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Motivation strategies to improve job performance of support staff in public secondary schools, a case of Bomet district, Bomet county.
No full textABSTRACT
Education plays a crucial role in the social economic development of any country in the world today. Due to this reason many of the world nations are giving education a lion's share in the yearly budget. Parents are also investing heavily in their children's education in the recent years. However, for education programme to succeed, both the teachers and the support staff must be motivated. Motivation is a key ingredient in job performance in any organization. However, motivating employees is a great challenge to many employers because different people require different ways of motivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate on the strategies to motivate the support staff in public secondary schools in order to improve their job performance. Motivated support staff helps in achieving educational goals in Kenya. The researcher collected data from the support staff, P.T.A and BOM members, and school principals. The researcher used descriptive survey research design. A survey research design involves the selection of respondents and administering questionnaires or conducting interviews to gather information on variables of interest. The literature reviewed revealed that rewards, leadership style, training and career growth and support staff welfare influenced their job support The research was conducted in Bomet District, Bomet Sub County, in the Rift Valley. Data was collected from all the 13 schools and by extension, 13 principals. The sample size of 143 subjects was selected out of the target population: of 1672 composed of 53 principals, 318 support staff, 212 P.T.A and 689 BOM members. Data collection was done using questionnaires. The questionnaires were based on the research objectives. The validity of the questionnaires was assessed through pilot testing. Validity of the instruments was also assessed by ensuring that instruments were based on the research objectives. Supervisors also reviewed the instruments for further validation. Test-retest was used to assess the reliability of the instruments. The objectives of this research were to find out how rewards. Leadership style, training, career growth and employee welfare influence support staff's job performance in public secondary schools in Kenya. Principals, support staff and BOM members in two public secondary schools outside the study area were used for the pilot study. Results from the two secondary schools were then correlated. Only a reliability of ~0.7 was accepted. The data collected was organized, coded and analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software. It was eventually concluded that effective rewarding system of support staff greatly motivated them for better job performance. In addition, the leadership style used by the school management determined the level of support staff. It was also concluded that the training and career growth enhancement by the School management is likely to lead to better job performance. The study recommended that the school principal being the chief executive officer in a secondary school should initiate a consistent effective reward system for the support staff as the rewards motive their job performance. The principal as the secretary to the BOM should work towards initiating and improving employee welfare as this motivate their job performance
Factors influencing consumer preferences for pirated computer softwares among Kenyan University students.A case of of selected Universities in Meru County
No full textThe massive increase of computer software piracy by consumers has raised a major concern. The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing consumer's preference for pirated computer software's among Kenyan University students; a case of selected Universities in Meru County. Computer software piracy includes number of related practices such as illegal copying of programs, selling and purchasing of pirated computer software's. Consumer behavior towards piracy is a unique phenomenon and it cannot be compared to other products such as commodities and branded goods, since pirated goods poses normal implications for the consumers. There are a number of factors influencing consumers' preferences for pirated computer software's among Kenyan Universities but this study explored the key selected factors. This included: price, social influence, software's availability and customer information. Owing to the average low income, students are an important user group for pirated computer software's. To examine the behavioral patterns of consumers' preference for pirated computer software's, the study focused on cultural, religious and traditional background of the consumers. The study also highlighted on various terms related to piracy as defined by the current literature, an overview of piracy in global context as well as the categories of piracy available in the current market. It also discussed on the consumer behaviors in relation to the pirated computer software's, the issues of software piracy, the risks of using pirated product and copyright infringement of software and finally the empirical studies related to the research carried out by other researchers. Descriptive research design was adopted for the research in order to describe factors influencing consumer's preference for pirated computer software's among Kenya University students. The study focused on the full time students from the faculty of Computer Science of Meru University of Science and Technology which was 1,300 students and Kenya Methodist University full time students which was 120 students, out of which the target population of 10% of total population was selected, therefore the sample size was 142 students. Simple random sampling method was used for the research. This was then coded into the computer using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software the data obtained was then analyzed through descriptive statistics such as percentages ranking and averages. The result was then presented in form of charts, tables and graphs. The study found that most of the students did not believe software piracy was something wrong and it also concluded that price, social influence, software availability and consumer information were the main factors that encouraged preference for pirated computer software's
Effects of credit reference advisory on the level of non perfomance loans
