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Proposed Solutions to Address the Challenges of Medical Waste Management in Health Facilities in Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textMedical waste management in Kenya has been greatly affected by the country's elevated production levels. The majority of medical facilities do not have an extensive medical waste management system, or if they do, they do not handle waste thoroughly, and therefore is detrimental to humans and the environment. This research focuses on health facilities’ management of medical waste in Kamukunji sub-county, assessing the specific problems of medical waste management in that area. This was a study focusing on healthcare workers, their working conditions and habits. This study was an analytical cross-sectional study design. Multistage sampling methods for the selection of 10 health facilities and 141 study participants. The R square was 0.746, indicating that medical waste management was harmed by a lack of funding, insufficient logistics, a lack of disposal sites, and a lack of understanding. This demonstrated a 74.6 percent variance in healthcare waste management due to a lack of funding, insufficient logistical supply, a lack of disposal site, and a lack of awareness. The remaining 25.4% implies that there were additional issues affecting the healthcare waste management systems of the ten health facilities evaluated. By explicitly identifying a given color with a certain category and its accompanying hazard, segregation aids to make waste processing safer. During the research period, Pumwani Maternity Hospital generated the most medical waste (80Kg) and Bahati Health Center generated the least (15Kg). The study concludes that periodic updates in medical waste management are necessary, as is refresher training for healthcare professionals and waste handlers. Additionally, it is advised that each health care facility have a safe and hygienic system in place for the handling, segregation, c collection, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of medical waste. All health facilities in Kenya, the study states, should adhere to the National Policy on Injection Safety and Medical Waste Management (2007). The 2007 strategy aims to emphasize the need of advocating for both the support and execution necessary to adequately manage healthcare waste.
Keywords: Medical waste generation, health risks, medical waste management solutions, challenges of medical waste management, health facilitie
Predictors of Smoking Initiation among the Youth In Kiambaa Sub County, Kiambu County
No full textThis study explored the predictors of smoking initiation among the youth by focusing at 116,637 youths aged 12-34 years in Kiambaa Sub-County. A sample size of 384 youths was calculated using Fishers Formula. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the youth. Logit model was used to evaluate association between the smoking predictors and smoking initiation among youth in Kiambaa Sub County. It was found that 58.5 percent of the youth ever smoked. Most youth first smoked at the average age 17 years. The significant social economic factors that predict smoking initiation among youth in Kiambaa Sub County include gender, age, educational attainment by parent/guardian, marital status and family size while the significant psychosocial risk factors include use of alcohol and drugs, peer influence, awareness level and self-esteem. The study concludes that the significant predictors of smoking initiation among youth in Kiambaa Sub County fall under two categories; social economic and psychosocial risk factors. There is need for sensitization and educational campaigns among youth on the dangers of smoking in form of seminars, workshops by the county government in conjunction with youth groups and NACADA, widespread sensitization and education against smoking through the mainstream media including radio stations, televisions, social media and newspapers. Parents and guardians should also be role models to the youth and avoid smoking in the presence of children or young people. Educational institutions including schools, colleges and rehabilitation centers need to further create awareness among youth on the dangers associated with smoking.
