Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2323 research outputs found
Sort by
School-based Factors which Influence Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Murang'a South Sub County, Kenya
No full textDespite the Government of the Republic of Kenya commitment to provide high quality primary education, pupils’ academic achievement remains a challenge in the public primary schools in Murang'a South Sub County, Kenya. The study sought to establish the school-based influencing academic performance of public primary schools in Murang'a South Sub County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. 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. The school–based factors that influence performance in public primary schools in Murang'a South Sub County include use of Mother tongue and sub- standard Kiswahili and English in school and more so during the teaching/learning process; ineffective monitoring of private studies and individual learners progress; inadequacies in assessment and feedback; lack of shared vision and focused mission; and inadequate and poorly maintained physical and material resources. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards of the Ministry of Education to build the capacity to improve the acquisition and mastery of the language of instruction, lay emphasis on formative evaluation as a key aspect of educational process, sensitize all stakeholders on the importance of provision of quality education, and plan and organize education management and administration courses for the school administrators so as to improve efficiency.
Keywords: School-based factors, academic performance, public primary schools, Murang'a South Sub County, Keny
Community Policing and Crime Control in Machakos County, Kenya
No full textThere exists a wide gap in the information available related to security, crime and crime control in Kenya. A number of researchers have explored on community policing as a practice of controlling crime which is still not adequate to effectively handle the issues of rising crime levels in Kenya every day. Crime impacts on nearly all Kenyans lives making it hard for Kenyans to engage in productive activities to realize their dreams. This study sought to assess how community policing affect crime control in Machakos County, Kenya. It was anchored on the securitization theory. The study adopted descriptive case study research design. Primary and secondary sources of data were employed. The study established that community policing in Machakos had made a remarkable milestone in engaging the community and launching problem-solving efforts. The conclusion was that adoption of community policing had a huge impact on crime levels. The study recommended that reinvigorating community policing is essential as this acts as a primary key feature in detection of potential criminal threats in a society.
Keywords: Community Policing, Crime Control, Machakos Count
Resource and Stakeholder Mobilization by Community-Based Organizations for Community Economic Development in Kenya: A Survey of Community-Based Organizations in Siaya County
No full textMost developing countries, including Kenya, have a big proportion of the population still living in rural areas that face an immense challenge especially on economic development and access to basic social infrastructure that include roads, health, water, and education. The government and local authorities are striving with the available limited resources against the competing priorities in order to meet the needs of the population and improve the quality of life and wellbeing. This study examined the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) on economic development in Siaya County, specifically their role on resource and stakeholder mobilization in Kenya. The study was anchored on Social Capital Theory but also analyzed both System and Conflict Theories. The study provides new and relevant information on the role of CBOs in development to the County governments as devolved systems of government responsible for development and planning thus justifying investment and policy formulation for closer collaboration. Descriptive study was undertaken and targeted and enumerated two respondents per group (total 50) in all the 25 CBOs in Siaya County that were duly registered and had coverage of at least one Sub-County. Using a Likert scale questionnaire, quantitative data was collected. Prior to that, a pilot study was done in the nearby Kakamega County to test the instrument. Descriptive, correlation and regression analysis was applied to the data using SPSS version 21. The findings indicate that; Resource Mobilization by CBOs enhances the organizations’ contribution to community economic development, stakeholders’ mobilization plays a critical role in community economic development, the CBOs in Siaya County have managed to increase their impact on economic development at the community level. The study suggests replication in other counties where NGO activity is evident in Kenya, focusing on community based organizations that do not rely on aid as their main income sources. Moreover, a comparative study involving the CBOs from the East African countries should also be considered in future studies.