No full textHG 3751 .K56 2015The study aimed at assessing the effect of credit referencing bureau on loan performance, a survey of commercial banks in Meru Municipality. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of information sharing, credit score, credit reports and skip tracing on the performance of non-performing loans. Non-performing loans has been a major headache for financial institutions in Kenya for a long time. Many banks have closed shop in the past due to non-performing loans and as a mechanism to counter this problem; these banks have had to take expensive insurance covers to manage this risk. This cost is transferred to the customer through high interest rates for money borrowed. These Credit referencing advisory were set up to provide a platform for information symmetry and hence, credit history for borrower is well documented for the lending institutions to make informed decision on issuance of credit facilities to this individuals or organizations. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted all the 4 3 credit officers in the 19 commercial banks in Meru Mµnicipality. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents while census method was used to obtain the respondents hence 43 respondents. The researcher collected primary data through questionnaires and secondary data from journals and financial reports from CMA. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The data was then presented in tables. Multiple linear regression was also applied to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables and to test the hypothesis of the study at 95% significance level. The study concluded that credit referencing advisory and level of nonperforming loans are indeed related. Credit referencing advisory, increases transparency among financial institutions, helps the banks lend prudently, lowers the risk level to the banks, acts as a borrowers discipline against defaulting and it also reduces the borrowing cost i.e. interest charge on loans. CRB has come of age and has helped the bank to lend with care. The effect of it therefore has led to reduced non-performing loans. The researcher recommended that credit referencing advisories should expand their field and ensure that they gather more financial history data from other sources such as SACCOS, county offices, the Kenya Revenue Authorities, utility providers and other service providers so that one's credit worthiness is viewed holistically. Financial institutions are also advised to utilize the information gathered for the intended use as it was noted that the use of credit scores hasn't greatly reduced the occurrence of relationship lending. The public should also be sensitized on the importance of getting to know what is contained in one's credit report early enough. Each individual is entitled one free credit report per year and currently, Credit referencing bureaus are publicizing this on local media. All are advised to carry out this task as it can save pro
Factors influencing head teachers management of teachers' work performance in primary schools in Rongai sub county, Nakuru county, Kenya
No full textThe problem of ineffective management in schools continue to threaten effective teaching as education stakeholders entrusted with direct management responsibilities of schools rails. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing head teachers management practices on teachers work performance in primary schools in Rongai Sub County, Nakuru County. The objectives of the study were to; identify methods and techniques employed by head teachers in carrying out their management duties, establish the level of head teachers commitment, level of training and education, and to find out the challenges head teacher race and identify the coping strategies that head teachers employ in dealing with the challenges they race in managing human resource. The study was based on and guided by Symbolic Interactionism theory. TI1is study employed a cross-sectional survey design using triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection. The study targeted the 72 public primary schools, 72 head teachers, 610 teachers and six Zonal Education Officers. The researcher used purposive sampling to select 22 head teachers and 6 education officials and simple random sampling to select 183 teachers to participate in the study. The data collection instruments used were questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. There was a positive relationship between the head teachers' management practices and teachers' work performance (r=.636, n=187, p<.05). Most head teachers had Masters and Bachelor’s degree qualifications. Head teachers provided necessary resources for learning, celebrated success, provided opportunity for independent functioning, involved teachers in decision making and communicated confidently. The head teachers maintained school climate that was conducive for teaching and learning; monitored students discipline and modelled good instructions by teaching their subjects well. TI1e head teachers routinely checked teachers' pedagogic documents and teacher attendance book as part of teacher management. There was failure of syllabus coverage, time management and community members not allowed to express their views on instructional resources. Head teachers did not delegate duties to the teachers and did not supervise their teachers in a formal way. There is need for the head teachers to employ appropriate strategies in order to assist in the improvement of instructional management. It was further recommended that head teachers should support the teachers in their professional growth
Analysis of factors influencing entrepreneurial orientation of social enterprises in Meru County
No full textHB 615 .K38 2015Although entrepreneurship has been studied for thousands of years, social entrepreneurship which considers the practice in which an entrepreneur sets out to solve some social problem by way of combining business management skills with social sector acumen to yield a sustainable enterprise that produces both financial and social returns is quite a challenging area. The main objective of this study was to analyse entrepreneurial orientation among the managers of SACCOs in North Imenti, Meru County. As there are limited studies about Entrepreneurial Orientation in Kenya, this study was expected to contribute significantly to the development of this field. This study was anchored on existing theories in Entrepreneurship namely Psychological Entrepreneurship Theories, Sociological Entrepreneurship Theory, Schumpeter's' Innovation Theory, Entrepreneurial Orientation at the firm Level and Entrepreneurial Orientation at the individual Level based on which the. conceptual framework was derived. A descriptive research design was adopted in conducting this study. Primary data was collected using closed - ended questionnaires. Multiple Logistic Regression analysis was used to analyse data; show the relationship between independent variables (Innovation, Risk-taking, Autonomy, Proactiveness and Aggressiveness) and the dependent variable (Entrepreneurial Orientation); and to test the hypotheses, the researcher used 95% confidence level. Secondary data was collected from higher learning institutional journals. This study ensured all ethical considerations such as confidentiality were highly maintained The total population in the survey was 35 respondents which comprised of managers, in charge of the SACCO's. This research employed census survey, which means all the 35 managers from the 35 SACCOs in Imenti North were respondents for the study. Census survey was appropriate because the total population was small and easily accessible. One of the greatest advantages of a census survey is that all employees have the same opportunity to