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Effect of Human Resources Policies on Employee Satisfaction; A Case study of Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada
The study examined the effect of human resources policies on employee satisfaction in a case study of Loblaw Companies Limited in Canada. The study used an explanatory research design. The basis for using the design was to examine the relationship between the variables. The target population were employees from Loblaw Companies Limited. The study used purposive sampling to get the sample size of 289 employees. The study used questionnaires to collect the data. The analysis of the data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that HR Policies are positively and significantly related to employee satisfaction (β=0.841, p=0.028). The study concluded that human resource policies are positively and significantly related to employee satisfaction. HR policies are the foundation of optimal utilization, management, workers' job satisfaction, and performance. A properly organized and adequate HR policy boosts employee job satisfaction and hard work in the firm. It also improves efficiency, motivates employees, and boosts employee performance. HR policies ensure that every employee of an organization is looked after, their needs are respected and proper benefits are available for their work. HR policies help address employee complaints, problems and grievances and outline how to solve them appropriately. The study recommended that firms develop methods for equitable and proper employee compensation. Managers should create appealing incentive programs. The management should always look for mechanisms that significantly increase employee happiness and performance. Sound human resource policies help build employee motivation and loyalty. This is especially true when the policies reflect established principles of fair play. The HR policies should guide how employees should behave in the workplace and how management handles issues such as complaints.
Keywords: HR policies, employee satisfaction, Loblaw Companies Limited, Canad
Achieving Operational Efficiency by Adopting ICT in Diplomatic Records Management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya
Information and Communication Technologies have become a critical success factor for service delivery in Kenya's public sector. Applying ICTs in service delivery has become a game changer in public records management. It has completely transformed records management work procedures, methods, and principles. The study aimed to assess how operational efficiency can be achieved by adopting ICT in diplomatic records management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya. The study was guided by records continuum and hybrid theories and adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 887 Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees, from which a sample of 87 participants was selected using a stratified and purposive sampling approach. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data, which was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and content analysis. The study revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had embarked on the assimilation of ICTs into its operational activities as a component of e-service delivery. As a result, the study established that diplomatic records, which were vital in achieving operational efficiency, were being created, accessed, and used in electronic format. Inadequate infrastructure for electronic records management programs was, however, found to be a significant hindrance to the realization and use of diplomatic electronic records. The study recommends that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs develop and execute a comprehensive electronic records management policy and regulatory framework to integrate e-records into Ministry's operational efficiency and service delivery. The Ministry of foreign affairs should collaborate with Information Communication and Technologies Authority to develop infrastructure for electronic records management systems to ensure that all software acquired for managing electronic records capture records management requirements to achieve operational efficiency and improved service delivery.
Keywords: Electronic Records, Operational Efficiency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Records, Record Management Technologie
Sharing Travel Experience on Social Media about the Kenyan Coast: A Case of Wanderlust Diaries, a Facebook Travel Platform
Social media users share posts with different motivations. The study determined the motivations for sharing travel experiences about the Kenyan coast on wanderlust diaries and analyzed the travel experiences expressed on wanderlust diaries about Kenyan coast. The study utilized cross-sectional research design. An online survey with 50 respondents was used to determine motivations for sharing travel experiences about the Kenya Coast on Wanderlust diaries. The target population was 394500 followers. The study employed both probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling method since the study was both quantitative and qualitative. The sampling frame was all the users of the page on facebook. A sample size of 384 was chosen using the formula. The response rate was 13% (50 questionnaires) which was allowed by the professor due to time constraints. For the qualitative data, textual data from 20 Wanderlust diaries posts on Facebook was analyzed. The posts were coded with the theme Mombasa 1 to 20. The study results indicated that motivations for sharing travel experiences include identification (sharing travel experiences, informing, recognition, raising awareness, informing others about my trip), internalization (diarizing my trip, rating products and services, entertainment and making friends) and compliance (earning a commission, getting a job, likes, it is a requirement). The travel experiences expressed on wanderlust diaries about Kenyan coast was that majority of the posts showed attractions as key to their travel experiences (22%), followed by activities (18%). Safety and weather were the least experiences posted on Wanderlust diaries about the Kenyan coast (7% and 2% respectively). The study concluded that motivations for sharing travel experiences include identification, internalization and compliance. The travel experiences expressed on wanderlust diaries about Kenyan coast include posts showing attractions, followed by activities, safety and weather. The study recommended that a qualitative study should be carried out using interviews to further interpret and confirm or disconfirm motives for sharing on Wanderlust diaries. A quantitative study using surveys should be carried out to gain insight on other descriptive about the Wanderlust Diaries participants. The Kenyan Coast local governments and tourism circuit organizations should use big data and employ smart destination development and management.
