The University of Northern Virginia College of Business Administration Virginia - USA.

The University of Northern Virginia The University of Northern Virginia

College of Business AdministrationCollege of Business Administration

Virginia - USAVirginia - USA

Effective Assistance Management Effective Assistance Management For Palestinian Refugees in Gaza StripFor Palestinian Refugees in Gaza Strip

Application to Job Creation Program (JCP) Application to Job Creation Program (JCP) of UNRWAof UNRWA

ByBy

Hussam R. A. AhmadHussam R. A. Ahmad

Supervisor Supervisor

Dr. Faris Abu MoammarDr. Faris Abu Moammar

A research submitted in partial fulfillment A research submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for of the requirement for

the degree of "MBA and management" the degree of "MBA and management" The University of Northern VirginiaThe University of Northern Virginia

20082008

PART PART II

ABBREVIATIONABBREVIATION

JCP: Job Creation Program JCP: Job Creation Program GTP: Graduate Training ProgrammeGTP: Graduate Training Programme LFA: Logical Framework ApproachLFA: Logical Framework Approach PRA: Participatory Rapid Assessment PRA: Participatory Rapid Assessment UNRWA: United Nations Relief and Works AgencyUNRWA: United Nations Relief and Works Agency IDS: Instruments designs & samplingIDS: Instruments designs & sampling SPSS: Statistical Package for Social SciencesSPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences NGO: Non Governmental OrganizationNGO: Non Governmental Organization OPT: OPT: Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesOccupied Palestinian Territories �ً�ًWFP: World Food ProgramWFP: World Food Program PNA: Palestinian National AuthorityPNA: Palestinian National Authority

Research Environment ProblemResearch Environment Problem

0

5

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20

25

30

35

40

45

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000-3

2000-6

2000-9

2000-12

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Palestinian TerritoriesWest BankGaza Strip

The Unemployment problemin the Gaza Strip

Purpose of the ResearchPurpose of the Research

The purpose of this research is to assess the job The purpose of this research is to assess the job creation program in Gaza Strip which is offered creation program in Gaza Strip which is offered by UNRWA, exploring the different factors by UNRWA, exploring the different factors affecting this program, analyzing and affecting this program, analyzing and interpreting these factors, and drawing interpreting these factors, and drawing conclusions and implications.conclusions and implications.

Focus of the researchFocus of the research

The focus of this research is to identify the The focus of this research is to identify the factors affecting the JCP, and to develop factors affecting the JCP, and to develop some insights into planning a better some insights into planning a better managerial understanding, which will managerial understanding, which will increase the level of effectiveness of the increase the level of effectiveness of the JCP.JCP.

Research QuestionsResearch Questions When we started this research, we had several When we started this research, we had several

important questions in mind to reach to a better important questions in mind to reach to a better understanding of the problem. understanding of the problem. These questions were These questions were focused in several sectors such as:-focused in several sectors such as:-

Does the UNRWA JCP meet its intended goals?Does the UNRWA JCP meet its intended goals? What are the criteria for enrolment in the JCP among What are the criteria for enrolment in the JCP among

unemployment persons in Gaza Strip?unemployment persons in Gaza Strip? What are the areas of strength and areas of What are the areas of strength and areas of

weaknesses in the JCP?weaknesses in the JCP? How is the JCP being perceived by its beneficiaries How is the JCP being perceived by its beneficiaries

and stakeholders? and stakeholders? What are the factors, which affect the JCP?What are the factors, which affect the JCP? What could be done in order to improve the JCP What could be done in order to improve the JCP

satisfaction in Gaza Strip?satisfaction in Gaza Strip?

Importance of ResearchImportance of Research

The unemployment problem is a direct result of the Israel The unemployment problem is a direct result of the Israel occupation, which caused many families to be under occupation, which caused many families to be under poverty, poverty, more than fifty thousand persons can not arrive more than fifty thousand persons can not arrive their work in the Israeli factories for more than six years,their work in the Israeli factories for more than six years, closing of crossings by the Israeli Army leave many closing of crossings by the Israeli Army leave many factories without any raw material, in order to shut factories without any raw material, in order to shut factories in front of Gaza Strip labor force, factories in front of Gaza Strip labor force, alsoalso the the destruction process by the Israeli Army of thousands of destruction process by the Israeli Army of thousands of factories leave the main work force unemployedfactories leave the main work force unemployed..

This is the main reason for the decrease of the life level This is the main reason for the decrease of the life level for the Palestinians in Gaza Strip, for the Palestinians in Gaza Strip, accompanied by the accompanied by the negative affect on the education, health and social negative affect on the education, health and social levels. levels.

The objectives of the ResearchThe objectives of the Research

This research aims to;-This research aims to;- Assess the status of the JCP implemented at the Assess the status of the JCP implemented at the

UNRWA-Gaza. UNRWA-Gaza. Estimate the degree to which the JCP has met its Estimate the degree to which the JCP has met its

intended goals.intended goals. Identify the program areas of strength, and areas of Identify the program areas of strength, and areas of

weaknesses. weaknesses. Estimate opinions, and perspectives of the program Estimate opinions, and perspectives of the program

beneficiaries.beneficiaries. Provide suggestions, and recommendations to improve Provide suggestions, and recommendations to improve

the design and the implementation of the program.the design and the implementation of the program.

HypothesisHypothesis We also had several hypothesis regarding this study’ they We also had several hypothesis regarding this study’ they

were focused on the following;were focused on the following; Hypothesis One: Hypothesis One: there is a significant positive relation there is a significant positive relation

between the JCP monthly salary and the between the JCP monthly salary and the alleviating alleviating poverty, evaluation procedures at (0.05) levelpoverty, evaluation procedures at (0.05) level

Hypothesis Two: Hypothesis Two: there is a significant positive relation there is a significant positive relation between the training by GTP and building capacity between the training by GTP and building capacity evaluation procedures at (0.05) levelevaluation procedures at (0.05) level

Hypothesis Three: Hypothesis Three: there is a significant positive relation there is a significant positive relation between the work chance by JCP and the quality life, between the work chance by JCP and the quality life, evaluation procedures at (0.05) levelevaluation procedures at (0.05) level

Hypothesis Four: Hypothesis Four: there is a significant positive relation there is a significant positive relation between the work chance by JCP and the psychosocial, between the work chance by JCP and the psychosocial, evaluation procedures at (0.05) levelevaluation procedures at (0.05) level

HypothesisHypothesis (cont)(cont)

Hypothesis Five:Hypothesis Five: there is a significant positive there is a significant positive relation between the poverty and the age, relation between the poverty and the age, qualification, experience, gender, and family qualification, experience, gender, and family size, evaluation procedures at (0.05) levelsize, evaluation procedures at (0.05) level

Hypothesis Six:Hypothesis Six: there is a significant positive there is a significant positive relation between the work chance by JCP and relation between the work chance by JCP and the age, qualification, experience, gender, and the age, qualification, experience, gender, and family size, evaluation procedures at (0.05) levelfamily size, evaluation procedures at (0.05) level

Research MethodologyResearch Methodology

Study DesignStudy DesignThe design has been selected because this method would be useful for The design has been selected because this method would be useful for

descriptive analysis of study constructs, namely perspectives, descriptive analysis of study constructs, namely perspectives, perception, experiences and satisfaction. perception, experiences and satisfaction.

The Study populationThe Study populationFirstly:Firstly: Beneficiaries; who have been benefited from the program. Beneficiaries; who have been benefited from the program.SecondlySecondly, Managers of the JCP and the managers of organizations , Managers of the JCP and the managers of organizations

that employed them. that employed them. Sample sizeSample sizeFor beneficiaries; For beneficiaries; Around 516 respondents stratified by certain Around 516 respondents stratified by certain

categories-through questionnaire categories-through questionnaire For managers; For managers; Purposive sample interviewed.Purposive sample interviewed.

