Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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The Influence of Motivation on Teacher Performance in Boarding Secondary Schools of the Western Province of Rwanda
No full textThis study intended to investigate the influence of motivation on teacher performance in boarding secondary schools of Western Province of Rwanda-Nyamasheke District. The theory underpinning the study was based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of human needs, classifies needs from physiological to self-actualization needs that when provided to the employees their performance increases. It implies that if employees are motivated without prejudice based upon their respective inputs, it leads them to the increase of the performance and executes their tasks effectively. The undesired living conditions of teachers in Nyamasheke District has been a problem to teachers performance which influenced the authorities to decide that boarding secondary schools teachers should be motivated in order to improve their performance and living conditions. This study is significant to everyone who wants to promote education through valuing teachers. The target population of 222 respondents comprising of teachers, Head teachers and Sector Education Inspectors (SEIs) from whom the sample size of 143 people were selected using simple random sampling, stratified random sampling techniques by the use of Slovin’s formula. The study utilized the descriptive research design, and both quantitative and qualitative descriptive approaches were adopted. Questionnaires and interview were utilized as the instruments of data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21.0 through frequency tables, figures and Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation. The results of the study revealed that there were two major types of motivations namely intrinsic and extrinsic motivations where when teachers were provided with the necessary basic needs and treated with considerations they improve their teaching performance. In order to motivate teachers extrinsically, head teachers, parents and education officials ensured that teachers get incentives and bonuses as a supplement to their monthly salary. The results showed that boarding secondary schools teachers of Nyamasheke District perform higher than 80%. This was proved by 70% of the head teachers who were asked about the level of teachers in their respective schools, 80% of the educational officials at sector level who revealed that the performance of teachers in boarding secondary schools of Nyamasheke District is high as effects of receiving regular incentives. As to whether there was a relationship between teacher motivation and teacher performance, the findings have proved that there was high positive Karl Pearson Coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.742 to the side of teachers; and 0.711 to head teachers; which meant that when teachers are either extrinsically or intrinsically motivated their performance increase. The researcher recommended that school authorities and educational officials have to keep motivating teachers in one way or another in order to get required performance.
Keywords: Teacher’s intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, teacher’s performance
Students’ Attitude and Smart Learning in Public Secondary Schools of Bugesera District-Rwanda
No full textThe use of ICT creates a powerful learning environment and it transforms the learning and teaching process in which students deal with knowledge in an active, self-directed and constructive way (Volman & Van Eck, 2001). This study investigated students’ attitudes towards smart learning in selected public secondary schools in Bugesera district, Rwanda. The objectives of the study were to: ascertain the students’ attitude towards learning using ICT tools in smart classroom, assess the factors that influence students’ attitudes towards smart learning. The sample size of 185 respondents was selected. The participants of the study were 8 head teachers, 8 deputy head teachers, 48 teachers and 121 students who were selected from 8 public secondary schools of Bugesera district, Rwanda. The schools and teachers were selected through a purposive sampling technique while students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. This study adopted a descriptive design where quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Quantitative data were analysed, presented in tables and graphs, through descriptive statistics with the SPSS version 16.1. Qualitative data were analysed and presented in categories and themes through content analysis. Findings were summarized, general conclusion drawn and recommendation forwarded. It was found that 96.6 % of students liked the idea of using ICTs in learning, and even interact with ICTs when provided with homework and other activities to search on internet by teachers. The teachers (52.4 %) corroborated the students’ views. Results from the analysis of qualitative data suggest 4 major sub-themes (heavy workload, accessibility of tools and, school rules and regulations, teachers’ self-efficacy and lack of full learner engagement) on factors that influence students’ attitudes towards learning using ICT tools. The important recommendations are that Ministry of Education should develop pre-service and in-service staff training programs that are tailored to the school programs to keep raising teachers’ self-efficacy in order to enable the full integration of ICT in the teaching and learning process. Schools should plan for other places to access the computers from, like library and staffroom.