Keywords: Resource Mobilization, Stakeholder Engagement, community based organization and Siaya County
Analysis Self Evaluation Technique on Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Orient Insurance Limited, Kenya
No full textPerformance of insurance companies in Kenya has been something that has kept insurance companies use various strategy evaluation techniques so as to assess the direction of the company in terms of performance and in order to stay competitive over their competitors. Kenyan insurance companies have generally experienced poor performance in the Gross written premium and combined ratio which we attribute this to inappropriate or inefficient strategy evaluation techniques used by the affected companies in evaluating the chosen strategies. According to the January – December 2017 IRA industry report, gross premium written by the last quarter of 2017 in the Kenyan insurance industry stood at 207.68 Billion representing a slow growth of 6.6% compared to an annual growth of 12.3% in a similar period in 2016. Cyton FY2015 insurance sector report also shows that the combined ratio of Kenyan insurance industry in 2015 was 110.6% as compared to that of morocco in the same year which was 78.0%. This study analyzed the influence of strategic evaluation techniques on the performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The study was guided by four research objectives namely; to analyze the influence of 360 degree evaluation technique influence the performance of insurance companies in Kenya, To analyze influence of Key Factor Rating influence the performance of insurance firms in Kenya; To analyze effect of Balanced Score Card on the performance of insurance companies in Kenya and to analyze the influence of self-evaluation technique have a significant influence on performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The main study population was limited to Kenya Orient Insurance Limited. In this study, the researcher used descriptive research as most of the research questions sought to find out how and what. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data using as frequency tables, measures of central tendency and percentages. The population study comprised of 154 employees comprising of managers, supervisors and service associates. A census sampling technique was applied in this study so as to draw the whole population to a sample size. A target population of 154 was therefore used. In order to find out answers to the research questions, a questionnaire was applied as the data collection instrument. The data collected was then coded and put in to a Scientific Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) programme or a Microsoft excel work sheet and presented in form of tables and figures. Analysis will was done using Microsoft excel and SPSS. Data analysis presentation was in form of charts, graphs and tables. It is highly hoped that the findings of this study will provide a policy framework to be adopted by KOIL and other related organization on how to structure their strategy evaluation techniques to maximize their business potentials
Keywords: Analysis of Strategy, Evaluation Techniques, Performance of Insurance
Risk Management Strategies and Implementation of Healthcare Projects in Low Resources Countries
No full textRisk management strategies are weak in the low resource countries (LRCs) as evidenced by low performance of health care provider (HCP). The following review aimed to identify the effectiveness of risk management strategies in the implementation of healthcare projects in the LRCs. A systematic review was conducted on similar literature drawn from five journal articles. The study identified that risk management strategies have a significant positive impact on the performance of healthcare projects in LRCs. It therefore recommended for the strengthening of these strategies for the enhancement of HCP performance which translates to the overall performance of the healthcare setting in the LRCs. The low-income earners often find it hard to access quality healthcare resulting in the proliferation of unqualified or unlicensed doctors who appear pocket-friendly. Projects NHIF undertakes have significantly led to the improvement of medical services across the country. However, risk exposures have derailed successfully implementation of such projects, specifically in terms of their efficiency and scope. Therefore, it was imperative to explore the impact of project risk management methods on NHIF projects in Kenya. The objective of the study relied on the need to identify the extent to which risk prevention, risk control, risk transfer, as well as risk acceptance influence successful implementation of NHIF projects in Kenya. In order to develop and implement a risk management programme, a quantification matrix as well as a risk register form to aid the identification of potential risks, particularly in an operating room. Operating room policies are then created to minimise or eradicate those risks. A consultation mechanism needs to be established and a risk monitoring system developed to reduce risks which the operating room caregivers may be exposed to. There is also need to continuously improve a hospital’s operating room risk management capacity. This is done to continue with the provision of quality of care as well as guarantee surgical patients’ safety. Stakeholders are critical contributors while implementing complex public healthcare inventions. It is important to have access to probable implementation risks in the development stage of implementation, coupled with careful development of its components as well as channelling the exploration into a robust multi-stakeholder stroke rehabilitation set up. Systematic stakeholder and risk analyses would act as a guide to the exploration process as well as make it possible for teams engaged in complex interventions to design context-tailored management instruments to facilitate the implementation. As per the knowledge stakeholders provide, 2 context-tailored management instruments for implementation were developed using the top-down approach. The first one being the comprehensive stakeholder-risk atlas which gives individual stakeholder information like role, contribution, access, expectations, power, specific activities of engagement, interest, as well as perceived risks. The second one being the whole project implementation approach focusing on communication, network building, transparency, as well as professionalism. Conclusion is drawn that complex interventions potentially benefits from the assumption of early as well as comprehensive stakeholder besides risk analyses. Early engagement of stakeholders, with informed knowledge enhances the research team’s ability to design context-tailored management instruments for implementation. The instruments support teams during the implementation as well as positively influence the intervention’s outcome. Knowledge may be gathered by integrating top-down with bottom-up working strategies.
