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Fine negotiation steps that produce a win
No full textA Newspaper article by Scott Bellows, an Assistant Professor in the Chandaria School of Business at USIU-AfricaPolitical machinations often involve collaboration and bargaining. European diplomats in the middle ages used the French word for speaking, parlez, that transformed into the English term “parley” to specifically mean discussing and negotiating between two opposing sides. They recognised its power as opposed to outright conflict.
Recently, US President Donald Trump on the campaign trail touted his ability to cooperate and bargain, but since his inauguration shows no sign of negotiation ability or reliability whether with North Korea, Venezuela, or even within his own political party.
So, in Kenya’s reelection period surrounded by intense posturing and negotiations, let us reflect on different negotiation techniques that politicians and business leaders alike can use to enhance effectiveness and results.
Thus far, it seems that our political leaders of all sides follow the standard Robert Lussier defined first and third stages in the negotiating process
Innovative Healthcare Financing and Equity through Community Based Health Insurance Schemes (CBHHIS) In Kenya
No full textA Dissertation Report submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)The purpose of this study was to examine innovative healthcare financing and equity through CBHIs in Kenya. Particularly, the study explored the effect of the enrolment, mix of contributions; risk pooling, strategic purchasing and the moderating effect of government stewardship on equity in healthcare in Kenyan CBHIs. Out of the 115 CBHIs that are registered with Kenya Community Based Health Financing Association, data was collected from a sample of 79 CBHIs which had complete and consistent data. Responses were sought from four members of each CBHIs management team. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and data collection sheets for secondary data. 224 usable questionnaires were collected, representing 71% percent response rate. Data was cleaned and analyzed using Excel, SPSS version 20 and SmartPLS version 3. The study used descriptive statistics, factor analysis, path analysis and multivariate regression analysis in structural modeling equation (SEM) to investigate the relationship among variables and measure the strength and direction of relationships between constructs.
Empirical results revealed that there exist a positive relationship between enrolment in
CBHIs and equity in healthcare in Kenya, a negative relationship between mix of
contributions in CBHIs and equity in healthcare in Kenya, positive relationship between risk pooling in CBHIs and equity in healthcare in Kenya and positive relationship between
strategic purchasing in CBHIs and equity in healthcare in Kenya. Government stewardship
has a positive influence on the relationship between enrolment and strategic and equity in
healthcare.
The major conclusion drawn from the study is that CBHIs stimulates enrolment by focusing on social capital and stimulating willingness to pay in excluded segments of the population.The current mix of contributions in CBHIs does not offer an optimal mix of funds necessary for increased access to care and financial risk protection for precluded groups. The study recommends that for realization of equity goals in the healthcare in Kenya government and sectoral partners should define the place of CBHIs with the national health policy by enacting the requisite legal and regulatory framework to guide CBHIs administrative and fiscal structures. The government should also encourage the players in health financing to consolidate the pooled funds to enhance risk equalization
Initial English Language Teacher Education: International Perspectives on Research, Curriculum and Practice
No full textA Book chapter Co-authored by Dr. Angelina Kioko, A Faculty member in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at USIU-A, in a book edited by D.N. BenegasTrainees' voices, beliefs and experiences as learners, shaped by the tension and dialogue between internal and external theories of teaching and learning, inevitably penetrate the Initial English Language Teacher Education (IELTE) curriculum. Scrutinising these beliefs and experiences, Initial English Language Teacher Education provides readers with vivid and informed accounts of IELTE from around the world.
