International Journal of Accounting, Management, Economics and Social Sciences (IJAMESC)

FACTORS AFFECTING THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF ACCOUNTING UNDERGRADUATES IN SRI LANKAN STATE UNIVERSITIES

M.A. Gayantha N. Jayasooriya, Roshan Ajward — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated factors affecting the academic performance of accounting undergraduates in Sri Lanka's state universities. Seventeen factors related to the university system, demographics, and personal characteristics were analyzed using a quantitative approach with 287 valid responses collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including one-way ANOVA, t-tests, correlation, and OLS regression, were used to assess the impact of these factors on academic performance. The average GPA of students was between 3.30 and 3.69 (second-class upper division). Key factors positively associated with academic performance included being female, fewer distractions from seniors, commuting from boarding places, higher engagement in extracurricular activities, prior English and mathematics knowledge, and taking professional accounting courses. Other factors showed no significant impact. The study offers insights for academicians, policymakers, and students to improve academic performance through structural adjustments and effective strategies.

EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF DEBT RECOVERY STRATEGY EFFECTIVENESS AND NON-PERFORMING LOAN MITIGATION IN GHANAIAN MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM THE ASHANTI REGION

Daniel Amoah, Doris Boakye — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

High non-performing loans (NPLs) threaten the sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in emerging markets like Ghana. This study investigates the effectiveness of debt recovery strategies, their impact on NPLs, and implementation challenges faced by MFIs in the Ashanti Region. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 315 respondents across 11 strategically selected MFIs through stratified sampling. Multivariate regression analysis assessed the impact of strategies on NPLs, while qualitative analysis explored implementation barriers. Grounded in agency theory, social capital theory, and relationship banking theory, the study finds that debt recovery strategies collectively explain 65.1% of NPL variation. Regular monitoring (β=0.235, p=0.003) and delinquency follow-up (β=0.232, p=0.001) have the most significant effects. Although borrower education is widely implemented, it shows limited statistical impact (β=0.022, p=0.748), highlighting a disconnect between perceived and actual effectiveness. Key implementation challenges include economic downturns, limited credit information infrastructure, and weak borrower cooperation. The study contributes a relationship-based framework for sustainable loan performance, advocating long-term partnerships over enforcement-focused approaches. It advances microfinance research by analyzing multiple strategies simultaneously rather than in isolation. Policy recommendations include creating shared credit databases, introducing counter-cyclical support measures, and promoting regulatory frameworks aligned with relationship banking. Practically, the findings help MFIs prioritize monitoring and follow-up in resource allocation, offering actionable insights for sustainable microfinance in Ghana and comparable emerging markets.

EQUITY COSTS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LICENSED DEPOSIT TAKING CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KENYA

Kenneth Mwangi Muriuki, Agnes Njeru, Anthony Gitonga Kirimi — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

International and local researchers have extensively studied the impact of equity financing on business financial performance, as the cost of equity represents the required return investors expect for assuming ownership risk (Kenton, 2025). This metric is vital for capital budgeting and investment decisions. Compliance with equity regulations can be complex and costly, sometimes involving borrowing, non-declaration of dividends, and other financial sacrifices that may affect shareholders and employees negatively. In Kenya, Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) play a significant role, directly or indirectly impacting around 10 million Kenyans and holding over 80% of the country’s saving. The Sacco Society Regulatory Authority (SASRA) licenses and regulates deposit-taking SACCOs, imposing strict equity adequacy requirements. Out of 245 SACCOs applying for licenses by 2019, only 177 were approved; by 2022, after suspensions and new approvals, 176 remained licensed. Many SACCOs struggle to meet these equity thresholds. Balancing compliance costs without compromising financial performance or shareholder wealth maximization is critical. This study investigated the relationship between equity cost compliance and financial performance of licensed deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. Using secondary data from audited financial statements, the study employed logistic multiple regression analysis focusing on Shareholders’ Equity, Total Liabilities, and Dividends Paid. Results indicated that effective management of equity financing, minimizing equity costs, is essential for the financial stability and improved performance of SACCOs.