Recently, in the dramatically growing digital world, the management of materials plays a critical role in the profitability of manufacturing companies. This study focuses on the impact of materials management on profitability of manufacturing companies in Ethiopia with a particular reference to Walia Steel Industry PLC. The main objective of the study is to detect the problems of materials management that can result in achieving organizational profitability if corrected properly. Relevant data was gathered through self-administered structured questionnaires and open-ended questions and analysis was made based on primary data generated via five point Likert scale using SPSS version 23. A cross-sectional data model was used in the study. The study adopted both explanatory and descriptive research designs in integration with commonly used mixed research methods. Validity and reliability of the study was also tested using SPSS V-23. The findings revealed that there was positive and significant association between effective materials management dimensions and firm’s profitability which was supported by interdepartmental collaboration among materials related departments such as inventory, procurement and storage managements. The main problems faced in materials management of the selected steel industry includes the shortage of raw materials due to foreign currency problem and COVID-19 pandemic, shortage of skilled personnel, unsteady power supply, weak materials management practices due to weak interdepartmental coordination of the firm. The role and benefits of materials management dimensions should be examined and outlined for further investigation. Recommendations were made for the focal firm to make the materials management system to be computerized, to arrange training programs, to hire skilled personnel and to arrange employee’s motivation system. Recommendations also made for the government to provide adequate infrastructures such as available domestic raw materials, steady power supply, and sufficient water supply and so on to assist manufacturing firms. Keywords: Materials Management, Procurement Management, Inventory Management, Storage           Management, Interdepartmental Collaboration, Organizational Profitability

Service offering channels in banking sector has emerged on scene with a variety of forms such as internet banking, mobile banking, and ATM. Mature competition and global finance system have forced to investigate the significance of customer satisfaction. This study was set to assess customers' satisfaction in ATM service by taking the case of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), which is the leading bank in the country, using SERVPERF model. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 385 valid respondents who are customers of CBE, using convenient sampling technique. Data were analysed using SPSS-frequencies and percentages, mean scores, Cronbach alpha, Pearson's linear correlation and regression analysis. The study was based on the three research objectives: (a) to measure whether ATM service quality corresponds to each dimensions of SERVPERF (b) to analyze the customer satisfaction on ATM service quality, and c) to investigate the level of customer satisfaction. The findings revealed that all the service quality dimensions are significantly and positively associated with the overall customer satisfaction. Besides, Tangibility, Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy and Assurance are highlighted as significant predictors and key factors in determining the customer satisfaction. But Assurance was found as the most influential predictor of customer satisfaction. The researchers recommend that in order to ensure customer satisfaction improving the performance on all the dimensions of (ATM) service quality is imperative.

In this article, we explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility and profitability with particular reference to Ethiopian financial industry. In line with this, the paper investigated the practice of corporate social responsibility and its impact on profitability in two private banks in Ethiopia. The study used two sampling phases. The first one is to sample out the two banks among the sixteen private banks operated in the country and the second phase is to select number of respondents within the selected banks. According to National Bank of Ethiopia, (NBE, 2020) annual report among the sixteen private commercial banks operated in the country, six of them were operated in the industry for more than 20 years and two banks namely Dashen and United banks were randomly selected for the study. The study used questionnaires as an instrument for data collection and the Cronbach alpha test was used to test the reliability of the instrument. Correlation analysis was carried out to identify the nature of strength and direction of the relationship between the independent variables (philanthropic, ethical, legal and economic responsibilities) and the dependent variables (profitability), regression analysis was also employed to determine the degree in which the dependent variable can be predicated or explained from the independent variables. The finding reveals that ethical, philanthropic, legal and economic responsibilities of CSR dimension have a positive and significant impact on profitability of the banks. Furthermore, the overall finding of the study suggested that CSR practice of banks has a significant impact on the level of their profitability. The study recommends that banks should improve their efforts exerted towards their CSR practice in order to enhance their profitability.

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The purpose of the present research is to analyse from the core constructive influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) (risk taking, innovativeness, and proactiveness) on the business performance (BP) of start -up enterprises. Various related literature aspects discussed for to embrace entrepreneurial orientation to increase business performance. Profitability index, size, age, return on sales, technological advancement, profit and sales among others used to relate EO with BP. Linear regression models, descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, Cronbach's Alpha for reliability test etc., among many used to relate statistically EO with BP. Sample of 53 start-up firms from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, chosen for data interpretation. It is found out that there is a positive relationship exists between Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Business performance (BP). This study wants to create awareness and knowledge among startup entrepreneurs to adopt entrepreneurship. In the global competitive and dynamic environment to outperform rivals, start-up companies expected to become entrepreneurial to meet long-term goals of superior performance by discovering new and better entrepreneurial opportunities. To focus more on entrepreneurial opportunity, attention be given on knowledge creation and understanding towards EO process, practices, and decisions making, which will help to have more competitive advantage for higher performances and as a whole develop countries economy.