Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2323 research outputs found
Sort by
Strategic Management Practices and Clean Energy Sector Performance in Rwanda; A Case of Bboxx Rwanda in Kigali City
No full textThis study investigated the effect of strategic management practices on the performance of Bboxx Rwanda in Kigali city. In particular, the study aimed to determine how strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and strategy control affect the performance of Bboxx Rwanda. The study used a descriptive research design to implement the research strategy. Both primary and secondary data was collected using a questionnaire and document review respectively. The descriptive research design with a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative data were used to collect data by the use of questionnaire. The study participants comprised employees at the managerial level at the Bboxx Africa headquarter (HQ) office in Kigali, Rwanda with the sample size of 80 respondents selected using census method. The collected results were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis with the use of mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics by the use of Pearson correlation (r) and multiple linear regression analysis. The results were presented in figures, tables, and narratives because the qualitative data were analyzed with the use of thematic analysis which require the study to present the qualitative results in the narrative. The study found that 43.0% of respondents agreed with Bboxx's vision, and a notable portion recognized the importance of SWOT analysis. While customer satisfaction had a minimal correlation, the SWOT analysis significantly influenced new product development. Resource allocation did not notably impact revenue growth but had a weak positive correlation with new product development. The organizational structure didn't drive growth or customer satisfaction, highlighting potential areas for improvement. Additionally, organizational culture and communication channels showed weak associations with their respective metrics, indicating a need for re-evaluation. The results suggest while some strategic elements are effective, others, especially in organizational structure and communication, require refinement. The study recommends that organizations adopt effective strategic management practices, especially as benchmarks evolve. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of clearly presenting factors related to management, both to managerial and non-managerial staff. By doing so, employees can gain a better understanding of the management style in place, which can, in turn, guide their efforts towards realizing organizational goals. The study strongly recommends enhancing communication channels between managerial and non-managerial staff.
Keywords: Strategic Management Practices, Clean Energy, Performance, Bboxx, Rwand
Balanced Scorecard Model and Organization Performance in Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this research was to examine the effect of the balanced scorecard model on organization performance in Rwanda, specifically focusing on a private institution of higher learning. The study assessed the impact of considering the financial perspective on the organization's performance, investigated the influence of the customer perspective on performance, explored the impact of the learning and growth perspective on performance, and determined the influence of internal process analysis on the organization's performance. Both descriptive and correlational research designs were used. The target population consisted of 150 employees, and 109 were selected randomly using basic random sampling methods. Inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analysis, were employed to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used for variables and constructs. The results were presented in tables, and the research followed ethical guidelines throughout the study process. The correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between the financial perspective and organization performance (r = 0.770**, p = 0.000) and between the customer perspective and organization performance (r = 0.819**, p = 0.000). Learning and growth showed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.617**, p = 0.000), and internal process analysis had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.691**, p = 0.000). Since the p-values for all four variables were <0.01, the correlations were statistically significant, leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses. The findings from the regression analysis indicated that the R Square value was 0.693, with the adjusted R Square at 0.680 when organization performance was regressed against independent variables. In conclusion, the study found that an organization's performance is positively impacted by the implementation of a balanced scorecard model. The study recommends that organizations, particularly those in the private higher education sector in Rwanda, should consider adopting and implementing the balanced scorecard model as a strategic management tool. Organizational management should adopt sustainable customer relationship strategies to improve their perception. The study also recommends continuous internal processes analysis such as customer complain analysis, timely customer feedback consideration and compliance to regulatory bodies to improve the decision-making processes.