Approaching IELTE from a sociocultural perspective, the authors analyse future teachers' trajectories and educational histories in order to understand their experiences as learners, unpack internal beliefs, and problematise the relationships between such beliefs with theories and research in the field. Exploring accounts from a number of under-researched contexts, Initial English Language Teacher Education investigates and analyses perspectives from Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Kenya, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Uruguay. Through the eyes of future teachers, the chapters address issues such as: trainee motivation, tensions between theory and practice, role of feedback, teacher development and identity, critical pedagogies, online teacher education and intercultural awareness. - See more at: http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/initial-english-language-teacher-education-9781474294423/#sthash.zosKSCZ9.dpu
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Citrullus lanatus Fruit Rind Extract
No full textA Journal Article by Dr. Naumih an Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at USIU-Africa.The wide-scale application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in areas such as chemical sensing, nanomedicine, and electronics has led to their increased demand. Current methods of AgNPs synthesis involve the use of hazardous reagents and toxic solvents. There is a need for the development of new methods of synthesizing AgNPs that use environmentally safe reagents and solvents. This work reports a green method where silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using silver nitrate and the aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus fruit rind as the reductant and the capping agent. The optimized conditions for the AgNPs synthesis were a temperature of 80∘
C, pH 10, 0.001 M AgNO3, 250 g/L watermelon rind extract (WMRE), and a reactant ratio of 4 : 5 (AgNO3 to WMRE). The AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy exhibiting a max at 404 nm which was consistent with the spectra of spherical AgNPs within the wavelength range of 380–450 nm, and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) results showed a distinct oxidation peak at +291 mV while the standard reference AgNPs (20 nm diameter) oxidation peak occurred at +290 mV, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical shaped AgNPs. The AgNPs were found to have an
average diameter of 17.96 ± 0.16 nm
Message from the VC: Media Story on CUE Quality Audit
No full textA Message by the Vice Chancellor of USIU-Africa, Prof. Paul Tiyambe Zeleza.Our attention has been drawn to a story aired on Saturday Feb. 17, 2017 on Citizen TV in both their 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm news on Saturday Feb 17, 2017 where United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) featured. The story, purportedly based on the recently concluded Commission for University Education (CUE) Quality Audit report, clustered USIU-Africa among universities that had improper graduation lists.
We wish to confirm that the University went through a quality audit inspection in January, 2017. During the process, our teams provided information and feedback as required. All the issues raised were responded to satisfactorily and the report was eventually signed by both USIU and the auditors.
One of the issues raised was the requirement to have the University Senate approve the list of graduating students. At this juncture, it is imperative that I outline the historical background to the process of clearing students for graduation. Based on its academic tradition USIU-Africa has had the Academic Management Team undertake functions equivalent to those of a Senate in public universities, with graduation lists being generated as per the graduation requirements of each program. Through this system only students with grades meeting the graduation requirements have graduated. This position was clearly articulated to the auditors during their recent inspection. With the establishment of the Senate and subsequent appointment of members, the University will ensure that this requirement is met.
We are confident that all our 17,014 alumni have graduated in line with our policies and academic standards. The academic and examinations rigor we undertake at USIU-Africa is beyond reproach. We were therefore shocked to see such aspersions cast on our reputation as a University, ostensibly on the basis of variance in governance structures.
USIU-Africa goes through an incomparable monitoring process, a rigorous yearly assessment of its courses and 5 year review of its programs by both CUE and the American accrediting body (WSCUC). We have been undergoing this process since our inception as a university more than four decades ago. All our current 23 programs from undergraduate to doctoral level are accredited; and our processes and standards have passed the rigorous internal and external scrutiny.
I therefore assure you that United States International University - Africa is committed to academic integrity and providing high quality education. We remain faithful to our vision to be a premier institution of academic excellence with a global perspective
Factors Affecting Mobile Banking Adoption: A Case of KCB Bank Kenya
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The general purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting mobile banking adoption and usage at Kenya commercial bank Kenya. The research was guided by the following research questions:How does social cultural factors affect mobile banking adoption and usage at KCB bank?How does economic factors affect mobile banking adoption and usage at KCB bank?How does technological factors affect mobile banking adoption and usage at KCB bank?
The study utilized a descriptive research design and a quantitative and qualitative research technique was applied to obtain the required information. The target population for this study was1040 account holders at the KCB Sarit Centre branch. From the initial target population of using the sample size formulaat 95% confidence interval a sample size of 138 respondents was obtained. Primary data was collected by administering open and close-ended questionnaire to the respondents. Microsoft excel and the descriptive statistical tool, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to help the researcher describe the data and acquire the results through descriptive analysis of means, standard deviations, andInferential statistics through regression analysis the information was displayed by use of tables where necessary.
