Browsing by Author "Ephrem Assefa (PhD)"

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    Assessing the Perceptions and Effects of the Single Use Plastic Ban Measures on Socio-Economic and Environmental Dimensions in Nairobi, Kenya
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Mahelet Tarekegn; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    Due to the growing threat posed by plastic packaging and materials, many countries have implemented restrictions since 2010. Despite these efforts, empirical research on public perceptions and the environmental impacts of such bans remains limited, making it difficult to align policy actions with public support. This study aimed to assess perceptions and the impact of plastic ban measures in Nairobi, Kenya. A combination of descriptive and explanatory research designs was used, with data collected from 336 enterprises through questionnaires, as well as key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Findings revealed that most stakeholders believe the ban has reduced litter, improved environmental aesthetics, and strengthened enforcement. However, uncertainty remains regarding its effects on marine life, drainage systems, and landfill reduction, due to uneven realization or communication of benefits. Additionally, the ban has enhanced community health and safety through improved waste management and public engagement, though awareness of social equity issues remains low in low-income areas. The study recommends targeted support for small and medium enterprises and informal workers through tax incentives, subsidies, and capacity-building initiatives to support the shift to sustainable packaging. Enforcement and regulatory coordination challenges further compromise the ban's effectiveness. The study identified limited government awareness, inconsistent implementation across jurisdictions, and weak monitoring systems. Although there is positive outcome with EPR regulation stakeholder coordination among government agencies, community groups, manufacturers undermines policy coherence and public trust. These systemic weaknesses necessitate enhanced regulatory enforcement through increased resource allocation, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and regional cooperation with neighboring countries to address cross-border smuggling. The research emphasizes that successful plastic ban implementation requires a holistic approach encompassing infrastructure development, regulatory strengthening, and comprehensive waste segregation awareness campaigns, particularly targeting younger generations to ensure long-term behavioral change and policy sustainability. Keywords: plastic ban, social impact, economic impact, environmental impact, single use plastic
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    Assessment of Conference Tourism Development in Addis Ababa: Current Practices, Challenges and Opportunities
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-10) Seid Mohammed; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    The main objective of this research was to assess the current practices, challenges and opportunities of conference tourism development in Addis Ababa. The researcher used descriptive design to answer the objective of the research and used both primary and secondary data. Respondents a r e c o m p o s e d of 150 conference participants (meet them in star rated hotels conference centers or meeting halls. They have done the questionnaire during the coffee break on individuals hotels which are randomly selected, 14 event organizers and conference planners who are working in those hotels, 3 concerned government offices are ECB,AAACTB,AAICEC and one tourism professional which are purposively selected to get reliable and convenient data for the research purpose. Survey data was processed using SPSS version 26 and analyzed via descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicated that conference tourism sector in Ethiopia i s in a very young stage. Though Ethiopia has huge potential in attracting and organizing regional, continental, and global conferences, the sector is still struggling with many challenges. The lack of pre and post (both in the past and current) entertainment activities for conference participants, as a person worked long years in the industry and based on my observation conference centers are not well equipped with facilities, language/communication barriers, lack of cooperation among stakeholders, absence of policy package, lack of well-designed conference infrastructure, absence of one window service for conference participants are major challenges. Access of cheap labor, the presence of various national and international organizations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, African Union, European Union, Inter governmental authority on development, and the city Addis Ababa is also the seat of more than 135 embassies and NGOs, are some opportunities for the development of conference tourism in Addis Ababa. Furthermore, access to the center of the city, safety and security issues are one part of challenges, countries past record/ experience, tolerance of others culture, venue facilities, costs related with conference product and service and quality of product and services are the major challenges or factor which affect the selection of conference center and venue. Therefore, the researcher recommended that the current organizational structure for the MICE sector should be well redesigned in a way that give full mandate, responsibility and authority for conference tourism sector by the government (Ethiopian Culture and Tourism minister). Furthermore, adequate budget should be allocated by the Ministry of Tourism and Convention Bureau to participate on international BID to bring international conferences to Addis Ababa. Moreover, hospitality professionals should be assigned to work with internal revenue administration office at Bole airport terminals as the tourists and conference participants need good treatment with good welcoming hospitality service.
