Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Neo - Pentecostal Churches Advocacy and Alleviation of Domestic Water Scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya
No full textMost neo-Pentecostal churches contravene Luke 4:16-19, Psalms 41 and Exodus 18: 21 by failing to advocate for peoples’ water rights. This stance has of late interested many scholars to do studies on churches and advocacy for water rights. In line with this, this study analyzed such advocacy by neo - Pentecostal churches in alleviating domestic water scarcity in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, Kenya. The objectives were to: investigate how neo- Pentecostal churches advocated for water rights on their own, assess how Neo-Pentecostal churches partnered with other water advocacy groups, and, investigate how neo-Pentecostal churches supported politicians for the alleviation of this menace. Theological reflection theory, interpretivist philosophy, qualitative approach and phenomenological design guided this study. The sample entailed 22 pastors taken through census, and 59 out of 594 members belonging to these pastors’ 22 churches, taken through 10% in the 10-30 % formula. This was followed by cluster and simple random samplings. Tools used on them were interview schedule for the 22 pastors, documentary analysis for their churches, and focus group discussions for the 59 members held in 4 groups of 12 members each and 1 group of 11 members. Data collected was purely qualitative and was analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated that these churches did not engage in advocacy for water rights. But, they agreed that they supported ‘good’ political leaders to win elections so as to help in alleviating domestic water scarcity. The study recommended that training actors should organize premises to train neo–Pentecostal Churches on advocacy for water rights. This would orient the latter to social gospel and thus push for advocacy for water rights and the best practices in electing political leaders to alleviate water scarcity in the constituency.
Key terms: Neo-Pentecostals churches, advocacy or water rights, domestic water scarcity, ecclesiastical praxi
Information Communication Technology Use Related Challenges and their Coping Strategies in Monastic Religious Life
No full textThe study attempted to investigate the challenges that the monastic religious encounter in the use of information communication technologies with reference to internet, mobile phones, computers/laptops and digital televisions; and their coping strategies, a case of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing (MBST) in Nairobi Priory, Kenya. The world today is witnessing tremendous changes and development in the information and communication technologies. However, there is scanty literature that addresses the challenges and the strategies that can be used by religious consecrated men and women, to cope up with the modern communication technologies effectively. The study employed sequential explanatory mixed methods. The target population included the perpetually professed sisters, junior sisters in the leadership team (superiors, formators and administrators) of the monastic religious congregation of the MBST Nairobi Priory, Kenya. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) were the instruments used to collect data. The findings of the study in which both the challenges and the strategies were presented in a 4-point Likert scale and respondents were asked to indicate their choices from; 4=Strongly agree, 3=Agree, 2=Disagree, 1=Strongly disagree revealed that: With the challenges the use of ICTs pose to the monastic lifestyle (community life and the evangelical counsels); majority of them in all the 14 challenges presented, agreed and strongly agreed to them. Likewise the interviews and FGD had similar experiences with the same challenges. The strategies for coping up with the challenges too showed similar responses to a greater extent in agreement. From the study it is clear that, as monastic religious, the MBST cannot not afford to be alien to the modern means of communication as they are the chief means of information and education, of guidance and inspiration. Since they are unavoidably embedded in daily life, the religious consecrated should use them conscientiously and responsibly to become a factor of humanization, which calls for a proper formation of conscience.
Keywords: Information Communication Technology, Challenges, Coping Strategies, Monastic Religious Life, Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, Keny
The Effects of Property Rights Violations on Economic Independence of Widows in Rarieda Sub-County
No full textThe right of women to possess, enjoy and dispose of their property is a universal human right recognized by international human rights treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, among many other regional and national instruments. Even with the enactment of laws protecting women's property rights, widows' deprivation has continued unabated. Most widows live in conditions out of the need to conform to social norms demands and meet the most basic of their needs and that of their children. The study determined a) factors influencing property rights violations b) effects of property rights on the economic independence of widows. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design, and semi-structured and unstructured questionnaires were used to collect data. This design helped collect accurate data on property rights violations faced by the study population and how they influenced their economic independence. The study population consisted of widows in Rarieda Sub County. Systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain the 230 respondents to whom questionnaires were administered to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. The study found that major causes of these violations included customs and traditions, poverty, lack of knowledge of laws governing property ownership, and lack of proper enforcement of these laws by the government. 76.5% (176) of the widows were found to have not gained any property post losing their husbands. These widows indicated to have relied on aid from the government, NGOs, and willing family members to make ends meet. The study findings showed clearly that most widows suffer property rights violations in Rarieda sub-county, Siaya County. This, in turn, affects their economic independence. Cultural norms and traditions were found to be among the major factors which influence property rights violations among widows. Traditions do not allow women to inherit their father's or father-in-law's property; hence they are always left at the mercy of the husband's family. The study recommends that the community be encouraged to rethink their customary laws and align this to the provisions of various statutes/laws that grant women the right to inherit property.
