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Growth Strategies and Performance of Faith Based Universities in Kenya: A Case of Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
No full textFaith based universities in Kenya faces challenges of enrolling students and acquiring qualified teaching staff due to the coming up of many institutions of higher learning as well as the competition from companies and senior public positions which remunerate highly and offer better terms of service inconsideration to what the universities offer. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of growth strategies on the performance of faith based universities in Kenya: A case of Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The study was anchored on Resource Based View Theory of Partnership, theory of new product development social cognitive theory and diversification theory. This study adopted a mixed methods research design in which both quantitative and qualitative approaches were combined. The study targeted top level, middle level and lower level staffs of CUEA categorized into 1 VC, 3 DVCs, 4 deans, 190 university teaching staffs, 10 administrative staffs and 117 support staffs made up of 108 cleaners and 9 supervisors. Simple random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 30% of the university teaching staffs, while purposive sampling approach was used to obtain sample for VC, DVC and deans. The qualitative data collected using questionnaire was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study used a multiple regression model to show the relationship between the study variables. The findings revealed that partnership strategy had a positive and significant effect on the performance (ß =.327, p=.012<.05), product development strategy had a positive and significant effect on the performance (ß =.227, p=.045<.05), product proactive marketing strategy had a positive but insignificant effect on the performance (ß =.211, p=.123>.05), while diversification strategy had a positive and significant effect on the performance (ß =.283, p=.020<.05). Based on the findings, the study concluded that growth strategies adopted had positive and significant effect on the performance of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, except for the variable on proactive marketing strategy that did not affect the performance significantly. The study thus recommended that the Catholic university of Eastern Africa should consider fully implementing growth strategies such as partnership, product development, proactive marketing and diversification strategies as ways of enhancing their performance.
Keywords: Partnership, Product, Development, Proactive, Marketing, Diversification, Strategy, Growth, Performance
Project management competency and project performance of Dam projects in China
No full textProject success can only be defined if project management are able to consider the contribution of benefits and if the project is able to achieve these measures in relation to competencies. Project managers are very lucky if they have the option to choose their project team. More often, their team is inherited to the project from various sectors of the organization. It is vital to have a good project team to work with, with the core skills that can be evolved to core competences and capabilities for the whole organization. The study establishes the effect of project management competence on project performance of dam projects in China. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Project management competence has a positive effect performance of dam projects. The study also concluded that project management competence affects performance of construction projects. Project management competence in terms of project initiation, project planning, monitoring and evaluation are required in the successful completion of project. The study recommends the adherence to proper project management competence to the performance and sustainability of the construction sector. Proper design and planning for projects should be done as accurately as possible and involving.
Key words: Project management competency, a, project performance, Dam projects, Chin
Community Participation: A Critique of Performance of Donor Funded Projects in Low Resource Countries
No full textDonor-funded projects continue as a complement to the role of government in providing developmental needs to the communities. Such needs comprise economic empowerment and employment creation to communities. Nonetheless, communities have not enjoyed these benefits and have instead remained poor. Some of them have been left worse off compared to pre-project implementation. Communities in low resource countries have not had their lives changed significantly even post-implementation as well as participation in projects aimed to create jobs and empower them. Donors also fail to receive value-for-money since the desired project outcomes are not achieved. A close linkage exists between community participation and performance of donor-funded projects, which is yet to be widely explored with community engagement as a key aspect of the project cycle. Community participation is anchored in all project development phases. Indeed, into a component that cannot be overlooked throughout the phases of the project cycle. In recent times, development proponent including governments and consortium of projects development donors has used the concept as a bargain for any project initiation. The concept has been a concern by developers including Western donors due to uncertainty of recent project performance aligned to their sponsorship. This paper focused on an analysis of studies that have been undertaken by different scholars on the concept of community participation. Through search engines such as Google Scholar, Zotero and others, 122 article journals were searched, synthesised where we selected 25 then finally identified the best 5 that addressed the area of study. We conformed to the latest publication ranging from 2013 to the current (7Years). The paper concluded that community participation is an imperative approach to the success of donor-funded project projects in low resource countries. The authors focused on a suitable participatory technique that can increase the sustainability of development projects of national and international NGOs. It was noted that participatory techniques have a positive impact on project sustainability, participatory planning and design influences participatory implementation, participatory planning and design and participatory need assessment. The five-article analysis recommended the strengthening of community participation in donor-funded projects, right from their inception to project closure and handover. Emphasis should be directed to community members' commitment as they participate in the project cycle. The adequacy of projects inputs, availability of community groups’ formation, capacity building, and level of acceptance, awareness and resource provision should also be enhanced. The community also have to be trained on participatory practices in development involvements. Proper communication should be enhanced as a recommendation through the project management cycle as well clear distribution of roles for all stakeholders within water management. It is further suggested that community members or beneficiaries should have consistent training to empower and increase their understanding regarding project sustainability or programs maintenance. It is recommended that further studies should focus on the factors that influence the sustainability of these projects.
