Product Quality and Business Growth of Paint Companies in Selected Districts in Eastern Province of Rwanda

ABSTRACT This study set out to establish the relationship between product quality and business growth of paint companies in selected Districts of Eastern Province of Rwanda. It was based on survey design; specifically descriptive correlation and descriptive comparative. The researcher used a self administered questionnaire to collect primary data from 183 dealers, using stratified random sampling to reduce costs, time of doing research and to increase the degree of accuracy of the study. Data analysis was done using SPSS’s relative frequencies & percentages, means, and Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient. The study was based on five objectives: (i) to determine the profile of respondents in terms of age, gender, ncome level and level of education; (ii) to determine the level of product quality of paint companies in Eastern province of Rwanda; (iii) to determine the level of business growth in terms of sales; market share; profit; product quality and customer satisfaction; (iv) to establish the relationship between product quality and business growth of paint companies in selected Districts in Eastern Province of Rwanda. The study revealed that there was high level of product quality and the level of business growth of paint companies in selected Districts in Eastern Province of Rwanda was also high, there was a positive and significant relationship between product quality and growth of paint companies in selected Districts in Eastern Province of Rwanda( = 0.0578, sig. =0.000). The researcher recommended that, there should be continuous improvements in the quality of products and services to cater for ever changing consumer tastes, customer preferences and market competition, communicate the benefits of their products and services to their consumers and introduce a system of giving employees fringe benefits. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 2

Purpose of the Study 2

Research Objectives 3

Research Questions 3

Hypothesis 4

Scope 4

Significance of the Study 4

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 5

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 6

Introduction 6

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts 6

Theoretical Perspectives 16

Related Studies 21

Three METHODOLOGY 23

Research Design 23

Research Population 23

Sample Size 24

Sampling Procedure 24

Research Instrument 25

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 26

Data Gathering Procedures 27

Data Analysis 28

Ethical Considerations 28

Limitations of the Study 29

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Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA 30

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 41

Findings 41

Conclusions 43

Recommendations 43

References 45

Appendices 51

Appendix IA - Transmittal Letter 51

Appendix lB - Transmittal Letter for respondents 54

Appendix II - Clearance from Ethics Committee 55

Appendix III - Informed Consent 56

Appendix IVA- Profile of Respondents 57

Appendix IVB- Questionnaire for level of Product Quality 58

Appendix IVC- Questionnaire for level of Business Growth 59

Appendix IVD- Validity & Reliability Testing 61

Appendix lyE- Sample Size Computation 62

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 63