Keywords: Economic Independence, Property Rights, Widow, Inheritanc
Strategic Choice and Competitive Advantage of Private Universities in Nairobi County: A Case of Strathmore University
No full textThe business environment has witnessed several changes that have compelled managers to choose and adopt responsive strategies in order to remain relevant in the market. Strategic choice is the third logical element of the strategy formulation process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived strategy choices that influence competitive advantage of private universities in Nairobi County. The study was informed by dynamic capability theory, innovation theory and porter’s theory. A descriptive research design was adopted and the target population was made of 15 private universities in Nairobi County; however, only Strathmore University was purposively selected for the study. The respondents of the study comprised of VCs, DVCs, deans, university teaching staffs and the university support staffs. The study used census approach to study the VCs and the DVCs since their numbers are manageable, purposive sampling was used to select a sample for deans and the university teaching staffs, while Yamane formula was employed in calculating the sample size for the university support staffs. The study used primary data which was collected using questionnaire. The quantitative data collected was analyzed with the aid of SPSS Version 26.0. The study found that strategic alliance had positive and significant effect on competitive advantage of private universities in Nairobi County (B =.288, p=.000<.05), technologies strategy had positive and significant effect on competitive advantage of private universities in Nairobi County (B =.194, p=.000<.05), product differentiation strategy had positive and significant effect on competitive advantage of private universities in Nairobi County (B =.244, p=.000<.05) and finally marketing initiatives strategy had positive and significant effect on competitive advantage of private universities in Nairobi County (B =.248, p=.000<.05). The study concluded that the strategic choices adopted by the study all had positive and significant effect on the competitive advantage of the university and that through strategic alliances, companies can improve their competitive positioning, gain entry to new markets, supplement critical skills, and share the risk and cost of major development projects. The study thus recommended that the management of private universities in Nairobi County and by extension other private universities in Kenya should always strive to adopt suitable strategic choices in an effort to improve on their competitiveness in the market that is facing serious competition.
Keywords: Strategic, Choice, Advantage, Alliances, Technologies, Differentiation, Initiative
Strategy Implementation Factors and Financial Performance at Centum Investment Company PLC, Kenya
No full textOrganizations may experience both positive and bad outcomes as a result of strategy execution. Centum Investment Company reported reduced financial gains throughout the implementation of its Centum 3.0 plan, falling short of the 15% target. According to the company's March 2019 end-of-year report, profit fell to Kshs. 2.79 billion from Kshs. 8.3 billion, due to lower income from investment operations, higher administrative costs, lower property valuation gains, political uncertainty, reduced access to credit, uncompleted transactions and a difficult business environment. As a result, it was critical to learn what had caused the past losses and what processes had been put in place to correct the situation. Thus, the study sought to investigate the effect of strategy implementation factors on financial performance at Centum Investment Company Plc, Kenya. The specific objective of the study was to find out the extent to which organization resources affect financial performance in Centum Investment Company Plc, Kenya. The Resource Based View Theory was used to guide the study. The descriptive survey design was used in the study with a target population of 178 Centum Investment Company Plc employees. The sample size consisted of 50% of employees. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect primary data, while secondary data was obtained from published sources. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyze the data. The study discovered that the organization had appropriate and trained human resources to implement strategies effectively. According to the findings, strategic implementation factors had a positive relationship with financial performance. The study also found that organizational resources were the first and most significant independent variable. The study recommended that in order to ensure that there are no skill shortages, it is essential that the firm continue with staff recruiting and training. Further, it was recommended that the organization need to obtain the requisite technologies to aid in the implementation of the strategy. It is suggested that the company ensures that they have purchased the most up-to-date technology available, as this will improve their financial performance.
Keywords: Strategy Implementation Factors, Organization Resources, Financial Performanc
Effect of Stakeholder Involvement on Performance of The Government Projects in Poland
No full textThe performance of the government projects is potent in intensifying the satisfaction of the people. The performance of the government projects is key in enhancing the prosperity of a nation. The study examined the effect of stakeholder involvement on the performance of government projects in Poland. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The descriptive research design includes the type of design in which the information is collected based on the opinion and views of the participants. The target population included 13 government projects. The unit of observation were managers of the projects and also other support staff within the projects. Questionnaires were used as the research instruments. The results of the study indicated that stakeholder involvement is a key segment that influences the performance of the projects. The study concluded that stakeholder involvement is positively and significantly associated with performance. The regression results showed that a positive and significant relationship exists between stakeholder involvement and performance. Stakeholder involvement includes enabling all the stakeholders to be involved in decision-making and the implementation process. Stakeholders' involvement is extremely important in the advancement tasks of the projects. Lack of stakeholder participation will certainly lead to inadequately established techniques or more resistance within. Stakeholder participation enables the decision-making units to have numerous options for policy formulation. The study recommended that stakeholders need to be involved in the implementation process of a project. The stakeholder holders need to be consulted before making any changes to the board of management. The government and other stakeholders should make sure all the stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process of projects. The community members need to be consulted before launching projects in their regions. Priorities vary from one community to another. The selection of the participants in the project implementation should be based on merits such as experiences and education level rather than on nepotism, tribalism among others.