Keywords: Financial perspective, Customer perspective, Learning and growth perspective, Internal processes perspective and Performanc
Impact of Cultural Factors on Entrepreneurial Intentions in Brazil
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the influence of cultural factors on entrepreneurial intentions in Brazil. The objectives were to examine the relationship between cultural factors and entrepreneurial intentions, identify specific cultural factors contributing to entrepreneurial intentions, and explore the mechanisms through which cultural factors influence entrepreneurial intentions. The study employed an exploratory research design and utilized qualitative analysis and content analysis of previous literature. The findings revealed that cultural dimensions such as collectivism, risk aversion, and societal expectations significantly impact entrepreneurial intentions in Brazil. The strong emphasis on family and community in Brazilian culture shapes the prevalence of family businesses and community-oriented ventures. Moreover, cultural norms and uncertainty avoidance influence individuals' willingness to engage in entrepreneurship. These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural factors in fostering an entrepreneurial culture in Brazil. The study's conclusions emphasize the need for targeted interventions and policies that take into account the cultural dynamics to support and nurture entrepreneurial aspirations in the country.
Keywords: Cultural Factors, Entrepreneurial Intentions, Entrepreneur
Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Sustainability of Education Project in Rwanda; A Case of University of Rwanda-Sweden Program for Research, Higher Education, and Institutional Advancement
No full textThe study examined the impact of monitoring and evaluation practices on the sustainability of the University of Rwanda-Sweden Program. While Rwanda's higher education sector has experienced significant growth, there is still a shortage of qualified staff for research, policy engagement, and high-quality postgraduate education. The research objectives of the study were to assess the influence of M&E capacity building, M&E budgeting, and M&E quality assurance on the sustainability of the UR-Sweden Program. The study utilized survey research design, including descriptive research survey design and correlational research design. The target population consisted of 82 employees of the program, and a structured questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. The data analysis involved inferential statistics, including regression modeling and correlation analysis. According to the findings of the first research objective (β1= 0.341, p-value=0.000<0.05), M&E for capacity building influences the sustainability of the UR-Sweden Programme for RHEIA in a significant way. According to the findings of the second research objective (β2= 0.194, p-value= 0.006<0.05), M&E budgeting influences the sustainability of the UR-Sweden Programme for RHEIA in a significant way. According to the findings of the third research objective (β3= 0.423, p-value=0.000<0.05), M&E quality assurance has a significant positive effect on the UR-Sweden Programme for RHEIA's sustainability.The study found a significant positive correlation between M&E practices and the long-term viability of the UR-Sweden Program. Approximately 71.8% of sustainability changes were determined and influenced by M&E budgeting, M&E quality assurance, and M&E capacity building. These findings highlight the significance of efficient M&E systems and the need for qualified personnel with the necessary technical knowledge and training. The study concluded that the UR-Sweden Program for RHEIA has robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices that significantly contribute to its sustainability. This strength in M&E is evident in human resource capacity, effective budgeting, and quality assurance mechanisms, all of which play critical roles in the program's long-term viability and impact. The study recommends ongoing investment in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for capacity building through regular training and efficient budget allocation. The study also recommends maintaining and potentially enhancing quality assurance mechanisms, including periodic internal and external audits, to ensure data reliability. Lastly, the study emphasizes the importance of specialized training for both in-field and on-field staff for effective project planning and resource allocation.
Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation Practices, Sustainability, Education Projects, Rwand
Stakeholders’ Participation in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Performance of Water Supply Projects in Australia: Evidence from Cotter Dam
No full textStakeholders' Participation in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is a critical factor in determining the performance and success of projects across various sectors. Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that the voices and perspectives of all relevant parties, such as government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and consumers, are heard and considered throughout the project lifecycle. By actively involving stakeholders in the M&E process, projects benefit from their valuable insights, leading to better-informed decision-making, improved project design, and enhanced transparency. Ultimately, this collaborative approach contributes to more efficient and sustainable project outcomes, addressing the diverse needs and interests of the stakeholders involved. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The target population was 250 stakeholders in Water Supply Project (Cotter Dam) in Australia. The study did sampling of 220 respondents that were chosen from the target population of 250 stakeholders of Cotter Dam in Australia. Questionnaires were used to gather the data. In conclusion, the evidence from the Cotter Dam project in Australia underscores the critical importance of stakeholder participation in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for the successful execution of water supply projects. Active involvement of stakeholders, including government bodies, environmental organizations, local communities, and consumers, leads to improved decision-making, transparency, and accountability throughout a project's lifecycle. By embracing lessons from the Cotter Dam, future water supply projects can adopt more inclusive, transparent, and collaborative approaches, ultimately ensuring the continued success and sustainability of critical infrastructure initiatives. The study recommended that to enhance the effectiveness of stakeholder participation in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for water supply projects in Australia, it is crucial to establish robust communication channels that engage a diverse range of stakeholders, from government agencies to local communities. Additionally, clear policies and guidelines should be implemented to ensure mandatory stakeholder involvement and accountability, fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and successful project execution.
