a) Define a Budget (6%)

A budget is a financial plan that estimates revenues and expenditures over a specific period, guiding organizations in resource allocation and financial decision-making. In healthcare, budgeting is crucial for aligning financial planning with operational goals, ensuring efficient resource utilization to maintain or enhance patient care services.

b) Describe Three (3) Types of Budgets (18%)

Operating Budget:

Definition: Covers day-to-day expenses such as salaries, utilities, medical supplies, and routine maintenance.

Purpose: Ensures that the organization can meet its immediate operational needs and maintain service delivery.

Capital Budget:

Definition: Focuses on long-term investments like purchasing new equipment, facility upgrades, or technology systems.

Purpose: Supports strategic growth and infrastructure development to improve service quality and capacity.

Cash Flow Budget:

Definition: Projects the organization's cash inflows and outflows over a specific period.

Purpose: Helps in managing liquidity, ensuring that the organization can meet its financial obligations as they arise.

c) Explain How the Four (4) Leadership Behaviours Inherent with Path-Goal Theory Could Be Used to Motivate Midwives Working in a Labour Ward (26%)

The Path-Goal Theory identifies four leadership behaviours that can enhance employee motivation:

Directive Leadership:

Application: Provide clear instructions and expectations regarding patient care protocols and procedures.

Motivation: Reduces ambiguity, allowing midwives to perform their duties confidently and efficiently.

Supportive Leadership:

Application: Show empathy and concern for midwives' well-being, offering assistance when needed.

Motivation: Creates a nurturing work environment, increasing job satisfaction and morale.

Participative Leadership:

Application: Involve midwives in decision-making processes, especially those affecting their work routines.

Motivation: Empowers staff, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to organizational goals.

Achievement-Oriented Leadership:

Application: Set challenging yet attainable goals, encouraging midwives to excel in their roles.

Motivation: Stimulates professional growth and a drive for excellence in patient care.

d) Describe Any Five (5) Types of Power and How a Manager or a Leader Should Properly Use Such Type of Power if an Organisation Is to Succeed (50%)

Legitimate Power:

Definition: Authority derived from a formal position within the organization.

Proper Use: Exercise authority fairly and consistently, ensuring decisions are transparent and align with organizational policies.

Reward Power:

Definition: Ability to provide incentives or rewards for desired behaviours.

Proper Use: Recognize and reward performance appropriately to motivate and reinforce positive behaviours.

Coercive Power:

Definition: Capacity to enforce consequences or punishments for non-compliance.

Proper Use: Use sparingly and justly, ensuring that disciplinary actions are fair and aim to correct behaviour rather than intimidate.

Expert Power:

Definition: Influence based on knowledge, skills, or expertise.

Proper Use: Share expertise to guide and mentor others, fostering a culture of continuous learning and respect.

Referent Power:

Definition: Influence stemming from personal traits or relationships, leading others to identify with or admire the leader.

Proper Use: Build strong interpersonal relationships and lead by example to inspire trust and loyalty.

Marking Key for Budgeting and Leadership in MCH Coordination

6 marks: A budget is a financial plan that outlines expected revenues and expenditures over a specific period, serving as a tool for resource allocation, control, and performance evaluation in an organization.
4-5 marks: A budget is a financial plan for expected income and expenses, used for managing resources. (Minor omission of key details.)
2-3 marks: A budget is a plan for spending money. (Lacks depth and key elements.)
0-1 mark: Incorrect or no definition provided.

6 marks per budget type (3 × 6 = 18 marks)

Operating Budget
- Covers day-to-day expenses (salaries, supplies, utilities).
- Short-term, usually annual.
- Helps in managing routine operations.
Capital Budget
- Focuses on long-term investments (equipment, buildings, renovations).
- Large expenditures with long-term benefits.
- Requires careful planning due to high costs.
Cash Flow Budget
- Tracks cash inflows and outflows to ensure liquidity.
- Helps prevent financial shortages.
- Essential for maintaining operational stability.

Scoring:

6.5 marks per behaviour (4 × 6.5 = 26 marks)

Directive Leadership
- Clear instructions, structured roles, and expectations.
- Helps midwives understand procedures, reducing uncertainty.
Supportive Leadership
- Shows concern for well-being, fosters a friendly environment.
- Reduces stress, increases job satisfaction.
Participative Leadership
- Involves midwives in decision-making.
- Enhances commitment and ownership of tasks.
Achievement-Oriented Leadership
- Sets challenging goals, encourages high performance.
- Motivates midwives to excel in patient care.

Scoring:

10 marks per power type (5 × 10 = 50 marks)

Legitimate Power
- Authority from formal position (e.g., MCH coordinator).
- Proper use: Enforce policies fairly, avoid misuse of authority.
Reward Power
- Ability to give incentives (promotions, bonuses).
- Proper use: Recognize performance, ensure fairness.
Coercive Power
- Ability to punish (warnings, demotions).
- Proper use: Apply only when necessary, avoid abuse.
Expert Power
- Influence from knowledge/skills (e.g., experienced midwife).
- Proper use: Mentor others, share expertise.
Referent Power
- Influence from charisma and respect.
- Proper use: Build trust, inspire teamwork.

Scoring: