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The Effects Of Temporary Employment Contracts On Union Membership Status
No full textTemporary employment contracts are moderately new outside the agricultural sector and other periodic work has grown over time. This has been as a result of the changing nature of organizations, cultures, changes in the labour market and employment contracts. This has arisen due to globalization, changes in the employment contracts and improved human resource management practices. Contracts vary from term contracts, homework, casual, work through proxies, contingent work, casual, outsourcing and subcontracting. The unions on the other hand have thrived on funding from the union membership in a reciprocal association through collective bargaining agreements, training and education and social and economic empowerment of its members
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Waste Management Systems for Tea Factory in Kenya: a Case Study of Maramba Tea Factory in Kiambu County
No full textThe Government of Kenya and the world has put emphasis on the need to invest in waste management systems. Much of the emphasis has been on Municipal and residential wastes management. However, agro industries (which includes tea factories) wastes management challenges is on the rise. Performance of the already existing management systems is therefore critical in sustaining our environment. A waste management system should be based on a clear characterisation of wastes, the quantities and qualities of the wastes and identification of waste sources. The study evaluated the effectiveness of existing wastes management systems in Maramba Tea Factory in Kiambu County, Kenya for solid, liquid and thermal wastes management systems using Benchmarking Method. Primary data and secondary data were collected. Purposively and convenience sampling techniques were utilised when choosing the wastewater sample points in the lagoons, upstream and downstream of the river. Existing liquid wastes (wastewater) were treated through naturally aerated lagoons. There were no clear systems to manage solid wastes, though most of the organic wastes are disposed in the banana garden, metal solid wastes were disposed of by selling and for thermal wastes, there was chimney for the boiler but no pipe lagging that would reduce heat loss. Characterisation of waste generated was done through observation. The types of wastes identified were organic solid wastes, inorganic solid wastes, Liquid wastes and Thermal wastes. The quantities of wastes were determined by weighing. The Organic solid wastes from tea processing stages were 486.47 kilograms per month and inorganic solid wastes (sacks and polythene bags) were 15.38 kilograms per month. The amounts of liquid wastes generated for the study period were estimated at 80% of the amount of water used. The highest with major cleaning estimated at an average of 111.52m3 per month and the least with minor cleaning averaged at 42.24m3 per month. The quantity of thermal wastes generated at the factory was due to heat loss from the wood fuel used as a source of energy. The total amount of heat loss was found to be 1145.51kcal/kg representing 37.45%. of the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of wood fuel. The highest heat loss being due to dry flue gas with 675.85kcal/kg representing a 22.09% of total GCV of wood fuel and the least being due to moisture present in the combustion air at 24.78kcal/kg representing 0.810 % of the total GCV of wood fuel. The qualities of wastewater were achieved through analysing the BOD5, COD, PH and Electrical conductivity (EC) and comparing the values to the standards recommended by NEMA. The BOD 5days at 20 oC at 83.7mg/L, COD at 106.63mg/L, EC at 31.87 S/CM and pH of 7.1 were established. The thermal waste systems were evaluated by determining the boiler efficiency. Boiler efficiency at Maramba Tea Factory was 62.55%. The analysis with ANOVA showed significant differences in the water quality parameter values from source through to the lagoon to the river. Investigating the efficiency of these systems contributed to the theory of waste management and provided the literature needed to document the state of waste management systems in tea factories in Kenya. It was concluded that both solid, liquid and thermal waste management systems at Maramba Tea Factory are only partially effective. More studies need to be carried out in tea industries to enable development of guidelines for waste management in such industries
The Role Of Employee Behaviour And Organizational Structure In The Relationship Between Strategic Planning And Competitive Advantage Of Large Manufacturing Firms In Kenya
No full textSeveral studies have been carried out in the past to find out how strategic planning
and competitive advantage are connected and the causes of differences in competitive
advantage among firms. Scholars have argued that competitive advantage can
emanate from either internal or external sources and is usually in several forms which
include; valuable resources, the position held within the industry, position within the
marketplace, operating at lower costs than rival firms, differentiation, capabilities and
dynamic capabilities. The debate on what causes differences in competitive advantage
is still on. This study sought to advance knowledge and was based on the premise that
strategic planning influences competitive advantage both directly and also indirectly
by way of the intervening influence of employee behaviour and the moderating effect
of organizational structure. The overall purpose of the research was to determine
whether the association between strategic planning and competitive advantage of
large manufacturing organizations is influenced by employee behaviour and
organizational structure. Out of this overall purpose, four specific objectives were
formulated with corresponding four hypotheses which were tested at 95.0%
confidence level. The study was underpinned by the goal-setting theory, the
competitive advantage typology/theory, the resource-based theory, dynamic
capabilities theory and contingency theory. The study used a positivist research
paradigm and a cross-sectional survey design. Data collected from 122 large
manufacturing firms was tested using a 5-point Likert-type scale. The data received
was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypotheses were tested
using both simple and multivariate regression analysis as well as hierarchical analysis
for mediating and moderating effects. The findings indicate that overall strategic
planning has a statistically significant influence on competitive advantage and that
employee behaviour completely mediates the relationship between strategic planning
and competitive advantage. The findings further reveal that organizational structure
has a partial moderating effect between strategic planning and competitive advantage
and that the joint influence of employee behaviour and organizational structure is
different from the influence of individual variables on the relationship between
strategic planning and competitive advantage of large manufacturing organizations. In
the joint influence, employee behaviour had the highest contribution followed by
organizational structure. The results of this research lend support to previous enquiries
and seem to support all the theories used to underpin the study. The study has added
to knowledge in the field of strategic management by establishing the mediating
influence of employee behaviour and the moderating effect of organizational
structure. Managers will use the results of this research to monitor the crucial
competitive advantage drivers in their firms especially relating to employee behaviour
and organizational structure. The thesis suggests comparable studies to be undertaken
in other industries, other contexts and even in small to medium manufacturing firms.
