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Simulation of potential impact of air pollution from the proposed coal mining sites in Mui Basin, Kitui County
Get PDFThe potential for air pollutants transport, dispersion patterns and impacts within and around the Mui basin, Kitui County is simulated. The spatial-temporal distribution of air pollutants from the proposed coal mines was investigated using Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectories (HYSPLIT) and dispersion analyses. The spatial distribution of wind patterns was investigated using wind rose to explain the observed air pollution distribution. The analysis was carried out for the dry and wet seasons of the study area namely: December, January, February (DJF), March, April, May (MAM), June, July, August (JJA) and September, October, November (SON) seasons. From the analysis, the season during which the exposure levels would pose much health threat was established based on frequency of winds blowing in certain direction and speed. By spatial analysis of the proximity of proposed mines and direction of dominant winds, areas most prone to pollution were delineated. The results showed that winds over the area were generally low and southerly. The residents to the northern and northwestern sectors would be at most at risk should the mining commence. Due to low wind speeds during January and the onset of JJA season, residents and workers at the mine would be affected adversely. The results may contribute to the design of effective control strategies to reduce impact of emitted pollutants
Organizational Resources, External Environment, Innovation and Firm Performance: A Critical Review of Literature
Get PDFExplaining why organizations in the same industry and markets differ in their performance remains a fundamental question within strategic management circles.Researchers have partly attributed the variation to a number of factors among them industry structure, resources of a firm, and continuous innovation that keep a firm a head of competition. On a global scale, there is continued search for the sources of variation in firm performance. As part of this effort, this paper reviews literature on factors that have partial explanation to variation in organization performance namely: organizational resources, external environment and innovation. It is apparent from literature that organization resources have a direct impact on performance. However, this influence is subject to other factors key among them the external environment and innovation. In an attempt to bring out extant gaps on how the resource - performance relationship is influenced by the external environment and innovation, this paper observes that these factors have been found to have independent effect on performance. However, their role in his respect remain scanty, both conceptually and empirically. To contribute to the current state of knowledge in this front, the paper proposes a conceptual model that can guide an empirical investigation on the influence of external environment and innovation on the relationship between organizational resources and performance. The empirical research, it is hoped will address the identified gaps. Key Words: Resources, External Environment, Innovation, expected firm Performance
Organizational Culture, Industry Competition and Performance Of Microfinance Institutions In Kenya
Get PDFThe objective of our study is to assess the influence of organizational culture and industry competition on performance of microfinance institutions in Kenya. The population of the study comprise microfinance institutions that are members of the Association of MicrofinanceInstitutions (AMFI) in Kenya. We used descriptive cross-sectional survey design. We collected secondary data from annual industry performance reports by AMFI. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire. We analyze data through Chi-square tests, factoranalysis and regression analysis. Results of Cronbach’s alpha test confirm reliability of our measurement scales. Our results demonstrate that organizational culture has significant positive influence on performance when the latter is measured using subjective performance indicators.However, the relationship between organizational culture and financial performance is not statistically significant. The results also indicate that industry competition has significant but, moderate positive influence on firm performance. Our results do not confirm significant influence of interaction between organizational culture and industry competition on firm performance. Finally, our results show that the joint influence of organizational culture and industry competition on performance is statistically significant. Findings of the study have implications for theory and marketing practice. Our results support resource based view and resource advantage theories of competition. The results imply that possession of strong organizational culture that enhances reconfiguration and deployment of organizational resources is a key success factor in the microfinance industry. Findings of the study also imply that industry competition is beneficial to firms within the industry. The above findings inform our conclusion that organizational culture positively and strongly influence performance outcomes in the microfinance industry. However, the study is limited by the cross-sectional research design used. Based on the limitations of the study, we recommend the use of longitudinal research design to assess changes in organizational culture and performance overtime.Key words: Organizational culture, industry competition, performance, microfinanc
