Executive Master of Business Administration
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item The Moderating Effect of Astrological Profile on The Relationship Between Personality and Impulsive Buying Behavior(A.A.U, 2024-01-31) Betselot Zenebe; Amare Abawa (PhD)The general objective of the study is to assess the moderating effect of consumers’ astrological profile on the relationship between personality and impulsive buying behavior. Using survey data from 404 respondents, the researcher applied PLS SEM to assess the measurement model and determine path coefficients regarding direct relationships. Bootstrapping was used to test for significance for direct paths and MICOM was assessed after running Permutation Multi group analysis to ensure multi group analysis was valid to proceed to the assessment of moderation effect. The findings indicate that while openness to experience (β=0.262,f2=0.065,p=0.000), conscientiousness ( 0.281,f2=0.088,p=0.000), agreeableness ( 0.115,f2=0.015,p=0.023) and neuroticism (β=0.323,f2=0.115,p=0.000) were found to be significantly related to impulsive buying behavior, extraversion’s relationship proved insignificant ( 0.016,f2=0.000,p=0.696). Regarding moderation effect, out of the five paths tested for moderation, astrological profile was found to moderate only the relationships of agreeableness (βfem=0.147, 0.299,p=0.000) and neuroticism (βfem=0.376,βmasc=0.109,p=0.009) with impulsive buying behavior. These research findings’ generalizability may be compromised regarding the use of convenience sampling, and the broad categorization of the moderating variable may blur the effects that may have proved significant in more specified categories. The insights from this study contribute valuable information to practically inform the decision making of businesses and marketers, leading them towards an effort boost regarding those consumers that score high on personality traits that relate inversely to impulsive buying behavior and also theoretically adds to the pool of literatures related to consumer behavior and psychology, serving as a springboard for more methodologically robust and theoretically groundbreaking researches. Even though several studies have been priorly published exploring the relationship between personality and behavior, the moderating influence of astrological profile as a categorical variable is scarcely investigated, and almost entirely absent in Ethiopian context. Thus, this study may open doors to a more methodologically and theoretically advanced, and culturally informed investigations into the topic. Results relating to the moderating effect of astrological profileItem Effect of Knowledge Management Process on Organizational Performance: a Moderated Mediation Model of Knowledge- Oriented Leadership Style and Employee Engagement in the Case Of Zemen Bank S.C.(A.A.U, 2025-06-11) Getinet Fikre; Zelalem G/Tsadik (PhD)This study examines the effect of knowledge management processes on organizational performance by considering the mediating role of employee engagement and the moderating effect of knowledge-oriented leadership style within Zemen Bank S.C. in Ethiopia. Knowledge management plays a vital role in enhancing organizational performance, particularly in knowledge-intensive industries such as banking. In an era where businesses must continuously adapt to dynamic market conditions, effective knowledge management processes serve as a strategic tool for improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and sustaining competitive advantage. The purpose of this study is to provide empirical insights into how structured knowledge management process contribute to organizational success, particularly in the Ethiopian banking sector, where knowledge management remains underdeveloped. In order to achieve these objectives, data was collected from 203 employees of Zemen Bank S.C. using a structured survey questionnaire. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4.4 to analyse the relationships among the key variables. The findings reveal that knowledge management processes significantly influences organizational performance both directly and indirectly through employee engagement. Furthermore, knowledge-oriented leadership style moderates the relationship between employee engagement and organizational performance, although it does not moderate the link between knowledge management processes and employee engagement. The study concludes that organizations can improve their performance by implementing structured knowledge management processes, fostering a knowledge-sharing culture, and promoting employee engagement. However, leadership approaches must be carefully tailored to balance knowledgedriven decision-making with employee needs to prevent unintended consequences on engagement. While the findings are particularly relevant to Zemen Bank S.C., they offer valuable insights for other private banks in Ethiopia seeking to optimize their knowledge management strategies. Future research can explore this conceptual framework in different industries, utilizing alternative analytical approaches to validate and expand these insights.Item Determinant of Consumer Preference between Local and Imported Rice in Ethiopia: Implications for the National Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan(A.AU, 2025-05-09) Luel Endale; Asres Abitie (phD)Despite