Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Managers Comprehension of External Environment and the Performance of the SMEs in Kinshasa
No full textThe relationship between the understanding of the remote environment by the managers and performance of SMEs has received little attention in empirical studies. The main drive of this study was to determine the effect of managers comprehension of external environmental factors on performance of SMEs in Kinshasa. The purpose is to increase the understanding of the external forces to reduce the negative influences it has on the activities of the organizations. In the quest to fulfill the aim of this research, positivism paradigm was employed; primary and secondary info were gathered. Former was collected using a well-organized set of questionnaires. A descriptive survey design-sectional of 520 SMEs on managers in Kinshasa was conducted. The collected data was coded and the SPSS version 23 program was used to do analysis. The study found that it was only the comprehension of the political environment which significantly and positively (p=0.006>0.05) influenced profitability at 5% level of significance. However, the comprehension of the other environmental factors negatively but insignificantly (p > 0.05) influenced profitability at the SMEs in Kinshasa DRC. There was no significant relationship between technological, socio-cultural and economic factors with all the indicators of performance. These results suggest that the relationship is largely indirect. Hence, there is need to introduce the mediating and moderating variables such as decision making and strategy implementation to improve and explain the relationship.
Key words: External environment, performance, SMEs, Kinshasa, DR Cong
Factors Affecting Regional Trades in Africa: Perspective from West Africa
No full textThe main purpose of this study was to establish factors affecting regional trades in Africa with a close look at the regional trades in West Africa. Africa is becoming an attractive financial investment location and also a vital market for goods as well as services. With a functioning populace of 600 million predicted to boost by 2040, exceeding China and also India, and additionally an enhancing solution environment, Africa is poised to become the world's following emerging economy. To turn its financial gains right into sustainable advancement in addition to shared success, Africa's public and economic sectors must work together to attach the continent's markets, strengthen local adaptation, and also take on reforms that improve competitors. The research study was educated by concepts of Economic Growth. The research was literature based in which different researches were analyzed to obtain study designs. The findings for showed that Regional career liberalization initiatives in Africa are recognized by crucial policy changes such as, the elimination of toll and also non-tariff obstacles to intra-region profession and step-by-step barriers to open market, and likewise avoidance of import restrictions and additionally levies and export tax along with limitations. COMESA, SADC, and additionally EAC have accepted a solitary program on the removal of non-tariff obstacles while ECOWAS has actually developed National Committees to this end. It consists of an online system that individual states can use to report NTBs and act on the removal processes. Terrorism and likewise insecurity brought on by civil frustration have actually triggered stagnancy in sell some African nations such as Somalia. Lots of African countries have overlapping subscriptions. This suggests that they remain in greater than one trading bloc. Such registrations may cause trouble of interest due to the fact that participant states require joining the concerns associating with each trading bloc. They obstruct trade between nations as well as also avoid economic development. The research concluded that the majority of the trading blocs in Africa have actually liberalized the intra-regional motion of goods with the production of FTAs, removal of non-tariff challenges, non-discrimination of property products in addition to imports, protecting versus unfair profession techniques via anti-dumping and likewise countervailing responsibilities, trade support and keeping excellent external links. There is the requirement for political will for the reliable application of profession reforms; control of the macroeconomic policies of the partner states in each bloc, and a lot extra policies for enhancing political protection amongst member states.
Key Words: Regional, Trade, COMESA, ECOWAS, West Afric
Effect of Counterfeit Drugs on Performance of Independent Community Pharmacies in Nairobi City County
No full textThe performance of pharmaceutical firms is critical to their sustainability and growth. Worldwide, independent community pharmacies are growing at a rapid pace contributing immensely to the rds global economy. However, the majority of independent community pharmacies in Nairobi City County are victims of counterfeit drugs that threaten their performance. The declining performance of independent community pharmacies has largely been attributed to the influx of counterfeit drugs in the industry, which is yet to be empirically determined. This paper sought to determine the effect of counterfeit drugs on the performance of independent community pharmacies by specifically focusing on the effect of risks associated with counterfeit drugs, the effect of potential legal suits and the role of drug quality control surveillance on the performance of independent community pharmacies in Nairobi County. This paper also established the effect of regulatory policies on counterfeit drugs and the performance of independent community pharmacies in Nairobi County. The study applied the descriptive research design and a population of 423 licensed independent community pharmacies in Nairobi City County was targeted. Data analysis was conducted with the help of the SPSS software program v 25.0. The results also revealed that risks associated with counterfeit drugs and the performance of independent community pharmacies have a negative and significant relationship (β=-.465, p=0.000<0.05), potential legal suits and the performance of independent community pharmacies are negatively and significantly related (β=-.317, p=0.000<0.05) while drug quality control surveillance and performance of independent