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Relationship between School Infrastructure and Students Academic Performance in Twelve Years Basic Education in Rwanda
No full textThe school infrastructures play a significant role in the development of both school performance and students academic performance. Well settled school physical plants, help the students to discover and develop their talents. This study therefore, aimed to investigate the relationship between school infrastructure and students academic performance in twelve years basic education in Rwanda. The study employed correlation research design and the sample size of 200 people. In this study, school infrastructure was used as independent variable while students academic performance was used as dependent variable. The study used questionnaire and guided interview as the research instruments. The quantitative findings that were collected from questionnaire, were analyzed by using SPSS software vision 21 and the data collected from guided interview was analyzed by using thematic method. The results that were obtained, indicated that the average of 70.5 % disagreed on the adequate school infrastructures available in Twelve Years Basic Education (12YBE) in Gasabo district. The inadequate school infrastructures indicated in twelve years basic education reduces the academic performance of students. Despite, the improvement of students academic performance valued at an average of 27.1% which is low. The study also found, that there is a significant low positive correlation between school infrastructures and students academic performance in 12YBE in Rwanda as it was proved by Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) was +0.408. The qualitative findings revealed that school infrastructures to be available in 12YBE are like completed classrooms, well equipped libraries and laboratories, adequate playgrounds and school sanitation. However, these infrastructures were experienced to be inadequate in 12YBE in Rwanda.
Keywords: School Infrastructure, Students Academic Performance, School Physical Plants
Contribution of Reward Systems towards Teachers’ Job Satisfaction among Public Secondary Schools in Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textThis study sought to determine the influence of reward systems on teachers’ job satisfaction in public secondary schools. The specific research question sought to determine the different reward systems contribution towards teachers’ job satisfaction in the17 public secondary schools in Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya. The target population comprised of Principals, Boards of Management, Ministry of Education officials, Teachers Service Commission officials, teachers and students. The study adopted a Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Design. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and interview guides which were subjected to content validity. Quantitative data analysis was done by cleaning, coding and entering into a computer SPSS software version 24 to generate frequencies and percentages that summarized data. These were presented in frequency distribution tables. On teachers’ rating on contribution of reward system, the normal mean of the reactions was 2.70 that implies that most of the respondents were disagreeing with a large portion of the statements’ responses were varied as shown by a standard deviation of 1.4612. For the BOMs’ Rating on Contribution of Reward Systems, the normal mean of the reactions was 3.412 that implied that most of the respondents were agreeing with a large portion of the statements’ responses being varied as shown by a standard deviation of 1.417. The study concluded that an organization’s reward systems should also be commensurate with the effort that each individual staff offers as well as be at par with the other firms of the same standard that operate in an economy. It was also concluded that performance-based rewards affect the performance of teachers in different ways and it was realized that performance based rewards motivate teachers and increases their performance, improve teachers’ productivity and efficiency. The study recommends an issuance of rewards based on merit, timely rewards, and come up with activities that will motivate their teachers and allocate funds for the same. The offer of rewards based on non-performance considerations should be done after a fair and accurate evaluation of its effects on the beneficiary. The teachers’ employer should be trained and sensitized about the value of performance based rewarding systems. They should be made aware that pay motivates teachers to perform at their best. This means that to implement a performance-based scheme, administrators should not perceive the process as being expensive and time consuming, but rather, a necessity where performance-based financial incentives do not provide enough incentives for teachers to improve. The TSC should consider promotions to higher job groups based on merit and efforts put in the teachers rather than only consider promotions based on the number of years of service.
Keywords: Reward Systems, Teachers’ Job Satisfaction, Public Secondary Schools, Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County, Keny
Influence of Extracurricular Activities on Students Discipline in Twelve Years Basic Education in Rwanda
No full textIn 2015, Rwanda adopted a competency based curriculum to replace a knowledge-based curriculum where extracurricular activities (ECA) were introduced. In this new curriculum, the students had an opportunity to participate in games, sports, debates and religious activities. To this effect, this study aimed to establish the influence of extracurricular activities on students discipline. The study employed correlation research design, Solvin formula for sampling and purposive sampling technique were used to select 200 respondents from 398 targeted people. Questionnaires and guided interview were used as data collection instruments. SPSS version 21 was used to enter and to analyze the data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentages, and frequencies) and thematic approach was used for the qualitative data. Karl Pearson correlation coefficient and regression model were computed. Graphs, tablesand textual model were used to present analyzed data. The findings revealed that there is a higher positive degree of relationship between extracurricular activities and students iscipline in twelve years basic education in Gasabo district as indicated by (r) of 0.529. This means that there is a significant influence of ECA on students discipline. Regression model explained 50 percent of students discipline in twelve years of basic education in the Gasabo district as indicated by r-square of 0.501. The study recommended that educational authorities to improve extracurricular activities facilities in all schools.
