The purpose of this study was to investigate the environmental factors that impact on childhood diarrhoea in children under five years old in Akakikality sub city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of diarrhoea and to determine the environmental factors that impact on diarrhoea in children under five years old. A survey was done and a non-experimental approach was used in this descriptive and analytical quantitative study using a cross sectional study design. The instrument was a self-designed questionnaire. The target population for this study was all mothers or caretakers of children under five years found in the described study context – the sample size was 299. In this study 12.7% of the children had diarrhoea during the survey. Proper utilization of toilets, hand washing and safe storage of water in the households using narrow mouthed water containers were significant predictors of diarrhoea in the children. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The purpose of this study was to investigate internationalisation of Ethiopian SMEs by examining internal and external factors that motivate or restrict internationalization process and the impact of internal and external barriers on SMEs export performance. The small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in Ethiopia is a significant group within the economy in terms of firm numbers and total employment. However, the SMEs sector’s share of exports is disproportionately small, which raised considerable research concerns. Firm export propensity and export performance were the dependent variables and export stimuli and barrier factors were used as explanatory variables. The study was conducted through mixed research design. A questionnaire was administered to 90(36 exporting and 54 nonexporting) SMEs in Leather and Leather Products Industry in Addis Ababa selected through stratified random sampling. In order to complement survey results nine (4 exporting and 5 non-exporting) SMEs were selected through critical case purposive sampling and an in-depth interviews were conducted. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS 20) was used to analyse the quantitative data whereas, qualitative data were analysed manually. Analytical techniques used were, Chisquare test of independence, Spearman rank order correlation, factor analysis, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple regression analysis. The statistical results of binary logistic regression analysis and chi-square tests indicated that managerial factors, internal marketing factors and foreign government related factors, firm ownership and size are the most significant motivators of SMEs internationalisation in Ethiopia. On the contrary the result showed that, logistics problem, insufficient finance, functional barriers, lack of export knowledge and information, procedural barriers and international trade barriers are the factors hindering it. Further analysis was conducted to examine the impact of export barriers on performance of firms. The result of multiple regression analysis indicated that, export barriers significantly and negatively affect export performance. The overall results revealed that explanatory variables used in the analysis significantly predict the dependent variable at 95% confidence level. Considering these results numerous implications for theory, practice, and future research were recommended. Finally, the study concluded that internationalisation of SMEs has to be encouraged by mitigating both internal and external barriers identified in this study. / Business Management / D. Admin. (Business Management)

This study describes the technique and procedures used for the simultaneous determination of elements involved in Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, applied to some geological samples as a sensitive and non-destructive tool. Using Isotopic Neutron Source, the delayed gamma-rays emitted due to neutron capture have been applied for the investigation of the elemental constituents and concentrations of major, minor and trace elements in such samples. The experimental investigations were carried out at the scale of researcher's practices at the chosen site by measuring soil/rock nutrient contents from hydrologically isolated farmland/site plots. Using detailed sampling procedures with special precautions, against contaminations, to yield meaningful results, soil/rock samples have been collected from selected areas of East Gojjam, pulverized, homogenized and prepared for irradiation. The samples were properly prepared together with known standards of potassium iodide or cupric sulphate or arsenic trioxide (one /or both at a time), and simultaneously irradiated in to isotopic neutron ux in the same irradiation position. After activation, the samples were subjected to gamma-ray spectrometry, using a high-purity germanium detection system and computerized multichannel analyzer. The gamma-ray spectra from the irradiated samples were measured by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry with a calibrated germanium detector. Both qualitative and quantitative approach to data collection and analysis were used in order to gain insight into what should be acceptable to the community. The results obtained have a practical interest in view of possible applications to the technology of extraction and exploration of a variety of industrial, metallic, cement minerals, and geothermal energy and coal deposits. These results tend to agree with the lowest values reported in the literature, and the analytical precision is su cient for the determination of the standard deviation of the distribution of all elements in East Gojjam and these results were brie y discussed within the text of this research work. In carrying out the analysis, the best and most convenient method being the Instrumental and /non-destructive Neutron Activation Analysis was adopted, and NAA has matured and attained analytical competence providing not only rapid, quantitative, qualitative, simultaneous, multi􀀀element analysis but also crucial validation support to programmes using di erent analytical techniques. This method of analysis is generally multi-element and experimental conditions can be designed to be non􀀀destructive to the sample, and it plays a leading role among analytical techniques in the eld of environmental research related to human, animal and plant health. Studies of di erent radionuclide and trace elements in the environmental samples are very important for health physics, research and education. Many forms of elements are possible in environmental samples which may be hazardous for human being, animals and also plants. Most of them have the potential for both benefcial and harmful effects / Environmental Sciences / D. Phil. (Environmental Science)