major efforts, Ethiopia faces a growing challenge in its rice sector, with consumption rapidly outpacing domestic production and leading to substantial import dependency, straining foreign exchange reserves and exposing the nation to global market volatility. While existing literature primarily addresses supply-side constraints, this study identifies a critical gap in understanding consumer demand as a key driver of persistent import reliance. This research, conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s largest urban market, aimed to analyze the determinants of consumer preference between local and imported rice. Employing a quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected from 384 urban consumers using a structured questionnaire, and multinomial logistic regression was utilized to identify influencing factors. The findings reveal that quality-related attributes, specifically taste, cooking performance, and grain size/appearance are the most significant predictors of consumer preference for imported rice, with packaging also emerging as a strong determinant. Counter-intuitively, price sensitivity was positively associated with imported rice preference, suggesting that urban consumers perceive imported rice as offering superior value for its higher cost, while cultural influence was the only significant predictor that strongly favored local rice, and availability did not significantly differentiate preferences. The study concludes that the persistent reliance on imported rice is largely driven by a perceived quality gap, highlighting that merely increasing domestic production volume is insufficient; achieving rice self-sufficiency necessitates a strategic shift towards enhancing the quality, branding, and marketing of local rice to align with urban consumer preferences.Item Influence of Social Media Marketing on Consumer Purchasing Intention: the Case of Dstv Company in Addis Ababa(A.A.U, 2025-06-07) Bezawit Kebede; Meskerem (PhD)This research investigates the influence of social media marketing on consumer buying intentions among DSTV subscribers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With the extreme expansion of digital platforms, firms more and more rely on social media to impact consumer behavior. Yet, there is limited empirical research on how SMM influences subscription-based services within emerging economies such as Ethiopia. This study addresses this gap by investigating five SMM dimensions social media advertising, platform credibility, customer reviews and information accessibility and how they influence purchase intentions. The study design employed was quantitative in which data was collected from 352 DSTV customers using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, correlation, and multiple regression were employed to analyze the data using SPSS. The results indicated that there were high positive relationships among all variables of SMM and purchasing intentions, wherein the strongest was that of platform credibility and social media advertising. Online reviews of consumers and informativeness also contributed, albeit less so. The study suggests that DSTV and similar subscription based firms should focus on trust building via authentic platforms, engage in optimal targeted advertising, and manage online reviews to enhance consumer engagement and subscription levels.Item Assessment of Opportunities and Challenges of Micro-Insurance Products in the Ethiopian Insurance Industry(A.A.U, 2025-01-07) Zufan Abebe; Workneh Kassa (PhD)The main objective of the study is to assess the challenges and opportunities of micro-insurance products in Ethiopia. The study is based on qualitative and descriptive studies to collect the data from the main actors that are being involved in the delivery of the micro-insurance products in Ethiopia. Thus data were collected using open ended interviews with experts in the area of insurance industry. The main findings showed that there is still a business opportunity for micro insurance business in Ethiopia (as indicated by about 96 percent of the sampled respondents). Nevertheless, only 33 percent (9 out of 27) of the respondents indicated that their company is currently engaged in micro insurance business. The type of micro-insurance products that firms currently provide to their clients include: Index based livestock insurance, index-based crop insurance, credit life insurance, individual loan, consumption loan, micro-business loan. The index-based livestock and crop-index based crop insurances are the ones frequently stated by the firms. The most significant factors indicated by the respondents as influencing the opportunities for micro-insurance products are: i) Presence of a large population with low income in the country which can serve as a good customer base for microinsurance products, ii) Existence of many cooperatives and informal associations in rural areas can be a good distribution channels (marketing) for micro-insurance, and iii) Presence of conducive legal frameworks and directives that encourage the micro-insurance product marketing in Ethiopia. On the other hand, the three most important factors serving as challenges to the microinsurance product marketing in Ethiopia are: i) Low level of public awareness on insurance products in general and micro-insurance in particular, ii) Inadequacy of guidelines