Knowledge Sharing, Organizational Learning and Performance of Top 100 Medium Enterprises in Kenya
Get PDFThis study was grounded on the view that organizations have hidden reservoirs of knowledge in terms of tacit and explicit knowledge, which can be tapped to improve performance. This is according to the postulations of the knowledge and resource based theories. Whereas there is evidence of the direct influence of knowledge sharing and performance, this study advanced a proposition that organizational learning has effect on such influence. Using a structured questionnaire, data on the variables were obtained from a cross-section of 65 medium-sized companies to empirically test the proposition. The companies were among 100 medium sized companies categorized as top performing medium-sized companies in Kenya by KPMG and Nation Media Group in the year 2013. The study established that knowledge sharing had a positive and statistically significant effect on organizational performance. Conversely andcontrary to expectation, the study established that organizational learning had neither direct nor mediating effect on organizational performance. In spite of this finding, the study supports the anchoring theories that performance differences across firms can be attributed to thevariance in firms’ resources and capabilities. Policy makers can utilize the findings of this study to formulate sound support strategies for medium enterprises. Further, areas of inquiry have been put forth based on the limitations inherent in the study.Key Words: Knowledge Sharing, Organizational Learning, Firm Performance, Medium- Sized Enterprise
Quality Health Care Strategies in the Improvement of Service Delivery at The National Referral Hospitals in Kenya
Get PDFThis study investigated the effectiveness of quality health care strategies in improving service delivery at the national referral hospitals in Kenya. National referral refers to any process in which health care providers at lower levels of the health system seek the assistance of providerswho are better equipped or specially trained to guide them in managing or to take over responsibility for a particular episode of a clinical condition in a patient. The population of this study comprised two national referral hospitals in Kenya, namely Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital which had a total of 96 departments and units. Due to small sample, a census survey was conducted at the two national referral hospitals. A total of 96 questionnaires were administered and 67 were completed and returned which represented 69.8 per cent response rate. The study findings showed that different quality improvement programs had varying degree of linear relationships with structural, process and outcome measures. Adoption of Quality Management Systems and Standards (QMS) showed a significant positive correlation with structural measures, application of ICT on hospitals’ operations had a significant positive correlation with process measures, and QMS and Results Based Financing (RBF) had a significant relationship with outcome measures. Specifically, adoption QMS revealed a stronger positive correlation on follow-up systems compared to other quality improvement initiatives. Regarding process measures, adoption of ICT innovations had a significant positive correlation on time taken to discharge patients. Adoption of QMS, and RBF had a significant positive correlation with the level of clients’ satisfaction, and to a greater extent with the average rate of mortality and length of stay of in-patients. Quality audits and quality circles, commitment by staff, sensitization and training of staff were noted as critical drivers for quality improvement initiatives. However, the respondents cited biggest challenges as staff shortage, inadequate facilities, staff attitude, inadequate funds, poor maintenance of facilities, inadequate computerization of services, slow response by support departments, inability of some patients to pay for services and congestion in the wards. The quality of health care services provided to clients translated to better clinical outcomes and client satisfaction which corroborates the effectiveness of quality health care strategies in improving service delivery at the national referral hospitals. The study recommends adoption of integrated approach to Quality Improvement Programs (QIPs) and increased uptake of ICT innovations in the hospitals’ operations to enhance turnaround time. The hospitals’ management should encourage other service delivery innovations at the functional units which are appropriate to their operations and integrate them in the institutional-driven programs. Institutionalization of training programs on attitude change is required for successful implementation of various strategic interventions since staff attitude is one of biggest impediments to implementation of QIPs. The hospitals adopted fragmented quality management systems and it is prudent to adopt an ideal model for implementation of quality health care strategies that is likely to maximize on he intended results at different levels of service delivery systems. The study also recommends incorporation of QIPs in the core-curriculum for Health Care Workers. Further study should be conducted on specific strategic interventions that can be used to maximize clinical outcomes in public hospitals in Kenya
