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in precision feeding, gut microbiome research, and the adoption of sustainable feed resources. This review explores the latest innovations in these areas, highlighting their potential to improve animal health, enhance productivity, and promote enviro...
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Research Article
Enhancing the Competitiveness of MSMEs Through Industrial Engineering Innovations in Supply Chain Management
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
30-38
Received:
3 May 2025
Accepted:
19 May 2025
Published:
29 May 2025
Abstract: MSME's are the foundation of many economies, making substantial contributions to industrial output, job creation, and economic expansion. However, because of their limited infrastructure, resources, and access to cutting-edge technologies, MSME's frequently struggle to manage supply chain and logistics operations. This research focuses on developing an innovative mathematical model that enhances MSME’s competitiveness by optimizing supply chain and logistics operations using industrial engineering principles. The proposed model adopts a multi-objective optimization framework, addressing critical aspects of supply chain efficiency, including cost minimization, service level enhancement, and resource utilization. By integrating supplier, facility, customer, transportation, and inventory data, the model provides actionable insights for MSME’s to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. This research focuses on developing a mathematical model to optimize supply chain and logistics operations for MSME’s, addressing challenges related to limited resources and infrastructure. The model employs a multi-objective optimization framework, aiming to minimize costs, enhance service levels, and improve resource utilization. It integrates data on suppliers, facilities, customers, transportation, and inventory, providing actionable insights for MSME’s to streamline operations and reduce costs. A hypothetical dataset, representing suppliers, facilities, and customers across different locations with varying demands, is used to demonstrate the model's applicability. Decision variables in the model represent transportation flows, facility operations, and inventory levels, while constraints ensure demand fulfilment and operational feasibility. The objectives of the model include minimizing procurement, transportation, and inventory holding costs, while maximizing service levels and resource utilization. The optimization process considers factors like transportation lead times, operational costs, and stockout penalties, making it highly relevant to MSME’s contexts. A realistic dataset simulates MSME’s supply chain scenarios, including supplier capacities, facility costs, customer demands, and transportation dynamics, reflecting logistical challenges in India. Transportation data captures cost-per-unit distance, lead times, and distances between nodes, while resource data provides insights into labor availability and equipment utilization. Preliminary results show that the model significantly reduces supply chain costs while maintaining high service levels and improving resource efficiency. It identifies optimal transportation routes, balances inventory levels at facilities, and suggests ways to enhance labor and equipment utilization. Overall, the model contributes to operational efficiency and competitiveness for MSME’s by optimizing logistics and supply chain operations.
Abstract: MSME's are the foundation of many economies, making substantial contributions to industrial output, job creation, and economic expansion. However, because of their limited infrastructure, resources, and access to cutting-edge technologies, MSME's frequently struggle to manage supply chain and logistics operations. This research focuses on developin...
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Research Article
Implementing Humanistic Leadership in Engineering Firms: A Structured Framework Based on Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model
Anmol Sarao*,
Yesim Sireli
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
39-49
Received:
22 April 2025
Accepted:
30 April 2025
Published:
4 June 2025
Abstract: Over the last decades, the evolution of leadership practice has increasingly centered on a human-oriented paradigm, founded upon the fundamental values of humanistic psychology, including empathy, self-actualization, and moral reflection. Engineering firms, though, have had difficulty adopting these values into their traditional technical and hierarchical leadership frameworks, such that a gap has emerged between the implementation of humanistic leadership in such settings. This study aims to fill this gap by developing a step-by-step plan for the systematic implementation of humanistic leadership in engineering firms using Kotter's 8-Step Change Model. With a qualitative research design, the present research integrates an extensive literature review with case study research on six engineering firms—Panasonic, IKEA, Salesforce, Zappos, Tata, and Google's Project Aristotle—to explore leadership issues and possibilities of change with humanistic leadership. The findings of the study suggest that those organizations that apply humanistic leadership practices will improve employee motivation, innovation, and financial performance. Kotter's model offers a framework method for the successful adoption of these practices, but its success lies in adjustments explicitly crafted for the unique cultural and organizational environments of engineering firms. The proposed framework offers practical guidance to leaders who aspire to create ethical, people-oriented cultures that yield long-term prosperity. Nonetheless, the research is constrained by its qualitative nature, lacking empirical validation through quantitative measures. Quantitative methods should be considered in future research to facilitate generalizability. The current study adds value to leadership literature through the provision of a structured, step-by-step model of adopting humanistic leadership in engineering management, and subsequently improving organizational performance and workers' well-being.
Abstract: Over the last decades, the evolution of leadership practice has increasingly centered on a human-oriented paradigm, founded upon the fundamental values of humanistic psychology, including empathy, self-actualization, and moral reflection. Engineering firms, though, have had difficulty adopting these values into their traditional technical and hiera...
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