For the analysis of the first objective it was established that most of the respondents strongly agreed that they have the knowledge to use electronic banking services, ability to use electronic banking service and they would embrace electronic banking services their banking needs. For the analysis of the second objective it was established that most respondents strongly agreed that they are able to access to funds any time they want, and they considered M-banking a cost-effective way to provide banking services to the unbanked. For the analysis of the third objective it was established the governments can organize and create good plans to support the development of civilian technology innovation and also do its part to improve the economic growth and development. Most of the respondents affirmed that they would use the electronic banking services for handling banking transactions.
For the analysis, it can be concluded that most of the account holders possess the knowledge of how to use electronic banking services, and most of them are willing to embrace electronic banking services for their banking needs. Among the services mostly preferred is payment of utility bills. The study also conclude that the uptake of the service is dependent on the group influences. In regard to the second objective it can be concluded that use of mobile banking has enabled customers to access to funds any time they want, and they also consider it a cost-effective way to provide banking services to the unbanked. It also enables the users to save on transaction cost.The study concludes that governments has a role to play and most of the respondents affirmed that they would use the electronic banking services for handling banking transactions although losses from fraud must be borne by the bank.
The study recommended that firstly, banks should strive to educate the account holders on the benefits that they would incur from taking up the services. The bank also need to offer the best services to the current users in order for them to convince their peers, friends and family members to take up the service. Secondly, customers need to be encouraged to use of mobile banking as it is a cost-effective way to provide banking services to the unbanked. The bank needs to ensure that the transaction costs are lower than over the counter cost so as to convince more clients to take up the service. Lastly, the study recommends that the governments needs to do its part to improve the economic growth and development. On issues of security the bank needs to seek ways to minimize fraud, system failures and guaranteeing the users that electronic banking services can handle their banking transactions.The study recommends that for future studies, similar studies be undertaken in other banks so as to be able to compare the findings and make generalized conclusions. Also, there is a need to do a research to establish the impact that mobile adoption has had on the profitability of financial institutions
How Computer Based Brand Personality Influences Brand Awareness in Kenya
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of computer based technologies on brand awareness. The study was guided by the following research questions: The how does the use of computer technology influence brand awareness; what type of computer technology influences brand awareness; and to what extent does the use of social media influence brand awareness. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and the total population was 315 companies in Nairobi and Mombasa. Study will use stratified sampling technique a sample size of 35% was drawn resulting into 94 employees, only 80 responded and this was sufficient. Data analysis was conducted for frequencies, percentages, and correlations and regression analysis was done using SPSS, and data presented using figures and tables.
To answer the first research question on howcomputer technology influence brand awareness the findings revealed that sincerity influenced brand awareness and excitement influenced brand awareness among the respondents and a positive increase in sincerity and excitement positively affected brand awareness. An analysis of the second research question revealed that sophistication and ruggedness and competence influenced brand awareness among the respondents. The study revealed that websites are essential in creating brand awareness many of the respondents agreed that they did have a mobile device either (Phone/Tablet) and acknowledged that firms can using mobile devices to create brand awareness while 56.3% expresses that they were essential in brand awareness. Only 47.5% agreed to having a digital signboard in addition most organization do not use signboard for brand awareness and this accounted for 52.5%, however, 62.5% agree that signboards have enhanced brand awareness. A Pearson correlation at 99% confidence interval revealed that there was a positive correlation between brand awareness and ruggedness scale (0.345), competence scale (0.374). Regression revealed that Ruggedness scale had a positive Beta (0.125). Therefore, a positive increase in ruggedness positively affected brand awareness.
To analyse the final research question by answering to what extent the use of social media influence brand awareness and to do so the research sought to establish how brand use influenced brand awareness among the respondents and on analysis, the variable brand use had a mean of 2.7692 and a standard deviation of 1.5522. A Pearson correlation at 99% confidence interval revealed that there was a positive correlation between brand awareness and brand use (0.560). This meant that with every increase in the brand use brand awareness increased positively. A Pearson correlation done between brand awareness (dependent variable) brand use established a positive Beta (0.507), p value (0.000) was significant. On the type of media used 78.8% have a Facebook page out of which only 68.8% admitted to using it create brand awareness. 56.3% had Twitter account and 61.3% use it to create brand awareness. Only 41.3% of the accounts have linked in however, 52.5% admitted to not using it create brand awareness, however, 61.3% of the respondents have not subscribed to a YouTube Channel.