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    Assessment of Park-Community Relationship for Sustainable Development: The Case of Entoto Park, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-06) Abdulselam Nezif; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    The rationale behind this research is to examine the park-community relationship in Entoto Park, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It tried to assess the perception of the local community towards Entoto park and investigate community-park relationship at Entoto Park, and finally to discover the major challenges associated with the park-local community nexus at Entoto Park. The study used mixed research approaches, and data was gathered using a questionnaire, interview, and focus group discussion from the 210 respondents. Survey data were processed using SPSS version 25 and analyzed through descriptive statistics for quantitative data from 210 respondents and thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data’s of focus group discussant’s. The findings show that there exist a moderate and positive relationship between the park and community. Moreover, the community has a positive perception about Entoto Park. The major challenges associated with the community-park relationship are the lack of community participation platforms in Entoto Park, the lack of initiation by the local community in the participation of tourism development in the park, and the limited form of community participation in tourism development. Based on the findings, the research provides recommendation for PAs, Government bodies and Tourism stakeholders some of them are raising awareness for local, and develop community-based tourism product development to benefit locals, participate locals in the planning process, and implement collaborative governance and a benefit-based management system.
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    Assessment of TVET – Industry Linkage: The Case of Tourism Sector in Addis Ababa City
    (Addis Ababa University, 2022-06-20) Temesgen Mamo; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    The main purpose of the study was to Assessment Technical vocational education training – Industry Linkage in the case of Tourism sector in Addis Ababa City. To meet the research objectives, mixed research approach and descriptive design were applied. Data were mainly gathered through questionnaire, interview and observation check list and official document review. The population from which the sample drawn had a size of 211 Out of this, data was gathered from 184 questioner respondents from hotels, tour operators and Technical vocational education training trainers using stratified sampling technique. Quantitative data gathered via structured questionnaire were processed through SPSS version 25 and analyzed by using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentile and mean and standard deviation), and 27 interview respondents for qualitative data through descriptive narration and written thematically for the purpose of triangulation. The findings of the study indicated that the major challenges affecting the linkage between Technical vocational education training and Tourism industry were Technical and Vocational Education and Training Agency has not been legally empowered; there is lack of awareness on the linkage; labor market studies were unsuccessful; occupational/training standards were not set by real practitioner industries and some training delivered is not standard driven; cooperative training and practical occupational assessment were not undertaken in workplace setting/industry; assessment tools are leaked out unofficially and became base for short cut trainings; and the employment opportunities of Technical and Vocational graduates are low. Moreover, trainers and higher officials lack awareness on occupational standards and real practitioner industries are not leading to training standardization and cooperative training which the latter is now declining. Colleges’ graduates have skill gaps and low employment opportunities. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Technical vocational education training should be empowered to mobilize stakeholders and its proclamation has to incorporate linkage issues that give ways to the policy and strategy improvement accordingly. Furthermore, Technical vocational education training strategy should be harmonized with tourism policy, and linkage has to be industry driven. The awareness on occupational standards should be enhanced and real practitioner industries should lead the training standardization by which cooperative training and occupational assessment be improved. Data management of assessment tools has to be x too confidential and as sort of legal frame work has to be in place regarding assessment implementation
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    Determinants of skilled hotel employees career development in the case of five star hotel at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-02-23) Zemenu Yohannes; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    Lack of career development after extensive experience & training in the tourism industry especially in hotel sectors is an area of great interest and concern. Lack of career development affects job performance. However, how organizational, factor [Political skills, Work content, Affective commitments, Leader member exchange] social factor [Family support, Friends support, Peer support, Co-worker support, Supervisor support & Social networking] and personality factors [Core self-evaluation, Neuroticism, Openness to experience, Conscientiousness and some demographic factors] influence career development is not well researched in Ethiopian hospitality industry. The objective of this study is, therefore, to find out the determinants of skilled hotel employees career development in the case of five star hotels found in Addis Ababa. The study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research design since the study intended to gather quantitative and qualitative data that describes the effect of social, organizational and personality factors on career development. The target population was 8(eight), five star (*****) hotel namely Sheraton Addis, Capital, Ellele, Marriott, Radisson Blue, Golden Tulip, Getfam, & Hayatt Regency hotel core employees working at Addis Ababa Ethiopia. The study collected both primary and secondary data. Primary data has been gathered using semi-structured questionnaires and interview and secondary data has been collected from theoretical and empirical studies. Descriptive statistics (correlation and regression analysis) were used to analyze the data. This included percentages and frequencies, Tables and other graphical presentations were appropriately used to present the data that were collected for ease of understanding and analysis. The study found out that among other things, how those determinant factors affect career development in the hotel sector? The study revealed that organizational, social and personality factors are important determinants factors on career development. This indicates much emphasis should be given to organizational, social and personality factors so as to be successful in their day to day work performance.
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    E-Marketing Practices, Opportunities and Challenges in Star Rated Hotels of Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Ababo Mengistu; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    E-marketing is the practice or process of marketing products or services by means of the internet or online channels. This study was conducted to examine the e-marketing practices, opportunities and challenges in the case of star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa. In recognition of its merits, a descriptive design and mixed research approach were used. Census method was applied to collect data from the marketing managers of the star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa. Primary data were collected through questionnaires from 128 marketing managers. The secondary data were collected from documents and publications. Quantitative data gathered through questionnaire was processed via Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v.24) software and analyzed using descriptive statistics and one way ANOVA. The findings of the study demonstrated that there is high level of e-marketing practices by star-rated hotels namely online advertising (x=4.32), website marketing (x=4.13), social media marketing (x=4.05), email marketing (x=3.98), mobile phone marketing (x=3.72), and search engine optimization (x=3.52). It was also found that the opportunities for e-marketing practices in the hotel industry include enhanced partnership, builds strong brand image and also plays role in enhancement of ICT infrastructure. The study also revealed that the problem of budget allocation, expensive cost of training, high cost of maintenance, poor internet access were the major challenges affecting the adoption of e-marketing practices by the star-rated hotels. Furthermore, the result of ANOVA revealed there was a statistically significant mean difference among star-rated hotels in terms of adopting digital marketing practices. In this regard, five star-rated hotels were better than the rest of hotel categories in terms of adopting digital marketing practices. Therefore, it is recommended to build strong brand image of the company using digital marketing and focusing on training, budget allocation, and maximizing human capacity in order to adopt digital marketing practices by hospitality businesses. Furthermore, there should be prevalence of secured and reliable server as well.
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    Examining Factors Affecting General Managerial Employees' Organizational Commitment: The Case of Star-Rated Hotel Managers in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-10) Getu Mulugeta; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    The commitment of skilled employees, especially managerial employees to their organization is presumed to have a crucial role for organizational success. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the organizational commitment of managerial employees in star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To meet this objective, the study used a descriptive and correlational research design and a quantitative approach. The study collected data from 105 general managers of star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa using a questionnaire. The study identified five predictor variables affecting managerial employees’ commitment to their organization namely owner-leader relationship, organizational culture, reward and compensation, flexible job design, and working condition. The study used various statistical techniques, descriptive statisticsand inferential statistics (correlation analysis, and regression analysis) to test the research hypotheses and the validity of the questionnaire item. The result of descriptive statistics revealed that general managers of star-rated hotels have low level of commitment to their organization (x=2.55). Moreover, among the predictor variables, the managers have low level of perception towards reward and compensation (x=2.59) and flexible job design (x=2.57).They had good perception towards organizational culture (x=3.29), and working condition (x=3.83), and worklife balance (x=3.41). Furthermore, the result of regression analysis showed only owner-leader relationship, reward and compensation and working condition have caused a statistically significant weak positive effect on hotel managerial employees’ commitment to their organization. At the end, the study discusses the implications of the findings for theory and practice, and suggests some directions for future research.