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is one of the malaria control strategies used to minimize malaria morbidity and mortality. One of the mechanisms to implement early diagnosis and prompt treatment is community access to diagnostic services and effective antimalarial drugs. However, in Ethiopia the health system is underdeveloped and much of the rural population has limited access to modern health services. Therefore, the Ethiopian government introduced the Health Extension Programme(HEP) which is a community-based health care delivery system aimed at accessing essential health services through its health extension workers (HEWs). Involvement of the HEWs in prescribing and dispensing antimalarial drugs is shown to have improved community access to antimalarial drugs. However, there is insufficient knowledge of HEWs compliance to malaria treatment guidelines and patient adherence of patients treated by HEWs. The objectives of this study has been to describe the HEWs practice in malaria treatment, to evaluate adherence of patients to antimalarial drugs, to explore the factors influencing the HEWs malaria treatment practice and patient adherence, and to develop the guidelines to support the HEWs in malaria treatment practice. A qualitative study design was used to study the HEWs practice in malaria treatment along with patient adherence. Data were collected using in-depth face-to-face interviews, focus group discussion and patient medical record review and were analysed according to Tesch’s steps. The study revealed that the HEWs adequately comply with malaria treatment guidelines during diagnosis of malaria, as well as during the prescribing and dispensing of antimalarial drugs. However, there are some factors influencing the performance of HEWs. These are: shortage of diagnostic kit/RDT, shortage of antimalarial drugs, patient pressure to obtain coartem, work load, and community beliefs with regard to antimalarial drugs effectiveness. This study also revealed that the HEWs follow up after treatment of patients and good community support systems improved patient adherence to antimalarial drug use. Factors negatively influencing patient adherence were identified to include: forgetfulness, fear of shortage of drugs, adverse drug effects, duration of treatment, rapid relief of malaria symptoms and inadequate awareness of the consequence of incomplete dosage. Guidelines were developed to support the HEWs in malaria treatment practice with the aim to improve patient adherence to antimalarial drugs / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Since the late eighties, BPR has established itself as one of the attractive radical change management option for coping and adapting to the new competitive market environment and become popular both in the public and private organisations throughout the world . Cognizant of this fact, all Ethiopian public (government owned) institutions including the public financial institutions have embarked on large-scale change projects since 2004 in which Business process re-engineering(BPR) is a central element . This research examined whether implementation of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) projects have improved operational performance of the selected case public commercial banks in Ethiopia by collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative comprehensive data set, using mixed research approach through questionnaires, interviews, observations and review of secondary sources of information. The operational performance measures utilized in this study are cost reduction, speed of service delivery, service quality, customer satisfaction as well as innovation. A total of 837 (84% response rate) questionnaires were returned from respondents of the selected branches and head offices. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight senior managers of the respective banks, who were also members of their respective banks reform team and were involved in the design and implementation of BPR. The third method that was used to collect qualitative data was personal observation of the selected bank branches in order to measure the speed of service delivery and convenience of the waiting places. The researcher measured the service delivery time of selected busy bank branches for five consecutive days, for half an hour spent in each branch. This study found that the introduction of BPR in the case banks was met with mixed reactions from employees and some managers. The main achievements of BPR were: service delivery time reduced dramatically as a result of the new process redesign and introduction of information and communication technology services(introduction of e-banking); introducing a single customer contact point through employee empowerment to make all the necessary decisions at that point of contact which resulted in improving the satisfaction of employees and customers. The challenge was that resistance from employees and some managers (labelled the initiative as “Blood pressure raiser” due to their assumptions it will result in employee lay off or the change brings increased workloads for some remaining employees without compatible rewards following the new process redesign. The study also revealed that telecom infrastructure and power interruption considered as main problem areas in providing banking services efficiently and effectively through branch net workings. The researcher recommends that for a better BPR design and implementation as well as sustainability of improvement gains in the banking sector, a forum should be established to discuss and share good practices and technology in the banking sector ; establish strong change management offices to continuously assist and monitor results; and continuously involve and communicate key stakeholders in the design and implementation of change initiatives. / Business Management / D.B.L.