Keywords: Extracurricular activities, discipline, student discipline, influence and Itorer
Influence of Career Guidance Programmes on Change of Programme of Study among First-Year Undergraduate Students in Kenyan Universities
No full textChange of study programme is a common phenomenon among university undergraduate students across the world. However, in Kenya, change of study programme has not been studied extensively revealing a knowledge gap. This study therefore sought to establish the influence of career guidance programmes on change of study programme among first-year undergraduate students in Kenyan universities. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional survey method. It was conducted in selected seven universities where 68,545 first year undergraduate students were targeted. Out of this, samples of 397 students were selected. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were used to establish the relationship between the variables. The correlation findings indicated that the P value was less than 0.05, resulting to rejection of the null hypothesis. Thus, career guidance programmes have a significant influence on students’ change of study programme. Based on the findings, the study concluded that career guidance programmes had a positive and significant influence on students’ change of programme of study. In particular, career day/exhibition/conference, guest speakers talk and career information from universities, KUCCPS website and google search were found to be the key influential factors of change their programmes of study among first year undergraduate students. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education to hold national dialogues on career guidance to gather information on practice gaps to inform possible solutions or interventions. Another suggestion is the training of qualified career guidance personnel across learning institutions from basic through higher education. This can be initiated at teacher training programmes or teacher professional development programmes.
Keywords: Career guidance programmes, programme of study, career choices, first-year undergraduate student
Soft HRM Model: Human Capital as the Greatest Asset for Organizational Performance
No full textThere is no clearer time in the current generation that has demonstrated the significance of human capital in the world of work than in 2020 after the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease struck and eventually declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 (WHO, 2020). Governments across the world took up strict measures in a bid to tame spread of the highly infectious disease including initiating curfews and lockdowns. As a result, businesses, schools, factories and many institutions closed shop or reduced their operations significantly. Consequently, many companies have been left with buildings and infrastructure with no one to attend to them as most workers are quarantined or under lockdown in their homes, while others were asked to work from home. CEOs and managers have come to the appreciation of the fact that even with the most advanced machinery, seamless processes or well written policies and strategies, without the human resource to make use them for production then they remain unproductive with no income generation. With selected examples of best practices from various companies, this paper reflects on the importance of soft model of human resource management (HRM) in an organization
Technological Capability and Sustainability
No full textThe rapid change in technologies, increasing globalization, shifting demographics and greater regulatory oversight are combining to create fundamental shifts in business environment that has led to new opportunities, challenges and risks for the managers. Businesses are in constant lookout for sources of competitive advantage, therefore intangible resources and technological capability are of great strategic potential for the firm. Studies in technological capabilities, although limited, are being carried for both developing and developed countries at national level, and at industry sector or firm level. Amongst the studies on firm level, there is a wide consensus that building technological capability is influenced by both internal and external factors to the firm. Technological capability comprises of the soft aspect (intangible), which is the skills, knowledge and experience, the hard aspect, which refers to systems, machines and equipment (tangible) and also the organizational alignment that provide the basis for competitive advantage by enabling organizations to reshape their skills and structures. Literally, technological capability is the ability of firms to undertake a set range of productive tasks aimed at improving their ability to operate specific functions and compete in specific markets and industries. Despite the importance of technological capability, there is still a scarcity of research on the integration of technological capability into the performance measurement system in order to quantify the causal impact of technological capability on the business performance. Existing methodologies, concepts, models, tools and techniques do not provide rigorous tools to allow managers to make investment decisions to enhance their technological capability whilst maximising its impact on business performance. This paper describes the development of an assessment model for assessing the impact of technological capability on the sustainability of the firm. Therefore, effective combination of appropriate operational capabilities enhances the strength of firm's technological capability.
Keywords: Technological capability, Sustainability, Performanc
Mediating Effects of Workplace Culture on Leadership style and Performance of State Departments of Kenya
No full textWorkplace culture plays a primary function in modeling the behavior and performance of the firm through the collective efforts of individual members of the organization. Studies have emphasized that Workplace culture is an integrating force that pulls organizational behavior in the direction desired by management. Consequently, managers make deliberate efforts toward developing performance-driven Workplace culture. Workplace culture also reflects how it is perceived by the external entities, its values and social standards, as well as its relationship forms and levels with other organizations and individuals. This paper sought to assess the effect of workplace culture on the relationship between leadership style and performance. This paper reviewed effects of Workplace culture and its impact on organizational performance, through an analysis of existing empirical studies and models linking with workplace culture and performance. Pursuant to the analysis of wide literature, it is found that workplace culture has a deep impact on the variety of organizations' processes, employees and its performance. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The study targeted the 40 State Departments in 21 Ministries in Kenya. The study used purely primary data. Primary data was collected through questionnaires. Inferential and descriptive statistics were employed. The data analysis was done using quantitative techniques. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between leadership style and performance. The study also revealed a positive relationship between organisation culture and performance. The study recommends that leaders should motivate and raise the morale of team members by using several methods that connect the leader, team members and workers to take a greater sense of self identity in the organization and the collective identity of the organization. The study further recommends that future studies could therefore focus on the same study but in other sectors different from service delivery.
