Browsing by Author "Mbowa, Henry Stanley"

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    Influence of Social Capital on Small and Medium Enterprises Performance in Wakiso District, Uganda.
    (Kabale University, 2023) Mbowa, Henry Stanley; Businge, Mbabazi Phelix; Ssemaluulu, Paul; Eton, Marus
    Purpose: This study examined the influence of Social Capital (SC) on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Wakiso District. Specifically, we identified forms of SC and assessed how they influenced SMEs’ performance in Kitemu Ward. Research methodology: Using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the study solicited data from 40 participants through interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. Data were edited, cleaned, coded, and entered into MS Excel to generate frequencies and graphs. Content value analysis was used to transcribe the qualitative data and group them into subthemes. Results: The results revealed internal forms of SC, such as friends/peers, trustworthiness, personal saving, family, and social links, while external forms of SC were customers, financial institutions, governments, and companies. Further, SC influences the customer base, leads to high profits, increases sales volume, and enhances creativity and innovation. Limitations: Financial constraints prevented researchers from eliciting data throughout the study area. Furthermore, the small sample size might limit the generalization of the study results to the entire district. In addition, time and data collection biases have implications for this study. Contribution: This study is vital because there are no studies carried out in Kitemu Ward on SC and its influence on SMEs’ performance. The findings can be used by policy and decision-makers to design mechanisms for SMEs’ proprietors to integrate SC into business operations. The literature reveals that SC forms enhance sales, profits, market share, customer base, and accessibility to finance. Novelty: This original study was conducted primarily among women proprietors and managers of SMEs because they are reliable and provide firsthand information as compared to men. Thus, if adopted, the findings are vital for other business proprietors and managers to improve business performance.
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    Socio-emotional Skills and Graduate Employability in the Hospitality Sector of South Western Uganda, Kigezi Sub -Region.
    (Kabale University, 2024) Tushabe, Sylivia Byarugaba; SSempala, Fredrick; Ampumuza, Christine; Mbowa, Henry Stanley
    Hospitality graduates struggle to secure employment in the hospitality sector. This study examined the relationship between socio-emotional skills and graduate employability in the hospitality sector in the southwest Uganda-Kigezi sub-region. The research design employed in this study was the cross-sectional quantitative research design with a population of 640 graduates and a sample size of 400 was established for hospitality graduates based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970). The data was collected using structured and unstructured questionnaires and the data analysis was done by SPSS V. 23 Smart PLS V 4 and NVivo. Socio-emotional skills like emotional intelligence, teamwork, and communication skills were found to affect graduate employability. Numerous barriers were pointed out, like lack of experience and limited chance to meet others. Based on the study findings call for focusing on practical training and internships with institutions and industries to acquire skills required for improvement in the job market. Recommendations included curriculum integration, industry collaboration, practical experience internships and apprenticeships, and creating a linkage between HEIs and the hospitality sector. Furthermore, the development of socio-emotional skills is a prerequisite for the development of employment in the hospitality sector. This study may contribute to the existing literature on the development of soft skills and employment, and the findings from this study may be helpful for analogous study environments in Southwestern Uganda—Kigezi Sub-Region.