PART IIPART II

Data collectionData collection

Triangulation:Triangulation:1- Questionnaire1- Questionnaire

The questionnaire consists of 28 questions which The questionnaire consists of 28 questions which are divided into three main sections as per the are divided into three main sections as per the following:following:

Personal and socioeconomic data and how they Personal and socioeconomic data and how they benefited from the JCP. benefited from the JCP.

Questions about the JCP and how it benefited Questions about the JCP and how it benefited the participants.the participants.

Questions about opinions about the JCP.Questions about opinions about the JCP. Open ended data.Open ended data.The Questionnaire has been revised byThe Questionnaire has been revised by: : Dr. Faris Abu Moammar,Dr. Faris Abu Moammar, Dr. Mohamed Dr. Mohamed

Elmadhoon, Dr. Mohamed Meqdad and Dr. Nafez ParakatElmadhoon, Dr. Mohamed Meqdad and Dr. Nafez Parakat

Data collection Data collection (cont)(cont)

Sample size:Sample size:The sample has been determined The sample has been determined

after obtaining the needed after obtaining the needed

figures.figures. the population size at 90% the population size at 90%

Confidence and the error 4 Confidence and the error 4 % are willing tolerate. % are willing tolerate. Using: Using: http://http://gsociology.icaap.orggsociology.icaap.org/methods//methods/, methodology of , methodology of social research. social research.

QuestionnaireQuestionnaireNumbersNumbers

Questioner distributionsQuestioner distributions594594Questioner MissingQuestioner Missing4343Questioner refusedQuestioner refused3535Questioner collectedQuestioner collected516516

Data collection Data collection (cont)(cont)

05

1015202530

3540

18-21 22-30 31-40 41-50 50& more

The age of the sample size:The age of the sample size: Male

Female

0

1020

3040

5060

70

3 andless

5 andless

7 andless

8 andmore

Family size

Gender

Secondary School or Less

Diploma

Bachelor

Qualifications level

Data collectionData collection (cont) (cont)

2- 2- InterviewInterview Management related issues such as goals, objectives and gaps, future plansManagement related issues such as goals, objectives and gaps, future plans Managers perceptions about the JCP.Managers perceptions about the JCP. All the questions was been open ended ones.All the questions was been open ended ones.

The interview has been with:The interview has been with: JCP individual beneficiaries.JCP individual beneficiaries. An interview with JCP Administrative Manager.

3- Focus groups:3- Focus groups: Focus beneficiaries' institution groupFocus beneficiaries' institution group Focus beneficiary groupFocus beneficiary group

Data collectionData collection (cont) (cont)

4- Document review :4- Document review : The JCP monthly reports.The JCP monthly reports. The UNRWA general reports.The UNRWA general reports. The Palestinian Statistics Center annual ReportsThe Palestinian Statistics Center annual Reports

5- Observation:5- Observation: Throw my visiting to JCP department.Throw my visiting to JCP department. Throw Throw view unemployed column at the registration office of UNRWA.view unemployed column at the registration office of UNRWA. Throw visiting the JCP work place.Throw visiting the JCP work place.

6- 6- Community forum:Community forum: Members of Parliament.Members of Parliament. Activists of human rights.Activists of human rights. Unionists interested of unemployment problem.Unionists interested of unemployment problem.

PART IIPART IIII

Conclusion Conclusion and and

RecommendationRecommendation

ConclusionConclusion 1- 1- Relevance:Relevance: The program is intended to address poverty in the Gaza Strip and The program is intended to address poverty in the Gaza Strip and

supports NGOs by creating jobs of development and improvement supports NGOs by creating jobs of development and improvement of living conditions, but the researcher find that: of living conditions, but the researcher find that:

The beneficiary's disagree that, The beneficiary's disagree that, the current situation of JCP is the current situation of JCP is enough to deal with unemployment problem.enough to deal with unemployment problem.

And the beneficiaries' institution group declares also the current And the beneficiaries' institution group declares also the current situation of JCP is not enough to deal with unemployment problem.situation of JCP is not enough to deal with unemployment problem.

