Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Effect of Financial Regulation on Performance of Banking Sector in the United States of America
No full textFinancial institutions are the most regulated market regardless of the development level of the nation. Financial regulations are the laws that have been put in place by the state to govern financial institutions. The stability of the financial institutions can be influenced by the regulations put in place. Thus, the study sought to examine the effect of financial regulation on performance of banking system in the United States of America. The study was a literature based. The inferences of the study were based on the findings from the previous studies. Based on the findings of the study, it was established that financial regulations has both positive and negative effect on performance of banking system in the United States of America. The favorable policies has a positive effect on performance while unfavorable policies/regulations has a negative effect on performance. A few of the regulation might have a negative impact on bank competitions causing greater loan prices and greater probability of loans defaults. The research concluded that government regulations are key in determining the performance of the banking sector in the country. The study also concluded that it is crucial for the government to offer the financial systems with favorable conditions of the financial regulation. The government of United States must just make use of the guideline plans which do not adversely impact the banks. The study recommend that all te commercial banks in the country need to comply fully to the stipulated regulations and the federal bank must ensure that all banks comply. This will have the effect of ensuring a stable banking sector which plays a big role in the economy. If this sector is stable the economy will thrive and financial crisis will be avoided in the country
Relationship between Cash Management and Financial Performance of Private Hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe general objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between cash management and financial performance of private hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive design. The target population for this study was 25 private hospitals in Nairobi County. The study collected primary data from the respondents. The data collected was quantitative and was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSSV18.0). Both descriptive and inferential analysis were conducted by the study. The findings indicated that cash conversion cycle and cash budgeting had a positive and significant effect on financial performance of private hospitals. However, cash banking and cash flow forecasting didn’t significantly improve financial performance. Given that cash management practices were found to enhance the financial performance of private hospitals, this study therefore recommends for continuous embracement of these practices (cash budgeting, cash banking, cash conversion cycle and cash flow forecasting) by private hospitals. To ensure efficient management of cash, clear guidelines and policies should be developed based on the hospital needs to guide the employees in doing the same. To monitor cash flows, private hospitals should adopt automated cash management technology to aid in maintaining healthy cash flow position. Investment in cash management technology will also improve the accuracy and efficiency of cash management and allows the staff to focus on development and innovation. The study recommends future studies to focus on recent hospital directory. The study focused on private hospitals within the Nairobi County, a more comprehensive study should include other counties.
Keywords: Cash Budgeting, Cash Banking, Cash Conversion Cycle, Cash Flow Forecasting, Financial Performance, Private Hospital
Effect of Technology Adoption on the Quality of Education among Schools in Switzerland
No full textThe quality of education is core in enhancing the economic development of a nation. A nation cannot be progressive without investing in quality education. The quality of education can be attested based on the absorption rate of the students in the job market. The study looked at the effect of technology adoption on the quality of education among schools in Switzerland. The study was a desktop type of research. The study was carried out by examining the previous studies rather than physical investigations. The research relied upon past literature to make inferences. The study found that technology increases the quality of education in schools. Making good use of ICT in education and learning has been factored to be important in developing the motive of the students. The most important element that supports the use of technology in the educational system is the internet. The presence of the internet makes the students search for information from the internet and this can lead to more understanding and also, they become more innovative. The study found that e-learning boosts the availability of reading products which assists in better education. E-learning includes all kinds of electronically supported knowing as well as training. E-learning involves providing material with electronic media such as the internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, Satellite wide costs as well as audio videos. The study concluded that the advantages of technology advancement are that it enables students to become innovative. The aspect of technology advancement cannot be ignored and all sectors need to incorporate the technology in the production process. Blended learning can be used in schools. This blended learning includes using both online and physical methods while teaching and passing information to students. The study also concluded that intuition needs to adopt modern technology that is effective and reliable in the current situation. The study recommended that the adoption of technology need to be included in all the schools in Switzerland. The aspect of technology needs to start from primary school. Technology must be made appropriate and also beneficial for teachers to anticipate increased inspiration amongst the trainees, specifically those trainees who have unique demands. The study also recommended that schools need to be connected with the internet. The study also recommended that blended learning can be used in schools. It was also recommended that schools need to adopt the most effective technology. Obsolete technology to be avoided at all costs. The government should make it compulsory for all the schools to be using technology while teaching.