Keywords: Stakeholders’ Participation, M&E, Performance, Projects, Australi
Influence of Organizational Learning on Humanitarian Aid Response in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas in Kenya
No full textThe study examined the influence of organizational learning on humanitarian aid response in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya. The research question specifically focused on understanding the relationship between organizational learning and the effectiveness of humanitarian aid response in these regions. The study used a positivism approach and explanatory research design. The population was 5996 and a sample size of 375 was obtained using the Yamane formula. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect the data. The study used a stratified random technique to select the respondents. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in prose form. Moreover, SPSS Version 25 was used to organize the quantitative data. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in tables and graphs. The results showed that organizational learning is positively and significantly related to humanitarian aid response in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas in Kenya (β=0.583, p=0.000) respectively. The null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, organizational learning has a significant influence on humanitarian aid response in Arid and Semi-Arid areas in Kenya. The study concludes that organizational learning increases the skills of the employees and this improves the humanitarian aid response. Organizational learning entails the continuous combination, transfer and conversion of different kinds of knowledge in the workforce. Organizational learning stimulates the team members to be submissive to the organization's objectives to maintain the high performance of the projects. The study recommended that the management of the NGOs involved in the humanitarian aid response should focus more on organizational learning. Humanitarian organizations should consider organizational learning key in determining employees' satisfaction. By recognizing the importance of organizational learning in driving employee satisfaction, humanitarian organizations can create a supportive and empowering work environment that fosters continuous growth and development. Organizations should ensure that appropriate information governance, policy and guidelines are developed to provide a framework to bring together all of the requirements, standards and best practices that apply to the handling of organizational learning in the organizations.
Keywords: Organizational learning, humanitarian aid response, arid and semi-arid areas, Keny
Personal Leadership Philosophy for the 21st Century: Integrating Theory, Experience, and Perspectives
No full textLeaders must adapt to globalization and technological advancements, assessing the effectiveness of their leadership style and its impact on teams. They align with evolving needs and challenges by remaining conscious and making informed adjustments. This paper examines and evaluates a variety of leadership ideas and provides a summary of the theories, emphasizing their main ideas, benefits, and drawbacks. It has also examined the leadership theoretical framework as well as the appropriate leadership style that best fits the framework and the current context. This paper will also explain how transformational, adaptive, and servant leadership has influenced my leadership philosophy. My leadership philosophy and how it has evolved over time have been discussed in the paper. It has emphasized previous perspectives that shaped my understanding of leadership while presenting my current leadership philosophy, emphasizing the key tenets that guide it. Finally, the paper will discuss the relationship between my leadership philosophy and the discussed leadership styles and theoretical framework. Furthermore, explain how this leadership philosophy will help me fit into the context of the twenty-first century.
Keywords: Personal Leadership Philosophy, 21st Century, Integrating Theory, Experience, Perspective
Staffing Capacity and the Delivery of Healthcare Services at Lodwar County Referral Hospital
No full textStaffing capacity is becoming an increasingly critical dimension of healthcare performance in the global landscape. Healthcare settings’ staffing levels, skill mix, and workforce availability plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery within hospital settings. Despite the government’s efforts to provide qualified human resources to hospitals, remote facilities such as Lodwar County Referral Hospital continue to express concerns over the quality of services delivered in terms of timeliness, safety, and effectiveness. This study investigated if human resource capacity is an impediment to service delivery in the hospital by determining the influence of human resource capacity on the delivery of healthcare service delivery at Lodwar County Referral Hospital. The theory that underpins the study was Human capital theory. The study adopted a correlational case study design that targeted a population of 297 from which a sample size of 169 was selected using Krejcie and Morgan formula. A stratified random sample of 169 was engaged in responding to questionnaires and focused group discussions, which enabled the researcher to collect qualitative and qualitative data. Findings from the study revealed that staffing capacity is positively and statistically insignificant in explaining provision of healthcare service (β= 0.023, p >0.05). The study recommended that Lodwar County Referral Hospital trains health care personnel continuously as a way of enhancing their capacity, hence, the quality of services they deliver.