The beneficiary's disagree thatThe beneficiary's disagree that the JCP will make him able to find the JCP will make him able to find

work.work. the beneficiaries declare that: JCP helps him to face the the beneficiaries declare that: JCP helps him to face the

unemployment problem partially.unemployment problem partially. The beneficiaries' institution group declares alsoThe beneficiaries' institution group declares also that their that their

institutions does not depend on Workers who come from institutions does not depend on Workers who come from JCP JCP

Conclusion Conclusion (cont)(cont)

2- 2- Efficiency:Efficiency: The procedures of the JCP include the description and arranging for The procedures of the JCP include the description and arranging for

the series steps and specific instructions for the completion of all the series steps and specific instructions for the completion of all operations required, but the researcher find that: operations required, but the researcher find that: The whole sample disagree that, the JCP demand of professional The whole sample disagree that, the JCP demand of professional

has no distinction, when the programme chooses the employee.has no distinction, when the programme chooses the employee. The focus beneficiary group declares that: The JCP does not The focus beneficiary group declares that: The JCP does not

demand proficiency, when the employee is chosen. demand proficiency, when the employee is chosen. The JCP administrative manager says that: The salary is calculated The JCP administrative manager says that: The salary is calculated

based on a rate of wage categories, and is not higher than the based on a rate of wage categories, and is not higher than the private sector. private sector.

But the beneficiaries' group says that: we got just two or three But the beneficiaries' group says that: we got just two or three chances, throw seven years of the JCP life.chances, throw seven years of the JCP life.


3- 3- Effectiveness:Effectiveness: the JCP administrative manager says that: The JCP the JCP administrative manager says that: The JCP

Covers 7000 beneficiaries per month in the current Covers 7000 beneficiaries per month in the current situation, the program seeks to reach the poorest to situation, the program seeks to reach the poorest to address poverty. And the JCP Concerns to merge the address poverty. And the JCP Concerns to merge the beneficiaries in the labour market beneficiaries in the labour market Beneficiary group Beneficiary group says that they agree that they do a says that they agree that they do a good job when they work with the JCP. But they do not good job when they work with the JCP. But they do not

agree that the JCP will make them able to find work. agree that the JCP will make them able to find work. The beneficiaries' institution group says that the The beneficiaries' institution group says that the

workers who come from JCP are keen to attend only to workers who come from JCP are keen to attend only to receive their wage, they also do not care about the receive their wage, they also do not care about the

instructions we provide them. instructions we provide them.


44- Impact:- Impact: The program seeks to reach the poorest, and intended to address poverty The program seeks to reach the poorest, and intended to address poverty

through the Job creation and training of graduates to merge them in the through the Job creation and training of graduates to merge them in the

labour market.labour market. The whole sample disagree that, the monthly amount is enough to face The whole sample disagree that, the monthly amount is enough to face the daily needs, or the total amount they received from JCP is enough for the daily needs, or the total amount they received from JCP is enough for

the year.the year. the JCP limit the poverty for its beneficiary's at the work period but their the JCP limit the poverty for its beneficiary's at the work period but their

life level continue under poverty because the family size which where life level continue under poverty because the family size which where nearly eight person, and the $1 for a person is not enough for the daily nearly eight person, and the $1 for a person is not enough for the daily

needs. needs. While as some beneficiaries say that: the work time with JCP While as some beneficiaries say that: the work time with JCP

improve our life, just through the work period, and they feel happy improve our life, just through the work period, and they feel happy when a chance of JCP occurs. But they agree strongly that the when a chance of JCP occurs. But they agree strongly that the

monthly salary is not enough to face their daily needs.monthly salary is not enough to face their daily needs.


55- Sustainability:- Sustainability: JCP Administrative Manager says: The program seeks to JCP Administrative Manager says: The program seeks to

reach the poorest, JCP works to increase the budget to reach the poorest, JCP works to increase the budget to cover 22500 beneficiaries per month next year.cover 22500 beneficiaries per month next year. The beneficiaries' institutionThe beneficiaries' institution says that: Our institution says that: Our institution tried to demand on the JCP in emergencies, the program tried to demand on the JCP in emergencies, the program

provided us with some logistic assistance,provided us with some logistic assistance, the JCP the JCP searches for institutions to employ the trainees, in order searches for institutions to employ the trainees, in order

to enhance institution relations with the social working to enhance institution relations with the social working environment.environment.