or directives to operate the microinsurance On the other hand, the three most important factors serving as challenges to the microinsurance product marketing in Ethiopia are: i) Low level of public awareness on insurance products in general and micro-insurance in particular, ii) Inadequacy of guidelines or directives to operate the microinsurance marketing ,and !!!Lack of Skilled man power in the areas of micro – insurance . The issue of the law level of public awareness to the micro -insurance seems so pervasive in the Ethiopian context The study recommends that there must be an enhanced awareness creation among the government and public institutions on the importance of micro-insurance. Enhanced public private partnership (PPPs) also needs to be a priority for micro-insurance dissemination. At the same time commitment of the government is essential to grow and sustain the business of micro-insurance. Improving the existing regulatory directives and framework for micro insurance is also another recommendation based on this study.Item The Role of Strategic Orientations on Organizational Performance: the Moderating Effect of Government Regulation (the Case of Ethio Telecom)(A.A.U, 2025-05-17) Belete Ejigu Zeleke; Asres Abitie (PhD)In today’s dynamic and regulated global markets, strategic orientation is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of organizational performance, particularly in emerging economies where external constraints such as government regulation are pronounced. This study investigates The Role of Strategic Orientations on Organizational Performance: The Moderating Effect of Government Regulation, with a specific focus on Ethio Telecom. The general objective was to examine how strategic orientations affect performance in public enterprise, while the specific objectives were: (1) to analyze the effect of Market Orientation, (2) evaluate the influence Innovation Orientation, (3) assess the influence of Technology Orientation, (4) investigate effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation, (5) examine the impact of Learning Orientation, and (6) explore the moderating role of Government Regulation in relationships between strategic orientation and performance. The research was guided by ResourceBased View (RBV), Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), and Contingency Theory. The study employed concurrent triangulation mixed-methods approach. A descriptive and explanatory research design was adopted. The study used both probability (stratified random sampling) and non probability (purposive) sampling technique to select 196 valid respondents from top, middle, and lower-level managers, complemented by purposive sampling for qualitative insights a total of seven key informants from HRM, Strategic program, Finance oppression, Marketing, Technology and Supply chain management departments. Both primary data (structured survey questionnaire and interview guide) and secondary sources (internal documents and reports) were utilized. Data were analyzed using SPSS (for descriptive and regression analyses) and PROCESS Macro Model 4 (for Moderation analysis with 5,000 bootstrap samples). Findings from descriptive analysis revealed Ethio Telecom possesses strong Market Orientation (M = 4.20), particularly in Customer Orientation (M = 4.27) and Inter-functional Coordination (M = 4.25), but lags in Competitor Orientation (M = 4.09). Innovation Orientation is notable yet constrained by a top-down structure and limited risk tolerance. Technology Orientation (M = 3.97) and Learning Orientation show internal strengths but weak external knowledge acquisition. Inferential analysis confirmed significant positive effects of all five strategic orientations on organizational performance (R² = 0.696), with Market Orientation (B = 0.415, p < 0.001) having the strongest influence. The Moderation analysis revealed that while both strategic orientation (B = 4.168, p < .001) and government regulation (B = 2.486, p < .001) positively affect performance, the interaction term was negative and significant (B = –0.665, p < .001), indicating that higher/strict regulation weakens the impact of strategic orientation. Conditional effects confirmed this diminishing trend across increasing levels of regulation. Key recommendations include enhancing Competitor Orientation, deepening technology integration, fostering bottom-up innovation and promoting a learning-based culture as well as adopts performance-based governance (performance-oriented regulatory framework), enhance strategic autonomy (greater decision-making freedom) and promote regulatory flexibility (adaptive and sector-sensitive regulations).Item The Mediating Role of Research and Development Performance in the Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Firm Performance in Arbegona, Sidama(A.A.U, 2025-05-03) Aklil Workneh; Yared Asrat (PhD)This study investigates the mediating role of research and development (R&D) performance in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and overall firm performance. Entrepreneurial orientation is conceptualized through three key dimensions: innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk -taking. While past studies have often linked EO to enhanced firm performance, this research proposes that R&D performance is a central internal capability that translates entrepreneurial