Keywords: Smart learning, Students’ perception, Students’ attitude, ICT, E-Learning, Smart classroom
Effect of Motivational Factors on Job Performance in Technical Secondary Schools (TSS) in Rwanda
No full textThe job performance of teachers can vary depending various motivational factors exposed to them. This means that the learning institutions should manage effectively the provision of teachers’ motivation for the purpose of improving their job performance in their daily schooling activities. The purpose of this paper therefore, was to establish the relationship between teacher motivational factors and job performance in Technical Secondary schools (TSSs) in Muhanga district in Rwanda. The target population was 212 respondents that provided the sample size of 146 got using Yamane formula. Semi-structured interview, structured questioned and observation were used as data collection instruments. The findings showed that salary and wages, getting free accommodations and lunch meals are considered to one the factors associated with extrinsic motivation. On the other hand, self-control, expectation cooperation and completion as well as recognition were considered to be one of the factors associated with intrinsic motivation. The findings also revealed that an average of 87.58% of teachers agreed on the job performance of TSSs teachers located in Muhanga district. However, it was perceived that having effective course management by teachers was indicated to be at high level of teachers’ job performance as indicated by the mean of 4.1 and 0.80 of standard deviation. Finally, the findings stated that there is a statistical significance high degree of positive correlation between teacher motivational factors and job performance as it was proved by Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) which was 0.724. The study concluded that the periodic increase of salary and wage significantly improve the performance level of teachers and school performance while de-motivation of teachers in their daily activities leads to job deployment. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should provide enough Technical Teaching materials within the TSS and enforce technical trainings for teachers in order to improve TVET Quality education. The Ministry of education should also make regular follow up based on teaching activities for private secondary schools. The study further recommended that TSSs administration should provide meals and accommodation to teachers at the schools for better teaching and achieving the learning objectives. The study also recommended teachers should prepare teaching requirements regularly and effective use of available teaching materials.
Keywords: Motivation, motivational factors, Job performance and technical secondary schools
Covid-19 Break and Its Impact on High School Girls in Migwani Sub-County
No full textOn January 30 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Corona Virus Disease a Public Health Emergency of Global concern. In April 28 2020 the COVID-19 infections globally had reached over 3.04 million people with reported deaths amounting to over 211,305, and slightly over 895,261 confirmed recovered cases. The emergence of Covid-19 pandemic resulted to restricted movement except for essential services such as specialized medical care and security services among others. Major transportation means ceased ranging from air transport to sea and land. Most governments imposed quarantine measures to curb the spread of the Corona Virus Disease. The quarantine measures were extended to learning institutions. The Ministry of Education in Kenya moved fast to introduce a raft of measures in schools to protect the learners from contacting the virus. This led to the closing of all learning institutions. The break was so long than ever experienced in Kenya before, running from 15 March 2020 to 5 October 2020.The learners were now at the hands of parents and guardians for seven months consecutively. This was quite abnormal as it has never happened before and more so in our generation. , this theoretical paper review sought to look at the COVID-19 impact on high school girls in Migwani Sub-County and gives recommendations on the way forward. The study employed mixed methods research design owing to the fact that this was an effective design that accommodated both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings revealed that 31 schools reported pregnancies of girls, 23 schools reported dropouts of girls, while 30 schools reported poor academic performance and finally 14 schools reported that girls were married off. The study recommended that high school principals needed to come up with strategies on how to enhance the parent teacher and learner relationship. In addition, the parents needed to take charge of their daughters by ensuring close contact where the parents can create rapport necessary for the daughters to have confidence needed to disclose their personal needs.
Keywords: Covid-19, Impact, School, Girls, Migwan
Instructional Learning Materials’ Use and Students Academic Outcomes in Private Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case Study of Nyarugenge District
No full textThe study aimed at investigating the influence of instructional learning materials use on students’ academic outcomes in private secondary schools in Nyarugenge District. The objectives that guided the study were: to identify the instructional learning materials used by teachers in the teaching and learning process in secondary schools of Rwanda; to assess the students’ academic outcomes resulting from the implication of instructional learning materials in teaching and learning process; to establish relationship between instructional learning materials and the students’ academic outcomes. The study was guided by system theory and descriptive survey design and correlational design. The sample of 244 respondents including students, teachers, headteachers and deputy headteacher in charge of study participated in this study. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used to collect data. Frequencies, percentages, mean, thematic approach and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were used to analyse collected data, whereas, tables, figures and textual model were used to present collected data. The study findings revealed textbooks, worksheets, computers, chats, projectors, recoding books for students’ progress, chalks, internet sources, laboratory materials and workshops as the commonly used teaching and learning materials in private secondary schools in Nyarugenge district. Furthermore, findings revealed that computers and laboratory materials are not adequately used. The findings from teachers revealed that 68% of participated teachers agreed that effective use of instructional learning materials in teaching and learning process improves learners’ motivations in learning, and improves students’ academic outcomes, 82% of teachers reported that effective use of instructional learning materials improves students class participations. Furthermore, findings revealed a significant relationship between instructional learning materials and the student’s academic outcomes in private secondary schools in Nyarugenge district. This was revealed by p- value of 0.000 in the findings given by students and p- value of 0.004 in the findings given by the teachers. In addition, findings revealed that there is a positive degree of relationship between instructional learning materials and students’ academic outcomes as shown by the computed Karl Pearson product moment correlational coefficient of 0.433 and 0.78 findings from students and teachers respectively. The study recommended that students need to use effectively and efficiently available leaning materials in their schools. Teachers should use available learning materials in effective ways. In the schools where there are inadequate learning materials, they should explain to their leader the need for these materials. The study also recommended that school leaders should do all possible measures to provide their schools with adequate learning materials.