Keywords: Technology, quality, education, Switzerlan
Influence of School Financial Requirements on Children Enrolment Rate of Pre-Primary Schools in Rwanda
No full textThe challenge faced by the government of Rwanda is to ensure that children from poor households are not excluded from early childhood education and care institutions due to failure to contribute for school financial requirements. One key way of responding to this challenge is by obtaining accurate data on parents’ contributions in preprimary schools. The purpose of this paper therefore, was to identify the influence of school financial requirements on enrolment rate of preprimary schools in Rwamagana District in Rwanda. The research design was descriptive and multiple regression. Data collection tools were questionnaires. The target population was 338 including 28 preprimary school staff and 310 parents of 3-6 year olds in Musha Sector of Rwamagana district. From this population, simple random sampling and convenient sampling techniques were used to get 181 respondents. The study results revealed that in pre-primary schools of Rwamagana District, parents spend on average 66,626Frw annually per child which is about 60$. The major costs and school requirements are teacher salary, school uniform, school materials and school feeding program. The less common school requirements are child transport, school construction, school parties and salaries for support staff. The study found that children enrolled in pre-primary classrooms were slightly more than enough with a 3.53 point scale mean, but the majority of children aged 3-6 years old were already out of schools with a 4.10 point scale mean. This study recommended there should be the promotion of pre-primary education cost sharing between the government and the parents and to abolish unnecessary financial requirements in pre-primary schools and also promote home based care centers. Parents should continue playing an active role in terms of management and funding of pre-primary schools. The government of Rwanda is recommended to increase its budget for pre-primary education funding especially in the rural districts because many poor households failed to contribute to teacher salaries and school construction.
Keywords: School financial requirement, Child, enrolment rate and Pre-primary school
Quality Graduate: Level of Preparedness in the Universities in Kenya
No full textFundamentally universities are key drivers in contributing to the economic development of any nation. Universities develop manpower which is a significant driver of economic growth and development. Given this, universities’ success in their mandate is measured by the ability to nurture holistic graduates who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required in a globally competitive society. However, universities in Africa and Kenya, in particular, have continued to be ranked lowly in terms of the quality of graduates. Persistent lagging behind is attributable to the inadequate acquisition of critical skills and application and transfer of knowledge among graduates in the universities. In this regard, this study set out to determine whether there is a significant difference in graduate perception on their level of preparedness with attributes of quality graduates in the universities in Kenya. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 66 universities in Kenya. A sample of 7 universities was selected based on the Webometric ranking of 2014. 3750 finalist students were targeted where 375 students were included in the study. The data were analyzed by use of inferential statistics using SPSS, where analysis of variance was computed and Duncan Multiple Range Test was conducted to determine where differences were found. The study found out that there was a difference in the acquisition of knowledge and its application and transfer among graduates from different universities. Specifically, there was a significant variation in connecting theory and practice; some universities did not have a well-established mechanism to connect students with the industry to promote knowledge transfer. Similarly, a significant difference was noted in dealing with professional values in the discipline areas and being able to create and implement business ideas in respective disciplines.
Keywords: Graduate, quality graduate, quality attribute
The COVID-19-Related Schools’ Closure and the Ugandan Teacher: Exploring the Psychological and Non-Psychological Threats and Opportunities.
No full textThe outbreak and spread of COVID-19 caused among other happenings the closure of schools as an infection and spread-preventive strategy. This came with a pedagogical shift from face to face to on-line teaching and learning which had to be home-based. This shift did not affect only learners but the teachers too. The purpose of the study was thus to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic’s inevitable and resultant schools’ closure on teachers in Uganda, with special emphasis on both threats and opportunities. The study adopted a qualitative and explorative design. The respondents were 12 in number selected using purposive and convenience sampling. The data from the focus group discussion was analysed using thematic analysis. From the discussions, it emerged that the teachers were affected by the COVID-19 schools’ closure psychologically, socially, economically, instructionally and career-wise. From these findings, it becomes imperative thatpsycho social support be availed to teachers in all schools through the establishment of counselling departments to assist teachers cope with unpredictable events such as pandemics. It is recommended that teachers identify additional sources of income in addition to teaching to enable them earn survive in such unpredictable circumstances. Schools may also need to have income generating plans for their teachers to enable them to earn a living through circumstances that cause schools’ closure. It is imperative for schools to train teachers in educational technology to achieve blended learning such that in times such as these, online learning becomes an easy way of proceeding with teaching and learning.
Keywords: Covid-19, Teacher, Schools, Closure, Opportunities, Threats, Ugand
The Role of Strategic Leadership Style on Compliance with Public Service Ethics in the County Governments of Kenya
No full textThe demand for ethics in business and organizations has put a premium on leadership turning ethical leaders into a highly valued commodity. This demand is in response to the pervasive business and organizational failures experienced at the beginning of the twenty-first century blamed largely on unethical conduct. The nexus of leadership and ethical values has attracted wide interest in research and leadership practice mainly because leaders seek to influence and attain positive impact in all processes. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between strategic leadership and public service ethics compliance in the County Governments of Kenya. The study was anchored on Strategic Leadership Theory. The study used positivism paradigm which is based on real facts, objectivity, neutrality, measurement and validity of results. The target population of the study was all the 47 County Governments of Kenya. The total study sample is the product of the County sample and the eight selected Counties which is 584 respondents while the unit of analysis was permanent County employees randomly selected based on duty station at major towns. The respondents indicated that strategic leadership was considered to be of moderate importance in County Governments by employees across levels. Results indicated that the relationship between strategic leadership and public service ethics compliance had a strong association between strategic leadership predictor variables and dependent variable (public service ethics compliance). Visioning was rated lowest (3.76%) than other sub-variables of strategy formulation, strategy implementation, strategy evaluation and leader character that were all rated above 4 percent. When compared, individual sub-variable effects show that visioning has the highest effect on public service ethics compliance followed by leader character. Analysis of the relationship indicated presence of a strong positive and significant association. The study recommends that the government addresses the identified issues as policy priorities for strategic leadership to service as a control of unethical behavior and ultimately corruption in County Governments and the broader public service. The Government should also structure County Integrated Development Planning to include input of specific reference groups such as professional associations based in the Counties.
Keywords: Strategic Leadership, Public Service Ethics Compliance, County Governments & Kenya
Effect of Motivation on Job Satisfaction in Public Organisations in Rwanda: The Case of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Kigali City
No full textThis study was on effect of motivation on job satisfaction in public organisations in Rwanda: a case of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Kigali city. To accomplish the purpose of this research, different objectives were employed. The major objective of this study was to analyse the effects of motivation on job satisfaction in Rwanda. A case of WASAC in Kigali City. The specific objectives were to: determine the types of motivation used in WASAC, Kigali, examine motivational factors that influence job satisfaction in WASAC, Kigali; establish the relationship between motivation and job satisfaction at WASAC, Kigali. This research may play the significant role to human resources as it will assist them to improve job satisfaction. In addition, it will determine how motivation is needed in different organizations so as to satisfy employees in their jobs. This study may be conducted using descriptive survey research using quantitative approach. The population of study was 1451 people derived from WASAC workers of Kigali City. The determined sample size was 91 respondents. Probability sampling and simple random sampling was used to collect data using a structured questionnaire. Various tests with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software were used to analyse the data collected. The findings of this study revealed that males were (57.1%), the range of age was 40-50 years old (46.2%), the marital status were dominated by married people (64.8%). The education level was diploma levels (52.7%) and the experience was 6 to 10 years. Strongly agreed (51.6%) that the salary and wages paid influence the level of working consent and (54.9%) of respondents strongly agreed that have got a bonus and commissions paid as the benefits from the job. The paid overtime working accepted at the rate (42.9%). On financial incentives practiced by WASAC, 57.2% of respondents agreed that the incentives facilitate and encourage employees’ motivation. The managers can be approached when required (63.7%) and 51.6% of respondents strongly agreed that managers encourage effective team work. Regarding practices of promotion, 61.8% of respondents strongly agreed that they were satisfied. (53.8%) of respondents reported that they strongly agreed and satisfied with the opportunities for promotion in WASAC. Respondents agreed that motivational factors for job satisfaction in WASAC, Kigali affect job satisfaction as follows: involvement level (46.2%), the degree of job enrichment (56%), the level of delegation (42.9%), and promotion opportunities (57.1%). Additionally, there was a strong positive correlation and statistically significant correlation between the salary and wages paid and overtime working 0.958±0.000). While there is negative correlation and no statistically significant between bonus and commission and promotion (-0.088±0.408). Therefore, there was significant and strong positive relationship between motivation and employees’ job satisfaction. The employers are recommended to improve the common way of motivational for job satisfaction.
