Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Sustainability in African Airports and a Just Transition
No full textThis study explored Airports Council International (ACI) Africa and its member airports can strengthen policy design and implementation to foster environmentally sustainable and socially just transitions. The study specifically focused on analyzing current sustainability initiatives in African airports, analyzing the potential for renewable energy integration, investigating the socio-economic impacts of sustainable practices, evaluating policy frameworks, exploring stakeholder engagement, and examining challenges and opportunities for a just transition. The study was anchored on the just transition and sustainability theory, which advocate for environmentally responsible development that ensures equity and inclusion. A comparative case study design was employed, focusing on four major African airports: Johannesburg OR Tambo (South Africa), Mombasa Moi (Kenya), and Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Secondary data collection was primarily through document analysis, including policy documents, sustainability reports, and academic literature. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify patterns and themes across the data, with a focus on governance, policy, stakeholder engagement, and financial mechanisms. The study findings indicated that, while there are efforts to adopt sustainable practices, many African airports still face significant challenges, including limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient policy frameworks. Renewable energy adoption and circular economy practices were identified as key opportunities for reducing carbon footprints, but progress was hindered by financial and institutional barriers. The study results also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainability, with varying levels of involvement from local communities, governments, and private sectors. Based on the study findings, it was recommended that it was crucial to enhance stakeholder engagement, prioritize renewable energy adoption and implement circular economy practices in African airports. The study recommends that the airports should focus on developing comprehensive sustainability policies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting a just transition that ensures equitable outcomes for workers and communities. The study also recommends investigating the long-term impact of renewable energy adoption on airport operations and financial sustainability since it is vital for scaling green initiatives across African airports.
Keywords: Climate Change, Just Transition, Sustainabilit
Measuring Interactivity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Active Engagement in Smart Classroom Learning: A Mixed-Methods Study in Secondary Education
No full textThis study investigated interactivity, collaboration, critical thinking, and active engagement in smart classroom learning in secondary education, responding to persistent gaps in learner-centered evaluations of educational technology. The study was guided by two objectives: (i) to assess the levels of interactivity, collaboration, critical thinking, and active engagement experienced by students in smart classroom environments, and (ii) to examine the relationships among these learning outcomes. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. A total of 318 participants were involved, including 175 Senior Three students who completed a structured questionnaire and 143 Senior Six science students who participated in focus group discussions, alongside teachers, school leaders, parents, and a district education official. Students were selected using stratified random sampling, while other participants were purposively selected based on their roles in smart classroom implementation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, while qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations were thematically analyzed to explain the quantitative patterns. The findings reveal that smart classroom learning is associated with moderate interactivity and active engagement, weak collaboration, and uneven development of critical thinking skills. Active engagement was strongly associated with collaboration and critical thinking, indicating that deeper engagement emerges when smart classroom practices emphasize peer interaction and cognitively demanding tasks rather than presentation-based technology use. The study concludes that the effectiveness of smart classrooms depends primarily on pedagogical integration rather than technological availability alone and recommends strengthening instructional design, teacher professional development, and institutional support to promote collaborative and inquiry-based learning.
Keywords: Smart classrooms; Interactivity; Collaboration; Critical thinking; Active engagemen
A Phenomenological Exploration of the Perceived Causes of Suicidal Ideations among School-Going Adolescents in Central Uganda
No full textThe study aimed to explore the perceived causes of suicidal ideations among school going adolescents. The population was comprised of a school administrator, a school counsellor, a school chaplain, a teacher and students. The sample size was 16 and respondents, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using both key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using narratives and thematic analysis methods. The findings show that suicidal ideations are caused by school-based, home-based, personal, social and technological factors. The study concludes that suicidal ideations are determined by factors related to parenting, self–esteem, relationships, social media, academic pressure, gender, and last but not least, spiritual drivers. Hence, interventions geared towards reducing suicidal ideations should focus on involving parents, boosting self-esteem, offering guidance on healthy relationships, encouraging healthy peer groups, regulating social media usage, reducing academic pressure and offering spiritual guidance. Parenting should be intentional and teachers should prioritize not only creating safe and supportive learning environments but also interpersonal connections with their learners. At community level, adolescent mental health must be prioritized so as to aim at a future where no parent or larger community will have to face and endure the pain of losing a child to suicide.