Keywords: Students’ academic outcomes, instructional materials, learning outcomes, private secondary schools, Nyarugenge District, Rwand
Legitimacy Status and Capacity to conduct Social Accountability among Community Based Organizations in Kenya. A Survey of Health Civil Society Organizations in Siaya County
No full textThe study investigated the influence of legitimacy status and capacity to conduct social accountability among community-based organizations in Kenya with a specific focus on health-related Civil Society Organization in Siaya County, Kenya. Since devolution in Kenya, pressure has been put on local Civil Society Organization to engage with county leadership and hold them accountable to communities they serve. As a result of this, local communities and development partners have put a lot of expectations on the Civil Society Organizations. This has been more pronounced in sectors such as healthcare, which were fully devolved under the current constitutional dispensation. Despite this, Civil Society Organizations have not lived to this expectation. They have not been effective as many of them lack the requisite capacities to advocate for policy change. This formed the rationale of conducting the study. The study employed a descriptive research study design and targeted a population comprising of the twenty-eight Civil Society Organization implementing health related interventions in Siaya County. The study primarily made use of the primary data which was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was grouped, organized and categorized according to specific objectives. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the data and establish the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for analysis and data was presented using Tables. The study results indicated there is moderately positive and statistically significant (r=0.395; Sig= 0.03) relationship between legitimacy status and capacity of health Civil Society Organization’s to conduct social accountability. The study concluded that legitimacy of the health Civil Society organization enhances their capacity to conduct social accountability. The study recommended that only duly registered community-based organizations should be empowered to implement funded community projects, including social accountability interventions. The organizations’ governance structures should be regulated such that their composition and structure should not be dominated by family members, but the wider community. The study also recommended that legitimacy could be improved by improving community representation and participation in CSOs activities including management and governance issues.
Keywords: Civil Society, Legitimacy status, Siaya County, Social accountability and Staff competencie
The Influence of Devolved Governance System in Participation Management of Public Funds in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties in Meru Community, Kenya
No full textThe purpose of the study was to find out the influence of devolved governance system in participation management of public funds in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties in Meru community. Devolved governance system in Kenya has taken root with the central government devolving funds, policies and programs with minimal involvement of the people on the grass root level.. Since the advent of devolution it is critical to find out whether people have taken the initiative to influence governance and be involved in fund management. The research questions guiding the study were: What is the influence of Devolved System of Governance in managing funds in County Governments in Meru Community? What is the influence of devolution and public participation in governance of County Governments in Meru Community? How does devolution and political representation in counties influence performance of governance in County Governments in Meru Community? To which extent does devolution and public participation in decision making is being institutionalized by county governments in Meru community? What is the effectiveness of control activities in the management of public funds in county governments in Meru community? The research was conducted in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties and through purposeful sampling had two case studies from each county in Meru community. Data was collected using guided interviews and semi structured questions. The data was collected through a focus group discussion, documents and audio-visual materials.. The study examined the literature review to understand devolved governance system and its practice globally, regionally and in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties. The theoretical framework was anchored on the governance theory, devolution theory, management theory and participation theory which imply that citizens are able to participate in fund management. The study findings indicated that the devolved system of governance is able to improve on financial planning, which eases the decision making process. It improves the transparency on financial matters and there is accountability on financial utilization which has influenced the financial management in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties. The study concluded that public participation is a pivotal factor in the budgeting process as optimal participation by the public reduces instances of fractious processes and the budgets captured the wishes of the masses. The essence of assuring public participation is requisite in the quest to have openness in budget making.
Keywords: Devolved governance system, Participation, management, Public Funds
Selected Enterprise Resource Planning Modules and Organizational Performance of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), Rwanda
No full textEnterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system has been one of the best-admired business controlling systems, providing profits of simultaneous competencies and smoothnterchanging for business in big companies. The implementation of the system has however not been assessed by many companies, in respect to organizational running. This research had three objectives namely: to determine the effects of Human Management Systems of ERP module on organizational performance in WASAC, Rwanda; to identify the effects of purchase and procurement on organizational performance in WASAC, Rwanda; to show the correlation between ERP module and organizational performance in WASAC, Rwanda. The research design was cross-sectional with a target population of 459 staff, and a sample size of 82 respondents. Information was gathered using a self-administered survey from human resource department, procurement division, and other staff. The data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 21, where frequencies and percentage was shown. The findings were presented using tables, frequencies. Results showed that 52.8% and 47.2% of respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively, signifying that Oracle HRMSfacilitates you to record the types of education recognized by WASAC could rank vocational training qualification as level 3.The summation of the strong agreed and agreed is 100%, this is implies that the rank vocational training level of staff can verified through HRM system. The study findings revealed that r = 0.634, which means that there is a very strong positive correlation between the independent variables (recruitment preparation, talent management, compensation & benefits management), andthe dependent variable (operations and maintenance, sanitation and cost efficiency) .Impacts of the selected ERP on organizational performance are summarized in this research where findings can assist other managers in implementing ERP system successfully.