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    Examining Local Food Supply Chain Management practices in Enhancing Purchase Practices: The Case of Star-Rated Hotels in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-10) Nafyad Tadesse; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    Tourism is a multi-sectoral industry which has linkage with the various sectors of the economy such as agriculture. It is presumed that the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism businesses such as hotels partly depend on the performance of local food supply chain management practices. However, the integration between agriculture and tourism is quite fragmented in many tourist destinations in developing countries like Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to examine local food supply chain management practices in enhancing purchasing practicesthe case of star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa. The study applied mixed research approach, descriptive and Exploratory research designs. Primary and secondary sources were employed. Simple random sampling technique was employed to gather quantitative data using questionnaire from purchasing managers of 142 star-rated hotels and purposive sampling technique to gather interview data from 4 local food suppliers’ managers. Quantitative data gathered using questionnaire was processed via SPSS version 26, and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression analysis and MANOVA). The results of descriptive statistics revealed that there is moderate level of mutual information sharing, supply chain integration, strategic supplier partnership, and actual purchasing. However, there is high level of logistics integration. Furthermore, the results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the dimensions of supply chain management practices namely mutual information sharing, supply chain integration, logistics integration and strategic supplier partnership have caused positive and significantly effect on local food a purchasing practice. On the other hand, The MANOVA result also revealed that there is not a statistically significant difference among the groups (star-rated hotels) in term of. The major local food supply chain related challenges faced by hotels are inconsistent supply of local food products, and poor transport infrastructure. Therefore, it is recommended that collective efforts should be made by star-rated hotels and local food suppliers to build mutual information sharing systems in order to increase the purchasing practices of star-rated hotels to purchase local food products.
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    Examining the Attitude and Perception of Stakeholders on Sustainable Urban Green Infrastructure Development in Addis Ababa.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Manaye Mageso; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    Urban green infrastructure development is a strategic approach that requires the harmonious concept, attitude and perception of stakeholders to footprint sustainability. However, the urban green infrastructure (UGI) faces challenges in implementation either knowingly or unknowingly. This study aimed to examine the concept, attitude and perception of stakeholders towards sustainable urban green infrastructure development in Addis Ababa. Pertinent data gathered using survey questionnaire from 121 respondents were processed through SPSS version 29 and analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics. Moreover, qualitative data collected from 26 key informant interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results reveal that respondents stimulate principles of UGI and perceive the existence and benefits with low level incorporation in current practices. The current urban planning process failed to consider stakeholder perspectives when developing or expanding urban green infrastructure projects. Furthermore, most of the stakeholders have positive attitude towards UGI Multi-functionalities of UGI especially green accessibility is incorporated in low level in current practices. The study also found that the major challenges associated with UGI are limited public education about the benefits of urban green infrastructure followed by lack of funding/resources, technical difficulties in implementation, lack of political will/support for such initiatives and resistance from local communities or stakeholders in the implementation. To curb these problems, research recommends respective authorities or responsible organs to advance the information/communication to the public regarding the main principles to increase the concept/ knowledge of urban green infrastructure to enhance from stimulation level to determination and internalization.
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    Potentials and Limitations of Religious and Cultural Resources for Tourism Development in and Around Debrebirhan, North Shoa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2022-10) Abay Bahretibeb; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    Debrebirhan is one of the most resourceful tourism destinations in Ethiopia. It has paramount socio-cultural and natural assets. It is also a place of cultural diversity and other attractions which may be of great interest for tourists. The area is said to have tremendous potential for tourism development. This study was, therefore, aimed to assess the potentials and limitations of religious and cultural resources for tourism development in and around Debrebirhan, North Shoa. The study used a qualitative research approach and pertinent data were gathered through interviews and focus group discussion. A total of 31 respondents were used for collecting primary data through interview as well as FGD. Qualitative data gathered via interview and FGD were analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that the area has ample religious and cultural resources that could be important for tourism development. The findings also indicate that the major factors affecting religious and cultural resources as well as the development of tourism in the study area are limited stakeholders’ participation in the sector, status of heritages is good if not well preserved, infrastructural problems and limited transportation facility, and financial constraint to develop destination. Therefore, the researcher would like to suggest that the Ethiopian Ministry of Tourism together with different stakeholders should work to develop the cultural and religious resources for tourism development in the area.