Keywords: Smoking, Initiation, Youth, Smoking Predictor
Delay to Treatment Initiation among Rifampicin Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Kenya
No full textDrug-resistant tuberculosis surveillance attempts to detect and treat drug-resistant tuberculosis as early as possible in order to avoid transmission, illness, and mortality among people who are afflicted. In Kenya, the delay in starting RR TB treatment has not been established, and its relationship to treatment outcomes is unknown. To investigate the relationship between delayed RR TB therapy commencement and treatment results in Kenyan patients enrolled between January 2010 and June 2013. A retrospective cohort review of 208 randomly chosen RR TB patients treated between January 2010 and June 2013 was conducted. Delay was defined as the interval in days between sample collection and treatment beginning that was on the right side of the median. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the delay in starting RR TB treatment and treatment outcomes, as well as the factors related with the delay. The male to female ratio in the 208 cases was 1.7:1. The youngest and oldest were 2 and 66 years old, respectively. The average age at registration was 34.48 years old [95% CI 32.7,36.3] and the average weight was 50kg [95% CI: 47.73,50.94]. 26.92% (56) were HIV +, and 95% (53) were on ART. 64% Culture and traditional DST were used to diagnose 65% of the patients, while GeneXpert was used to diagnose 35%. The average time to therapy (delay) was 99 days, with a range of 0 to 599 days. The treatment was 82% successful (59% cured, 23% completed). Unfavorable outcomes accounted for 18% of all outcomes. As indicated by X2 = (0.1858), p =0.666, which is more than 0.05, there was no significant difference between delayed and undelayed treatment outcomes. Male patients were 0.03048 times more likely to have an unfavorable outcome than female patients, and patients from the North Eastern region were 23.46 times more likely to have an unfavorable outcome than patients from the Central region. According to a single study, using culture and DST for RR TB diagnosis was substantially linked with delaying treatment beginning and starting treatment in the second quarter of the year (P of 0.000 and 0.005 respectively). Delay in starting treatment is not connected with treatment results in RR TB patients. When compared to culture and DST, GeneXpert considerably lowers time to therapy initiation. Early diagnostic and treatment efforts should be increased to prevent TB transmission and morbidity.
Keywords: Delay to treatment, Rifampicin, Resistant, Tuberculosis, Patient
Generic Competitive Strategies and Organizational Performance in Manufacturing Industries in Rwanda: A Case of Sulfo Industries Ltd
No full textThe business models incur high costs, limited uniqueness of feature of products and fewer resources that present the significant negative effect on organization performance. The overall study of this research is to assess generic competitive strategies and organization performance in Rwanda. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of cost leadership strategy on performance of Sulfo Industries Ltd, to examine the effect of differentiation strategy on performance of Sulfo Industries Ltd and to assess the effect of focus strategy on performance of Sulfo Industry Ltd. In research methodology, researcher used a descriptive research in both quantitative and qualitative. The target population was 135 from which a sample of 100 respondents was selected using formula developed by Slovenes. Therefore, researcher used a simple random sampling technique and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21. Findings and recommendations for this research provided a clear understanding and guidance for better management of Sulfo Industries Ltd. The information collected from respondents showed that 83.2% strongly agreed that Sulfo Industry applies generic competitive strategies where low costs led to desired performance. This was also agreed or confirmed by 13(12.9) of surveyed respondents. Therefore, differentiation strategy shows the uniqueness and premium price of products. This was as strongly agreed by 37(36.6) and 81(60.4) respectively. The information collected also revealed that 64(63.4) of surveyed respondents strongly agreed that the focus strategy aims at increasing the market share in a niche market to achieve performance. This was also agreed by 33(32.7) of surveyed respondents. However, the magnitude of association is indicated by regression of 1.040, which is statistically significant as the p-value is 0.000 as < 0.05. Moreover, it is highly recommended to maintain generic competitive strategies of Porters, which play a great role on organization performance within competitive market. The industry needs to establish code of conducts, undertake training opportunities, reduce unnecessary cost and encourage quality and quantitative products all these will lead to the desired performance.
Keywords: Generic Competitive Strategies, Organizational Performance, Manufacturing Industries, Sulfo Industries, Rwand
Effect of Trade Union Practices on Employees Welfare at Export Processing Zones Industries in Athi River, Kenya
No full textThe Constitution of Kenya specifically recognizes the freedom of association to form and belong to trade unions. However, despite the adoption of the Labour Relations Act, union practice is still hampered by excessive restrictions. The EPZ companies are labor intensive requiring a large amount of labor to produce its goods or service and thus, the welfare of the employees play a key role in their functions. This study sought to determine the effect of trade union practices on employees’ welfare at export processing zones industries in Athi River, Kenya. The specific objectives sought to determine the effect of collective bargaining agreements, industrial action, dispute resolution and trade union representation on employees’ welfare at export processing zones industries in Athi River, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. Primary data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The target population of the study was employees in EPZ companies in Athi River, Kenya with large employees enrolled in active trade unions. The unit of observation was the employees in the trade unions. The findings indicated that collective bargaining agreements had a positive and significant coefficient with employees’ welfare at the EPZ industries. Industrial action had a positive but non-significant effect with employees’ welfare at Export Processing Zones industries. Dispute resolution had a positive and significant coefficient with employees’ welfare at the EPZ industries. Trade union representation had a positive and significant coefficient with employees’ welfare at the EPZ industries. The study recommended that trade union should avoid the path of confrontation but continue dialogue through the collective bargaining process and demands should be realistic in nature with what is obtainable in the related industry. An existence of a formal two way communication between management and trade unions will ensure that right message is properly understood and on time too.