The lipid lowering effect of the aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida in albino rats fed on a high cholesterol diet
Get PDFBackground: Morinda lucinda (Benth) Rubiaceae has been reported in folk medicine to be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperlipidemia. Previous studies have identified the hypoglycemic effect of this herb, but data on its lipid lowering effect is lacking. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Morinda lucinda on hyperlipidemia. Methods: Morinda lucinda roots were extracted via cold maceration using distilled water. It was administered to rats (n=6 per group) on a high cholesterol diet for 14 days (40 mg/rat/day). Five groups of rats were orally given the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), atorvastatin (5mg/kg), or distilled water (2ml/kg) for 14 days. Positive and negative control groups received cholesterol & distilled water and only distilled water respectively. After the 14th day, blood samples were withdrawn and separated plasma was tested for HDL, LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Results: Treatment with Morinda lucinda extract at all doses significantly reduced the levels of LDL (p <0.0001), while increasing the HDL levels (p<0.05) in the hyperlipidemic rats from 12.5 mg/dL to 24.2, 23.93, 26.67 mg/dL for the 3 doses respectively. Similarly, administered extract at all doses significantly reduced the total cholesterol (p<0.0001) and triglycerides (p = 0.001, p = 0.0005, and p<0.0001 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively) in comparison with the positive control. The effect of the extract on total cholesterol and LDL were most prominent and was as effective as atorvastatin. Conclusions: The effect of the extract on total cholesterol and LDL were most prominent and was as effective as atorvastatin. Our results suggest Morinda lucinda as a useful remedy for lowering lipid level in patients with hyperlipidemia. Keywords: Triglycerides, High density lipoprotein, Low density lipoprotein, Total cholestero
Patterns and Risk Factors for Alanine Aminotransferase Elevation among HIV Patients on Nevirapine Regimens
No full textBackground: Elevated levels of serum transaminases are often detected in HIV patients. This has often been attributed to hepatic effects of antiretroviral drugs. Objective: To determine the pattern and risk factors for alanine aminotransferase elevation in HIV patients positive on nevirapine based regimens. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of HIV infected patients on nevirapine containing regimens who attended the Kenyatta National Hospital comprehensive care clinic between May and August 2014. We sampled participants by convenient sampling method. Generalized linear regression was performed to establish patterns and predictors for hepatotoxicity (grade 1-4) which were the primary outcomes of interest. Predictor variables that were included in the analysis include; demographic information, baseline ALT and CD4 levels, ART regimens, co-morbidities and treatment duration. Results: Risk factors for ALT elevation differed by gender. Predictor variables that were significantly associated with ALT elevation in both sexes included; elevated baseline ALT level [β=10.14 (95%CI 7.34- 12.96); P<0.001], [β=13.52 (95%CI 9.36 –17.68); P < 0.001] and renal disease [β=5.44 (95%CI 2.62 – 8.25); P <0.001], [β=11.52 (95%CI 3.46 – 19.60); P = 0.005] in females and males respectively. Ethnicity had a protective effect in both sexes; [β-6.61(95%CI-9.28, -3.93); P< 0.001] in males and [β-1.20 (95% CI-2.39, -0.01); P= 0.048] in females. Among the different ethnic groups, Nilotes and Cushites had lower ALT levels compared to Bantus. Other factors that were significant included; smoking (P=0.001), concurrent illnesses (P=0.045), previous adverse drug reactions (P=0.040) in females and a longer duration of anti-retroviral therapy [β 1.81(95%CI 0.89 – 2.73); P < 0.001] in males. Poor adherence had a protective effect [β -1.62(95%CI -3.20, -0.04); P=0.045] among females, whereas initiation on AZT+3TC+NVP had a significant protective effect [β-7.80 (95%CI -13.96, -1.63); P=0.013] in males. Conclusion: Creatinine and transaminase testing should be done routinely to deal with delayed hepatotoxicity in patients with abnormal ALT baseline levels. Key words: Alanine aminotransferase, hepatotoxicity, nevirapine
Perception of Corporate Governance Practices at the University Of Nairobi