Keywords: Leadership Style, Workplace culture, Organizational Performanc
Using Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict Students' Performance and Improve Learning Outcome: A Literature Based Review
No full textThe application of machine learning techniques in predicting students' performance, based on their background and their in-term performance has proved to be a helpful tool for foreseeing poor and good performances in various levels of education. Early prediction of students' performance is useful in taking early action of improving learning outcome. The prediction of the student's academic performance is important as it helps increase graduation rates by appropriately guiding students, guiding changes in university academic policies, informing instructional practices, examining efficiency and effectiveness of learning, providing meaningful feedback for teachers and learners and modifying learning environments. A high prediction accuracy of the students' performance is helpful to identify the low performance students at the beginning of the learning process. However, to achieve these objectives, large volume of student data must be analyzed and predicted using various machine learning models. Moreover, it is not clear which model is best in predicting performance and which machine learning model is appropriate in improving learning in among students. The paper through intensive literature review attempts to identify best machine learning model in predicting student performance and appropriate machine learning model in improving learning. The empirical review indicated contentious results on machine learning model that best predicts students' performance. Moreover, it is not clear among the various machine learning algorithms which one derives the best approach in predicting students' performance while improving learning outcome. The varying prediction level by various machine learning models may be as a result of differences in socioeconomic. It may also be important to note that students' academic performances are affected by many factors, like socioeconomic factors of students like family income, parental level of education and employment status of students or parents but are not considered when testing the accuracy of various machine learning models in predicting students' performance. Moreover, the various machine learning models did not identify the most appropriate machine learning model in improving students' outcome. Most models focused largely in predicting students' performance without considering mechanisms to improve learning outcome of students. As a result, it is important to test the accuracy of various machine learning models that best predicts students' performance and the one that is most appropriate in improve learning outcome while considering socio economic and demographic factors of the students. The study makes a conclusion that predicting students' performance is of the highest priority for any learning institution across the globe. Using various machine learning methods to accurately predict students' performance would be highly required. It is important to accurately rank machine models based on their prediction capabilities in predicting students' performance and in improving learning outcome.
Key words: Machine learning algorithms, students' performance, learning outcom
An Investigation of the Factors Contributing to Infidelity Among Married Couples in Selected Mainstream Churches in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textThis study investigated the factors contributing to infidelity among married couples in selected mainstream churches in Kikuyu constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. A working sample size of 140 married couples was picked from the target population of 935 married couples from the mainstream churches in the constituency. The study found out that infidelity is common among couples in the mainstream churches. (99%) of the respondents agreed that there was infidelity in their church. Economic factors contributed to infidelity among married couples as the education level of the respondent was negatively correlated with infidelity and this was statistically significant (r = -2.38, p = 0.017). There was a negative correlation (r = -2.53) between monthly income and involvement in infidelity and this was statistically significant (p = 0.011). 99% of the respondents agreed that social factors influenced infidelity among married couples in the mainstream churches. 98% of the respondents reported that cultural factors, influenced infidelity among married couples in the mainstream churches. The respondents in the study had a very high level of acceptance of infidelity (mean of 71.06 ±1.1621 (SD)). This therefore shows that even though the respondents in the study were Christians, they felt that infidelity was common even among church members.
Keywords: Social Factors, Infidelity, Married Couple
Social Relationships Shifts by Social Media in United States of America
No full textOver the past two decades, social media has gained so much growth and fame worldwide to an extent that many researchers are now interested in learning more about these social platforms and their effects on social relationships in the society. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of social media on social relationships among the youth. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of social media on youth interpersonal skills, social relationships and the extent of social media use among the youth in the society. The target population of the study was the American youths in the middle class where questionnaires were administered. The study findings showed majority percent of youths agreed that there is positive impact on the use of social media because it facilitates communication and support among youths in daily life. On the negative side, the findings showed that the use of social media has sometimes led to misunderstanding and destructed relationship among youths in the society. This study recommends that youths should use social media positively in such a way that their use could not affect their social relationships. The study recommends that the youths should be careful because social media is not reliable in terms of confidentiality and privacy. Therefore, people in social relationships should be wary of self-disclosure of personal information on their social media accounts for the betterment of their social relationship.
Keywords: Social Relationships, Social Media, Youths & United States of America