The study concluded that regarding the first research questions sincerity and excitement features in a brand influenced brand awareness and there was a positive correlation between brand awareness and sincerity scale and excitement scale. The management should therefore aim at including sincerity and excitement in their adverts and in customer’s minds. About the second research question managers need to incorporate ruggedness, sophistication and competence to appeal more to the consumers. The study revealed that websites, mobile device and digital signboard to create brand awareness. In line with the third research question the finding revealed that brand use influenced brand awareness among the respondents and with every increase in the brand use brand awareness increased positively. On the type of media used many firms use Facebook page, Twitter account and LinkedIn. However, few use them to create brand awareness.
For further studies this study recommends that in future research more brand names should be included and this could include beauty products, renowned cafes and coffee shops as well as events. The study also suggests that the proposed model be examined separately for industries (transport, communication, online trading). Future research can also be done to measuring other factors that may influence brand awareness and investigating a research to compare the efficiency of computer technology and the traditional media on brand awareness
The Impact of Foreign Exchange Fluctuations on Earnings from Tea Export in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Tea Development Agency
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on earnings from tea export in Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) in Kenya. The was aimed at answering the following research questions: How does exchange rate of foreign currencies affect the amount of tea exports in Kenya? How does inflation affect earnings from tea in Kenya? How does the Government and politics affect earnings from tea in Kenya?
The study adopted a descriptive research design and data was collected using questionnaires. The target population consisted of 50 employees of KTDA. A sample of 44 respondents was drawn and 44 questionnaires were distributed and all were filled and returned. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis where the means and standard deviation were interpreted. Inferential statistics was also done using SPSS to establish regression and correlation among the variables. The results were presented in figures and tables.
The findings based on the first research question revealed that the company has had exposure to foreign exchange risks and transactional risk. There was however indifference with whether economic environment in Kenya is risky and if company is exposed to economic risk exposure. On analysis, the R square, the variation in tea export was caused by the variation in exchange rate of foreign currencies. A Pearson correlation was done between tea exports and the factors above revealed that only foreign exchange risks directly affected tea export in the firm. The study also sought to establish actions taken due to positive or negative developments in exchange rates on tea export in Kenya and majority of the respondents agreed that the company have entered a new foreign market where they did not have any sales or operations before. Although they denied delayed entry into foreign market, shift facility to foreign market due cheaper exchange rate and change of product mix.
The findings based on the second research question revealed that foreign exchange volatility affected inflation and the performance of tea, in addition, inflation affects the profitability of the company. A regression analysis done between variables of inflation on tea earning and the R square revealed that foreign exchange volatility and inflation affected tea earning in the region. The findings based on the third research question revealed that policy, political factors affected the performance of the industry. It was also revealed that the company has clear policy. A regression analysis done between the variables revealed that variation in tea export was caused by the variation in government, politics, and foreign exchange and tea export.
The study concludes that the tea export is exposed to foreign exchange risks and due to the firm operating in foreign countries the industry is highly exposed to transaction risk. Despite this, the company has undertaken bold steps to increase the market share by entering “virgin” foreign market with no sales or operations before. The study also concluded that due to the nature of the tea export industry, foreign exchange volatility affects inflation and the performance of tea. In addition, economical factors such as inflation affects the profitability of the firm due to the high production costs involved. Lastly, the study concluded that government policy affects tea export, this could be due to the role the government play in influencing the cost of inputs such as fertilizers and minimum wage. The study also concluded that political factors affect performance of the country and as a result directly influences the nature of the export business.
The study recommends that the tea export is exposed to foreign exchange risks and transaction risk it is therefore necessary for the firm to take precautions such as use of hedging techniques. However, the relevant government agencies should establish measures to avoid dumping of tea product in the local market which would negatively affect the local industry. The study also recommends that foreign exchange volatility, economical factors such as inflation affects the profitability of the firm due to the high production. The monetary authorities therefore need to create and implement measures to curb high inflation and foreign exchange rates. Based on the findings, this study recommends that there is need for political stability in the country. The study also recommends that the government need to formulate regulations that would create a positive results situation all stake holders in the industry.