This study assessed the intentions with regard to fertility and use of contraception by women living with HIV/AIDS. The study was a quantitative cross-sectional study on a sample of 362 HIV-positive women in the ART follow-up unit in Adama Hospital Medical College. Large numbers of HIV-positive women with no income, housewives, illiterates and women in the age group of 28-32 years declared their intention to fall pregnant. The most prevalent family planning method among the HIV-positive women before their HIV diagnosis was injectables. After wards the most popular method of contraception was the condom. The results suggest that the counselling about condom use that is offered to HIV positive women yields results, as more women adopt this method of contraception. This is important in view of prevention of HIV infections and re-infections. / Health Studies / M. A. (Public Health)

This study investigated the implementation of the roll back malaria (RBM) programme at household and at health post levels and examined factors that negatively impact on malaria prevention and control activities. Quantitative, descriptive, analytic crosssectional research, guided by the conceptual framework of the Health Belief Model, was conducted. Structured interviews were conducted with 857 women (for the household survey in phase 1) and 53 health extension workers (HEWs) in phase 2 of the study, in nine malaria endemic districts of Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. The study’s findings indicate that 53.3% (n=457) of the household respondents and 24.5% (n=13) of the HEWs had low levels of overall malaria-related knowledge. Household respondents aged 25-34 years, (p<0.01); regularly received malaria-related information, (p<0.001) and the less poor women (p<0.001) had good levels of knowledge. Of the households, 38.9% (n=333) reported poor RBM practices. Wealth, knowledge, perceived threat of malaria and perceived benefits of implementing malaria preventive measures were positively associated with good RBM practices. Indoor residual spraying (63.6%; 422 out of 664), consistent use of insecticide treated bed nets (51.6%; 368 out of 713), and environmental sanitation (38.6%; 331 out of 857) were the most commonly implemented malaria prevention strategies in the study area. Out of the 252 reported malaria cases, 53.6% (n=135) occurred among children under five years of age who also comprised 50.0% (n=16) of 32 reported malaria-related deaths. The RBM practices were poorly implemented in the study area despite malaria prevention and control efforts. Slow progress in behavioural changes among household members, lack of transportation services for referring malaria patients, lack of support given to HEWs and lack of feedback and supervision from higher level health care facilities were identified as potential challenges facing RBM implementation in the study area. Future efforts need to focus on effective behavioural changes based on intervention studies and regular monitoring of the RBM programme. The workloads of the HEWs should also be reconsidered and lay health educators should be used more effectively. Health posts should always have sufficient anti-malaria drugs and other resource such as rapid diagnostic kits. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study used the socio-eco efficiency framework as an application tool to resilience the green environment at Kombolecha industrial zone by balancing the water consumption growth and green environmental tradeoffs. In addition, it aimed to determine the significant indicators, which associated with the water consumption and recycling efficiency. The consumers (factories and households) socio-eco efficiency practices were limited and then caused groundwater degradation and green environmental depletion. Previous studies, for instance, BASF (2009), ESCAP (2011) eco-efficiency, and Sailing et al., (2013) SEE balance (socio-eco efficiency) analysis targeted the company’s product portfolio and quality improvement. This study, however, considered both factories and household’s consumption activities that were proven to manifest in a complex water consumption compared to the production process. The study integrated social, economic and environmental indicators and determined the socio-eco efficiency effects on theresource consumption growth and green environment tradeoffs; water consumption and recycling efficiency. Subsequently, the study then developed a socio-eco efficiency model that used to balance the gaps between water consumption and recycling intensity inefficiency. The socio- eco efficiency indicators could, thus, be an applied tool that could be measured by employing the binary logistic regression, instrumental variable model, simultaneous equation model and the propensity score matching estimation. Based on this, this study results indicated that the household’s awareness, perception and consumption behaviours concerning the green mind adoption, product, market, technology and jobs use were strongly associated and influenced by the water resource consumption growth and green environment tradeoffs at the 5 