Individual beneficiary says that: It is more important Individual beneficiary says that: It is more important than other programs like UNDP Unemployment program, than other programs like UNDP Unemployment program,

some institutions, which used to provide food and aid some institutions, which used to provide food and aid assistance, provide nothing now.assistance, provide nothing now.

The intended goals of the UNRWA JCPThe intended goals of the UNRWA JCP

1- The criteria for enrolment in the JCP among beneficiaries: 1- The criteria for enrolment in the JCP among beneficiaries:

The JCP determines criteria for beneficiaries, as refugees The JCP determines criteria for beneficiaries, as refugees family or mix family, work age, one chance for one person family or mix family, work age, one chance for one person of the same family on the same time, of the same family on the same time,

2- The areas of strength and areas of weaknesses in the 2- The areas of strength and areas of weaknesses in the JCP:JCP:

Financing situation:Financing situation: the ability of the JCP improves in the ability of the JCP improves in time, the operation began with 2000, to 7000 beneficiaries time, the operation began with 2000, to 7000 beneficiaries per month.per month.

Combating poverty:Combating poverty: Officials of JCP declare that the JCP Officials of JCP declare that the JCP is based on JCP in order to combat poverty, by pay the is based on JCP in order to combat poverty, by pay the salaries to the beneficiaries in order to raise their salaries to the beneficiaries in order to raise their standard of living above the poverty. standard of living above the poverty.

The intended goals of the UNRWA JCP The intended goals of the UNRWA JCP (cont)(cont)

2- The areas of strength and areas of weaknesses in the 2- The areas of strength and areas of weaknesses in the JCP JCP (cont)(cont)::

The GTP:The GTP: The beneficiaries of the GTP receive jobs for 4.5 The beneficiaries of the GTP receive jobs for 4.5 months annually, while others receive just three months months annually, while others receive just three months every 3 years.every 3 years.

3- 3- How beneficiaries and stakeholders perceive the JCP?How beneficiaries and stakeholders perceive the JCP?

Perceive by the beneficiaries:Perceive by the beneficiaries: The questionnaire shows that The questionnaire shows that 85% of the population size have some knowledge about 85% of the population size have some knowledge about the JCP. This percent indicates that the program has the JCP. This percent indicates that the program has spread widely among the public, reflecting the importance spread widely among the public, reflecting the importance of the program's role in the public life.of the program's role in the public life.


3- 3- How beneficiaries and stakeholders perceive the JCP? How beneficiaries and stakeholders perceive the JCP? (cont)(cont)

Perceive by the UNRWA managers:Perceive by the UNRWA managers: UNRWAUNRWA Considers the JCP as a part of its Considers the JCP as a part of its

emergency plan to cope with the effects of emergency plan to cope with the effects of Israeli military operation against the inhabitants Israeli military operation against the inhabitants in the Gaza Strip. in the Gaza Strip.

Perceive by the donors:Perceive by the donors: JCP sends report to the JCP donors, a press JCP sends report to the JCP donors, a press

statements which issued by the General statements which issued by the General Commission, seeks the international community Commission, seeks the international community and donating States to confidence the work of and donating States to confidence the work of UNRWAUNRWA. .


4- Factors, which affect the JCP:4- Factors, which affect the JCP:Funds:Funds: Funding plays the most important role in the JCP, the total Funding plays the most important role in the JCP, the total

amount is determined the beneficiary number.amount is determined the beneficiary number. The siege and closures:The siege and closures: The JCP began in October 2000 with the beginning of the The JCP began in October 2000 with the beginning of the

escalation of Israeli army operations against Palestinian escalation of Israeli army operations against Palestinian people, and no one can expect the expiry date because the people, and no one can expect the expiry date because the continuing of the emergency situation.continuing of the emergency situation.

