African Journal of Empirical Research
Not a member yet
975 research outputs found
Sort by
Project Management Practices and Project Performance: A Case Study of Child Protection Project in Kamonyi District, Rwanda
Get PDFThe main objective of the study was to examine the effect of project management practices on performance of child protection project. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the effect of risk management on performance of child protection project, to assess the effect of stakeholder management on performance of child protection project, to examine the effect of communication on performance of child protection project and to analyze the effect of monitoring & evaluation on performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district. The theories that guided this study were the theory of constraints, theory of stakeholder, theory of self-interest and realistic evaluation theory. The study employed the descriptive and correlational research design. The target population was 178 people including project coordinator, project donors, project team members and project beneficiaries. The population was small and accessible; therefore, the census method was used to collect data. When collecting data, the researcher used the questionnaire and interview guide. The collected data was analyzed using qualitative analysis based on the answers of participants and quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, regression analysis employing SPSS version 25.0. The findings demonstrate that R-value of 0.228 indicates a positive correlation between the predictors (stakeholder management, risk management, communication and monitoring & evaluation) and dependent variable (Project performance). Regarding to the predictors, the result indicates that the association between stakeholder management and performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district is positive and no significant effect (beta=0.041, p-value=0.561˃0.05). Further, the relationship between communication and performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district is positive and no significant effect (beta= 0.026, p-value=0.722˃0.05). Moreover, the relationship between risk management and performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district is positive and no significant effect (beta=0.030, p-value=0.673˃0.05). Lastly, the result shows that the association between M&E and performance of child protection project is positive and significant effect (beta=0.173, p-value=0.012˂0.05).overall, this study found no significant impact of stakeholder management, communication, risk management on performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district. However, there is significant effect of monitoring & evaluation on performance of a child protection project in Kamonyi district. The study suggests to Child Protection Project to include policies for protecting children from risks, improving communication skills for better interactions with children, working closely with parents and caregivers, and creating a monitoring and evaluation plan with experienced staff. Further, Kamonyi district should partnering with NGOs for quality child protection, understanding risks, developing strategies, and focusing on early intervention and family support services to prevent families from needing further assistance
Exploring the Impact of E-Governance on Public Sector Efficiency and Accountability in Local Governments: A Case of Kinondoni and Ubungo Municipalities in Tanzania
Get PDFThis study explores the impact of e-governance in enhancing service delivery efficiency and transparency in decision-making within local governments, specifically in Kinondoni and Ubungo municipalities in Tanzania. The theoretical foundation of this study was built upon two key frameworks: Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and Principal-Agent Theory. This study used a descriptive research design and a quantitative approach. A stratified random sample of 300 participants (government employees and citizens) completed structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with SPSS software. Secondary data from government reports and policy documents supplemented the primary data to provide additional context. The findings indicate that e-governance significantly improved service delivery and transparency by reducing paper-based processes, speeding up services, and minimizing errors. Regression coefficients of 0.762 for efficiency and 0.735 for transparency were statistically significant (p < .001), with baseline constants of 1.173 and 1.249, respectively, prior to e-governance implementation. The respondents also reported that digital platforms have enhanced citizen engagement and made government operations more accessible. The study concludes that e-governance is a key factor in improving the efficiency of public services and the transparency of decision-making processes in local governments. Recommendations include further expansion of digital platforms, increased digital literacy, and stronger data security measures to maximize the benefits of e-governance
The Impact of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Factors on Sustainable Economic Growth in Ghana: The Mediating Roles of Human Capital Development and Technological Innovation
