Cooperative Management System Research Articles

The Impact of Computerized Systems on Efficiency and Productivity of Cooperatives in Rwanda. A Case Study of Cooperative Management System (CMS) Software Developed by MNK Digital Group Ltd

This research analyzed “Project design and implementation of cooperative management system (CMS) software and its impact on the efficiency and productivity of cooperatives in Rwanda” on 146 cooperatives using Cooperative Management System (CMS) across 19 districts of 4 Provinces of Rwanda (Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern). The study used a sample of 750 respondents including 730 cooperative members from a total population of 61,320 members of 146 cooperatives plus 19 District Cooperatives Officers and 1 Director of Cooperatives Promotion and Capacity Building Unit in Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA). A questionnaire designed in form of five levels Likert scale was used and data was collected and analyzed through KoBo Toolbox and SPSS. The results of descriptive statistics showed that overall appreciation of CMS by cooperatives managers is “Good” (x̄= 3.8; σ = .270). The regression results revealed that CMS Membership management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β1= 0.049; p< 0.05); CMS Payments management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β2= 0.258; p< 0.05); Accounting management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β3= 0.242; p< 0.05); CMS Human resource management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β4= 0.016; p< 0.05); CMS Requisitioning management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β5= 0.020; p< 0.05); CMS Credit management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β6= 0.206; p< 0.05). The coefficient of determination R-squared value for this study is 0.705 (r > 0.7) indicating strong effect size. It shows how that the model fits the data at strong extent. These results indicate that 70.5% of variance in dependent variable was explained by independent variables meaning that 70.5% of change in Cooperative productivity and efficiency come from CMSMembMgtMod, CMSPayMgtMod, CMSAccMgtMod, CMSHrMgtMod, CMSRequisMgtMod, CMSCreditMgtMod. The main CMS challenges outline by the respondents include CMS is not free and requires additional installation and maintenance fees (x̄= 5.0; σ =.000); CMS requires advanced education level (x̄= 4.3; σ =.080); CMS has issue of confidentiality of the data managed by the government which hosts the CMS system (x̄= 5.0; σ =.000); CMS use requires additional cost for internet (x̄= 4.1; σ =.351). Proposed solutions are: Support from the RCA on installation cost and the cooperatives should cover maintenance costs(x̄= 4.8; σ =.070); More training on even members with good primary education on the use of CMS (x̄= 4.3; σ =.380); Confederations should play important role in the management of CMS and the role of the government should be reduced (x̄= 4.9; σ =.290); The government should reduce the cost of internet (x̄= 4.7; σ =.151); More capacity building for cooperative managers.

Organizational Performance: Motivation and Discipline

The development of an organization is inseparable from the existence of high motivation and discipline as well as well-established togetherness. This study aims to determine and analyze the performance of cooperatives in terms of motivation and discipline of members. Research findings, motivation and discipline have a positive effect on cooperative performance both individually and simultaneously. It is important for cooperative management or administrators to evaluate cooperative performance on a regular and scheduled basis to evaluate cooperative management. The causal factors are not explained in detail, this can be a consideration for further research. Digital aspects that are relevant to the cooperative management system can also be considered to see the performance of cooperatives in the digital era, in I4.0.

Exploration of cooperative management system of transregional cultural landscape heritage: a case study of Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes

There seems to be a general consensus that management and policy play a very significant role in landscape evolution, and the protection and development of cultural landscapes are considered important components of sustainable development. This study introduces an overall landscape protection framework and explores the cooperative management system of the Loire Valley cultural landscapes as a World Heritage Site. By analysing the transregional management system and the relevant policies for protecting the Loire Valley cultural landscapes, this article tries to determine how this coordinating mechanism is constituted and operated and how local authorities and stakeholders can be coordinated to implement protection and development projects that visibly influence the evolution of cultural landscapes in the area. This transregional cooperative management system actively promotes the rehabilitation and revitalisation of the cities and territories of the Loire Valley. Thus, the article summarises key actors and ways to establish an effective cooperation management system that can provide a reference for other transregional heritage sites.