Keywords: Motivation, Employees, Satisfaction, Public, Organisation, Rwand
Influence of Workforce Diversity on Employees’ Productivity at Eastern Africa Standby Force in Nairobi Kenya
No full textThis study sought to investigate the influence of workforce diversity on employee productivity at the Eastern Africa Standby Force in Nairobi, Kenya. The specific objective was to determine the effect of educational qualifications diversity on employees’ productivity at EASF Nairobi, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Social Identity Theory. The study adopted the descriptive case study design whereby the target population comprised of all the 250 employees working at EASF Headquarters in Nairobi. The sample size was obtained using the Krecjie and Morgan formula and the total was 152 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The study found that the organization considers the education background during team formations to enhance the productivity of employees. The study therefore concluded that there was a positive correlation between workforce diversity and employee productivity with educational qualification diversity being ranked as the most significant independent variable. The study recommended that EASF should continue ensuring that team formation and assignment of roles based on educational background of the employees as this improves productivity.
Keywords: Workforce Diversity, Educational Qualification Diversity, Employee Productivit
Roles of Women and Young People in Initiating Culture of Peace-Building in Kenya
No full textPeace is considered to be an important part of any society as self-determination is not possible without peace. Where conflict arises, it is often grounded in social, structural, cultural, political and economic factors, and depreciation in one increases chances of conflict in a particular society. women and young people can be important drivers and agents of change in the development of their societies; this may be because they demonstrate openness to change, feedback and learning; tend to be more future-oriented; more idealistic and innovative; and more willing to take risks. Recent developments bring home the lesson that to achieve sustainable peace we must all work together in an integrated and coherent way, otherwise the drums of war will drown the music of peace. The role and contributions of women and youth to the Culture of Peace is not only important because women and young people represent the majority of the global population there are 600 million adolescent girls in the developing world and the global population is experiencing a youth bulge. In some parts of Northern Kenya especially among the pastoralist communities, women and youth have been considered agents of both conflicts and peace. This study therefore set out to determine the roles played by women and young people in initiating culture of peace-building in Kenya. The study was a literature based in which literature relevant to the topic were reviewed for the purposes of obtaining study themes. The study found that the youth in Kenya are playing a key role in peace building in a number of ways; school going children are actively involved in peace building through their activities which are meant to, among others, building relationships and reconciliation. These activities range from youth choirs, sports, welfare groupings, and reconstruction and peace think tanks. The study also found that as agents or actors, women have played significant roles in terms of being mothers, educators, mediators, peace activists and community leaders, coping and surviving actors, breadwinners and decision makers. The study therefore concluded that women and young people are a powerful force and an engine that should be tapped for eradicating violence, building democratic and participatory public institutions, particularly during and soon after the post-conflict peace settlement period. The study this recommended that going forward, it would be necessary the local organizations to increase the complexity of pushing for inclusion of more women and young people in peace processes.
Keywords: Role, Women, Young people, Culture, Peace, Peace-building, Kenya