Keywords: Risk management strategies, implementation, healthcare projects, low resources countries  
Impact of Destination Image on Tourism Satisfaction and Destination Loyalty: Perspective from Brazil
No full textSatisfaction with a tourism product is fundamental for tourism given the strong relationship between satisfaction and future customer behavior a satisfied consumer will repeat the visit and/or disseminate a positive word of mouth to others. Some go so far to argue that satisfaction with visit is the Alpha and Omega of success of destinations and tourism enterprises especially in the view of constantly increasing competition. Tourism attractions are an important element of a destination and, therefore, important in destination satisfaction formation. It is often the case that the core of destination attraction system consists of protected environments with their inherent natural (zoological, botanical, ecological, geological, geomorphologic, biodiversity) or cultural values (historical, heritage. Consequently, it also means that management of such environments must meet two contradictory goals: restrict human impact on these environments and, at the same time, make them accessible for visitors. This is a challenge for, both, tourism and nature/heritage conservation management. Destination image could affect destination selection process and a more favourable destination image could influence satisfaction. Destination image directly affects attribute satisfaction. Both the destination and the attribute satisfaction work as the direct the antecedents of the overall satisfaction. The theme of the study is to investigate the effect of the uniqueness of Macao’s image on satisfaction and loyalty. Whether the distinctness of Macao can capture tourist impression and have a positive effect on satisfaction is under investigation. Customer satisfaction has gained much attention in the marketing aspect. Satisfaction is defined as customers’ judgments about products or service fulfilment. Brazil boasts more than 70 national parks and dozens of monuments, including one of the Seven New Wonders of the World Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro. Together, these attractions create one of the most appealing and exciting destinations in South America. People come from every corner of the world to discover the superlative coastline, sprawling metropolises and thick jungles, which are home to monkeys, jaguars and river dolphins. The vast Brazilian landscape holds many prized spots, yet the places below are some of the very best destinations in the country. A city known for its stark contrasts, Rio de Janeiro perfectly blends golden shores, lush forests and bustling urban life to create a home for its 6m residents and an exotic holiday destination for millions of annual tourists. With jagged coastlines, unspoiled scenery and shallow seas brimming with tropical fish, sharks, turtles and dolphins, this protected area grants several opportunities for relaxing on golden beaches and getting close to wildlife. The ecological sanctuary limits the number of visitors per year, which is why it still boasts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Brazil.
Keywords: Destination, Image, Tourism, Satisfaction, Destination, Loyalty
Caregivers’ level of income and Access to Rehabilitation Therapy among Children with Disability, in Bangladesh
No full textThe Government of Bangladesh along with the development partners including NGOs, Disable People’s Organization (DPOs) and civil societies have been taking a wide range of initiatives in implementing disability activities in the country but the access of children with disabilities. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) is evolving in low? to middle?income countries. Although established as a separate specialty in Bangladesh 40 years ago, there has been no formal documentation of the history and current state of PMR, or associated disability issues in Bangladesh. The study adopted a cross-sectional methodology targeting 108 caregivers in the Southern Town of Dhaka. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics. The specific descriptive statistics included means and standard deviations. Results showed that majority of caregivers earned less than Tk 10,000 a month. Accessing rehabilitation therapy for children with disabilities requires sufficient income which majorities of caregivers are unable to rise. Size of income is essential in seeking medical services for seek persons including disable children. Income earned by caregivers was not sufficient to meet medical therapy for the disable children. The study makes a recommendation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in subsidizing medical expenses and bills for the disable persons.