Get PDFThis study aimed at determining how corporate governance practices of public universities, impact on decision making and leadership processes. Public universities are complex institutions and the expectations of their stakeholders are continuously changing and increasing. This is especially in terms of quality of service and academic performance. It is also known thatmanagement reforms and leadership capability are continuously become critical in institutional capacity building. This is a case study of University of Nairobi carried in 2004. A sample size of 200 respondents was selected The study showed that poor governance structure resulted in badleadership and bureaucratic decision making. This in turn negatively impacted on the quality of services in the university. The paper recommends a review of governance structure, with a view of improving the management processes and decision making at the university. It further recommends improvement of communication and capacity building of University Administrators on leadership and management skills. The results of this study had a heavyimplication on the overall management and governance of public institutions, especially the introduction of competitive selection and appointment of Vice-chancellors and senior universitystaff. This has since greatly enhanced the performance of public universities in Kenya and contributed to their competitive positioning in the region and the continentKey Words: Perception, Corporate governance, Practices, university of Nairob
Analysis of Managers’ Characteristics And Perception Of Firm Strategic Factors And Performance Of Nigeria’s Manufacturing Firms
Get PDFSound strategic decision making in manufacturing firms is bedrock for realizing the huge potentials of the sector. Against the background of inclement market structure conditions for manufacturing firms survival in Nigeria and plethora of empirical evidences supporting the dominance of firm strategic factors over market structure factors in strategy decision making, this study was designed to analyze the perceptions of manufacturing firms’ managers on effects of firm strategic factors on the strategy and performance of manufacturing firms in the country.A survey design was developed for the study involving the generation of primary data with the aid of structured questionnaire administered on 263 respondent managers selected using multistaged sampling procedure from 119 firms listed in the 2010/2011 Nigerian stock exchange Factbook.The multiple variables in the study were descriptively analyzed with MANOVA with Roy’s largest root as test statistic. The hypothesized none association between managerial characteristics i.e. experiences, age, sex, educational attainment and specialization and perceptions of firm strategic factors i.e. firms’ size, age and capital intensity, and performancerelationships were supported by the findings of the study as Roy largest roots values for the analyzed associations all fell within acceptance regions (for firm size: 0.094 @ p < 0.1; firm age: 0.2069 @ p < 0.001; and 0.0832 @ p < 0.1). This implied there was consensus amongst managerson the relationship between proxies of firm strategic factors and the performance of Nigerian manufacturing firms. It was therefore concluded that Nigerian manufacturing firms should focus on taking advantage of the strategic advantages within the firms and recommended that more efforts should be devoted to internal analyses so as to identify and harness firm strategic factors.Key Words: Strategy, managers, decision-making, firms, performance
Effect of Pesticide Exposure on Serum Cholinesterase Levels among Asthmatic Children in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya
No full textBackground: Pesticide exposure is a risk factor for asthma exacerbations in flower farm regions in the world. Data on levels of serum cholinesterase among asthmatic children exposed to pesticides in Kenya is scanty. Objectives: To compare and identify variables which affect the concentration of serum cholinesterases in children who are exposed and unexposed to pesticides. Methodology: The design was a comparative cross-sectional study that involved exposed and unexposed children. The study was conducted between May and July, 2014 in Naivasha, Kenya. Patients were interviewed and serum samples were analysed for cholinesterase levels. Multi-linear regression was done to identify variables that affected cholinesterase activity. Results: Children who were exposed to pesticides had a lower median ChE activity of 5828 [IQR 4863, 6443] compared to the unexposed arm whose median was 7133 [IQR 6063, 8179]. Five predictor variables were found to be significantly associated with depression of serum cholinesterase levels. The most important predictor variable for the levels of ChE in children, was not using protective clothing by the parent [adjusted β -1457.0 (95% CI - 2594, 1319.8)]. Others were not using household pesticides [adjusted β 96.3, (95% CI 22.6, 170.0)], female sex [adjusted β -695.7 (95% CI -1296.2, - 95.3)], non school attendance [adjusted β -1676.8 (95% CI -3371.6, 18.1)] and not taking a break after spraying [adjusted β 1105.5 (95% CI (315.0, 1895.2)]. Conclusion: Children who were exposed to pesticides had low cholinesterase levels. Parents should therefore be encouraged to wear protective gear as this conferred protection of children from the effects of pesticide exposure. Key words: asthma, exposure, children, pesticides, cholinesterase