Get PDFWith a focus on the mediating roles of technological innovation and human capital development, this study examines how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability variables affect long-term economic growth in Ghana. The study is guided by the Human Capital Theory. The World Development Indicators (WDI) is the source of the secondary data used. The study adopted quantitative research design using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in examining the relationships between technological innovation, human capital development, economic growth, and ESG variables. According to the analysis, governance factors significantly affect Ghana\u27s economic growth, whereas social and environmental factors have little discernible direct influence. However, the study revealed that technological innovation and the human capital development serve as indirect drivers of economic growth, underscoring the importance of these mediating variables in the Ghanaian context. The government of Ghana is advised to create governance frameworks, promote the incorporation of ESG principles into corporate operations, and allocate funds for technological innovation, healthcare, and education. Enhancing governance frameworks, incorporating social and environmental considerations into economic plans, and creating an environment that supports technological innovation should be top priorities for policymakers. By highlighting the critical role that governance plays in the economic development of developing countries, this study adds to the body of literature, the impact of ESG sustainability on economic growth in Ghana with human capital development and technological development as mediating factors
An Exploration of Teachers\u27 Perspectives Regarding Global Citizenship Education: Case of Selected Rwandan Secondary Schools
Get PDFThis study examined teachers\u27 perceptions of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in selected Rwandan Secondary Schools. It took a qualitative approach and was guided by two theories: Bourdieu\u27s theory of practice (1972) and Mezirow\u27s theory of transformative learning (1978). A case study research design was adopted. The target population included all teachers from ten selected Rwandan secondary schools. Purposive sampling was employed to choose ten teachers (one from each school) to complete an open-ended questionnaire, five of whom participated in semi-structured interviews. Primary data was collected using open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that teachers have positive perceptions towards GCED. Teachers learned about GCED through self-documentation, which led to differing understandings and interpretations. Respondents also acknowledged GCED as an important thing that should be taken into consideration in the journey of implementing global sustainable development through educating students to be good global citizens and having an appropriate understanding of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The challenge highlighted by respondents is the lack of appropriate common documents and techniques to be used for integrating GCED into teaching and learning practices in line with the Rwandan Competence-Based Curriculum. This study concludes that teachers’ positive perceptions of GCED are found to be good and helpful when it goes hand in hand with the National Curriculum Framework explicitly, to facilitate its integration into teaching practices. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) through The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in charge of education should provide training and teachers’ guides to harmonize their understanding of GCED and techniques of integration into teaching practices. It is also recommended that during the incoming curriculum revision, GCED should be integrated into the Curriculum explicitly, either as a course or as a crosscutting issue. Future studies should expand the scope of the study and highlight the interdependence of GCED and the implementation of global sustainable development
Impacts of Rainfall Variability on Maize Production in Tongaren Sub- County, Bungoma County, Kenya
Get PDFMaize crop farming in rain fed regions of the world is dependent on rainfall amount and distribution. In Kenya, most smallholder maize farmers depend on rainfall to grow the crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate rainfall variability and its impacts on maize production in Tongaren Sub- County, Kenya. The study applied the decision making theory and adopted the mixed methods research design. Cluster and proportionate sampling procedures were used to select 395 respondents selected out of a target population of 33,602 maize farmers. Primary data was obtained by use of questionnaires for households’ interview, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and observation checklists. Secondary data was sourced from Kenya Meteorological Department comprising of monthly rainfall from 1985 to 2022. Maize yield data was obtained from Bungoma County Department of Agriculture. Analysis of data was done using SPSS and XL STAT statistical packages and results presented in form of pie charts, tables and bar graphs. Rainfall variability during MAM, JJAS and annual rainfall was found to be 20.7%, 20.6% and 14.3% respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between rainfall and maize yield for MAM, JJAS and March to September was computed as 0.05, 0.53 and 0.4 respectively. Further results reveal that rainfall probability of exceedance ranges from 60% to 100% during MAM period while that of March to September ranges from 70% and 100%. The study also established that rainfall variability impacts maize production in various ways such as influencing choice of maize variety (63.5%), maize yield and cropping cycle (100%). Regression of maize yield and time yielded an R2 value of 26.7%. These results provide a useful guide on formulating adaptation policies aimed at making maize production resilient to adverse effects of climate change which may help to improve food security. The study concluded that there was significant rainfall variability which could be linked to fluctuations in maize yield and had the potential to affect future maize production in the study area. The study recommends the need for closer collaboration between the agencies responsible for provision of rainfall information and maize producers in order to address the issue of rainfall variability and manage climate related risks through appropriate adaptation strategies. To achieve this the study further recommends that climate information providers improve on the availability and dissemination of timely and accurate weather and climate information especially rainfall forecasts to the maize farmers so as to enable them make informed farm –level decisions in order to boost maize production
