Knowledge transfer partnership projects (KTP) and competitiveness of manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) systems in Rwanda. A case study of Manumetal Ltd

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the contribution of KTP project for SME(S) business promotion. The objectives of the study is to identify techniques used for improving manufacturing and cost accounting systems and determine the benefits received by SME from KTP. The significance of the study is for Researcher to gain MBA Master’s Degree, to the SMEs; they will understand the contribution of KTP project for the improvement of internal operations. The methodology used under a case study was primary data, using a questionnaire to the respondents, interview and visual observation. Secondary data was obtained from the records of monumental Ltd and other relevant records reports, publications and journals. Target population and sampling was done using the scientific sampling techniques and data analyzed using SPSS. The researcher used the descriptive statistics, qualitative and quantitatively to make the data interpretation easy and clear, and investigated the contribution of KTP in implementation of techniques to the effectiveness of Monumental operations. It was used Slovin's formulae to determine sample size of 80 people. Data were interpreted in chapter 4 in the diagrams and tables that monitored the adopted manufacturing and cost accounting techniques for achieving the optimization of costs and increment of margin and turnover. Cellular manufacturing technique combined to piece flow technique becomes widely accepted as a solution for a variety of modern organization. The control theme of reducing lead-times, rework, breakdown and inventory planning would probably begin to have the greatest importance as the benefits always outweigh the savings that is made from blindly concentrating on minimizing costs. The current global market that Manufacturing SMEs operate in requires improved competiveness to achieve greater performances. This can be accomplished through high quality products and, dependable delivery times that have the potential of being shortened. NPD was created as the control tool for measuring performance of the system and, Feedback from the top management on cost implication is very important for continuous improvement and sustainability of the system. Due to the benefits from the KTP Project contribution such as reduction of costs and increment of yearly turnover, quality improvement, growth of business and creation of new jobs; it was recommended to the Government to be in charge of organizing meeting between High Learning Institutions and Manufacturing SMEs so that they can share experience in the KTP program. It has also to finance the initiated projects. Advised also SMEs that are in critical situation to join Universities because it is where the knowledge is based.