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Item FACTORS AFFECTING GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN GURAGE ZONE(wolkite universty, 2025-08) MUNA HABTECurrently Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a significant role in Ethiopia's financial sector. This study, focused on identifying determinants of growth and sustainability of MFIs in Gurage Zone, specifically in Wolkite, Emidibir and Agena towns, and selected three branch from each MFIs. Descriptive and econometric methods were employed to analyze the data collected from a sample of 92 respondents using structured questionnaires. The design of data was both qualitative and quantitative data type and random sampling methods were used. Primary sources were employed to gather reliable information from the respondents. The study considers respondents from three selected institutions namely, Omo, Metemamen and Meikilit. From the descriptive result, microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the Gurage Zone are generally perceived positively in terms of governance structure, with most respondents viewing it as effective. The majority of MFIs conduct regular strategic reviews, suggesting a focus on maintaining strong institutional performance. MFIs are seen as crucial for low and moderate-income individuals who lack access to banking services. The operational challenges include high operational costs, lack of skilled personnel, ineffective management practices, and poor technology infrastructure. The econometric model estimation the Operational challenges, Economic condition, and Source of funding have a positive coefficient, which indicates that the increment on the independent variable have direct impact dependent variables. But, Social affair have negative and significant impact on sustainability and growth of MFIs. MFIs should focus on improving the financial sustainability of institutions by strengthening financial management practices and diversifying funding sources to reduce dependence on grants, loans and risk management. The operational challenges should be addressed through strategic investments in staff training, better management practices, and technology upgrades. MFIs should advocate for regulatory frameworks that balance strictness and flexibility, particularly in areas like interest rates, credit limits, and licensingItem FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(wolkite universty, 2025-08) ASAYEHEGN GIZACHEWManufacturing Enterprises (MEs) have an important role to play for the development of the country. Strong MEs sectors contribute a lot to the development of economy, by raising the gross domestic product, by reducing unemployment and poverty levels and also serve as promotion of entrepreneurship activities. However, many problems encounter MEs and as a result, many firms perform dismally and fail to grow. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting the performance of MEs in Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia Regional State. The MEs are currently functional on various sectors. In this study, the target population was 673 MEs. The study used probability sampling methods in which the target population was sampled using stratified random sampling technique so that all manufacturing enterprises were included and then proportionately selected to give a sample size of 225 managers/owners. Data sources were primary and secondary and these data were collected using questionnaire and interview. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression model were employed to analyze the collected quantitative data using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The findings of the study reveal that the performances of the majority of the selected MEs were at low level. In addition, the six variables – current capital; managerial competency and skill, access to credit; access to raw materials; enterprise size; and regulatory framework have significant and positive correlation with the performance of MEs ranging from strong to very strong. Furthermore, these variables were significantly and positively affected the performance of the selected MEs. In this regard, 78.8% of the variations in the performance were jointly accounted by the six variables at 5% level of precision. Therefore, this study suggests that, first, targeted interventions should focus on strengthening access to capital through microfinance initiatives and improved credit facilities. Second, capacity-building programs should prioritize enhancing managerial skills, focusing on areas such as financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency. Third, efforts to streamline regulatory processes and foster a more business-friendly environment are crucial.Item INTEGRATED EFFECTS OF VERMICOMPOST AND NPS FERTILIZER ON SELECTED SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF ONION CROPS IN MESKAN WOREDA, EAST GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA.(wolkite universty, 2025-08) MEKONEN ASEFAARGAWThe reduction in soil fertility caused by nutrient depletion poses a significant challenge for lowinput crop production across many regions of Ethiopia. Onion (Allium cepa L.) exhibits a notable response to the application of NPS and vermin compost (VC) fertilizers. However, the optimal dosage of these fertilizers has yet to be determined in the study area. Additionally, there is limited understanding of their impact on soil properties and onion yield, primarily due to the low usage rates of both organic and mineral fertilizers by local farmers. Consequently, this study aims to examine the effects of combining vermin compost with NPS fertilizer on the physicochemical properties of the soil, as well as the yield and yield components of onion (Allium cepa L.). The research was conducted in the Dobbi Kebele of the East Gurage Zone, under irrigated conditions. The experimental design included factorial combinations of five NPS rates (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg NPS ha-1 ) and three vermin compost rates (0, 2.5, and 5 tons ha-1 ), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, sulfur, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and exchangeable bases (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium). The yield and its components were also assessed. The results from the soil analysis conducted from before and after crop harvest indicated that the application of vermin compost significantly (p highest average bulb weight (120 g) were also achieved with this interaction. The application of 100-400 kg NPS ha-1 combined with 2.5-5 ton of VC ha-1 resulted increases in organic carbon, total nitrogen, available potassium, available phosphorus, and cation exchange capacity compared to the control treatment. Consequently, it is concluded and recommended that the application of 5 ton VC ha-1 in conjunction with 400 kg of NPS ha-1 enhances soil physicochemical properties and onion crop yields in Meskan Woreda, East Gurage Zone. The highest marginal rate of return (MRR%) of 10855% was observed for plots receiving 100 kg NPS ha-1with 2.5 ton VC Ha-1 , while the highest adjusted marketable bulb yield of 32.78 ton ha-1 , along with the greatest net benefit and benefit-to-cost ratio of 1,204,612 Birr ha-1 and 108.55 Birr ha-1 , respectively, were recorded for plots treated with 400 kg NPS ha-1 combined with 5 ton of vermin compost for the production of Bombay red onions in Meskan WoredaItem DETERMINATES OF MARKET SUPPLY OF COFFEE BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN MESKAN DISTRICT, EAST GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA(wolkite universty, 2025-09) BELAYNEH KASSA NIBERIEThis study aimed to assess the determinants of market supply of coffee by smallholder farmers in Meskan Woreda, East Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. A survey of 386 households was conducted using simple random sampling methods during the 2014/15 Ethiopian calendar year. The study used structured questionnaires to collect primary data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple linear regression and chi-square tests. The results revealed that factors such as the sex of the household head, family size, livelihood diversification strategies, access to irrigation, and average annual coffee production significantly influenced the market supply of coffee. The chi-square test further indicated a significant relationship between the market supply of coffee and factors like livelihood diversification strategies, access to irrigation, access to credit, proximity to markets, cooperative membership, and access to infrastructure. The study found that 63.2% of the variation in coffee supply to the market could be explained by these factors. The study recommends targeted policies and interventions to enhance the productivity of coffee farmers, including improving access to irrigation and credit, providing training and support, fostering collaboration, and encouraging diversification to ensure a steady supply of coffee to the market while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.Item EFFECTS OF WORK ENVIRONMENT ON EMPLOYEES PRODUCTIVITY: THE CASE OF MINERAL WATER BOTTLING COMPANIES IN GURAGHE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA(wolkite universty, 2025-09) TILAHUN NIGA WOLDEEmployee productivity is a critical factor in achieving organizational success, with the work environment playing a key role in influencing performance. This study examines the impact of the work environment on employee productivity in mineral water bottling companies in the Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. It focuses on four major factors: workload, supervision and support, training and development, and motivational incentives. A quantitative research design was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to employees from five selected companies. A proportional stratified sampling technique ensured fair representation, resulting in a sample size of 278 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis to assess the relationship between workplace variables and employee productivity. The results reveal that supervision, training, and development have the most significant positive impact on productivity, followed by effective workload management. Employees who receive proper training, clear guidance, and manageable workloads tend to perform better. However, motivational incentives were found to have the least influence, suggesting employee dissatisfaction with existing reward systems. The study concludes that improving workplace conditions especially supervision, training, and workload management can significantly enhance productivity in the mineral water industry. It also recommends strengthening incentive systems by incorporating both financial and non-financial rewards to boost motivation and job satisfaction. These findings provide practical insights for business managers, policymakers, and researchers aiming to create productive and supportive work environments that drive organizational efficiency and employee well-beingItem