Keywords: Motivations, sharing travel experiences, travel experiences, wanderlust diaries, Kenyan coas
Leaders’ and Women’s Perception of the Influence of Culture and Social Factors on Forced Marriages of Adolescent Girls in Kajiado West Sub-County, Kenya
The goal of the study was to examine the Leaders’ and women’s perception of the influence of culture and social factors on forced marriages of adolescent girls well-being and propose detailed strategies to reduce the number of girls married before the age of 18 so that they can achieve the highest level of professional development possible in Kenya's Kajiado West sub-county. The study specifically sought to assess the influence of culture and social factors in forced marriages on the well-being of adolescent girl. This study will benefit the Government in purposes on legislation policies in cultural and social factors in forced marriages on the well-being of the adolescent girl, secondly assists stakeholders and investors in decision-making in the well-being of the adolescent girl, and finally assists local administrators, scholars, and academicians as a source of reference in cultural and social factors in forced marriages on well-being of the adolescent girl. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The target population was all women who were married below the age of 18 who had challenges on their well-being. The target population comprised of 686,992 adolescent people in Kajiado County. The sample size was 434 obtained by purposive sampling from the target population. Out of the sample size of 399, the responses received were 305 while from 35 administrators 23 responses were received translating into 328 which is 76% response rate. Data collection instrument was questionnaires. The data was analyzed using inferential statistics. Regression was used to test whether culture and social factors in forced marriages have influence on the well-being of an adolescent girl. It was established that the leader's and women’s perception of influence of forced marriage was a significant positive predictor of the well-being of an adolescent girl. The findings are expected to be of value to the community, parents and leaders and form a basis to deal with forced marriages for the well-being of adolescent.
Keywords: Leaders & Women’s Perception, Cultural & Social Factors, Forced Marriage & Well-Being of Adolescent Girls
Influence Caregivers’ Education Level on Access to Rehabilitation Therapy for Children with Disabilities in Mingora City, Pakistan
Access of rehabilitation services for children with disabilities remains a problem in Mingora City Pakistan. In addition, the level of education of caregivers impact access to rehabilitation services. However, many caregivers are not aware of the rehabilitation services as others cannot read and write. The study adopted cross-sectional study, from May to September 2020 in Mingora Paksitan. Stratified random sampling based on the regions in Mingora was used to select 108 children with disabilities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Caregivers were asked to fill questionnaires on behalf of the children with disabilities and data analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentages and mean were utilized and results [resented using tables and figures. The study concludes that caregivers’ education level influence access to rehabilitation therapy for children with disabilities. Most caregivers had attained secondary level of education and primary education. Level of education may imply the level of awareness and understanding about nature of disabilities and access to rehabilitation therapy among children. Most caregivers had attained secondary level of education and primary education. Level of education may imply the level of awareness and understanding about nature of disabilities and access to rehabilitation therapy among children. Rehabilitation centers may need to come up with training programmes for caregivers with disable children. These rehabilitation centers may be financed by the government and other organizations to be conducting periodic training and awareness on disability and rehabilitation therapy.
Keywords: Education, Rehabilitation Therapy, Children with Disabilities, Mingora Cit
Parental Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Antibiotics use for Childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Kicukiro District, Rwanda
Parents’ knowledge and expectations towards antibiotics use for children’s Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are contributing factors of antibiotics misuse and the latter leads to the antimicrobial resistance. Thus, this study aimed at assessing parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on antibiotics use for childhood URTIs in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire for data collection from a sample size of 384 parents of under 12 years of age children attending selected Health Centers in Kicukiro District. (SPPS) version 21 was used for data analysis; Chi-square test and regression analysis were used to examine the association between dependent and independent variables. The study findings indicated that 88.5% of parents were female, 39.6% aged from 25 to 34 years, 81.8% were married, 42.2% completed secondary education, 50% had 2 to 4 children and 57% were in economic class 2. Only 23.2% of parents had high level of knowledge of antibiotics; 40.1% had positive attitudes and 62% had poor practices towards antibiotics use for childhood URTIs. Employed parents with increased level of education, in higher economic position demonstrated good practices towards antibiotics use. Parents’ high level of knowledge and positive attitudes regarding antibiotics use had also good practices on antibiotics with AOR=13.371, 95% CI= [3.604-49.617], p<0.001, and AOR=0.309, 95% CI=[0.96-0.489], p<0.001 respectively, compared to their corresponding counterparts. In conclusion, majority of parents in Kicukiro District had low level of knowledge of antibiotic use, negative attitudes towards antibiotic use and poor practices towards antibiotics utilization for childhood URTIs. Factors associated with good parental practices towards ABs use for children’s URTIs include having 5 or more children, higher education, employment, high economic class, high knowledge of antibiotics and positive attitudes towards ABs use. Health education for parents should be urgently done to reduce antibiotics misuse by raising awareness on their indications of antibiotics, side effects and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Keywords: Antibiotics, Attitudes and Knowledge, Children, Misuse, Parents, Kicukiro District, Rwand
Effect of Employee Commitment on Organizational Performance; Case of Textile Firms in Sweden
Employee commitment helps organizations perform better and achieve their goals because employees feel connected to the organization and are more productive and dedicated to their work. Thus, the study sought to examine the effect of employee commitment on organizational performance in the case of textile firms in Sweden. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The collection of the data was done using the questionnaires. The data was collected from two textile companies in Sweden, namely Meandi Holding AB and Woodline Swedish Outdoor Co. The study conducted a pilot study to examine the validity and reliability of the research instruments. The analysis of the data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS was used to generate the output. The study findings indicated that employee commitment is positively and significantly related to organizational performance (β=.1579, p=0.013). Employee commitment is necessary for every organization to have amazing performance on a long-term basis. Committed employees bring added value to the organization, including determination, proactive support, relatively high productivity and an awareness of quality. The study recommended that textile companies should continue ensuring there is employee commitment. Organizations need to increase employee commitment by including them in decision-making, which will ultimately increase their commitment to the organization. Moreover, it is recommended that organizations should encourage transparency. When an organization keeps employees informed, they feel valued and trustworthy. Further, it is recommended that organizations should encourage open and free communication. Open and accessible communication in an organization facilitates an environment of trust. There should be letting the employees be innovative in providing ideas, strategies and ways of communication. The employees should be valued by the organizations and encouraged to develop better ideas and rewards for their achievements and innovation.
