https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/128 2026-04-06T18:48:09Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/10074 Exploring the Role of Mediating Factors in the Effect of Road Asset Management on Road Maintenance Performance in the Jimma Road Maintence District: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach Fekadu Fufa; Mekonnen Bogale; Tehetina Demissie he efficiency and sustainability of national road infrastructure depend heavily on the effectiveness of Road Asset Management (RAM) systems. In developing countries like Ethiopia, the performance of road maintenance remains constrained by limited resources, insufficient technological integration, and variable staff competence. This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of RAM on Road Maintenance Performance (RMP) in the Jimma Road Maintenance District of the Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA), with Resource Allocation (RA), Technological Integration (TI), and Staff Competence (SC) serving as mediating variables. A quantitative, cross-sectional explanatory design was employed, and data were collected from 255 professionals engaged in road maintenance and asset management through a structured questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), implemented in R and ADANCO software, was used to analyze the relationships among constructs and test the mediation hypotheses. The findings revealed that RAM has a significant positive direct effect on RMP, confirming that structured asset management practices enhance road maintenance performance. RAM also significantly influenced RA, and SC. Among the mediators, exhibited significant mediating effects, whereas SC did not. The model explained more than half of the variance in RMP, indicating strong explanatory power. The study concludes that road maintenance performance is primarily driven by institutional factors—effective asset management, optimal resource allocation, and technology adoption—rather than individual competence alone. It recommends strengthening integrated RAM systems, digitalizing maintenance operations, and ensuring strategic resource distribution to achieve sustainable road infrastructure outcomes in Ethiopia 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/9954 Financial Risk Management in Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Jimma Zone Aziza SheKalifa H/Hassen; Eshetu Yadecha This study investigates the risk management practices employed in three major infrastructure projects in the Jimma Zone: the Expansion of Shenen Gibe Hospital, the Shenen Gibe Cultural Hall project, and Ifa Boru Secondary School. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis. Data were collected through surveys distributed to key stakeholders, supplemented by in-depth interviews to gain deeper insights into risk management practices. A stratified random sampling method was employed to ensure representation from various project participants. The analysis involved statistical evaluation of survey responses and thematic analysis of interview data to identify key trends and challenges. Results indicate a moderate level of effectiveness in risk management practices, with existing tools for risk identification underutilized and inconsistently applied. Qualitative risk analysis methods are frequently employed; however, a lack of quantitative analysis suggests gaps in understanding financial implications, which could hinder informed decision-making. Risk response strategies, particularly risk transfer methods, show promise, yet there is a notable deficiency in risk avoidance techniques and contingency planning. The study also identifies significant challenges, such as labor shortages, design changes, and financial uncertainties like price fluctuations, which impede effective risk management. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted recommendations including the establishment of comprehensive risk management frameworks, enhanced training and stakeholder engagement, improved communication strategies, and increased investment in risk management tools. Implementing these recommendations can strengthen risk management practices, leading to more successful project outcomes and increased stakeholder confidence in infrastructure development within the region 2024-10-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/9778 Fiscal Policy and Unemployment in Ethiopia: Evidence From Ardle Model Ashetu Emiru Tola; Minyahil Alemu; Abdelkaf Elias One of the primary goals of macroeconomic and fiscal policy in the Ethiopia, as in many other developed and developing countries is to reduce unemployment. The study investigates the impact of fiscal policy on unemployment in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2022. In the analysis, the cointegration test, the ARDL Model were used. The variables studied include real gross domestic product (RGDP), government spending, tax income, trade openness, population growth, and the unemployment rate. The stationarity test was performed, and the findings showed that, with the exception of population increase, all variables were stationary at first difference. The cointegration test result demonstrated that the variables under examination have a long-term relationship. Furthermore, ECM results revealed that government spending has a negative influence on unemployment while tax income has a beneficial impact. Finally, the Granger causality results revealed a one-way relationship between unemployment and government spending, with causality moving from government spending to unemployment. Using this method, the researcher discovers evidence of a long-run relationship between the unemployment rate and variables such as government spending and tax income. The study recommends, the government restructure its spending patterns by directing more funds toward productive expenditures and utilizing its potential for revenue generation by diversifying Ethiopia's revenue stream. 2024-03-27T00:00:00Z https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/9686 Factors Influencing saving and Credit Cooperatives improving members livelihood: case study of vision fund Micro Finance Institutions in Jimma town Jira Jabessa; Mohammed Sultan; Feda Etafa Purpose of this study is to investigate the Factors Influencing saving and Credit Cooperatives of improving members of livelihood. The researcher applied both descriptive and explanatory research design. The research was conducted by using both qualitative and quantitative research approach. A study was administered a sample of 263 respondents and the target population of the study was SACCO’s members in vision fund microfinance Jimma town. The researcher was utilized simple random sampling techniques and Data collection method by using questionnaires. Method of data analysis was used descriptive and econometrics analysis with the help of STATA version 14. The study employed a binary logistic regression model trough marginal effect analysis to identify factors that affecting the livelihood improving of members of SACCO. The binary logistic regression model is used to examine the effect of predictors on livelihood improvement status of SACCO’s members. The finding of study trough marginal effect analysis, reporting coefficient results show that marital status, household family size, saving, loan, welfare fund and training statistically significant and posit ively contribute livelihood improving of members. The conclusion of the study the livelihood of SACCO members about 64.63 percent were did not improved, but only livelihood of SACCO members about 35.37 percent were did improved and based on the result recommendation forwarded it is better for SACCO providing access to affordable credit is essential for SACCO members to invest in their businesses and improve their livelihoods. This can be achieved by offering flexible loan terms, lower interest rates, and tailored credit products that meet the unique needs of each member. Additionally, collaborating with other financial institutions to expand credit access can also be beneficial. 2024-08-06T00:00:00Z