Keywords: Collective Bargaining Agreements, Industrial Action, Dispute Resolution, Trade Union Representation, Employees Welfare & Export Processing Zone
Inventory Management Practices and Operational Performance of Manufacturing Companies in Rwanda: A Case of Bralirwa Plc
No full textOperational performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda has been an issue of concern to various stakeholders. This study’s main objective was to determine the effect of inventory management practices on operational performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda. Based on my research and analysis the manufacturing companies, the study was guided by the following specific objectives: to establish the effect of vendor managed inventory on operational performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda; to determine the effect of demand forecasting on operational performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda; to establish the effect of Just-in-Time on operational performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda. This study was based on Goldrat’s Theory of Constraints and Network Perspective Theory. Piloting was done on respondents over a period of two weeks to gain an understanding of the ways in which inventory management practices would affect manufacturing companies’ service delivery and operational efficiency. This study adopted cross sectional survey research design. The target population of the study consisted of 42 employees of Bralirwa Plc from the supply chain, finance, marketing, sales and human resources departments. The study sampled all 42 using census technique because targeted population was small. The study found that vendor managed inventory, demand forecasting and Just-in-Time affect operational performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda. The study further found that vendor Managed Inventory had significant effect with operational Performance of Bralirwa Plc, Kigali (B=.719; p<0.001). There is no significant statistical effect of Demand Forecasting on Operational Performance of Bralirwa Plc, Kigali. There was a statistically significant effect of Demand Forecasting on operational Performance of Bralirwa Plc, Kigali (B=.768; p<0.001).” The null hypothesis was rejected and the alternate accepted. The study concluded that there was a significant statistical effect of Demand Forecasting on operational Performance of Bralirwa Plc, Kigali. There is no significant effect of Just-in-Time on Operational Performance of Bralirwa. The study concluded that vendor managed inventory, demand forecasting and Just-in-Time affects operational performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda. The study recommends that Bralirwa Plc, Kigali should employ more vendor managed inventory practices to enhance the operational performance in manufacturing companies on vendor flexibility, strategic plans should factor in both short term and long-term demand forecasting in order to improve on the operational performance.
Keywords: Inventory Management Practices, Operational Performance, Rwand
Effect of Strategic Leadership on Performance of Manufacturing Firms in China
No full textStrategic leadership usually does not come easily in some firms. Strategic leadership needs organizations to reason, act, and impact others in various means that enhance the company's enduring success. The study thus examined the effect of strategic leadership on the performance of manufacturing firms in China. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The target population consisted of managers and employees working in JingHongYi PCB (HK) Co., Limited. Notably, the target population was 330 participants. The data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings showed that strategic leadership has a positive effect on the performance of manufacturing firms in China. Given the unstable business environment, good strategic leadership is vital in an organization's decision-making to ensure short-term success and long-term sustainability. Strategic leadership positively affects strategic alignment, which, in turn, has a beneficial impact on firm performance. The study concluded that strategic leadership has a positive and significant effect on performance. The study recommended that organizations consider strategic leadership as one of the key contributors to the success of the organizations. The strategic leadership methods need to be examined and adapted in all manufacturing firms since there is a need for strategic leaders in companies who can explore the opportunities in a turbulent environment.