Keywords: Employee commitment, organizational performance, textile firms, Swede
Talent Management and Employee Commitment in Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos Nigeria
This study examined the relationship between talent management and employee commitment in Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. Primary data was generated through structured questionnaire. The population for the study was fifty-three (53) employees in Technology Transfer Division and Industrial Linkages Division. The entire population was used as a sample size. The population was small hence indicating a census. The reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring above 0.70. The hypothesis was tested using the Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. The test was carried out at a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. The finding revealed that there is a significant relationship between talent management and employee commitment in federal institute of industrial research Oshodi, Lagos Nigeria. The study also concludes that when the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos Nigeria vigorously pursues talent management of its employees, it fosters a lot of innovative ideas to the organization which ultimately leads to employee commitment as well as enhances growth and success. The study recommends that organizations should enact policies that promote talent management which will in turn promote employee retention. The policy makers should enact policies that promote talent management aspects in order to ensure sustainable employee retention and competitive advantage.
Keywords: Talent Management, Employee Commitment, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Talent Retentio
Rural Urban Migration and Food Sustainability in China
The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas has been common. People move to urban areas to search for green pastures. The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas leaves the rural with fewer people for farm production. Thus, the study sought to examine the effect of rural-urban migration on food sustainability in China. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The collection of the data was done using questionnaires. The purposive sampling technique was employed to get the sample size. The analysis of the data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study showed that rural-urban migration has resulted in few people remaining in the rural areas to do farming. Rural-urban migration has a negative impact on food sustainability in China. Migration from rural to city areas reduces the labour force in the agriculture industry and consequently has a negative effect on its economic development and food sustainability. The rural-urban migration threatens food security, through the decrease in farming production. The study noted that factors influencing migration include the presence of better social amenities, the presence of good schools and hospital facilities and refreshments in urban areas. The study concluded that migration from rural areas to urban areas has a negative impact on food sustainability in China. The study recommended that policies should be put in place which see in the lowering of rural-urban movement by raising the per capita income in rural areas through agricultural investment. The government should give technical products and ample extension services, and offer subsidies to achieve a considerable breakthrough in the agricultural sector. Government and non-governmental agencies need to exert more effort to enlighten the masses on the detrimental effect of rural-urban migration on food security.
Keywords: Rural urban migration, food sustainability, Chin
Effect of Different Types of Fertilizers on Stevia Rebaudiana Production in Rwanda
Fertilizers are recognized as limiting factors for crop growth in Rwanda. The choice of fertilizers to be used for a certain crop in certain soil is crucial for production. The experiment was conducted in Rubona and Ntendezi stations of Rwanda Agriculture and Animal resources Development Board (RAB) during seasons 2021A and 2021B respectively. The objectives were to develop guidelines for stevia production in Rwanda and increase production through promotion and utilization of good quality fertilizers in stevia production. The treatments included four types of organic manures (cow dung, poultry manure, compost and pig manure), three inorganic fertilizers (NPK, DAP and urea) and control or check (without fertilizer Plant sampling was done once a week to measure plant height, number of tillers, internodes and to measure yield at harvest. . The results revealed a significant interaction between treatments and plant height. Poultry manure played more dominant role in increasing plant height (44.51m), cow dung was the second (43.50m) while control treatment showed minimum contribution in increasing number of stevia height (39.76m). Poultry manure also played dominant role in increasing number of tillers (22.76), urea was the second (21.0) while control treatment showed minimum contribution in increasing number of stevia tillers (16.8). The yield of harvested fresh leaves of stevia that resulted from poultry manure has shown at least height yield in comparison with other treatments.
Keywords: Fertilizers, Types of fertilizers, Stevia rebaudiana, productio