Keywords: Suicidal Ideations, Suicide, Adolescents, School-Going Adolescents, Ugand
Sustainable Development and its Role in Managing Oil Projects in Basra Oil Company, Iraq
No full textThe oil sector is one of the most important sectors in the Iraqi economy, and therefore, all sectors linked to this chain should be made more efficient to enhance profitability and the economy. The use of the sustainability concept plays a very significant role in the success of the oil business. This research aimed to analyze the effects of project management practice on sustainable development in the oil sector concerning Basra Oil Company. The samples for the study were obtained from Rumaila Field and the researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative means to obtain information and data to check for the presence or otherwise of the impact of the selected practices. The study found that slightly more than two–thirds, (69%) of the participants possess some level of awareness of sustainable development to meet a rising social need. Only 32% of respondents are confident in how they define sustainable development, which means that it is still relevant and the people should be explained the necessity of its use in society. A minority of participants, 32% are still not very familiar with the idea of sustainable development which reveals the fact that awareness about the concept should still be created. Concerning the attitude towards government engagement in supporting sustainable development, this survey stands at 54% an indication that the perception to the governments’ engagement in supporting sustainable development is gradually improving. The study indicated that largest number of respondents (87%) can speak about sustainable development as about the need to maintain environment and resources in the future. A proportion (97%) of the participants strongly stated that sustainable development is possible to balance the human needs and environmental protection. The study recommends that a campaign needs to be initiated to increase awareness of the concept, need and advantage of sustainable development. The governments and organizations should encourage people to spread the principles of sustainable developments with the help of different information platforms. In addition, governments and companies should reinforce investment in sustainability by offering compensations in the form of financial incentives and friendly taxes that will motivate companies to make the changes towards sustainable development. Moreover, governments should involve monetary support and details for innovativeness and research in sustainable development in an endeavor to come up with newer technologies and quite solutions which can effectively advance the sustainable goals. Besides, governments and organizations should also work towards funding and seeking more ways in engaging developmental research in the area so as to sustain the aggressive advance in the sustainability solutions for the future.
Keywords: Sustainable Development, project management in the oil sector, sustainable economics, implementing sustainable, Ira
Influence of Knowledge Sharing on Human Resource Planning in the Public Service Commission of Kenya
No full textHuman resource planning is a critical aspect of organizational success, yet many organizations struggle with effective workforce planning, leading to issues such as skills gaps, high turnover, and difficulty in meeting business objectives. The study examined the influence of knowledge sharing on human resource planning within the Public Service Commission of Kenya. The research was anchored on competency-based view theory. Positivism philosophy was used. A mixed research design was employed. The target population consisted of 209 employees from various hierarchical levels within the organization. The study employed a census approach, including all 209 employees of the Public Service Commission of Kenya across various hierarchical levels. The study found that knowledge sharing had a significant and positive influence on human resource planning in the Public Service Commission of Kenya. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between knowledge sharing and human resource planning (r = 0.642, p = 0.000), indicating that effective knowledge exchange enhances workforce planning and management. The regression analysis further confirmed this relationship, showing that knowledge sharing accounted for 41.2% of the variation in human resource planning (R² = 0.412). The ANOVA results (F = 129.476, p = 0.000) demonstrated the statistical significance of the model, reinforcing that knowledge-sharing practices are a crucial determinant of HR planning outcomes. The regression coefficients indicated that a one-unit increase in knowledge sharing would lead to a 0.642-unit increase in human resource planning. The study concludes that knowledge sharing plays a crucial role in enhancing human resource planning within the Public Service Commission of Kenya. The study recommends that Public Service Commission of Kenya should actively foster a culture of knowledge sharing to improve human resource planning. The management should implement policies and practices that encourage and reward knowledge sharing among employees. Furthermore, the management should lead by example in promoting knowledge management practices. Managers and senior leaders should actively participate in knowledge sharing activities, demonstrating their commitment to a knowledge-driven culture. Regular cultural assessments should be conducted to identify areas for improvement and track progress in creating a knowledge-friendly organizational culture.