Keywords: Staffing capacity, Lodwar County Referral Hospital, healthcare service delivery
Organizational Culture and Financial Resource Allocation as Enabler for Performance Contracting in Public Organizations in Kenya: A Case Study of Tharaka Nithi Executive County Government
No full textWith emphasis on Tharaka Nithi Executive County administration, the aim of this study was to investigate how organizational culture and financial resource allocation interact to enhance performance contracting in Kenyan public organizations. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to establishing the relationship between organizational culture and performance contracting in Kenyan public organizations and, to assess how financial resource allocation affect performance contracting in Kenyan public organizations. The study was anchored on McGregor's Theory X and Y. The target population was 300 county government employees where a sample size of 172 was selected using stratified random sampling method. The study employed a descriptive research design and used a self-administered drop-and-pick questionnaire as its main instrument to gather primary data from the sampled respondents. Using SPSS software, the acquired data was cleaned for analysis. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, such as regressions and correlation, were produced. Tables and figures were used to display the quantitative results, while thematic presentations were used to display the qualitative data. After analyzing the data, the researcher came to certain conclusions and offered suggestions. The results of the study showed that effectiveness of performance contracting had a positive and substantial association with both organizational culture and financial resources. As a result, the study concluded that Organisational culture as well as financial resource allocation were the main reasons why performance contracting is ineffective; and that better performance contracting in county government would result from an increase in the efficacy of these variables, and vice versa. The study recommended that the county benchmark with excelling county governments in Kenya as reported by council of governors report of 2022 on both organizational culture and financial resource allocation and implement the results consistently while cascading them down to the lowest levels of staff in the areas of organizational culture and financial resource allocation; and that if properly followed, these suggestions would result to the county governments' ability to function successfully.
Key Terms: Benchmark, County Administration, Financial Resource Allocation, Organizational Culture, Performance Contractin
Talent Development Approaches For Competitiveness among Five Star Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textThe hospitality sector in Kenya is experiencing a shortage of critical knowledge, skills and abilities in key positions. The adoption of talent development approaches for critical positions and for the high performers and potential individuals within the sector would create great value that would generate a competitive edge. In the backdrop of this, the study sought to establish the extent to which talent development approaches influenced the competitiveness among five–star hotels in Nairobi City County. Using the exclusive talent management concept, this study hypothesized that there were no significant talent development approaches that influenced competitiveness among five–star hotels in Nairobi City County. Mixed method research design was used in which there were two levels of respondents. Level one comprised of the human resources executives (talent and training executives) whose sample was 22. Level two consisted of the line executives (food and beverage production, food and beverage service, front office, finance, and housekeeping) whose sample was 55. Data was obtained using both semi-structured questionnaires and interviews respectively. The results confirmed the initial hypothesis of the causal relationship all the eleven of the talent development approaches on the competitiveness among five star hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya. This suggests that the approaches profiled for talent development have not generated the impact that is expected of them. Therefore; the content, the manner of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these approaches need to be reviewed for improvement. This study focused only on talent considered high potentials and performers (exclusive talent management) which would limit the generalizability to other levels of the workforce. Therefore, other studies based on inclusive talent management are proposed for generalizability purposes. The five – star hotels looking to be competitive and sustainable by creating unique products to adopt the retention of talent and tacit knowledge approaches based on the concept of exclusive talent management. This is one of the first studies dealing with the approaches of talent and knowledge retention based on the exclusive talent management concept in the hospitality sector of Kenya.
Key words: Talent development, talent management, unique knowledge, skills, and abilitie