Keywords: community participation, performance, donor funded project, low resource countrie
Literary Study of Invectives in Selected Works of H. K. Bidi Setsoafia
No full textThis study explored invective expressions, their cause, effects and gradations in defining literary elements and roles in literary works of Bidi Setsoafia. Since textual efficacy rather than material quantification is the phenomenon under investigation, this qualitative study offers a pristine understanding that invective usages form the anchor of literary works, communicative competence and language proficiency. Three literary works of Setsoafia, ‘Fia Tsatsala’ ‘Togbui Kpeglo II’ and ‘Mede Ablotsidela’ were closely studied for their invective embellishments. The study observes invective usages as expressions about real life activities. It focuses on the concept of optimal performance that the usage of a language form (invectives) depends on and defines the performer’s (character) mindset, communicative setting and its components that welcome and support actions, and the reflections that unearth meanings in diversity. The study tends to argues that every action is a performance and a reflection of personality and society; revealing themes and totality of norms and behaviours. Here, every invective use is a performance engineered by a purposed mindset to identify and respond to invective dynamisms, interrogate invective causes, effects, themes, aesthetics and cautions earthed by characters. The study found invectives as unavoidable language forms controlling meaning, actions and life and invective competence is a critical aspect of language and culture, traditionally enshrined in moral education, entertainment, across disciplines, in literary works as well as in everyday life activities. Invective competence seems a mark of language proficiency and cultural competence and every native speaker seems to be groomed right from childhood to be conscious of invectives and to appropriately engage in performances involving them. However, invective usage is heavily frowned upon. Finally, the novelistic use of invectives define tropes, establishes the efficacy of language in influencing character, character roles and actions, themes, aesthetics among others in literature. The study hypothesizes that literary elements are controlled by invective mindsets and every form of advice, persuasion, praise, edification, entertainment, responsibility or literature depends on invectives. The findings further reveal ethnophaulism, dehumanisation, sex, stereotype, body parts, and humour are invectives usage fields in the texts. They also contribute to mark the categorisation and gradations of invectives for specific roles, effects, and interpretations. The study concludes that humans naturally refuse to accept truth and when expressions expose their weaknesses or threaten their status and emotions, they regard it as invectives. The study suggests that invectives should not be treated as language usages that violet one’s rights but as useful tools for correcting, reprimanding, teaching, commending, and making fun of people and situations.
Keywords: Invectives, Insults, literary study, literary genre, literature, culture
 
Cheap Foreign Labor Costs in the Context of Globalization: Perspective from the United States of America
No full textGlobalization is clearly contributing to increased integration of labor markets and closing the wage gap between workers in advanced and developing economies, especially through the spread of technology. It also plays a part in increasing domestic income inequality. But erecting protectionist policies to stanch the forces of globalization is not the best response. Policymakers must instead focus on what can be done to help workers adjust to a changing world. We are very far from a global labor market, as evidenced by a wide disparity in wages. One study finds that the median wage for jobs in advanced countries is two and a half times the wage level for jobs with similar skill levels in the most advanced developing countries, and five times the level in low-income countries. In 2008, a Chinese manufacturing worker earned about one-twentieth the wage level of a U.S. manufacturing worker; a Mexican, one-sixth. Globalization is far from being the whole story behind the narrowing gaps; if wage convergence were principally the result of an integrating global labor market, one would see wages in the poorest regions of the world, rise much faster than the others. Labor markets around the world have become increasingly integrated over the last two decades, with the entry of China, India and the former Eastern bloc into the world trading system, the removal of restrictions on trade and capital flows, and rapid technological progress. Most economists believe that immigration has an overall salutary effect on the U.S. economy. An influx of labor from abroad increases the domestic workforce, allowing the economy to expand. Low-cost labor benefits consumers by keeping prices of many goods and services low. And gifted immigrants invent new products and found new businesses think Sergey Brin of Google and Elon Musk of Tesla Motors. The economic upsides of immigration are apparent in an analysis of the Senate immigration reform bill by the Congressional Budget Office.
