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Selected Factors and Adoption of Electronic Performance in Public Secondary School Teachers in Bomet Central Sub-County
The purpose of this study was to establish factors hindering teachers’ acceptance of electronic performance system used as an appraisal tool. The study was guided by the following specific research objectives: To establish effects of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition on teachers’ acceptance of electronic performance system. The study adopted a survey research design subjecting public secondary school teachers in Bomet Central sub-county. Krejcie and Morgan's table and a formula of sample size determination was used to select 196 respondents for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to target principal, stratified sampling technique with be used to sample from each strata; Languages, Sciences, Humanities, and Creative Arts. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample respondents from each strata. The quantitative data collected was coded and analyzed using the Pearson’s (r) Correlation, regression analysis (R) and ANOVA, SPSS, tables and graphs. Regressing analysis revealed R squared of 0.702, implying that the variables used in this study; resource-based conditions, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence jointly explained 70.2 percent of the variation in the adoption of electronic performance by public secondary school teachers in Bomet Central Sub-County. The study concludes that the selected factors adopted by this study which included resource-based conditions, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence have positive and significant effect on the adoption and implementation of electronic performance by public secondary school teachers in Bomet Central Sub-county. The study thus recommends that the managements of public secondary schools in Bomet central sub county and the country at large should strive to embrace resource-based conditions, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence, since they have been found to have positive effect on the adoption of electronic performance by public secondary school teachers in Bomet Central Sub-county.
Keywords: Selected Factors, Performance expectancy, Effort expectancy, Social influence, Resource-based conditions, Adoption of Electronic performance system
Examining the Influence of Push and Pull Travel Motivation Factors on Domestic Tourism Performance. A Case of Mombasa County, Kenya
Understanding tourist’s motivations to visit destinations is important as it helps in segmenting the markets thereby allowing tourism stakeholders to correctly target them. This study aimed at establishing the influence of push and pull travel motivation factors on domestic tourism performance in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study used cross-sectional descriptive research to collect data from a sample of 400 domestic tourists. The data was gathered through a well-structured questionnaire administered randomly. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated a significant influence of pull factors (p=0.000≤0.05) and push factors (p=0.000≤0.05) on domestic tourism performance. The pull factors identified include beautiful natural attractions, other diverse attractions, culture of the area, image, ease of access, events taking place, affordability, safety and security and recommendations by others while the important push factors included prestige, knowledge, adventure and novelty, and relaxation and health. The results further revealed that the pull factors had more influence on domestic tourism performance than the push factors. These findings could benefit the stakeholders in identifying the internal motives of their potential clients, which could help match the clients’ desires with what the destination has to offer. The study recommended that stakeholders are required to package tourism products in line with tourists’ motivation failure to which the product may not be purchased. Therefore, there is need to ensure that the destination has diverse beautiful and cultural attractions, diverse events and activities, is affordable, safe, easily accessible, and has a positive image necessary to attract domestic tourists.
Keywords: Push factors, pull factors, motivation, domestic tourists, domestic tourism performance, Mombas
Influence of Career Development on Employee Retention in 3-5 Stars Rated Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Career development is a systematic planning strategy for linking the corporate career needs and requirements of a company's workforce with employee career aspirations, and it comprises activities carried out by both the individuals and organizations in order to satisfy career goals and employment requirements. Employee retention is a key important aspect for the hospitality industry considering that the sector employs more people than any other industry in any given economy. The purpose of the study was to evaluate career advancement techniques and staff retention in a 3-5-star hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The study's objective was, to assess the influence of human resource policies on employee retention. The study was hinged by theory of work adjustment (TWA). The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Nairobi hotels were picked because they attract visitors from all over the world and represent the city accurately. The study population target was 2374 employees employed on contract employment in 3-5 star rated hotels in Nairobi County. Using Yamane's (1967) formula, the sample size proportions from the entire population was calculated. A total of 342 people working in operational departments and upper management were included in the sample. Employees in the operational department were surveyed using structured questionnaires, while interviewing rules was used to engage the company's senior executives. Descriptive statistics and Simple Linear Regression Analysis were used to examine the data. The outcomes were used to display the findings. According to the research regression coefficient findings, human resource policy is favorably and substantially connected to employee retention (= 0.163, p=0.000). To increase staff retention, the research advised that the hotel sector adopt a clearly written HR policy on employee retention methods that provide a vibrant and pleasant working atmosphere. The report also suggested that the hotel business institute a work rotation scheme to make employees feel more valuable, boost morale, increase engagement and improve knowledge and other organizational skills.