The nature and needs of the unemployed:The nature and needs of the unemployed: the new graduates need for training in addition to their need of the new graduates need for training in addition to their need of

work, So they need experience to enter the work market, work, So they need experience to enter the work market, therefore, the survival of the beneficiaries in the GTP will be therefore, the survival of the beneficiaries in the GTP will be short because of the need for them in the work market.short because of the need for them in the work market.


The researcher's outline recommendations are The researcher's outline recommendations are presented through the following points:presented through the following points:

1- Structure for the JCP:1- Structure for the JCP:

must take into account the appropriate number of must take into account the appropriate number of construction of the Action Team, scientific construction of the Action Team, scientific specialization, distribution of geographic regions specialization, distribution of geographic regions and ease of transmission of information between and ease of transmission of information between the team and the senior management of the JCP.the team and the senior management of the JCP.

OrganizationalOrganizational structure for the JCP Directorate is structure for the JCP Directorate is suitable for the beneficiaries of the JCP systemsuitable for the beneficiaries of the JCP system

There is a direct contact between the current JCP There is a direct contact between the current JCP Directorate and the senior management in the Directorate and the senior management in the UNRWA.UNRWA.

There is a clear plan of action for the current JCP There is a clear plan of action for the current JCP Directorate.Directorate.


2-2-The quality of the information:The quality of the information: upon the JCP is an important factor in guiding the upon the JCP is an important factor in guiding the

program towards the goals it is set for, the program towards the goals it is set for, the indictment for the poverty requires accurate indictment for the poverty requires accurate information collected from more than one information collected from more than one source and updated regularly, where it is being source and updated regularly, where it is being analyzed for access to information to assess in analyzed for access to information to assess in wise decisions.wise decisions.

The information provided by the current JCP The information provided by the current JCP IS; is completed and comprehensive IS; is completed and comprehensive

The information provided by the current JCP The information provided by the current JCP IS; is up-to- dateIS; is up-to- date


33- JCP Information System effectiveness:- JCP Information System effectiveness:Measuring organizational effectiveness: an overview and Measuring organizational effectiveness: an overview and

update of senior management perspectives.update of senior management perspectives. The current JCP IS support multiple services provided The current JCP IS support multiple services provided

by the UNRWA for unemployment refugees.by the UNRWA for unemployment refugees. The current JCP IS; is subject to change and The current JCP IS; is subject to change and

amendment according to user needs. amendment according to user needs. The application information is important for The application information is important for

acceptance. acceptance. The unemployed have the same chance for The unemployed have the same chance for

acceptance.acceptance. The poorest case have a better chance The poorest case have a better chance


4- Technical Staff:4- Technical Staff:Team members must be skilled, scientific and Team members must be skilled, scientific and

technical resources must be ready, which technical resources must be ready, which enable them to play their best work.enable them to play their best work.

The JCP staff must have the capacity to do the The JCP staff must have the capacity to do the work.work.

The employee in all level has experience and The employee in all level has experience and management skills to cope with the tasks management skills to cope with the tasks required from.required from.

The employees receive training on a regular The employees receive training on a regular basis to develop their skills and abilitiesbasis to develop their skills and abilities


5- The monthly salary:5- The monthly salary:

The average monthly salary must take into The average monthly salary must take into account:account:

The family size.The family size. The unemployment period for the The unemployment period for the

person.person. The world's poverty line, not only the The world's poverty line, not only the

wage of privet sector.wage of privet sector.


6- Building capacity:6- Building capacity:

Promotion must continue of the JCP interest in Promotion must continue of the JCP interest in building the capacity of the beneficiaries, in building the capacity of the beneficiaries, in order to enable them to enter in the labor order to enable them to enter in the labor market.market.

Make unemployment person able to find work.Make unemployment person able to find work. Do a better job with the JCP.Do a better job with the JCP. Choose the best place and pest work.Choose the best place and pest work. The JCP work requires high performance.The JCP work requires high performance.

With the best wishesWith the best wishes

Thank youThank you

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