Keywords: Cheap, Foreign, Labour, Cost, Globalization, US
School Library Facilities and Students Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Nyamasheke District-Rwanda
No full textThis study examined the influence of school library facilities on student academic performance in secondary schools of excellence in Rwanda taking a case study of the Nyamasheke District. Specifically, this study found out the standard of school library facilities in secondary school of excellence; determined the influence of school library facilities to the academic performance of secondary schools of excellence; and to examine the level of student academic performance in secondary schools. A descriptive research design was used with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population was 3633 students’ respondents from 32 secondary schools in Nyamasheke District. A sample size of 284 respondents participated in the study. Systematic random sampling technique was adopted. Teaching staff were chosen with purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire survey, interview guide and observation were used to collect data. Reliability and validity of research instruments were ensured. A pilot study was done to validate and to ensure reliability of research instruments. Findings discovered lack of library facilities in many secondary schools. The researcher found out that the availability of library services and their utilization enhance the level of academic performance. It was revealed that in the district of the study, there is a lack of reading culture, and students were unmotivated for reading, and they did not afford enough time for enhancing their skills and performance in in Nyamasheke district. The academic performance of six schools kept declining from 2017 to 2018. National exams were stable in performance across schools. Tests and homework were being taken for granted. The relationships were all positive and significant therefore each of these elements significantly increases academic performance of the students when they are improved. The researcher suggested that there is a need to develop cultural practices of reading in order to enhance the utilization of library facilities, there is a need of cooperation between school principals and librarians to obtain adequate books and well-equipped libraries while parents are recommended to provide rooms which provide conducive reading environment within their families.
Keywords: Library facilities, academic performance, secondary schools, Nyamasheke District, Rwand
School Physical Infrastructures and Pupils’ Enrolment Rates in Nursery Schools in Rwanda
No full textThe school physical infrastructures play a significant role in the promotion of school enrolment in various levels of education. Adequate school playgrounds and classrooms help the school to enroll greater number of populations and reduce over age students in the classroom. The purpose of the paper was to establish the relationship between school physical infrastructures and pupils’ enrolment in nursery schools in Ngororero district in Rwanda. The paper employed correlation research design. The target population was 260 respondents that provided the sample size of 164 got using Yamane formula. Interview guide and questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. The findings revealed that classrooms, playgrounds and dining hall are considered to be one of school physical infrastructures. The findings demonstrated that there is a significance high degree of positive correlation between school physical enrolment and pupils’ enrolment as it was proved by Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) = .977 and p-value= .000. It was also found that 7% of the variations in children enrolment in nursery schools of Ngororero district was determined by the school physical learning materials. The remaining 4.3% of pupils’ enrolment can be affected by other variables. The study recommended that the educational planners should make effective set up that could enhance nursery schools to be equipped accordingly and to have all necessary infrastructures needed in school setting to accommodate all registered students. The Ministry of Education should provide regular financial support needed to allocate the infrastructures in schools and focus on regular maintenance to enhance daily school activities. The school head teachers should make effective management of the allocated school infrastructures and address any issue related to school infrastructures. Parents should also have their participation in the development of the school infrastructures so as to promote teaching and learning conditions of their children.