Keywords: Knowledge sharing, human resource planning, public service commission, Keny
Impact of Family Instability On Children’s Well-Being: Case of Ruben Primary School in Mukuru Slum, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textFamily plays a crucial role in shaping identity, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting child development. However, family instability, particularly step-parenting and remarriage, can negatively impact children's social well-being. This study examined the influence of step-parenting and remarriage on children at Ruben Primary School in Mukuru Slum, Nairobi, using Bowen’s Family Systems Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as the theoretical framework. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 65 randomly selected adolescents aged 13–16 through survey questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. The findings revealed that 70% of respondents reported a high level of social disruption, 23% a moderate impact, and 7% a low impact, indicating that family instability affects children's ability to form social relationships, leading to trust difficulties, peer relationship struggles, and emotional distress. The study recommends targeted interventions such as counseling, family support programs, and parental sensitization initiatives to mitigate these effects, while policymakers and community stakeholders should collaborate to strengthen family-oriented policies that promote children's well-being in blended families.
Keywords: Impact, Family instability, Children’s well-bein
Performance Appraisal On Employee Motivation; A Case of the Department of Social Services in Kajiado County
Full text linkEmployee motivation is a critical concern within the Department of Social Services in Kajiado County, where diminishing staff morale and commitment threaten organizational effectiveness and service delivery outcomes. This study examined the effect of performance appraisal on employee motivation in the Department of Social Services in Kajiado County, specifically, the objectives were to investigate how performance feedback, goal-setting practices, performance rating systems, and reward-linked appraisals influence employee motivation. The study was anchored on Goal-Setting Theory and Expectancy Theory, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between performance appraisal components and employee motivation. The research employed a descriptive research design. The target population was 235 employees across different employment levels in the department and Yamane's formula was used to derive a sample size of 148 respondents through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires employing a 5-point Likert scale. The analysis utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The study revealed that performance appraisal significantly influences employee motivation, explaining 73% of motivation variance, with performance feedback emerging as the strongest predictor (β=0.283), followed by goal-setting practices (β=0.245), reward-linked appraisals (β=0.209), and performance rating systems (β=0.143). Despite this positive relationship, the research identified significant implementation deficiencies, particularly in reward mechanisms and rating transparency, with employees expressing notably negative perceptions of how performance connects to rewards. The study recommended implementing structured feedback mechanisms combining formal quarterly reviews with informal check-ins, transitioning to participative goal-setting with adequate resource support, developing transparent rating systems using multiple information sources, and establishing clear connections between performance outcomes and meaningful rewards.
Keywords: Performance Feedback, Goal-Setting Practices, Performance Rating System, Reward-Linked Appraisals & Employee Motivatio
Prevalence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Among Children Attending Early Year Education Level Within Kiambu County, Kenya
Full text linkNeurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) significantly affect a child’s capacity to function in educational, social, and personal settings. This study sought to determine the prevalence of NDD symptoms among children in early year education levels in Kiambu County, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, targeting 348 early childhood teachers from public and private schools across 12 sub-counties. Data collection utilized the Early Symptomatic Syndromes Eliciting Neurodevelopmental Clinical Examination Questionnaire (ESSENCE-Q), a 12-item screener for early detection of NDD-related symptoms. The ESSENCE-Q tool, developed by Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, has proven effective as a screening mechanism for various symptoms associated with NDDs. The tool comprises items related to developmental, behavioral, and emotional symptoms, and though it is not diagnostic, it serves as a valuable initial screener. Out of 348 administered questionnaires, 311 were returned (89% response rate). The findings revealed a high prevalence of symptoms related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specifically, 13% of learners exhibited clear signs of inattention and hyperactivity, 10% had feeding difficulties associated with ASD, and 15% showed significant mood-related symptoms, with an additional 18% presenting mild symptoms. These findings indicate a concerning level of potential NDDs in the region, necessitating further diagnostic assessments and policy-level interventions. Comparisons with global studies revealed significantly higher symptom prevalence, which may be attributed to methodological, cultural, and environmental factors. The study underscores the urgency for tailored early interventions and enhanced teacher training in Kenya.