percent significance level. Particularly, the household’s social aspects, consumer’s culture, behaviour and poverty; economic (monthly income) and environmental aspects (waterquantity limit and waste recycle) were found to bestatistically significant and strongly altered the water resource consumption and recycling efficiency by 0.000 values at the 95 percent confidence level. This study implication was thesocio-eco efficiency framework, which was key the finding of the study that holds the three key indicators, did directly associate and significant determine the factories and household’s groundwater consumption and recycling intensity differently by 0.000 values at the 95 percent confidence level. The socio- eco efficiency model could thus be an analytical tool that could be applied into groundwater consumption and recycling process. The socio-eco efficiency resource model, which is a key tool to resilient the green environment, optimized the water consumption and recycling efficiency and could be incorporated into the groundwater and green environment protection policy of Ethiopia. This study, in a circular fashion, proved socio-eco efficiency application and resolved some of the consumption paradox in the factories and household’s groundwater consumption and recycling processes. Thenon-integrated indicators and inapplicability of the socio-eco efficiency framework, nonetheless, made the green environment cautiously. So that a tactical integrative socio-eco efficiency resource model, particularly, green finances, such as green water tax, lease, paymenhave to be incorporated during the groundwater consumption that recovers the green environment attainments in Kombolecha and at large in Ethiopia. / Environmental Sciences / Ph. D. (Environment Management)

This study investigated the implementation of the roll back malaria (RBM) programme at household and at health post levels and examined factors that negatively impact on malaria prevention and control activities. Quantitative, descriptive, analytic crosssectional research, guided by the conceptual framework of the Health Belief Model, was conducted. Structured interviews were conducted with 857 women (for the household survey in phase 1) and 53 health extension workers (HEWs) in phase 2 of the study, in nine malaria endemic districts of Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. The study’s findings indicate that 53.3% (n=457) of the household respondents and 24.5% (n=13) of the HEWs had low levels of overall malaria-related knowledge. Household respondents aged 25-34 years, (p<0.01); regularly received malaria-related information, (p<0.001) and the less poor women (p<0.001) had good levels of knowledge. Of the households, 38.9% (n=333) reported poor RBM practices. Wealth, knowledge, perceived threat of malaria and perceived benefits of implementing malaria preventive measures were positively associated with good RBM practices. Indoor residual spraying (63.6%; 422 out of 664), consistent use of insecticide treated bed nets (51.6%; 368 out of 713), and environmental sanitation (38.6%; 331 out of 857) were the most commonly implemented malaria prevention strategies in the study area. Out of the 252 reported malaria cases, 53.6% (n=135) occurred among children under five years of age who also comprised 50.0% (n=16) of 32 reported malaria-related deaths. The RBM practices were poorly implemented in the study area despite malaria prevention and control efforts. Slow progress in behavioural changes among household members, lack of transportation services for referring malaria patients, lack of support given to HEWs and lack of feedback and supervision from higher level health care facilities were identified as potential challenges facing RBM implementation in the study area. Future efforts need to focus on effective behavioural changes based on intervention studies and regular monitoring of the RBM programme. The workloads of the HEWs should also be reconsidered and lay health educators should be used more effectively. Health posts should always have sufficient anti-malaria drugs and other resource such as rapid diagnostic kits. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the environmental factors that impact on childhood diarrhoea in children under five years old in Akakikality sub city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of diarrhoea and to determine the environmental factors that impact on diarrhoea in children under five years old. A survey was done and a non-experimental approach was used in this descriptive and analytical quantitative study using a cross sectional study design. The instrument was a self-designed questionnaire. The target population for this study was all mothers or caretakers of children under five years found in the described study context – the sample size was 299. In this study 12.7% of the children had diarrhoea during the survey. Proper utilization of toilets, hand washing and safe storage of water in the households using narrow mouthed water containers were significant predictors of diarrhoea in the children. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)