Keywords: School physical infrastructures, pupils’ enrolment, nursery schools and Rwand
The Relationship between Rules and Regulations’ and Students’ Discipline in Public Schools in Eldama Ravine Sub-County, Baringo Kenya
No full textSchools offer education that is supposed to shape the moral behaviour of students by ensuring compliance to rules and regulations. However, students often do not follow these rules and regulations. This study assessed the influence of rules and regulations on students’ discipline in public secondary schools in Eldama Ravine Sub-County, Baringo, Kenya. Bandura self-efficacy theory was used. A descriptive survey was applied to collect data from 14 public secondary schools. The respondents were 215 teachers and 4,515 students. Forty-three teachers were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. Seventy-six students were sampled using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Two sets of questionnaires were utilized to collect data; one for students and another for teachers. A pre-test was conducted in Batolimo boys’ high school in Baringo North Sub-County. School principals/deputies were also interviewed accordingly. The data were analyzed using SPSS to get descriptive statistics such as median, frequencies and percentage. Inferential statistics such as model summary, ANOVA and regression coefficients were used and results given using tables. The study attested that there was a problem with the present rules and regulations. This was because students were aware of the consequences of breaking the rules but still chose to be indiscipline. Hence, the study recommends that the teachers devise creative ways that could be used to offer alternative punishments to students. This study is relevant to school management since they can note the issues raised and develop various platforms such as class meetings that students get a chance to express what they feel needs to change on rules.
Keywords: Rules and regulations, Discipline, Public schools, Eldama Ravine Sub County, Baringo Kenya
Assessment of School-Based Clinic as a Health Service Provision Model in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya
No full textThe Government of Kenya has made an effort in facilitating access to healthcare by students through the development of a standard manual on safety and health in schools and introducing a unique NHIF program for students in public secondary schools. However, the same has been marred by the lack of sustainable mechanisms, systems and structures. This state of affairs attests to the absence of a profound model for addressing the healthcare needs of students in public secondary schools in Kenya. This study assessed the school-based clinic as a health service provision model in public secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The specific objective was to examine the efficacy of school-based health clinics in addressing students' healthcare needs in public secondary schools in Meru County. Andersen's model of health service utilization was significant in guiding this study. The study utilized a descriptive survey design. Schools were stratified according to categories, and then, a proportionate systematic sampling technique was used to sample 191 principals and 195 Chairpersons of the Students' Council. At the same time, the County Director of Education was purposively selected. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, where factor analysis, means and standard deviations were computed. Linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic technique. The majority of public secondary schools did not have a school-based health clinic. Where available, they were underutilized, poorly equipped, lacked trained health professionals, had poor infrastructures and were derailed by the lack of funding. Despite these challenges, SBHCs were statistically significant in addressing students' healthcare in public secondary schools. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education develop mechanisms and policy frameworks for establishing school-based health clinics in public secondary schools. It should also carry out capacity building programs for principals to equip them with skills for managing the SBHC facility and writing grants proposals. In addition, principals should exercise prudent management practices, ensure quality assurance of SBHCs, and pursue a concerted effort, collaborations, and partnerships of stakeholders in establishing and running school-based health clinics in public secondary schools.
Keywords: School-based health clinic, school health service provision model, school dispensary, students’ healthcare
 
Influence of Socio-economic Factors on Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Murang'a South Sub County, Kenya
No full textSocio-economic factors have been cited as a determinant of students’ performance in national examinations. The purpose of the study was to establish the socio-economic factors which influence academic performance in public primary schools in Murang'a South Sub County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study population entailed all the public primary schools in Murang'a South Sub County, Kenya their deputy head teachers, teachers and pupils. Due to their disproportionateness, schools were stratified according to education zones and then simple randomly sampled using the lottery technique. The study involved a sample of 21 deputy head teachers, 105 teachers and 210 pupils making a total of 336 participants. Data were collected using a pupils’ questionnaire, focus group discussions for the deputy head teachers and teachers, and an observation checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17 for windows. The socio-economic factors that influence academic performance included low parental/guardian education level; low income and pre-occupation with work. A large number of pupils could not carry out private studies at home. Due to poor economic status (low earnings) some families live in overcrowded and/or poorly lit rooms. Moreover, they could not afford to buy essential furniture, essential textbooks that were not issued at school, engage their children in extra coaching after school, buy internet enabled mobile phones and computers from which important information for education purposes can be assessed. Majority of the parents were found to be preoccupied with work. Their preoccupation denied them time to attend to school meetings/functions and observe behavior changes in their children. There is need for collaboration between the Government of the Republic of Kenya and development partners to work out, introduce and implement sustainable economic activities so as to alleviate poverty in the region.
Keywords: socio-economic factors, academic performance, public primary schools, Murang'a South Sub County, Keny