participate. A census survey tends to enhance feelings of security surrounding the accuracy of the results. Finally, census survey is easier to administer because it includes all persons. Descriptive statistics was used in analysis of data in SPSS (version 20) using Multiple Logistic Regression model to link the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable and to test the hypothesis at 95% confidence level. Descriptive data is summarised and presented in form of frequency tables and percentages. The findings revealed that Innovation, Risk-taking, Autonomy and Proactiveness were the only factors which had significant influence on the entrepreneurial orientation of the managers whereas competitive aggressiveness had insignificant influence. Therefore entrepreneurial acumen and business management skills be classified as the strongest predictors of survival of firms. Hence, the ability to adjust one's business model to adapt to changed economic circumstances is an important characteristic of entrepreneurial conduct that ultimately dictates survival in increasingly competitive economic environments. Therefore, management should understand the importance of these dimensions of the EO which refers to the top management's strategy in relation to innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking for the sustainability of the SACCO's as forms of social enterprises
Factors influencing performance of project management committees of CDF projects in Machakos County in Kenya
No full textThe CDF kitty as established in 9111 parliament through the CDF Act 2003 and repealed in _o 13 has had its fair share of criticism and praise. Though it has many players in its structure, the PMCs who are the most important in the structure have been left unexamined. In the CDF Act 2013, the PMCs are at the community level hence they are the drivers of the kitty and what affects their performance affects the outlook of the fund. This study sought to determine the factors influencing their performance in the implementation and management of the CDF kitty. They are namely the origin of a project, available funding, educational qualifications and application of technical knowledge. The objectives were specifically to test the relationship between the origin of project and performance of PMC, to determine the way funding availed affects PMC performance, investigating how educational qualifications influence performance and assessing connection between application of technical knowledge and performance. The theoretical review was based on the Five Learning disciplines, the Kaizen and the Goal Setting theories. Empirical Reviews of other studies related to the study covered such areas as Community-based driven development, CDF administration, and composition, role of committees, citizen involvements, projects identification and location. The review further looked at the survey finding on poverty reduction through improved governance on CDF and how line ministries influence utilization of the funds. Conceptual as well as operational framework diagrams were applied to indicate the linkage between the variables. The study adopted a survey research design whereby data was collected using questionnaires. The sample was identified using both stratified and simple random sampling methods. The target population was 1074 while the sample size consisted of 322 respondents. The findings from the field were analysed using frequencies, percentages, tabulation as well as chi-square test. The conclusion of the study is that the origin of the projects had the least influence on PMCs' performance while available funding, educational qualification and application of technical skills were the major factors. The study recommended that further research should be done to get the influence of political decision in available funding to PM Cs
Factors influencing foreign direct investments market destinations
No full textHG 5432 .M88 2015Foreign direct investment is a cross-border investment by a resident entity in one economy with the objective of obtaining a lasting interest in an enterprise resident in another economy. The choice of foreign market destinations entails several considerations, analysis, and speculations. This thesis sought to find out the factors that influence the foreign direct investments destination markets. It was conducted on a few sampled foreign companies that have operations in Kenya. The independent variables for the study were returns, fiscal policy, risks, and financial inclusion. A descriptive survey method was used in the study. The target population was all the foreign firms operating in Nairobi Kenya. The target respondents were 200 and were drawn from the population of experts through random sampling technique. The questionnaires formed the tools for data collection. The questions were both closed ended and open ended. The questions were well articulated to appropriately obtain the relevant data while avoiding questions that could affect the respondents. Questionnaires collected from the respondents were screened for relevance, appropriateness and completeness. Hypothesis was tested through a multiple linear regression analysis. The data collected was analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS). T-tests were conducted in the analysis and to test the hypothesis at 95% level of confidence. The regression equation generated from the regression analysis was Y= 10272.371 + 34.818Xl + 32.204 x 2 + 119.342 x 3 + 35.953 + e. Returns, risks, fiscal policies and financial inclusion explain 55.2 percent of the variance in destinations ofFDI. All the null hypotheses were rejected leading to acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. This implies that the independent variables that were studied were found to have significant impacts on the dependent variable. It is important for the Kenyan government to establishment incentives such as tax reliefs to woo FD Is into the Kenyan market. Enhancement of business environment would boost the inflow of FDis into the Kenyan market. Double taxation bilateral agreements between the FDI host countries and home countries would be important to ensure the FDis don't suffer too much of the tax burdens. Enhancement of political stability, currency stability, and control inflation is important to lower the risks. There is a need for the customs authority to enhance cash remittance volumes to compare favorably with other countries. The study findings forms a reservoir of knowledge from where investors and capital market authorities may learn more on the factors that influence foreign direct investments market destinations. It also forms the basis for future research on this topic or related topics
The influence of school leadership in management of pupils' indiscipline in public primary schools in Chonyi division, Kilifi county
No full textManagement of pupils' indiscipline is important because it helps pupils in character development which forms a foundation of success in life. It helps teachers, government and policy makers come up with policies that enhance discipline in schools. It helps parents to have productive children who contribute positively to livelihood.