Effect of Electronic Filing (E-Filing) on Voluntary Tax Compliance in the Kinondoni Tax Region, Tanzania: e-Filling and Voluntary Tax Compliance
No full textThis study aimed to assess the effect of electronic filing (e-filing) on voluntary tax compliance in the Kinondoni Tax Region. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), it employs a quantitative approach with a descriptive design. Focusing on individual taxpayers and SMEs registered for at least one year, the research identified 5,550 registered taxpayers in 2024, with 343 being active e-filing users. A sample of 185 users was calculated using Yamane\u27s formula and simple random sampling was employed to obtain the participants. Primary data were collected via a structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Study reveal that a significant portion of participants view the electronic filing system as accessible and user-friendly. Regression analysis demonstrates a strong positive relationship between electronic filing and voluntary tax compliance, with an R value of 0.880 and an R-squared value of 0.775, indicating that approximately 77.5% of the variance in voluntary tax compliance is explained by the electronic filing system. The standardized coefficient (Beta) of 0.880, along with a significant p-value (p < 0.000), underscores the system\u27s effectiveness in enhancing voluntary tax compliance. The study concludes that enhancing the electronic filing experience led to increased voluntary compliance among taxpayers. It recommends ongoing training programs to boost digital literacy, further investment in user-friendly system design, and the development of targeted outreach strategies to maximize taxpayer engagement with electronic filing systems
Navigating Income Security amid Rising Living Costs: Challenges Facing Middle-Income Earners from the Perspective of Senior Management Students at the Kenya School of Management, Kabete Campus, Kenya
Get PDFEssential components of financial stability are income security and the cost of living especially to middle income earners. These factors include inflationary costs of living, erosion of nominal wages, and inadequate social protection. This study explores income security and the cost of living especially as it affects the middle-income earners. In this study, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was used to place economic insecurity outside the typical channels to classify the subject according to need hierarchy by demonstrating financial limitations compelling the individual to meet fundamental needs. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. The study population consisted of 65 senior management students at Kenya School of Management, Kabete Campus. During data collection, only 60 completed the online questionnaires. Quantitative data collected were analysed using Microsoft Excel to generate charts. The data was analysed descriptively and presented in pie charts. The study findings show that income inabilities are highly prominent, in which 83.3% of the participants are unable to cover living expenses using paid work alone. Whereas 70% said they were able to save 10% of their income, the remaining 30% responded that they have no savings at all and thus emerged as economically insecure. Furthermore, 68.3% of beneficiaries depended on other sources of income to meet the demands, which also showed that formal income was inadequate. Therefore, the study concludes that middle-income earners today are experiencing higher tendencies of economic risk, with barely any capability to handle the changes. The study recommends targeted adjustments of the salaries to the inflation rate, encouragement of savings through appropriate taxation instruments, development of income diversification and micro-finance, and increase of subsidies on health care and social protection. They are intended to reduce the level of monetary stress, improve employment security, and increase the financial stability of Kenya\u27s middle class
Quality Characteristics of Selected Zippers on the Ghanaian Market
Get PDFZippers play a vital role in the functionality and durability of apparel and accessories, yet they are often overlooked in favour of aesthetic considerations such as length and colour. The study employed Total Quality Management (TQM) Theory. TQM emphasizes continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and quality control in manufacturing and production. This theory is relevant because it highlights the importance of producing zippers that meet industry standards, ensuring durability, strength, and functionality. This study employed a comparative experimental research design to evaluate the mechanical performance, colourfastness, and dimensional stability of five selected zipper brands (A, B, C, D and E) on the Ghanaian Market composed of metal and nylon materials. A total of 72 zippers were procured for the experiment. Mechanical strength was assessed based on top stop strength, puller attachment strength, and lateral strength, while colourfastness was tested under washing and rubbing conditions. Dimensional stability was measured in terms of percentage changes in