Cooperative path planning with priority target assignment and collision avoidance guidance for rescue unmanned surface vehicles in a complex ocean environment

In this paper, a novel cooperative path planning scheme of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for rescuing targets in a complex ocean environment is proposed. The primary objective of the rescue USVs is to bring all targets back safely on the premise of first rescuing priority targets, while optimizing the path length, the navigation time and the angular energy. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) The proposed K-means-division (KMD) algorithm is able to identify a complex ocean environment with collision-free zone and static-obstacles zone; (2) The proposed path planning method with fast-marching-method-based ellipse guidance range (E-FMM) is able to optimize the angular energy while ensuring safety; (3) The proposed cooperative management system (including priority-target-assignment (PTA) with reward-mechanism genetic-optimization (RM-GO) and collision-avoidance (CA) guidance law with Tangent-based surge-varying wave-disturbances-observer (Tangent-SV-WDO)) can accomplish the mission of the rescue USVs. Comparative studies with the state-of-the-art methods demonstrate that the proposed cooperative path planning scheme is superior in terms of priority-target-assignment (PTA) and collision-avoidance (CA) of the actual rescue work.

Boom not bust: Cooperative management as a mechanism for improving the commercial efficiency and environmental outcomes of regional scallop fisheries

The environmental impacts of food production are increasingly influencing consumer’s food choices. To maintain market access in this context, the fishing industry must adopt strategies and technologies that reduce their carbon emissions, environmental footprint, bycatch and seabed impact. In this study, closure of a depleted scallop fishing ground, to enable stock recovery, coupled with a transition to a cooperative management system, based on territorial user rights, promoted fishers to make management decisions that have improved the environmental outcomes and economic efficiency of this fishery. Innovative cooperative management systems like territorial user rights that decentralise decision making and provide users rights to a defined fishing area, could help mitigate against the negative impacts and issues traditionally associated with scallop dredge fisheries, and help maintain both stock biomass and consumer demand in a market increasingly dominated by sustainably certified food products.

RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI MANAJEMEN KOPERASI MENGGUNAKAN METODE WEB ENGINEERING (Studi Kasus : Primkop Kartika Gatam)

Koperasi Primkop Kartika Gatam is a state-owned cooperative agency that provides savings and loan services to members and has an address at Jl Teuku Umar, No 85, Penengah, Kedaton, Bandar Lampung and has a total of 300 cooperative members. Based on the results of interviews with the head of the cooperative, Mrs. Ollivia Febrojaya, S.H, there were problems in the management process of processing savings and loan data, which as a whole was carried out using manual or recording processes such as loan applications and member data recording, saving and loan data recording. As a result, the integration of data between divisions cannot be carried out easily and the process of reporting data on deposits and loans is carried out repeatedly resulting in frequent delays in submitting reports on deposits and loans to the leadership. The next problem is that the process of calculating savings data is still using a calculator so that the impact is an error in calculating total savings and loans. This of course requires innovation regarding information technology that can be operated via the internet network using a website.So that the researcher provides a proposal to develop a cooperative management system that has several features such as online loan applications and can view the history of savings and loans and provides convenience with the calculation of the total recap and the amount of savings and loans automatically based on the date and month of the printed report.

OPTIMALISASI PERANAN PEMBINAAN MANAJEMEN KOPERASI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KINERJA KOPERASI DI KABUPATEN SUMEDANG

The essence of the problem in this research is still not optimal implementation of cooperative management by cooperatives located in Sumedang District, many cooperatives who do not report to the Department of Cooperatives, small business, medium enterprises, trade and industry Sumedang. The purpose of this research is to know the role of coaching management cooperative by the Department of Cooperatives, Small business, intermediate, trade and industry Sumedang district. The method used in this research is a qualitative method of research by examining the three cooperatives that were used as samples in this study, namely the Indonesian Employee Cooperative Cooperative Health Officer Sumedang, employee cooperative PT. PLN (Persero) Sumedang, and BMT Al Amanah Sumedang. The result of this research is that the Department of Cooperative Department of Cooperatives, small business, medium enterprises, trade, Sumedang District has a strategic role in improving the quality of cooperatives in Sumedang district through the implementation of a better cooperative management system so that cooperatives in the cooperative performance in the district can be said quality, but still there are various barriers, namely the low cooperative resource , and the unavailability of information containers to accelerate the reporting and development of cooperative material management. Recommendation of the results of this research is necessary to the role of local governments in the increase in the development budget management cooperative, provision of adequate facilities and infrastructures, improvement of the quality of human resources cooperative cooperatives through education programs and level training, and improvement of the supervision of cooperatives by the Department of Cooperatives, small business, medium enterprises, trade industry Sumedang District.