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    Practices of Community Based Tourism Development: the case of Dorze Village, Southern Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-01) Mebrek Zelalem; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    Community-based-tourism plays a pivotal role in terms of conserving natural resources, revitalizing local culture as well as generating revenue for local communities. The major objective of this study was to assess community based tourism development practices in the case of Dorze village, Southern Ethiopia. The study applied the combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research instruments included questionnaires, interviews, document analysis and structured personal observation. Moreover, questionnaire survey was employed to 269 local communities out of which 262 were returned and used for further analysis. In addition to these, semi-structured interviews were conducted on tourism businesses (hotels and restaurants), local tour guides, tourism experts from Chencha Woreda culture and tourism Bureau, destination managers, village leaders. The data gathered through questionnaire survey were processed in SPSS Version 24 and tallied, tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Data gathered via qualitative methods- semistructured interview and document review were analyzed thematically and narrative analysis. The result revealed that the potential tourism resources of the village are composed of both natural and anthropogenic assets. The current anthropogenic tourism resources are in greater quantity as compared to natural resources. Human-induced resources are the upbringing due to historical, cultural and social issues. The major challenges facing community based tourism development in the study area included that community based tourism participants have been challenged during the implementation of the community based tourism practice, lack of infrastructural development and limited government support. Hence, there is a need to have a nationwide community based tourism development strategy, collaboration among key stakeholders, undertaking promotional and awareness creation activities, and developing the necessary infrastructure to enhance the development of community based tourism in the study area.
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    The Linear Relation of Service Quality and Customer Loyalty: The Case of Star-Rated Hotels in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2022-06) Endegnanew Assefa; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    Ethiopia, notably Addis Ababa, is a well-known tourist destination and the headquarters of a number of international and intercontinental organizations. Tourism is an important part of the country's economy, a source of income for many people, and drive factor for investment. Hotels are an indispensable part of the tourism industry. The purpose of this study is to assess the linear relation of service quality and customer loyalty in the case of star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa. To this end, pertinent data were gathered through structured questionnaire from 384 customers of three, four and five-star hotels in Addis Ababa. The study used five dimensions of SERVQUAL model to test the effect of service quality (independent variable) on customer loyalty (dependent variable). Quantitative data gathered through structured questionnaire were processed via SPSS and analyze by using descriptive and inferential statistics (linear regression analysis). The findings of the study indicated that each of the five service quality dimensions (reliability, responsiveness, tangibles, empathy, and assurance) have a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty, with tangibles having the greatest impact. To sum up, hotels should pay attention to what their customers think about the service quality of the hotels, as this study discovered that service quality has a direct impact on customer loyalty.
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    Tourism Development Potentials, Challenges, and Opportunities: The Case of Selected Tourism Sites in South West Shoa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Soreti Hordofa; Ephrem Assefa (PhD)
    The main purpose of this study was to assess tourism development potentials, challenges, and opportunities in selected Woredas namely Woliso, Wonchi, and KersaMalima districts of South West Showa in Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, a qualitative approach with a descriptive design and expert purposive sampling techniques were employed as the interview data-gathering instrument. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study found that the area has potential natural and manmade attractions. To name some of the major potentials are Wonchi Crater Lake, Negash Lodge, Dendi Lake, Adadi Mariyam Rock hewn church, and Chebo Cave – Saint Selassie Monastery. However, the area has faced several tourism development challenges including a lack of standard accommodations, a Low level of community awareness; Poor infrastructure and facilities, Poor institutional arrangement, lack of cooperation among stakeholders, Poor marketing and promotion, and safety and security problems. The study also revealed that the emergence of the Wonchi Ecotourism Society in Woreda, the interest of the government to make the area one of the popular tourist sites in the country, and the hospitality of the local community are opportunities for tourism development in the area. Finally, based on the results of the study, it is recommended that there should be a concerted effort by all stakeholders to study stakeholders have to give attention to tourism development variables was one of the recommended points to the sustainable development of tourism in Woreda.