Besides, longitudinal studies can be carried out in large manufacturing firms so as to
authenticate the results obtained from this cross-sectional study. The study has offered
direction for policy makers and owners of large manufacturing firms. Finally, areas
for further research have been highlighted in terms of context, other variables and
performance indicators to be tested.
Climate variability adaptation using fodder crops: a case study of Marakwet East Sub -county, Elgeyo – Marakwet County
No full textThis study was done to assess climate variability adaptation by farmers using fodder crops in arid and semi - arid lands of Marakwet East Sub - County. This study sought answers to the following research questions; what are the causes and effects of climate variability in Marakwet East Sub –County? What is the influence of rainfall variability on fodder production and livestock keeping? What are drought frequencies in Marakwet East sub-county? What are the main socio-economic factors that affect fodder production?
The overall objective of the study is to assess climate variability adaptation using fodder crops in the dry lands of Marakwet East sub-county. The specific objectives were: To establish causes and effects of climate variability; To determine the influence of rainfall on fodder production and livestock keeping; To establish drought frequencies in Marakwet East sub-county; and To establish the main socio-economic factors that affect fodder production. This study was guided by resilience theory. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Tools used included questionnaires, interviews and direct observation. The sample size was 100 households that were given questionnaires to answer them.
The study employed both inferential and descriptive statistical techniques in data analysis. Qualitative data was presented using graphs and tables while inferential or quantitative techniques involved correlation analysis that assessed the relationship between climatic variables and livestock production.
The results indicated that most households understood climate variability as reduction in rainfall, changing in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures. From the key informants, the respondents indicated that they had experienced prolonged droughts, shortage of rainfall and reduced river flows as some streams had dried up. This hastened drying up of pasture hence increased number of livestock deaths. Limited pasture and water supply had also increased conflict along the borders of the sub – county and its neighbouring sub – counties.
Due to climate variability, the community devised their own traditional ways which they believed that it was helping them cope with variability. For instance, farmers sold their livestock during drought season to reduce pasture competition, planted drought resistant crops, changed planting seasons, improved fodder production and practised culling
Factors Affecting Change Management in the Kenya Police Service
No full textChange management practices in an organization are needed in the context of technological change, the market, data structures, global financial system, public principles, population of workers and the political environment within which a company operates. The study aimed to determine the factors affecting the national police services' change management. A case study was adopted. Interviews were utilized for primary data collection. This study took on a qualitative analysis because it allowed the researcher to simultaneously describe, interpret and criticise the subject of the research because it was difficult to do it numerically. Content analysis was utilised to analyse the reply, reach observations and draw suggestions. The study found a strong influence of organizational culture on change management. Another main factor that influences national police service change management was the organizational structure. The results also indicate that communication styles influence the national police service change management. This suggested that the method of handling change would be strengthened by greater experiences. The study also showed that the core competencies in the national police force greatly influence the management of change. This led to an increase in the change management system by strengthening core competences. The study finds that organisational culture has an effect on change management at the national police service. Good organizational culture has a positive effect on organizational change management. This research also concludes that the organizational structure in the national police service affects change management. Successful change management in an organization depends on the organizational structure. The study recommended that there should be proper cascading of the change management process so as to assist employees understand the imminent changes being undertaken in the organization. The management should also provide enough resources, both financial and human resources to support change management. Organizations with good resource endowment normally do not experience difficulties when initiating any change
Strategic Adoption of Information Communication Technology (Ict) and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe study sought to determine the influence of strategic adoption of information
communication technology on the performance of SMEs in Nairobi City County. The study
focused on 230 SMEs in Nairobi Central Business District under the following sectors:
Services; Health/Medical; Retail; Tourism; Transportation; General; Construction; and
Agriculture (Appendix I). The investigation interviewed the following groups of respondents:
- business owner, records officer and chief accountant. Applying descriptive research design,
to evaluate the connection between ICT and performance of SMEs. Both subjective and
quantitative information was utilized for the examination. The subjective information was
analysed through multiple regression. The findings showed that enterprises in the study area
with adoption of ICT has the potential in information sharing, and escalate an organization
ability in managing the essential variation across various functional domain as well as
effectively forecasting and capturing opportunities in market thereby managing business
processes efficiently. ICT has equipped top management with progressive execution reports,
which they can use to predict future improvement courses. The study recommends that SMEs