Effect of cooperative management on organizational agility with the mediating role of employee empowerment in public transportation sector

Different conditions in today’s organizational societies have led many firms to identify effective strategies to achieve the goal of agility for rapid adaptation to ever-increasing environmental changes. Cooperative management and employee empowerment as emerging managerial concepts can play an important role in promoting agility in a variety of firms, including in the transportation sector. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of cooperative management system on organizational agility by considering the mediating role of employee empowerment in public transportation. Statistical population of the research consisted of all employees of Tabriz and Suburbs Bus Company (n = 650). The estimated sample size based on Cochran`s formula was 242 people. For measurement of variables, standard questionnaires were used. The research hypotheses were tested by using PLS and Spss and by modeling structural equations. Results suggested that cooperative management has a positive effect on both organizational agility and employee empowerment, and also empowerment has a significant effect on organizational agility. Further, it was concluded that employee empowerment mediates the relationship between cooperative management and organizational agility in Tabriz and Suburbs Bus Company. The present research is one of the few studies that has examined the relationship between the three concepts of organizational agility, cooperative management and employee empowerment in the transportation industry.

Learning networks as an enabler for informed decisions to target energy-efficiency potentials in companies

This paper deals with possibilities of targeting energy efficiency potentials in German companies by delivering information and support within a cooperative management system “Learning Energy Efficiency Networks” (LEEN). Information deficits are pointed out as a relevant barrier to implementing energy efficiency measures in literature that can be aimed at by energy programmes such as audits. Our concept combines aspects of cooperation, shared experiences and moderated learning processes. The programme sought to go beyond the sole provision of consultation, by qualifying companies to decide and act on implementing energy efficiency measures by delivering the individual practical know-how they need.After having analysed evaluation data of several hundred companies, our results show that the participants were mainly motivated by the need for practical knowledge and specific information. The networks could well satisfy this need. The benefit for the participants in such delivered information was also reflected in the decreasing of the barrier of imperfect information and the programme enabled companies to make informed decisions on energy efficiency measures. But the gain of the programme was not solely restricted on an increase in knowledge: The majority of participants reported implementation of suggested measures, which would not have been implemented without the programme. Hence, LEEN can be indicated as a policy instrument enabling informed decisions on efficiency measures and supporting their implementation. Possibly tailoring the programme to different target groups and aiming at dismantling other barriers directly in addition to tackling information deficits could be undertaken to improve the process.

THE EXTENSION OF CO-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AND CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AROUND THE CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING-AND-GARDEN LOCATED IN THE SUBURBAN FARMLAND

In this case study, we aimed to clear the characteristic and possibility of the extensionable co-operative management system in the suburban community life. As a result, the following points became clear.1. The flexible co-operated farmwork system which is adapted to the rhythm of seasons is made.2. The co-operated farm is added after starting the community life, and now, the residents have more needs for extension.3. The socialmix in the community was achieved because of the suburban location.4. The possibility of continuation and extension of circle of friends with urban dweller is confirmed.

A cooperative process-management system based on the manufacturing grid

The key features of manufacturing today are globalization, regional specialization, and multi-agent cooperation. The traditional network technologies have difficulties in meeting these demands in the new manufacturing environment, but the latest Grid technology provides new solutions. The development of Grid technology will significantly affect manufacturing. As a new manufacturing model, the Manufacturing Grid is emerging. Process management is an important aspect of manufacturing. In this work, a Grid-based cooperative process management system (GCPMS) was developed to cope with the complexity of worldwide production in the Internet environment. The following main modules are developed in the system: (1) the enterprise cooperation modelling module, (2) the project-management module, (3) the task-management module, and (4) the process-monitoring and control module. GCPMS benefits the dispersed institutions by creating a virtual project team to work together for a long-term project and effectively manage the cooperative process in manufacturing. The broader cooperation, application integration, and resource sharing are emphasized in the system. The open and standard interfaces bring GCPMS flexibility and scalability.