EFFECTS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF FLOUR FACTORIES IN GURAGE ZONE(wolkite universty, 2025-08) ZEDAGIM SISAYThis study was conducted with an objective of investigating the effect of supply chain management practices on operational performance of flour factories in Gurage zone. The researcher used a quantitative approach and descriptive and explanatory research design to achieve the objective of the study. The study also used primary data source and the data collection instrument was structured close ended survey questionnaires using the five-point Likert scale adopted from previous studies. The target population was 200 respondents. Using census method 199 questionnaires were filled and returned for the analysis. The researcher used the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) tool in order to find the results of descriptive and inferential statistics analysis. Some studies on only few components of SCM were taken as independent variable to study the effect of SCM on operational performance. This study therefore targeted to fill this gap by studying the effect of five major components of SCM on operational performance. The result of this finding indicated that the four predictors (Strategic supplier partnership, Level of information sharing, Customer relationship Management, and Outsourcing of Services) have significant and positive coefficient of Beta values indicating that they have positive effect on operational performance under the study. While Logistics process responsiveness has insignificant alpha value, which indicated that it has insignificant effect on operational performance under the study. Therefore, it is recommended that in order to achieve growth in operational performance, it is frugal for the organization to give appropriate emphasis to the constructs of supply chain management practices.Item EFFECTS OF STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE ON ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS THE CASEOF COMMERCIAL BANKS OPERATING IN WOLKITE CITY(wolkite universty, 2025-09) TEGODE ADANE DEMISSEThe general objective of this study was to examine the effect of SHRM practice on organizational competitiveness in commercial banks in Wolkite town branches. An explanatory and descriptive research design was employed. A sample size of 179 was drawn from the 325 employees of twenty commercial banks. The respondents were chosen using stratified random sampling and basic random sampling select the respondents. The study used questionnaires as a tool for data collection. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to estimate the causal relationships between independent and dependent variables. The analysis is done using SPSS. The responses of the respondents were analyzed using descriptive Statistics, correlation, and regression. The findings of the study showed that strategic recruitment and selection, strategic reward and compensation, strategic training and development and strategic performance appraisal positively influence organizational competitiveness. hypothesis in relation to these factors were also accepted. Strategic reward and compensation were the most dominant strategic human resource management practices that supply more for competitiveness. the regression model explained 55.1% of the variance in organizational competitiveness (R² = 0.551), demonstrating the effectiveness of SHRM practices in enhancing competitiveness. So, it has been recommended that the bank Develop a strategic recruitment process that aligns with organizational goals to attract and retain top talent Implement competitive and equitable compensation packages to effectively origination competitiveness, thereby improving overall performance Regularly assess training needs and establish programs to enhance employee skills, fostering adaptability and innovation in the workforce Create a comprehensive performance appraisal system that motivates employees, aligns their objectives with organizational goals, and provides constructive feedback for continuous improvement competitiveness of the bank.Item THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE LEARNING METHOD ON GRADE TEN STUDENTS IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF CHEMISTRY: THE CASE OF ROMAN DEGA SECONDARY SCHOOL, KEDIDA GAMELA, KAMBATTA ZONE, CENTERAL ETHIOPIA REGION, ETHIOPIA(wolkite universty, 2024-12) SEWUNET SAMUEL WANOREActive learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are learning. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an active learning method on Grade 10 students in the achievement of Chemistry. The research was conducted at Roman dega Secondary School, kedida Gamela, Central Ethiopia Region. For the study purpose, a quasi-experimental design was employed. By using simple random sampling technique, 72 students were selected as a sample size from a total population of 360. Also 7 chemistry teachers, 3 the school principals and 1 supervisor were included in the study .A stratified sampling technique was used to maintain the proportional allocation of students from each section. The sampled students were assigned to two groups: experimental (N (exp) = 36) and control (N(con) = 36). The experimental group received instruction with active learning methods such as group discussion, question and answer, problem solving, experimental and visual-based learning. In contrast to that, the control group was taught with the traditional lecture method from the same chapter of "Energy Change and Electrochemistry" by the same teacher. The application took seven weeks. At the beginning of the first week, a pretest was administered for both groups. A post test was given for both groups at the end of the seventh week. To ensure the validity of the tool, the test was presented to the study advisor and four experienced high school teachers. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20. A T-test was used to test the statistical significance of the hypothesis generated in the study. The significance level of the results was tested at alpha = 0.05 significance level. Results showed that there was a significant difference between the means of experimental group pretest and post test ( p ≤ 0.05) in the achievement of chemistry. But there was no significant difference between the means of the control group pretest and post test after intervention (P > 0.05). Questionnaires were also administered before and after the intervention. The findings of the study revealed that incorporating an active learning approach in chemistry enhanced the learning achievement of 10th grade students. In light of the obtained results, the researcher recommended the utilization of an active learning method in teaching chemistry so as to enhance students’ achievement in chemistry and positive perceptions towards chemistry.Item THE IMPACT OF PRACTICAL LEARNING ON STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENT IN CHEMISTRY. THE CASE OF ADELE SECONDARY SCHOOL(wolkite universty, 2024-12) MULUGETA GOSSAYE TEKAThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of practical work in enhancing students’ achievements in chemistry in Adele secondary school particularly in grade 10, Sodo Woreda East Gurage zone, Centeral Ethiopia. To achieve this objective i.e. to examine impact of practical learning on students’ performance in chemistry, and on the students attitude toward chemistry; this study was employed quasi-experimental design. among a total of six targets secondary school in Sodo Woreda Adele secondary school was selected purposively. 80 students as a sample size out of 600 total populations were selected by using random sampling method. To keep the proportional allocation of students from each section, stratified sampling technique was used. The sampled students were placed in to two groups; experimental group and control group. Both the groups were exposed to the pre-test. The experimental groups were taught using the practical approach for eight week while the control groups were taught using the conventional method. The study used three instruments namely chemistry achievement tests, students’ attitude questionnaires and observation checklists were used as a data collection tools. at the beginning of the first week, both groups give the pre-test chemistry achievements and the post-test achievements test at the end of the eight week. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20. T-test was used to test the statistical significance in the hypothesis generated in the study. The significance of the results was tested at α = .05 significance level. The findings of the students showed that practical approach resulted in higher students’ achievements in chemistry and lead to improved students’ attitude towards chemistry. The study concluded that, practical instructional approach towards chemistry is an effective teaching method which chemistry teachers should be encouraged to use to enhance students’ achievements in the subject. The study recommended adoption of the practical teaching approach in order to enhance students’ achievements and improve students’ attitude towards the subject.Item THE EFFECT OF MARKETING MIX ELEMENTS ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON SELECTED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN GURAGE ZONE(wolkite universty, 2025-08) MINTESNOT FIKREThe function of bank marketing mix is to act more as an "enabler" than as a provider of services. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of marketing mix elements on customer satisfaction: a comparative study on selected commercial banks in Gurage zone. The survey, which comprised a sample of 311 respondents, provided the information for the study through questionnaire. Comparative study of the service marketing tactics (7Ps) used by 3 private sector banks and 1 public sector banks in Gurage zone, Ethiopia. Moreover, both primary and secondary data were used in this method of descriptive analytical based approach study. The correlation analysis shows that there is positive and significant relationship between the marketing mix and customer satisfaction. The regression's findings showed that the R square value 0.707, this demonstrates that 70.7% of the variance in customer satisfaction can be attributed to the marketing mix. Descriptive statistics of marketing mix elements, customer satisfaction levels, reliability tests, correlation analysis, and regression results, with a focus on comparative insights. The descriptive result of the study indicates Awash Bank led in customer satisfaction due to strong People and Process performance. CBE lagged due to high service charges and slow processes. NIB struggled with loan accessibility and complaint resolution. BoA performed moderately but faced technology-related complaints. The study recommended the need for the Bank to continue to improve on these significant strategies as well as improving on other strategies that could attract, meet and exceed customer expectations such as enhancing transaction process flow, loan accessibility and providing the latest technological innovations to ensure error free transactions.