The study employed a descriptive survey that involved collecting information through interviewing the head teachers and administering questionnaires to teachers and standard seven and eight pupils. It adopted simple random sampling technique so that each school had equal chance of being included in the study. It was guided by three objectives; to establish indiscipline cases experienced in public primary schools, factors that lead to indiscipline and to establish the recommended methods for the Management of Pupils' Indiscipline in public primary schools. A sample of 12 public primary schools out of 40 schools was randomly selected for the study. Data collected using interview and questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistical procedure as frequency counts, mean and percentages.
The study concluded that noise making was the main indiscipline problem experienced in public primary schools followed by fighting, stealing, absenteeism and abusive language. Poor parenting was the major cause of indiscipline, then peer pressure, poor learning environment, media, negative attitude by teachers, low social economic status of the family. These problems could legally be handled using parental involvement, guidance and counseling and involving pupils in giving suggestions. Finally the study recommended that head teachers to sensitize the use of guidance and counseling and pastoral care, school rules and regulations to be emphasized and sensitized to pupils, Ministry of Education to sensitize parents, community, teachers and sponsors on their roles in indiscipline management and Ministry of Education and sponsors to restructure the learning environment to curtail indiscipline cases
Gender and leadership effectiveness among secondary school principals in Mtito Andei division, Kibwezi East sub county.
No full textEducational leadership has a critical role in the transformation of society, and for 0 to happen, effective leaders are key elements. Along with the widespread belief e quality of leadership makes a significant difference to school and student outcomes, there is also increasing recognition that effective school leaders and managers have to be developed if they are to provide the best possible education for their learners. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of leadership effectiveness among male and female principals in Mtito-Andei Division. The study used descriptive research design. The study targeted principals and teachers in public secondary schools within Kibwezi East Sub county, making a target population of 150 teachers and 28 principals. A sample size of 10 principals and 45 teachers were selected through random sampling methods. The researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules in data collection. Pilot testing was conducted to determine quality - e instruments used. Data was analyzed through the use of SPSS and the findings presented in frequencies, means, percentages, standard deviation and tables. The study concluded that there was a great difference in leadership effectiveness among school based on gender in public secondary schools in Mtito-Andei. The study further concluded that male principals tended to do better than their female counterparts in managing staff and students, enhancing discipline and managing financial resources in public secondary schools in Mtito-Andei Division. The researcher recommends that head teachers' should embrace male leadership styles. This because the male leadership styles in Mtito-Andei Division had more effectiveness among the school principals. The researcher further recommends that government policy makers should come up with policies or guidelines regarding the leadershi
Factors influencing the growth of dairy industry in Kenya
No full textHD 9275 .M36 2015Dairy industry is the only single largest agricultural subsector in Kenya. •The government of Kenya values it as it produces 14% to the agricultural GDP. Despite this significant contribution to the national economy, and household incomes, dairy industry is plagued by several technical, economic, and institutional problems which seem to have escalated within the last five years and consequently hampering the growth of the industry. The study was aimed at examining the factors that influence growth of dairy industry in Kenya. The study was therefore based on analyzing the impacts of industry governance, production, marketing and legal framework on the growth of dairy industry in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design targeting 36 dairy firms in Meru County. The study adopted random sampling to obtain IO firms which is 28% of the target population and a similar sample size of respondents in top level, middle level and low level management working in those firms. The study collected both primary data and secondary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires while secondary data was collected from companies' annual reports, manuals and newsletters. A pilot study was carried out to a few non sample firms to ensure validity of the research instrument. Self-administered questionnaire was used in the study to collect quantitative data. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study also used regression analysis to test the nature of influence of independent variables on a dependent variable. The study findings were presented using tables whose interpretations were given in prose. This analysis generated quantitative reports through tabulations, percentages, and measure of central tendency. The findings of the study show the impacts of independent variables on the dependent variable, and their magnitude/significance of each variable's influence on growth of dairy industry in Kenya. The study findings were used to pass recommendations that could be adopted/ implemented to act a boost to the growth of Kenya's dairy industry