Keywords: Career Development, Employee Retention, 3-5 Stars Rated Hotels, Nairobi City County, Keny
Influence of Interpersonal Relationship on Psychosocial Well-Being of Consecrated Catholic Women Religious in Ibadan, Nigeria
This study investigated the influence of interpersonal relationships on the psychosocial well-being of Consecrated Catholic Religious Women in the Ibadan Archdiocese, Nigeria. The psychosocial well-being of an individual is essential in enhancing interpersonal relationships. Moreover, psychosocially stable people are physically, psychologically, professionally, culturally, and spiritually robust. The study adopted a descriptive quantitative design. The target population was 110 consecrated female religious women. The study used a sample size of 86 respondents using a simple random sampling technique with Stovin's formula. The sample comprised 61 finally professed sisters and 25 temporary professed sisters from 16 different congregations. The research used Self-determination theory. The following objectives guided the study: To expound the interpersonal relationship among Consecrated Catholic Religious Women in the Archdiocese of Ibadan, Nigeria; To suggest ways to improve psychosocial well-being among Consecrated Catholic Religious Women in the Archdiocese of Ibadan, Nigeria, through counselling and spiritual direction. The research instruments used were FIAT-Q 2-14 Interpersonal relationship questionnaire, psychological well-being scale, and Spiritual Support Subscale. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to get descriptive statistics. The study established that most consecrated Catholic religious women have mature and healthy interpersonal relationships. They think of a close relationship as necessary and that counselling and spiritual direction are essential in enhancing their psychosocial well-being. These reinforced healthy interpersonal relationships among themselves. However, most of them had problems receiving feedback from other people and arguing with those who gave unfavorable feedback.
Keywords: Interpersonal Relationship, Psychosocial Well-being, Consecrate
Brand Architecture and Performance of Water Bottling Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya
The broad objective of the study was to establish the effect of brand architecture on performance of water bottling firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of brand architecture on firm performance. Testable hypothesis was derived from extant literature and tested through regression analysis. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey with primary data gathered from 209 major water bottling firms in Nairobi, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study achieved a response rate of 67.9%. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research results revealed a statistically significant relationship between brand architecture and non-financial firm performance (R2 =0.704, F= 333.64, p-value<0.05); financial firm performance (R2 = 0.692, F= 314.904, p-value <0.05). These results are consistent with those of previous study findings on the relationship between brand architecture and firm performance. The study results will facilitate policy makers in the enactment of policies that will facilitate access to resources that promote investment in the brand development process linked to brand architecture. In practice, the findings will support managers in obtaining approval for additional resources required for brand architecture. The study underscores the significance of brand architecture in enhancing performance. The results of the study have contributed to theory, policy, and practice. The study outcomes enhance the existing brand architecture and firm performance body of knowledge, by empirically testing the hypotheses in the Kenyan context.
Keywords: Brand Architecture, Firm Performance, Water Bottling Industry, Nairobi City County, Keny
Effect of Interest Rates on Economic Growth in Bangladesh
The interest rate is the amount of interest paid by a borrower to a lender and is set by the central bank of a certain country. Interest rate is regarded as a key variable affecting savings and investment. The interest rate which is set by the central bank is called the base rate. The base rate affects the aggregate output. Thus, the study examined the effect of interest rates on economic growth in Bangladesh. The study did a literature review to have an overview of what others found regarding the effect of interest rates on economic growth. Based on the findings of the study, it was revealed that interest rates affect economic growth. The reduction of interest rates increases economic growth. If the interest rate is good, it keeps output growth high. The study discovered that low rates of interest help the economy grow since people can get more money to make purchases and invests in businesses, thus spurring economic growth. Access to loans from financial institutions depends on interest rates. A country cannot grow if the cost of borrowing is very high and this is significantly influenced by the interest rates. The study also noted that when the base rate increase, the interest rates from the financial institution also increases. Hence, interest rates affect the economic growth in Bangladesh. High rates tend to reduce the pace of economic development. The research concluded that interest rates should be made at a reasonable rate to spur economic growth. The study recommended that the central bank in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Bank, should develop policies and frameworks that will ensure the interest rates are key as low as possible. The government needs to embrace policies that will aid Bangladesh control interest rates and raise money circulation in the economy.
Keywords: Interest Rates, Economic Growth, Banglades
Teaching and Learning Barriers in Inclusive Education for Physically Impaired Students and Their Academic Performance in Selected Secondary Schools in Rwanda a Case in Bugesera District
Rwandan Education System gives equal chances to all students to access schooling regardless of their background including students with physical disability by empowering them with well-equipped skills, values, attitude and knowledge needed for every child without any discrimination. The main target of this research project was to examine the effect of learning and teaching barriers in inclusive education for physically impaired students on their academic performance in selected secondary schools of Bugesera District, Rwanda. The researcher adopted the descriptive survey design because the study sought to gain insight or perception into a phenomenon as a way of providing basic information in an area of study and the population of this study comprised of 647 respondents including 185 teachers, 15 head teachers, 432 students 15 deputy head teachers in charge of studies. The Researcher used simple random sampling technique to choose students, Stratified sampling technique was used to select teachers and the researcher used purposive sampling to select head teacher and deputy head teachers. The researcher used Yamane formula to determine the sample size population. Objective one was based on the identification of teaching and learning barriers therefore The findings revealed that the teaching and learning barriers were inadequate school infrastructures barriers, inappropriate teaching and learning approaches used by the teachers, lack of parents engagement and teachers qualification. Objective two was based on the impact of teaching and learning barriers on physically impaired students ‘academic performance therefore results indicated that 95.9% of respondents highlighted that they affect students’ academic performance negatively. Therefore it was indicated with the Pearson correlation coefficient(r) of 0.941 to indicate that they were strongly positively and statistically significant means that the well-dressed teaching and learning barriers in inclusive education for physically impaired students enhance the students’ academic performance in secondary schools of Bugesera District, Rwanda. It was shown by the regression analysis model with R Square of 0.886 means that more strategies to prevent teaching and learning barriers were appreciated to enhance, promote the Students’ academic performance in Rwanda. The Researcher recommended that government should continue advocating for the physically impaired students for the betterment of their academic performance, Ministry of education should organize CPDs for the teachers on how to identify and support the SEN, and Government should promote job creation for the SEN students after completion of their education.
Keywords: Teaching and Learning Barriers, Inclusive Education, Impaired Students, Academic Performance, Physically Impaired Students
E-Procurement and Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Procurement functions have become a strategic unit for many organizations because huge costs can be cut down through prudent procurement hence an increase in profitability. The study assessed the impact of e-procurement practices on performance in large manufacturing firms in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The procurement practices included e-bidding, e-tendering, e-purchasing and e-sourcing. This study was based on contingency theory and technology acceptance theory. The target population for the study was large-sized manufacturing firms in Buenos Aires, Argentina where the unit of analysis were procurement managers and procurement supervisors. SPSS software for analysis. Regression analysis results indicated that E-bidding, E-tendering. E-purchasing and performance, the regression analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship. E-sourcing was positively and significantly related to the performance of large manufacturing firms in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The study concluded that the firms adopt various E-procurement practices which include; E-bidding, E-tendering, E-purchasing and E-sourcing as a way of improving their financial performance. The study recommends that large manufacturing should adopt E-procurement practices owing to their immense benefits to the performance of the firm which includes; improved financial performance, reduced inbound lead time and efficiency and increased procurement volumes processed. The study further recommends that large manufacturing firms contemplating adopting E-procurement practices should integrate their systems since a lack of system integration is a major challenge to E-procurement.
Keywords: E-Procurement, Manufacturing Firms, Buenos Aires, Argentina
 
Outsourcing and Performance of the Manufacturing Firms in Malaysia
The performance of an organization is regarded as fundamental in influencing its sustainability. The performance can be determined using financial and non-financial indicators. Financial indicators such as net profits, return on assets, return on equity and return on investments are key determinants of performance. The non-financial measures such as customer base, market share and employee retention supplement the financial measures. The study examined the effect of outsourcing on the performance of manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Outsourcing is the procurement of commodities/services from other external sources that are not within the firm. Outsourcing also refers to delegating in-house functions/processes/services to a third party. It is a commonly practised strategy in private and public firms. The study was literature based on the current study's findings that depended on the existing literature. The study findings revealed that outsourcing has a positive effect on performance. Outsourcing intends to seek an expert to handle business operations outside the existing firm. It is impossible to revoke the outsourcing contracts and return the functions to the parent firm. Outsourcing non-core activities can improve efficiency and productivity because another entity performs these smaller tasks better than the firm. This strategy may also lead to faster turnaround times, increased competitiveness within an industry, and the cutting of overall operational costs. The study concluded that outsourcing positively affects the performance of manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Organizations have embraced outsourcing methods to lower the cost of doing business. It is also concluded that many organizations encounter the challenge of bringing together many business operations that they cannot manage alone. The study recommended that manufacturing firms can outsource essential services and products that are not produced internally. Managers need to use clear outsourcing techniques to realize their full usefulness. They should also provide more frameworks for choosing outsourcing vendors, which will benefit the firms in the event of a need to prevent a financial crisis.
Keywords: Outsourcing, Performance, manufacturing firms, Malaysia
 
Financial Role of Insurance on Economic Development in Denmark
The insurance plays an essential role in economic development by alleviating business risks occasioned by abrupt and disastrous incidents in established and developing nations. Thus, the research assessed the financial role of insurance on economic development in Denmark. The research adopted the descriptive research design. The target population was 200 insurance companies. The research study sampled 100 participants that were chosen from the target population of 200. The sampling technique that was considered the most appropriate was stratified. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the data. The study results showed that insurance is significant in impacting the economic development in Denmark. Insurance activity improves families and organizations' financial stability and helps with competitiveness and the growth of trade and business. Insurance companies help businesses mitigate risk and protect their employees, thus spurring economic development. In addition, insurance companies help finance economic development projects. The study recommended that more emphasis should be developed by all the stakeholders in Denmark, including the government, to ensure the insurance companies are sustainable. The regulatory authorities should establish policies to make it attractive for its residents to patronize the insurance business. This would certainly translate to enhanced insurance investment and more outcomes to the development of the economy because insurance investment has a positive link with GDP. Insurance policies must be made mandatory for people and enterprises to motivate and shield financiers and ensure sustained economic growth.
Keywords: Insurance, Economic Development, Denmar