The study recommends that other research should be done on other variables that affect the Kenyan export trade. This study was carried out on Kenyan export trade, further research could be carried out on other export from Kenya or across the East Africa region to establish the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, and to be able to generalize the finding
Impact of Demutualization on the Performance and Investor Confidence of the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textA Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of demutualization on the performance and investor confidence of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Particularly, the study further aimed to answer three research questions: the impact of demutualization on financial performance of NSE, the impact of demutualization on non-financial performance of NSE and the impact of demutualization on investor confidence in NSE. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The study used descriptive statistics to summarize the data and to perform comparisons of non-financial performance and investor confidence in the NSE before and after demutualization. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to establish whether there was a significant difference between the financial performance in the pre and post demutualization phases of the NSE.
The findings showed that demutualization had a somewhat positive impact on the financial performance of the NSE. Demutualization was found to have had a positive impact on market capitalization, listings and revenues, but it failed to improve managerial efficiency of the NSE.
The findings further indicated that demutualization had improved the non-financial performance of the NSE. Demutualization was found to have improved efficiency through trading technologies and brought about innovative new products, but failed to reduce trading costs.
With regards to investor confidence, the findings revealed that demutualization had improved the NSE’s ability to protect investor rights, increases liquidity and broadened the NSE’s investor base but failed to improve NSE’s responsiveness to stakeholders.
The study concludes that demutualization is found to have had a mixed impact on the financial performance of the NSE, but a positive impact on non-financial and investor confidence in the bourse.
The study recommends that NSE should work towards shortening trading cycles, bring down the relatively high trading costs, enhance accessibility to information and improve responsiveness to stakeholders
Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Financial Literacy among Employees of Deloitte Kenya
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of demographic and socio economic factors on financial literacy of employees of Deloitte Kenya. Three research questions were formulated to facilitate the realization of this. These were: (1) What is the level of financial literacy of the employees working in Deloitte Kenya? (2) What is the relationship between demographic factors and the level of financial literacy among employees working in Deloitte Kenya? (3) What is the relationship between socio-economic factors and the level of financial literacy among employees working in Deloitte Kenya? The demographic factors investigated in the study were gender, age and education level. The socio-economic variables considered included income level, employment status and sources of information at the workplace.
The study focused on a population of 337 employees working in Deloitte Kenya. The sampling frame used was the list of all employees working in the organization. The sampling technique employed in the study was the stratified random sampling where respondents were divided into five strata according to the five departments that is audit, tax, ERS, ICS and consulting. From this, a sample on 183 employees was obtained. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire that contained both open ended and close ended questions. The questions assessed the respondent’s understanding of the basic financial concepts of interest rates, inflation and risk diversifications. The questionnaire also requested for demographic and socioeconomic data from the respondents. Data analysis carried out using SPSS to obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were then presented using tables, charts and graphs.
The findings of the study revealed that the overall financial literacy level amongst the employees at Deloitte is high. Eight four percent of the respondents obtained the pass mark for the financial literacy test. From the research, it was also evident that financial literacy has a significant relationship with demographic factors.. The respondents who were male, have higher education levels and young in age were observed to have higher financial literacy levels. Socio-economic factors were also found to have an influence on financial literacy. Respondents who had lower income levels and relied on external formal sources of information were observed to be more financial literate. No significant relationship was observed between employment status and financial literacy.
To improve the research, the study recommends that further studies focus on the development of a uniform tool for measuring financial literacy. The use of a standardized tool will improve future researcher’s ability to identify deficiency in financial literacy of the population being studied. While the research indicated a significant relationship between demographic factors and financial literacy, it did not identify the major cause of this gap. Further studies should investigate the factors contributing this gap as this will contribute towards improving the financial literacy of women and the less educated who make up the majority of the Kenyan population. Finally, the research did not take into consideration other socio-economic factors of the participants as it was only limited to the three mentioned earlier. More work should be carried out by other researchers to determine the impact of other socio-economic variables on financial literacy