Cooperation in a Hydro-geologic Commons: New Institutions and Pricing to Achieve Sustainability and Security

Current water use in the areas of Israel, Gaza, West Bank and Jordan is not consistent with a sustainable water supply: growing demands relative to supplies threaten underground aquifers, and water quality problems diminish the health and welfare of current residents and impair future water supplies. A hydro-geologic system can be viewed as a commons that provides a stream of benefits to an entire geographic area over time. Sustainability requires the design of new institutions with appropriate boundaries and rules. This paper proposes a regional cooperative management system, combining aspects of a regional utility and a joint commission, which would use price incentives for management purposes. The non-profit regional water utility would establish limits on water use, determine water prices and make investments from system revenues. For efficiency, surface water, groundwater and recovered water of the same quality should receive the same price. Withdrawal limits based on sustainability would be sufficient to establish prices through the interaction of supply and demand. Equity issues could be addressed by a guaranteed water provision with a relatively low price for the guaranteed level. Security in terms of adequate groundwater storage could be achieved through appropriate investment. A representative body of water users would help the utility determine appropriate limits and guarantees. The conceptual basis for this institutional design is temporal efficiency. While a traditional market could improve spatial allocation, it would not necessarily address sustainability or provide for investment in recycling and other technologies to improve water supply. Furthermore, the proposed system bypasses the issue of property rights required for full market exchange.

富士北麓地域におけるニホンザル野生群による農作物被害と被害防除の実態

We examined current crop damage by Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) and evaluated the control methods that are employed. The frequency of crop damage was highest in winter, followed by summer, autumn, and spring. Wild Japanese macaques primarily consumed leafy and stem vegetables (e.g., welsh onion, spinach) in winter and spring, fruit vegetables (e.g., pumpkin, cucumber) in summer, and fruits (e.g., Japanese persimmon, Chinese gooseberry) in autumn. In winter, the distance between the forest edge and farmland areas receiving crop damage increased, and the maximum distance recorded was 180 m. Japanese macaques also fed on crop residue and waste in winter. These observations suggest low food availability in the forest habitat; thus, to reduce crop damage in winter, food availability in the forest habitat should be augmented. Moreover, to reduce crop damage in farmland, it is necessary to properly dispose of raw crop waste and crop residue, and it is critical to educate the local communities. There was no management strategy to limit crop damage in most areas in which damage occurred. Damage prevention, by constructing net walls to exclude macaques, was exercised at only eight sites (2.9%). However, of the 47 days when wild Japanese macaques were observed in residential areas or surrounding farmland, residents chased them off on only 18 days (38.3%), and the average number of people who participated in this artificial exclusion management procedure was only 1.61 per event. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a cooperative management system that includes the participation of women from local communities to reduce crop damage.

Zum Schutz der Moorlandschaft Schwägalp unter besonderer Betrachtung des Teils im Kanton Appenzell A.Rh. | The protection of the Schwägalp marshes with special emphasis on those parts belonging to the canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden

The Schwägalp marshes stretch out over the cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gall and cover a total of around 330 ha lowland marsh and 20 ha highland marsh. Schwägalp lies principally in the hands of corporations. The co-operative management system of alp and forests in canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden is a particluar exception. The Protection Order and Protection Plan for the protection of marshland, enacted by canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden on 25th Oktober 2000, includes the forests in its nature protection goals. The especially valuable forests surrounding the marshes,notably mountain pine forests, are now better protected. The areas of stocked meadow have been eliminated. With the introduction of path regulations in areas susceptible to disturbance,the habitats of grouse and other endangered animal species have improved. With the enactment of the Protection Order and Protection Plan together with the path regulations,canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden has taken initial steps towards controlling tourist development. In the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and, partially, in St. Gall a round-the-year prohibition of paths in areas susceptible to disturbance, has been implemented.