Keywords: Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Prevalence, Early Childhood Education, Inclusive Education & Child Developmen
Knowledge And Practice Of Healthcare Personnel Towards Biomedical Wastes Management At Nemba District Hospital, Rwanda
No full textHazardous organic and inorganic wastes are categorized as healthcare wastes. A significant health risk to patients, healthcare professionals, and anyone else in contact with it is posed by roughly 10–25% of the overall total of waste in healthcare (HCW) produced by medical establishments across the globe. In developing nations like Rwanda, Medical facilities need to improve their waste management procedures since they are currently insufficient. Thus, this study's objective was to assess the knowledge and practice of healthcare personnel towards biomedical waste management as well as to identify the association between level of knowledge and practice of healthcare personnel towards biomedical waste management at Nemba District Hospital and to explore barriers and opportunities of biomedical waste management among health care personnel. As the significance of the study, the results could be useful for the development of operational guidelines for the management of healthcare waste in health facilities nationwide, and in Gakenke District particularly and the researcher benefited from this study by improving the knowledge and skills about the healthcare waste management. A cross-sectional study was conducted with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample size used was 200 and was calculated by using Yamane formula for sample size determination for defined small population (target population less than 2000) with confidence of 95% and margin error of 5%(Yamane, 1967). A simple random procedure was used to choose 200 responses from 400 targeted population including nurses, social workers, and cleaners. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire, Participant Observation and In-depth interviews involved one-on-one conversations between the researcher and the participant. Chi-Square test was used to determine the association between the variables and level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The results of the study found that only 71 (35.5%) demonstrated a good practice towards bio-medical waste management. Age group and knowledge were significantly associated with good practice of bio-medical waste management among healthcare personnel. As conclusion, the level of in both knowledge and practice towards bio-medical waste management among healthcare personnel was low. The researcher recommends continuing education and training programmes to improve the knowledge and practices towards bio-medical waste management among healthcare personnel.
Keywords: Biomedical waste management, Healthcare personnel, Hazardous waste, Healthcare waste handling, Knowledge and practice, Waste treatment methods
Adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standard, Governance and Quality of Financial Reporting in Juba City Council, South Sudan
No full textThe adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in South Sudan has been driven by increasing demands for financial transparency and accountability in the public sector. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Audit Chamber of South Sudan and Deloitte auditing company have played a key role in facilitating this transition, ensuring alignment with global accounting standards and the principles of government financial evaluation. Therefore, this independent study seeks to analyze conceptually and theoretically the developed and theoretical frameworks related to the comprehensive analysis of IPSAS and quality of financial reporting of Juba City Council, South Sudan, and to identify potentials gaps in the empirical literature by examining the impacts of IPSAS adoption. Challenges, benefits and long-term implications of these reforms were identified. Significance of this study is premised on helping Juba City Council accountants and economic managers improve financial reporting and also act as point of references for academic research. The study is grounded in theoretical frameworks that inform public sector accounting, including Institutional, political, resource dependency, public choice and agency theories, which provide insights into governance, compliance, and institutional accountability. From empirical literature reviewed, conceptual, contextual and methodological gaps were identified. Building from existing model, a new theoretical model was proposed with public policy sector and governance being the mediating variable and moderating variable respectively. The research puts forward that prospective research should rivet on assessing long-term outcomes IPSAS implementation. The study also concludes that that adopting these standards has significantly improved financial reporting accuracy and transparency despite governance challenges such as inadequate supervision and limited training hindering full realization of these benefits. The study recommends that Juba City Council should implement comprehensive capacity-building programs for accounting personnel while simultaneously developing a robust legal framework that mandates IPSAS compliance and harmonizes local regulations with international standards. Additionally, the Council should modernize financial recordkeeping systems through technological investments, establish independent audit committees, and promote a culture of transparency through regular publication of financial reports and citizen engagement in financial decision-making processes.
Keywords: Quality reporting, public sector accounting standards, professional training, governance, legal complianc