orientation into tangible business outcomes. The study aims to examine the individual effects of EO dimensions on R&D performance and subsequently assess whether R&D performance significantly contributes to overall firm performance. A quantitative approach was employed using data collected from 237 MSMEs operating in Arbegona woreda, Sidama region. A 7-point likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Mean and standard deviation were used to present the result of respondents’ level of agreement to the study variable and correlation and regression analysis were conducted to identify the significant factors that affect firm performance in addition, descriptive statistics was also used to present the result. This offers strong evidence that entrepreneurial orientation comprising innovation, proactivity, an d risk-taking plays a key role in driving the performance of MSMEs in Arbegona, Sidama. Each dimension of entrepreneurial orientation showed a strong, statistically significant relationship with firm performance. The research also shows R&D performance as a driver of firm performance. Finally, the study also revealed a significant mediating role for R&D performance, especially on innovation.Item The Impact of Human Resource Practice in Digital Transformation the Case of Zamzam Bank(A.A.U, 2025-05-12) Ekram Rahmeto; Demeke Chemsisa (PhD)The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of HR practices on digital transformation outcomes in the case of ZamZam Bank, the first interest-free bank in Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire and systematic random sampling were used as instrument and technique respectively. The sample for the study was comprised of 261 respondents representing different functions of the bank. Of these, 236 questionnaires had been duly completed and returned, resulting in a 90% response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analysis through SPSS version 25. The findings revealed that Digital Skills Proficiency, Employee Engagement, and Alignment of HR Policies with digital objectives significantly and positively influenced digital transformation outcomes, with p-values less than 0.001. Notably, Training and Development Programs and Talent Acquisition Strategies did not show statistically significant effects. Key findings indicate that enhancing digital skills and fostering employee engagement are critical for successful digital transformation. The study concludes that ZamZam Bank should focus on aligning its HR practices with digital transformation goals. By prioritizing employee engagement and ensuring that HR policies support these objectives, the bank can create a more adaptive and innovative workforce. This strategic alignment will not only facilitate effective digital transformation but also strengthen the bank's competitive position in the Islamic banking sector. Keywords: Islamic banking, Digital transformation, Human resource, Digital technologiesItem Factors Affecting Technology Adoption in Improving Efficiency in Addis Ababa’s Textile Manufacturing Sector(A.A.U, 2025-06-23) Tsigie Getie Adane; Gemechu W. Olana (PhD)This study examines how technology uptake has impacted business performance in the Addis Ababa textile manufacturing industry, threats and opportunities. Textile industry development is at the center of Ethiopian economic growth and employment as fueled by emerging technologies in automation and analytics. Effort is however hindered by low technology, low skills, and infrastructural vulnerabilities. Adapting to these vulnerabilities necessitates strategic governmental investment and employee skills enhancement. Motivated by vision that focuses on augmenting productivity and competitiveness, the research is focused on key determinants in technology such as automation, information technology, personnel training, and utilization of data. The data were obtained through the administration of structured questionnaires by 187 textile companies randomly and systematically selected from a population of 350 companies to ensure variability. Secondary data and primary responses were used as sources of information. Descriptive analysis revealed moderate adoption levels with average scores of 3.22 for automation, 3.31 for information systems, and 3.37 for supply chain integration. Interestingly, as a fact, expenditures on training and skill development were over 3.90 of the mean, suggesting concern at the high levels regarding appropriateness. Awareness of technological advantages irrespective of it, views on competitiveness and effectiveness were unclear. Inferential statistics produced high significant positive correlations: highly significant correlation (0.981) between automation and IT system implementation, and significant correlations between data analytics usage and IT systems (0.941), and between automation and data analytics usage (0.916). Regression analysis produced 83.5% variance explanation in efficiency by independent variables, with information systems technology explaining the most. The findings support technology spending and business performance dependence on a planned technology and human resource management foundation. Enterprise-level technology integration, improved training, and stakeholder engagement in maximizing productivity are proposed solutions. Mid-level reduction of stakeholder resistance, implementation complexity, and organizational long-term alignment are proposed solutions. Long-term effects of technology adoption and workers' attitudes would be a topic for future research to examine long-term development of Ethiopia's textile sector.Item The Effect of Digital Marketing Strategies on Brand Awareness and Customer Engagement: a case study of startup Tech Companies in Ethiopia(A.A.U, 2025-05-09) Helen Zeberga; Desalegn Amlaku (PhD)This study investigates the effect of Digital Marketing Strategies (DMS) on Brand Awareness (BA) and Customer Engagement (CE) among Ethiopian startup tech companies, exploring BA’s mediating role. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data from 200 respondents in Addis Ababa were collected via a structured questionnaire, analyzing DMS (e.g., Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing), BA (recognition and recall), and CE (satisfaction, loyalty, advocacy). Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), findings reveal DMS significantly enhances BA (β = 0.631, p < 0.001) and CE (β = 0.526, p < 0.001), explaining 54.5% of CE’s variance (R² = 0.545). BA partially mediates the DMS–CE relationship (indirect effect: 0.2025, 95% CI [0.1001, 0.3092]), accounting for 25.4% of the total effect. Social Media Marketing (r = 0.534) and Content Marketing (r = 0.549) are key drivers, while Email Marketing shows weaker impact (r = 0.370). The study, validated by expert consultations, contributes to digital marketing scholarship in emerging markets and offers actionable strategies for startups to leverage platforms like Tiktok and WhatsApp to boost brand visibility and engagement in Ethiopia’s growing digital ecosystem. Despite limitations like the cross-sectional design, these findings provide a robust foundation for enhancing startup competitiveness.Item The Effect of Project Constraint Management in the Case of Catholic Relief Services Ethiopia(A.A.U, 2025-06-19) Mihret Tsegaye; Dejene Tulu (PhD)Project success is a critical concern for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly in resource-constrained environments where effective management of project constraints time, cost, and scope is essential. This study investigates the effect of project constraints management on project success in the case of Catholic Relief Services Ethiopia. The objective is to assess how the management of these key constraints influences the achievement of project goals in terms of Project Cost, Time and Scope. The research method used was the quantitative research method and the research design was descriptive and explanatory research design. The primary data was obtained using structured questionnaires that were administered to 183 project and Finance staff by CRS at Ethiopia. The outstanding valid responses were 171 and are analyzed based on descriptive statistics as well as Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression as a way of assessing relations between the independent variables (time, cost, and scope management) and the dependent variable (project success). The results indicate that the three project constraints which are; time, cost and scope affect the project success positively and significantly. Of these, scope management yielded the most results implying that focusing on how best to specify a project and have it managed has more implication in successful project deliverable than time and cost management process. The second most influential factor was the cost management and the third was time management. These findings demonstrate the relevance of combined constraint management to enhance the work of projects in the NGO environments. In line with its findings, the study suggests that CRS improves its strength in project planning, definition of scope, budgeting, and monitoring so that it could deal with the constraints to ensure better project outcomes. A further duration of putting resources into staff preparation and institutionalized project management methods will carve out a working future of the organization with successful tasks. Future studies can take the view of a larger scope involving numerous NGOs to get a wider generalizability of the study. Key Words: Project success, Project Constraint Management, time management, cost management, scope management, Non-Governmental Organizations.Item The Impact of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction in the Case of Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) Concerning the Coffee Market(A.A.U, 2025-05-04) Kalkidan Alemayehu; Desalegn Amlaku (PhD)This study investigates the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction within the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), specifically focusing on the coffee market. Using the SERVPERF model, five key service quality dimensions tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy were analyzed to determine their influence on customer satisfaction. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires distributed to a randomly selected sample of 322 coffee traders, of which 274 responses were valid for analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including correlation and multiple regression analysis using SPSS v25, were applied to assess the relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that tangibility (β = 0.521, p < 0.001), reliability (β = 0.174, p = 0.002), responsiveness (β = 0.165, p = 0.012), and empathy (β = 0.167, p = 0.001) had statistically significant and positive effects on customer satisfaction. In contrast, assurance (β = 0.023, p = 0.720) did not show a significant impact. The model explained 68.0% of the variation in customer satisfaction (Adjusted R² = 0.680). The study concludes that performance-based service delivery is a strong predictor of customer satisfaction in commodity trading platforms like ECX. It recommends that ECX prioritize improvements in responsiveness, personalization, and physical service attributes while addressing gaps in employee competence and trustbuilding. These insights offer valuable guidance for ECX management, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to enhance service quality and customer experience in Ethiopia’s agricultural markets.Item Effect of Motivational Factors on Organizational Commitment(A.A.U, 2025-04-29) Bethlhem Mulugeta; Hailemariam (PhD)This study examined the impact of extrinsic motivational factors on organizational commitment among teachers at Gibi Gebreal and Holy Trinity Cathedral private schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative surveys (148 teachers, 90.2% response rate) and qualitative interviews (12 participants). Teachers were selected through a census sampling technique, encompassing all 164 teaching staff across both schools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (SPSS v26), including correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative responses were thematically coded (NVivo 12). Findings revealed that salary satisfaction had the strongest correlation with commitment, followed by working conditions and supervision quality, while training showed moderate influence. Qualitative themes highlighted delays in salary payments, inconsistent supervision, and inadequate training opportunities. The study concluded that policy reforms such as competitive compensation, structured mentorship, and resource investment could enhance commitment.Item Fintech Adoption and Risk Management: the Mediating Role of Regulatory Environment, Technological Infrastructure, and organizational Readiness: Evidence From Dashen Bank(A.A.U, 2025-05-12) Habtamu Datta; Habtamu Endris (PhD)In the evolving digital landscape, Financial Technology (FinTech) has emerged as a transformative force within the banking sector, particularly in enhancing risk management frameworks. This study investigates the relationship between FinTech adoption and risk management practices in Ethiopian commercial banks, using Dashen Bank as a case study. The research examines how regulatory environment, technological infrastructure, and organizational readiness mediate the impact of FinTech tools such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and big data analytics on risk identification, assessment, and mitigation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the mediating role of institutional factors in FinTech adoption. The results indicate that while FinTech significantly improves the efficiency and responsiveness of risk management processes, its integration is highly contingent upon supportive regulatory frameworks, technological capability, and organizational preparedness. Findings also highlight that regulatory ambiguity, infrastructural deficits, and skill shortages constrain full-scale adoption. This study contributes to academic discourse by filling a research gap in developing economies regarding FinTech’s operational impact on banking risk management. It offers practical insights for bank managers, policy makers, and technology developers, advocating for improved collaboration between financial institutions and regulators. Recommendations include regulatory reforms, investment in digital infrastructure, capacity building, and promoting a conducive ecosystem for FinTechdriven innovation in risk management.Item The Influence of Job Satisfaction and Work-Life-Balance on Employee Retention in Ethiopian Small & Mid-Size Enterprises: the Role of Work-Life Balance as a Moderator Variable in Bole Sub-City Administration(A.A.U, 2025-05-30) Yonus Fantahun; Desalegn Amlaku (PhD)This study analyzes the causes of employee retention in Ethiopian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), focusing on Job Satisfaction (JS) and Work-Life Balance (WLB) within the Bole Sub-City Administration. Using a mixed-methods approach, it incorporates qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and quantitative data from structured questionnaires completed by 279 employees. The study employs a stratified sample and validates scales with Cronbach's Alpha (JS: 0.95; WLB: 0.92; Employee Retention: 0.96) to ensure reliability. Key findings reveal strong positive correlations: JS and Employee Retention (r=0.719), WLB and Employee Retention (r=0.901), and JS and WLB (r=0.760). Regression analysis confirms both JS (β=0.110, p=0.043) and WLB (β=1.063, p=0.000) as significant predictors of retention, explaining 81.5% of variance (R²=0.815), while WLB’s moderating role between JS and Employee Retention is statistically insignificant (p=0.438), indicating independent effects. The study highlights that younger employees (60.57% aged 21–36) prioritize flexibility and career growth, with demographic factors such as gender (60.22% male) and educational attainment (53.76% bachelor's degree holders) affecting tailored retention strategies. It addresses gaps in the literature regarding Ethiopia's labor attributes in SMEs and enhances understanding of the relationships between job satisfaction, work-life balance, and employee retention, emphasizing the influence of organizational, cultural, and economic factors on employee experiences. The strong correlations among these variables challenge the empirical gap and provide recommendations for organizations seeking to improve employee satisfaction and retention, thereby strengthening the theoretical base of employee retention relationships. Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Work-Life Balance, Employee Retention, Ethiopian SMEs, Mixed-Methods, Strategic HRM.Item Effect of Financial Technology (Fin-Tech) on Financial Inclusion in Ethiopia the Case of (Selected Commercial Banks and Fin-Tech Companies)(A.A.U, 2025-04-17) Ermias Kenjo; Salehu Anteneh (PhD)Fin-Tech can improving financial inclusion not only a topic that draws attention in the global agenda, but also a great significance for the economic development of Ethiopia. Nevertheless, in Ethiopia few researches are conducted on effects of Fin-Tech on financial inclusion. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of financial technology (Fin-Tech) on financial inclusion in Ethiopia. The researcher was employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research was used both descriptive and explanatory research design method. The researcher use primary and secondary data for this study. The primary data was collected through questionnaires and interviews from management, employees and users of Fin-Tech companies and secondary data was collected from annually audited report in national banks of Ethiopia and other related journal articles. The targeted population is 14 top performed commercial banks and other fin-tech companies. The sample size is 370 respondents. The main findings of the study are: digital saving service, digital credit service, mobile banking service, ATM service, and mobile money service have positive and significant impact on financial inclusion in Ethiopia. Nevertheless digital insurance service and inward international remittance have negative impact on financial inclusion. The results of the study could create understanding of how financial technology can enhance financial inclusion, economic growth, Savings and investment, gender inclusion and input for future policies and initiatives in Ethiopia. Key words: Fin-Tech, financial inclusion, digital saving, digital credit, digital insurance, Payment Instrument Issuer, Payment System Operator and Inward International Remittance, financial literacy, MigrantsItem The Impact of Total Quality Management Practices on Product Quality: a Case Study of Jay-Jay Textile Plc(A.A.U, 2025-06-16) Mahlet Engidawork; Meba Tadesse (PhD)This research aims to investigate the impact of impact of total quality management (TQM) practices (strategic quality planning, continuous improvement, level of customer focus and employee training and involvement) on product quality for the case of Jay-Jay Textile PLC. To achieve the objectives of the study, descriptive and explanatory study designs have been employed through cross- sectional survey questionnaire from a sample of 195 permanent professional employees. These respondents have been selected from the selected department of the organization by random Sampling method. The data collected through questionnaire is analyzed using statistical measures such as descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis by using SPSS version 25. The study found a significant positive impact of Continuous Improvement, Level of customer focus; Employee Training & Involvement and Strategic quality planning on product quality. Since quality management practices were found to be a positive predictor of organization product quality, the managements and CEOs of the organization should engage in enhancing the qualities of the management practices to increase their product quality in Jay-Jay Textile PLC.Item The Effect of Employee Relationship Management on Organizational Performance in the Public Sector: the Case of Addis Ababa City Land Development and Administration Bureau.(A.A.U, 2025-06-17) Alekaw Ketemaw; Meba Tadess (PhD)The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of employee relationship management on organizational performance at the Addis Ababa Land Development and Administration Bureau. It considers key ERM variables including HR practices, leadership style, communication, conflict management, and trust. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 177 employees selected from a total population of 318 using random sampling. In the initial phase, purposive sampling was utilized to select key informants relevant to the research. Qualitative data were gathered through document analysis to complement the quantitative findings. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency) and inferential analysis through Pearson correlation and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that ERM has a significant impact on organizational performance at AALDAB. Descriptive results indicated that most respondents agreed with the positive influence of ERM dimensions. Inferential analysis confirmed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between ERM and organizational performance. Moreover, the regression model demonstrated that ERM variables account for 66.2% of the variation in performance outcomes. The study concludes that effective employee relationship management is essential for enhancing organizational outcomes and sustaining long-term success.Item The Effect of Performance Feedback on Employees Job Satisfaction: a Case Study of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in the Kirkos District, Addis Ababa.(A.A.U, 2025-06-11) Daniel Shewangizaw; Dejene Tulu(PhD)The study assessed the effect of performance feedback on employees job satisfaction in the commercial bank of ethiopia in the kirkos district, addis ababa. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effect of performance feedback on employees' job satisfaction at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the Kirkos District, Addis Ababa. The study employed both exploratory and a descriptive research design and designed a questionnaire survey instrument to assess the effect of performance feedback on employees' job satisfaction at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). To comprehensively address the study objectives and answers the study questions ,the student researcher utilized both qualitative and quantitative research approach. The target populations were employees, managers, and HR personnel at CBE in the Kirkos District of Addis Ababa. This research was focused on specific group of indiveidualas and target population of the study was 432 out of which 180 were samples in the study. The researcher had used both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used to select the key informant. The researcher used both primary and secondary data collection tools. The refined data was analyzed using descriptive statistics involving percentages and frequency distribution, tables and charts were used to give a summary of data and displayed in a meaningful manner. To analyze the collected data in line with the objective of the research undertaking, statistical procedures were carried out using SPSS software. In light of the present findings, it can be concluded that performance feedback methods were identified as a contributing factor to job satisfaction.The study focuses on how open communications and continuous improvement affect feedback exchanges and job satisfaction.how feedback culture among team members promotes growth in both professional and personal development. The role of comprehensive instructions, clear guidelines( Feedback policy) that managers and employees must follow during feedback sessions. The mehods and approaches employed for delivering performance feedback including the various barriers affecting feedback exchange and employees perception towards feedback have been discussed..Accordingly,most of the correlation coefficients are weak, several relationships were statistically significant, especially between openness, tools, employee perception and relationship, It is recommended to conduct further analysis, such as regression, to gain a clearer understanding of the predictive strength of these variables and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Kirkos District should consider conducting feedback sessions multiple times throughout the year, as frequent feedback benefits both employees and the Bank. It helps continuously performance improvement and allows for timely adjustments, whereas quarterly and annual evaluation alone may not be sufficient to address meaningful devevelopment and other pertinent recommendations are included in the study.Item The Effect of Digital Transformation on Customer Experience: The Mediating Role of Customer Engagement: a Case Study of Bank of(A.A.U, 2025-06-08) Kalkidan Gebre; Habtamu Endris(PhD)This study analyzes the impact of digital transformation on customer experience in the banking sector, based on the Bank of Abyssinia within the Central Addis District. Based on a sample of 372 respondents, information was collected through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Both explanatory and descriptive research designs were used, and SPSS version 30 was used to carry out the statistical analysis. Regression analysis was utilized to quantify the impact of four most significant dimensions of digital transformation, i.e., personalization, automation, self-service banking, and Omni channel integration on customer experience, whereas mediation analysis with PROCESS Macro version 4 examined the mediating impact of customer engagement. The findings revealed that personalization, self-service banking, and Omni channel integration possess statistically significant and positive impacts on customer experience. While automation have significant negative relation with customer experience. Besides, mediation analysis also showed customer engagement was established to mediate partially between digital transformation components (personalization, automation, self-service banking and Omni channel integration) and customer experience. These conclusions place emphasis on customer-focused digital transformation and indicate engagement as a critical bridge in building exceptional customer experiences. The study presents practical recommendations for banks seeking to enhance service delivery by digital transformation and suggests research avenues for future emerging digital bank trends.