in the study area must understand that as much as the environment changes their
organization, they also have an influence on the environment. Managers need unusual state
data with the ability to penetrate down. Information given by ICT helps administrators in
choosing masterminding and control
Influence Of Stakeholders’ Participation On Implementation Of Constituency Development Fund Projects: A Case Of Kiambu Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya Radio Programme Makueni County
No full textThe research sought to investigate the influence of stakeholder participation on the
implementation of CDF projects in Kiambu Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya made
some key findings. The four key objectives guiding the study included the influence of
stakeholder participation in project identification, planning, implementation and monitoring
and evaluation on project implementation. The data was collected using quantitative
questionnaires distributed to a total of 63 participants who were Kiambu Constituency
representatives and analyses using SPSS. In relation to stakeholder participation in project
identification that the community was involved in identifying the needy projects, identifying
relevant project, MP and Leader guided in understanding priority projects, projects were
extracted from constituency development plan, religious leaders and institutions were
involved as well as government organization and civil society as agreed by 81%, 77.8%,
73%, 85.7%, 66.7% and 69.8% of the participants in that order. The study found that
stakeholders were involved in project planning in terms of SWOT analyses, project needs
assessment, baseline assessment, determining project input and output and sharing project
objectives, goals and deliverables as agreed by 58.8%, 65%, 66.7%, 65.1% and 79.3% of the
participants respectively. Stakeholders participated in project implementation in terms of
generating project work plan, mobilization of project resource, Project budgeting, project
procurement and supply chain management and formulation and execution of project plans as
agreed by 68.2%, 57.1%, 69.8%, 68.2% and 69.8% of the participants in that order.
Stakeholders were involved in project monitoring and control in terms of formulation and
employment of project monitoring systems, monitoring of schedule adherence, formulation
and execution of project evaluation plans, site visits and analysis and promoting collaboration
and accountability as agreed by 69.8%, 80.8%, 61.9%, 79.3% and 62.1% of the participants
respectively. There was statistically significant low relationship between Stakeholder
involvement in project identification and delivery within budget and efficiently (0.182*),
Stakeholder involvement in project planning and project implementation with project
implementation within schedule (0.567**), within budget and efficiently (0.466**) and
technical requirements (0.413
Strategies Deployed by Fly 540 Aviation Company to Sustain Competitive Advantage
No full textBarney (1991) puts it that an organization is perceived to possess a competitive advantage when it is applying an up-to-date or prospective market activities,not concurrently being ......
The Psychosocial Burden And Quality Of Life Of Mothers With Preterm Birth Versus Term Birth At Kenyatta National Hospital (a Mixed Methods Study)
No full textBackground: Globally there are 13 million premature babies born annually. Prematurity comes with an increased demand in care, neonatal morbidity and mortality as well as attendant long term sequelae. These pose a burden to the baby, the mother, the community and the health system. Locally there is paucity of data on the psychosocial burden experienced by women who have had preterm delivery compared to their counterparts with term deliveries and how that may consequently affect their quality of life.
Objective: This study evaluated the psychosocial burden and quality of life of women with preterm birth compared to those with term birth in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Methodology: The study adopted a mixed method design: Descriptive cross-sectional study and Qualitative methods using Focused Group Discussions for aspects not captured in the quantitative assessment tools. The study recruited 267 mothers with preterm birth and 814 mothers with term birth from the labour and post natal wards of KNH. The Zarit Burden Interview and WHOQOL-BREF tools were administered to assess the psychosocial burden and Quality of life respectively. The participants were then subjected to focused group discussions in groups of 5-10 where their reported subjective burden was assessed. The data was cleaned and analyzed into frequencies, odds ratios, percentages, tables, charts and bar graphs. Linear regression using proportional odds and multivariate analysis was used for adjusting and analyzing confounders and associated factors. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05 for comparisons of the two groups.
Results: Mothers with preterm birth had lower education levels (primary/no education in 30.7% vs. 18.8% and tertiary education 27.7% vs. 39.4%) in preterm vs. term birth mothers respectively (p < 0.0001). Mothers with preterm birth were more likely to be unemployed with a smaller proportion on formal employment compared to the term mothers (14.2% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.0002). They had a 12% chance of suffering greater burden (OR 1.12; C.I. 0.81, 1.53) compared to term mothers. The preterm birth mothers’ quality of life was lower in the physical (52.30% vs. 50.12%, P = 0.0187) and environmental domains (65.03% vs. 62.30%, P= 0.0014) the preterm birth mothers who were breastfeeding their neonates also had a better quality of life. The Focused Group Discussions revealed the greater burden resulted from physical pain and referral, emergency nature of the deliveries, newborn care routine and separation strain, strenuous accommodation as well as poor communication and support from health workers.
Conclusion: Preterm birth mothers in Kenyatta National Hospital have high levels of psychosocial burden with a poorer quality of life in early postpartum period. Structured patient-focused psychological counseling and support may help mitigate this burden and improve the quality of life of the preterm birth mothers.
Keywords: Preterm birth; Psychosocial burden; Quality of life; Focused Group Discussiona
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Keny