Key words: Income, Rehabilitation Therapy, Children, Disabilities, Dhak
Sustainability of Maternal Healthcare Services Delivery in a Conflict Stricken Environment: A Case Study of Yei Town, South Sudan
No full textDuring war and in the post-conflict period, maternal mortality rate tends to remain high because of damaged clinical facilities and lack of health workers in armed conflict-stricken environments. This research offered a commentary and opportunity to understand the sustainability mechanisms used in delivery of maternal healthcare services in a conflict-stricken environment, specifically, South Sudan. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted community health workers and Yei community leaders, totaling to 80, who witnessed vicious cycles of conflicts for three decades in Yei. A mixed methodology was adopted where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected through questionnaires and focus group discussion. The data was analyzed through thematic, descriptive and inferential statistics. The study results indicated that none of the mechanisms deployed had a significant impact on sustainability of maternal healthcare in Yei Municipality (χ2= 0.636, P = 0.585). In regard to the state of healthcare facilities, it was ascertained that the current number of staff (χ2= 12.109, P = 0.003), ambulances (χ2= 16.577, P = 0.000) and supply of electricity (χ2= 15.609, P = 0.001) had a significant relationship with the sustainability of maternal healthcare (Accessible, adaptable and Affordable). The study further established that community-based organizations (χ2= 9.553, P = 0.04), health workforce (χ2= 13.918, P = 0.001) and civil organizations (χ2= 12.109, P = 0.003) have a significant relationship with sustainability of maternal healthcare services delivery in Yei Municipality. The study recommended a need for investment in development of effective mechanisms to have a sustainable maternal healthcare. There is a need to improve the poor state of healthcare facilities in order to lead to sustainable maternal healthcare in Yei Municipality. The study recommended the local administration of Yei town, together with the federal and state government to come up with programmes as well as invest towards improvement of the security in the town in order to make it easy for the women to access maternal healthcare.
Keywords: Sustainability of Maternal Healthcare, Conflict-Stricken area, South Suda
Financial Markets in The Global Perspective: North & South America
No full textThe paper presents a critique of financial concepts in the global financial markets. The key concepts includes Equity and Debt Financing, Risk of a financial crisis and the economy: Minsky’s theory of financial fragility, with reference to hedge, speculative and Ponzi balance sheets. Information Asymmetry: Adverse Selection and Moral Hazard in the Context of the Financial Services Industry, Weakened banking sector (extremely low bank capital), rising interest rates and asymmetric information and the onset of a currency and financial crisis. Elaborate illustrations are also presented to aid the contextualization of the global financial markets.
Keywords: Financial Markets, Equity, Debt, Hedge Funds, Information Asymmetry, Currency Devaluation
Determinants of Share Value Creation among Listed Companies in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Germany: Literature and Theoretical Examination
No full textThe main purpose of any firm is to enhance its shareholders’ wealth. Investors, management and other stakeholders need to be aware of the company’s performance to enable them make informed decisions about the future. The creation of shareholder value is becoming increasingly challenging as owners and managers are forced to make appropriate financial decisions that contribute to the management of operations that create value and also identify activities that destroy value. In addition it is necessary to implement effective instruments which are able to evaluate real value created. Value creation occurs in a company when its business is able to generate returns above the demands of investors or returns of capital invested are more than the cost of a company’s capital. Most financing decisions are dictated by necessity which requires in-depth analysis of financing options, costs attracted and long-term implications. A firms’ shareholder value creation is based on firms’ earnings ability and firms return on its net worth. A firm financing policy may be to choose from alternative sources, which may be internal or external. Internal financing includes use of retained earnings while external financing constitutes borrowing by issuing debt instruments and issue of new shares. The skills to identify financial variables which have the greatest impact on value creation in an organization can facilitate establishment of criteria for appropriate strategies. The study found that the main measures to quantify shareholder value creation in Germany financial sector and among listed companies are earnings per share (EPS), return on equity (ROE), return on assets (ROA) and dividend per share (DPS). the determinants of value creation were found to include growth rate, operating profit margin, income tax rate, working capital investment, fixed capital investment, cost of capital and value growth duration. The study recommends that the regulatory authorities in German financial sector particular should design a policy that will motivate building materials firms to be paying dividend to their shareholders on regular basis. This will increase the shareholders' value due to the nature of relation between the variables which is positive.
Keywords: Share, Value, Creation, Listed companies, Frankfurt, Stock, Exchange.