Keyword: Stakeholder involvement, performance, government projects, Polan
Influence of stakeholder’s involvement in project monitoring and evaluation on sustainability of community projects in Kenya: Case Study of Kenya Red Cross Integrated Community Projects in Tana River County
No full textA successful project is one that is delivered within the budget, stipulated time according to the schedule, desirable quality, client satisfaction, stakeholder satisfaction and facility user satisfaction. However, most of projects in Kenya continue to face serious sustainability issue and especially NGOs and Governments funded projects with majority failing few years after completion. The study purposed to examine the influence of stakeholders’ involvement on the sustainability of integrated community projects in Kenya: case of Kenya Red Cross integrated community projects in Tana River County. The Specific objective was to establish the influence of stakeholder’s involvement in project monitoring and evaluation on sustainability of community projects. The Kenya Red Cross Integrated Community Project in Tana River County is one such project. The study adopted a descriptive research design where approximately 1419 participants were involved. The simple random sampling techniques were used to pick the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaire via electronic means. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that monitoring and evaluation influenced sustainability of community project and that monitoring, and evaluation were statistically significant. The study concluded that monitoring and evaluation influenced sustainability of community project though the variable depicted statistically significant and negative relationship. The study recommended project stakeholders to adopt a wide variety of resource mobilization tools and establishment of key structures and developing framework to help facilitate the coordination of community-wide efforts.
Keywords: Stakeholders’ involvement, Monitoring and evaluation, Sustainabilit
A Critical Evaluation of South Sudan’s Policy Framework for Health and Safety Management in the Oil and Gas Industry in Paloich- Melut County: A Case Study of Dar Petroleum Operating Company
No full textThe paper conducted a critical evaluation of South Sudan’s policy framework for health and safety management in the oil and gas industry in Paloich- Melut County with interests in Dar Petroleum Operating Company. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of government policy, the organizational practices that affects the health and safety management of community and to explore the challenges affecting the implementation of policy frameworks for health and safety management practices by Dar Petroleum Operating Company. Descriptive survey research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data thus following mixed method approach. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while Qualitative data was obtained from in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that government policy and organizational practices are positively and significantly related to health and safety management practices among oil exploration companies. However, organizational challenges and health and safety management practices among oil exploration companies is negatively and significantly related. The main challenges were lack of resources, poor leadership and corruption. The study concluded that an increase in adoption of Government Policy and organizational practices led to a significant increase on safety management practices among oil exploration companies. The study recommended that the oil and gas exploring companies strengthen the capacities of all concerned to achieve the sound management intellectual capital, exploration and production waste minimization, sound management of oil fields and hazardous wastes at all levels.
Keywords: Health and Safety Management Practices, Government Policy, Company Policy, Organizational Practices & South Suda
Public Sector Marketing Practices and Service Delivery in Government Agencies in Romania
No full textThe development of services affiliated with the public sector is adversely increasing and has an increased role in the national economy. Numerous community sector establishments have been undertaking marketing activities to enhance service delivery according to their Service Charters. The study examined the influence of public sector marketing on service delivery in government agencies in Romania. This study was anchored on three theories, namely: marketing mix theory, public choice theory and resource-based theory. These theories were used as they relate to marketing concepts and they inform the study of the marketing aspects in diverse institutions. The study used the marketing mix practices used in the public sector including products and services marketing, price marketing, place marketing promotions and service marketing. A descriptive research design was used because it focuses on complex analysis to bring out the correlation of variables. Questionnaires were used as the research instrument. Inferential statistics were presented in regression models and were tested at a 0.05 significance level. The results indicated that all the variables carried positive predictive power although there was variation in significance level. The study concluded that product marketing, pricing marketing, place marketing and promotion marketing strategies have a positive effect on service delivery in the public sector. The study recommended that the marketing mix strategies should be widely adopted by government agencies and should be more emphasized to have a greater influence on service delivery.
Keywords: Public Sector, Marketing Practices, Service Delivery, Government Agencies & Romania.
 
Teachers Pedagogical Skills and Provision of Quality Education: Case of United States and Hungary
No full textPedagogical skills are a systematic, repetitive process of activities to create a solution for an instructional problem. Pedagogical skills involves setting an instructional goal, goal analysis; learning domains; learning outcomes; prepare criterion referenced test questions and a clear instructional strategy. The leaning domains are verbal information, intellectual skills, psychomotor skills and attitudes. The instructional strategies may be drill and practice, tutorials, simulations and educational games. The purpose of this study was to evaluate teachers pedagogical skills and provision of quality education. Literature based review was adopted in this paper. Teachers pedagogical skills are aimed at facilitating teaching and learning processes by emphasizing on the techniques of instilling excellence in quality of instruction. Instructional management methodologies assist teachers in planning and assessing lesson plans, grade books, attendance tracking, unit tests, progress reports, and report cards. Teachers need to present a more effective instructional methodology that equips learners with knowledge and skills by stimulating creativity. The study recommended periodic in service training for teachers in order to acquire and sharpen these skills. The study recommends continuous teachers professional development skills through in service training. This would enable a teacher to acquire the necessary pedagogical skills that are useful and very important in the arrangement of refresher training. The examination also recommends an introduction of short term programmes in guiding and counseling.
Key words: Teachers Pedagogical Skills, Provision of Quality Education, United States, United Kingdom, Hungar