length and width. The statistical software employed for the analysis of the data collected was the Statistical Package and Service Solution (SPSS) for Windows version 26. The results indicate that metal zippers exhibit superior mechanical strength, higher colourfastness ratings, and better dimensional stability than nylon zippers. ANOVA and t-tests at 0.05 alpha levels confirm that these differences are statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Correlation analysis reveals strong positive relationships between colourfastness and mechanical strength, emphasizing the impact of material quality on zipper durability. The findings highlight the importance of selecting high-performance zippers for applications requiring enhanced durability and longevity. Metal zippers consistently outperformed nylon zippers in all measured parameters, showing greater resistance to tensile forces, superior colour retention, and minimal dimensional changes. The statistical analyses confirm these findings, with significant differences observed between the two material types. The correlation analysis further supports the interdependence between colourfastness and mechanical strength, indicating that zippers with better colour retention tend to have higher strength parameters. It was recommended that product designers should prioritize strength and durability by selecting zippers suitable for the intended application, ensuring robustness in high-stress environments. Quality control teams must focus on maintaining high wash and wet colourfastness in zippers, particularly for products exposed to frequent washing or outdoor conditions. To guarantee the selection of high-quality materials, standardized testing protocols should be implemented to evaluate zipper performance in real-world conditions
English
No full textThis study assessed the satisfaction levels of the attributes of ready-made garments used by Persons with Mobility Impairments (PWMIs) in the Komenda Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) municipality, Ghana. Based on the Functional, Expressional and Aesthetic (FEA) Consumer Needs Model, the study adopted the descriptive survey design and collected data from 201 respondents in Enyindakrom, Kissi, Elmina, Besease, and Komenda. Questionnaires and interview guides served as the primary instruments for data collection. Data were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS version 25.0 and employed frequency counts, and percentages, while interview guide responses were analyzed qualitatively to support the findings. The results revealed that PWMIs are generally dissatisfied with garment attributes, including durability, attractiveness, managing fasteners and zippers, ease of putting on and taking off, movement, style, comfort, and fit. Based on these findings, it is recommended that PWMIs be educated on garment attributes to make informed choices when selecting fabrics and clothing with special qualities to meet their conditions, needs, and interests, ensuring improved satisfaction and usability
The moderating effect of firm size on the relationship between current assets management and financial performance of licensed microfinance institutions in Kenya
Get PDFThe ability of a Microfinance Institutions (MFI) to grow in terms of capacity and resources has to do with how it managed its current assets. This is because, its relevance dictates a lot on how it would continue thriving in a highly competitive business environment. That notwithstanding, the total assets of Kenyan MFIs have experienced a decline of 8.8% from Kshs 70.4 billion to Kshs.64.2 billion in 2022 and 2023 respectively. This has been attributed to increased non-performing loans and customer deposits. The study determined the moderating effect of firm size on current assets management and financial performance of licensed Kenyan MFIs. The study was guided by resource-based view theory. Descriptive survey was used to ascertain the predicaments facing the MFIs’ deteriorating performance of its assets. The target population included 13 MFIs whose 134 participants were sampled through simple random methods to have a sample size of 100 participants. They were managers from departments such as compliance, investment, operations, credit, finance and accounting. Quantitative data inform of questionnaires and secondary data from reports was collected. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and mean were analyzed whereas inferential statistics like model summary, ANOVA and regression coefficients were also analyzed. The study established that the value of assets was irregularly growing with the exception of three MFIs that registered consistency in growth of assets. These were Caritas, Sumac, and U & I MFIs. The irregularity led to low cash conversion cycle signifying that the growth of the MFIs was somehow stagnant. MFI managers should develop long-term financing strategies to incorporate more products and services in their MFIs that would attract more clients. The nature of the products and service should be inclined to more customization of the client’s needs. Additionally, the MFIs should hire more staff to market their banks so that the public gets to understand how their products and services are different from Saccos and mainstream banks. The management should seek to incorporate more stakeholders such as shareholders into the MFIs. The premiums paid through different shares, would be used in diversifying into long-term assets that generate consistent income to the MFIs. The policy implications of the results are that long-term financing strategies to incorporate more products and services in MFIs will attract more clients through customizing hence a difference from other financial institutions such as the Saccos and mainstream banks