Keywords: Selected, Enterprise, Resource, Planning, Modules, Organizational, Performance, WASA
Risk Underwriting, Crisis Management, Regulatory Framework and Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya: A Case of Sanlam General Insurance Company
No full textInsurance companies are in the business of risk taking built on trust. Optimal underwriting and claims management standards are applied to safeguard insurers’ against exposure to underwriting losses for enhanced performance. The main objective was to determine the relationship among underwriting, crisis management, regulatory framework and performance of Sanlam general insurance company in Kenya. Descriptive research design was adopted. The target population for this study was 72 employees whereby a census of all the employees was conducted. Questionnaires were used for data collection. The results also revealed that risk underwriting has positive and significant effect on performance of Sanlam insurance company (B=.682, p=0.000<0.05). Crisis management has mediating effect on the relationship between underwriting and performance of Sanlam general insurance company while insurance regulations has a positive moderating effect on the nexus between underwriting and insurance performance implying that insurance regulations enhances operational efficiencies of insurance companies thus their financial performance. The study concludes that risk underwriting influences the performance of insurance companies, crisis management is a significant mediator in the relationship between underwriting and performance of insurance company while insurance regulations moderates the relationship between underwriting and performance of insurance company. There is need for the Sanlam Insurance Company to enhance the capability of its personnel to appropriately draft insurance related risks and claims though periodic trainings on underwriting risk. There is need for Sanlam Insurance to enhance their capacity of managing business crisis like financial crisis, reputation damage, market volatility and unfair competition. The study urges insurance regulatory authorities to undertake periodic assessment of the insurance service providers to ensure that the suggested business policies and guidelines are observed. The study also recommends for the need of updating insurance policies and guidelines on periodic basis to ensure that they align with changing business environment.
Keywords: Risk Underwriting, Crisis Management, Regulatory Framework, Performance of Insurance Companies, Sanlam General Insurance Compan
Internal Control Measures and Cost Reduction in Housekeeping Departments of 3-5 Star Hotels in Nairobi City County Kenya
No full textInternal control system is one of the fundamental issues from a global perspective. The growth of the global economy and many small and medium sized enterprises that are coming up in this century has led to the challenges in the management of resources and hence the need for the internal control systems. Internal control measures are generated to ensure that the assets and resources of the organization are safe guarded. They also assist in detecting against possible frauds that might occur in the organization. Various cost reduction mechanism have been adopted by many hotels in the various departments. However, many hotels have had difficulties in controlling costs which in the long run has always escalated the cost of expenses. Additionally, limited studies have been done on cost reduction measures in the housekeeping department of hotels.The study therefore sought to find out the internal control mechanisms adopted and their influence on costs in the housekeeping department on the various hotels that formed part of the study.The specific objectives for the study were to establish the types of internal control measures instituted in hotels that formed part of the study, to determine whether an internal monitoring and review system that can detect internal control weakness existed in the hotels that formed part of the study and lastly to determine whether the hotels in Nairobi often conduct risk assessment processes to avert any problems of internal control. The study was conducted in Nairobi County whereby the hotels that formed part of the study were selected through a census from the population. The study adopted descriptive survey design with both quantitative and qualitative research approaches for data collection and analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential analysis. The target population was 1380 middle and senior level staff in all the forty-eight (48) classified hotels comprising of 3-5-star hotels in Nairobi County.This population yielded a sample size of 300 respondents. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Validity and reliability of the research instruments was tested by conducting a pre- test of the study before embarking on the actual study. The quantitative data was regressed linearly to ascertain the relationship among the variables. Qualitative data was triangulated and analyzed based on the findings. The results revealed that there was a relationship between control environment and cost reduction was positive and statistically significant (r=.595, p<0.05). The relationship between control activities and cost reduction was positive and significant (r= 0.699, p<0.05), the relationship between monitoring system and cost reduction was positive and significant. (r= 0.690, p<0.05). There was a positive and significant correlation between Risk assessment and cost reduction (r =.679, p<0.05). The regression of the variables generated the R square value of 0.853 (R2 = 0.853) which indicated that the predictor variables explained 85.3% of the outcome variable a significant relationship among the variables. The study concluded there is a correlation between internal control measures and cost control yielding a strong positive relationship between the above mentioned variables. The study recommended that hotels in Nairobi County should endeavor to build capacity in getting good internal control measures to ensure that their cost reduction is not compromised.
Keywords: Housekeeping control environment, housekeeping control activities, housekeeping monitoring system, housekeeping risk assessment, internal control measures, cost reduction, 3-5 star hotels, Nairobi City County, Keny