Keywords: Strategic Leadership, Performance, Manufacturing Firms, Chin
Job Security Strategy and Job Satisfaction of Non-Teaching Staff in Public Universities in Lagos State
No full textAs institutions’ global environment becomes increasingly complex and inconsistent, the non-teaching staff agitations get intensified, thus, today’s institutions require dedicated focus. In the light of this, it is needful to identify and evaluate the issue of non-teaching staff agitations. Interestingly, studies are not forthcoming in Nigeria to address the above concern. Thus, this study examined job security strategy and job satisfaction of non-teaching staff in the public universities in Lagos State. The study used a mixed-method, and the population consisted of 4,800 non-teaching staff. The multi-stage sampling technique and a validated structured questionnaire were adapted for data collection. A 100% response rate was achieved. The job Security coefficient value was -0.283, an indication of negative effects on job satisfaction of the non-teaching staff in public universities in Lagos State. The result also revealed that Job Security was significant at 5% because the probability of its value was less than 0.05. Since the results revealed that Job Security had a significant effect on Job Satisfaction of non-teaching staff in the public universities in Lagos State, the study concluded that Job Security can strategically elicit job satisfaction of non-teaching staff in the public universities in Lagos State. Accordingly, this study recommends that the universities’ authorities need to reconfigure their employment policies, purposely, to eliminate unfair labor practices which may be facilitating threats, unfair dismissal, obscured career path, anti unions disposition, and unfair hearing on issues.
Keywords: Job Security, Strategy, Non-Teaching Staff, Job Satisfaction, Public Universities, Lagos State
The Nexus Between Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Communication and Organizational Performance: A Critical Literature Review
No full textStrategic decisions are long term, highly unstructured, complex, inherently risky, and have a great impact on the future of the organization. Strategic decisions are those important decisions that typically require a vast number of organizational resources, and consideration of the firm’s environment consideration. Decision-making is so important that none of the managerial functions can be performed without it. Decisions influence organizational direction, administration, and structure. Decisions can be costly or beneficial depending on the approach of the decision-making process, the quality of the decisions made. In this regard, strategic decision- making should be well communicated. In an organic company with a stated focus on the people who make it up, its flexibility allows important information to arrive in necessary doses, impacting daily decisions and in the organization itself, with no conflicting messages to the market and simplifying the process of an implementation strategy. Communication holds several fences to implementing a strategy in a company. The strategies of communication are created when there is a crisis or a major event clearly requiring communication issues to be resolved. Most companies understand and appreciate the importance of creating strategic plans to drive decision making over the long term. Strategic and proper communication gives a channeling on how to deal with upheavals such as major changes in the company or organization, layoffs and downsizing, and technological change. The idea is that the companies cannot organize organizational resources without knowing where the organization wants to be and how it will get there, hence effective communication is a key factor to consider. This paper sought to establish the relationship between strategic decision making, the organizational performance and the role of strategic communication on the relationship. The paper adopted a qualitative research design and used secondary data. A critique on previous studies done by scholars. A significant relationship between strategic decision-makings and organization performance was established. The paper revealed that strategic decision-makings and organization performance will be incorporated as such decision support system these factors will be the catalyst between strategic decision-makings and organization performance. The paper recommended that responsible managers should be geared towards facing and tackling the challenges of strategic communication like poor authority structure, lack of coordination and support from other management levels and resistance from lower levels and poor planning activities in order to realize better performance.
Keywords: Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Communication, Organisational performanc
Influence of Modern Technology on Revenue Mobilization on Organizational Performance of Nairobi County Government, In Kenya
No full textRevenue mobilization practices have been adopted globally with the aim of enhancing development at all levels. Despite revenue being collected all the time. Available studies show that not all practices have contributed effectively in mobilizing the available revenues for performance for socio economic development. In Kenya the advent of devolution has implied that counties will have to device appropriate ways of enhancing resource avenues for socio economic development, Instead of over dependence on the exchequer. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of modern technology on organizational performance in Nairobi City County. The research adopted a descriptive research design. Target population comprised 819.The population of this study comprised chief officers, directors, accountants and revenue officers. A sample size of 382 was used. The study used stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires. The validity of the research instrument was verified by researchers’ supervisors. To test internal consistency, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.7 and above was used to meet the threshold. The collected data was analyzed by help of SPSS version 22. Descriptive analysis including mean, standard deviation, percentages and frequencies was used while inferential analysis which included Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and simple regression to test the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. Data was presented using tables and figures. The findings indicated that training, had a positive and significant effect in Nairobi county organizational performance. The study concluded that technology contribute significantly to the organizational performance of Nairobi county in Kenya. From the results, the study recommended that the Nairobi county to strengthen their modern technology aspects. These are: put up more revenue collection infrastructure and management and automated tax collection.
Key Words: Training, Revenue Mobilization and Organizational Performance