community pharmacies have a positive and significant relationship (β=-.282, p=0.000<0.05). Test for moderation results also showed that the explanatory power of regulatory policies in the relationship between counterfeit drugs and the performance of independent community pharmacies improved to 60.9% from 59.9 after introducing it implying that regulatory policies moderate the relationship between counterfeit drugs and the performance of independent community pharmacies. The study concludes that risks associated with counterfeit drugs, and potential legal suits badly undermine the performance of independent community pharmacies by damaging their reputation and scaring customers aware. The study further concludes that drug quality control surveillance is essential in ascertaining the quality of drugs and medicines supplied to retailers and consumers. It was also concluded that regulations moderate the relationship between counterfeit drugs and the performance of independent community pharmacies. The study recommends the need for awareness training on counterfeit drugs through workshops, and seminars organized by community pharmacy operators in conjunction with relevant product quality monitoring authorities like the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and Kenya Poisons Board. Community pharmacy operators may then be sensitized about the various risks associated with counterfeit drugs and how they may impact the performance of their business. The study recommends that there is a need for independent community pharmacies to ascertain the credibility of suppliers of drugs and medicines by checking their registration details and license from the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Kenya Poisons Board. The study recommends that independent community pharmacies may need to have their laboratories fully equipped with reagents to check the quality and credibility of drugs and medicines supplied. The study recommends for enhanced enforcement and implementation of laws and policies relating to drug production, distribution and consumption. Government, producers, distributors and consumers may need to work in collaboration to ensure the effective implementation of relevant drug policies.
Keywords: Counterfeit drugs, independent community pharmacies, Nairobi County
 
Influence of Politeness Maxims during Conflict Resolution in Faith-based Institutions of Higher Learning in Karen Nairobi, Kenya
No full textThis research paper aimed to explore the influence of politeness maxims during conflict resolution in faith-based institutions of higher learning in Nairobi County, Kenya. The paper was anchored on two theories: Politeness Maxims by Geoffrey Leech (1983) and Austin's (1975) Speech Acts. It appropriated mixed methods of data collection and analysis. Within the bounds of this articulation, questionnaires and interview guides were employed to obtain and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Purposive and systematic sampling techniques to select 1 Head of Department, 7 Non-academic staff, 3 Academic staff and 160 students from 1st to 4th-year students were used. The findings disclosed that politeness maxims (modesty and generosity) can facilitate conflict resolution in faith-based institutions of higher learning, and the moment people employ the maxims during conflict resolution, by making their comments more generous and modest, harmony and comity will be established. Drawing from the findings and conclusion of the study, the following recommendations were made: the educational practitioners specifically grievance officers should find support and retrieval as a mechanism for conflict redress which is achievable through politeness maxims to pacify hurts and heal grievances, the faith-based institutions should create a conflict resolution desk/unit Department of Human Resource to take charge and instil continuous employment of polite use of language in conflict resolution situation of grievances, tensions, misunderstandings that emanate from the causes of conflict as revealed by the study findings and each Department should be charged with the responsibility to organize seminars, workshops and conferences on a sustainable basis to discuss and reinforce the usage of polite language when trying to resolve any conflict on campus.
Keywords: Conflict, Politeness maxims, Conflict resolution
 
Strategic Review on Apple Inc Marketing in the United States of America
No full textThe paper reviews the marketing strategies adopted by Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is a Multinational Corporation whose headquarter are in Cupertino California America, that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer and personal computers. Its CEO is Timothy Donald Tim Cook. Apple is considered one of the Big Four tech companies along with Google, Amazon, and Facebook. Its best known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the ipod, iPad and iPhone. The company’s software includes the, Mac OS X operating system ,iWork suite of productivity software, Aperture, a professional photography package iTunes media browser, iLife suite of multimedia and creativity software, final cut studio a suite of professional audio and film-industry software products, logic studio a suite of professional and film industry software products. Apple lost market share as the market for personal computers expanded through the 1990s to the lower price duopoly of Microsoft Windows on Intel PC clones. As the market for personal computers expanded and evolved through the 1990s, Apple lost market share to the lower-priced Jobs pensively regained leadership status, becoming CEO in 2000. As the Think different campaign was done Apple returned to profitability, this was through rebuilding of Apple status by launching iMac in 1998. In 2001, Apple opened retail chain store and acquired numerous companies to broaden software portfolio. To reflect the shift focus towards electronics consumer Steve Jobs renamed the Company in 2007 and launched the iPhone to great critical acclaim and financial success. Steve Jobs Resigned as the CEO due to health complications in August 2011 and Tim Cook became the new CEO. Jobs died Two months later marking the end of an era for the company. Apple is now recognized as the world’s largest information technology company in terms of revenue, total assets, and largest mobile phone manufacturer.
Keywords: Apple Inc, Marketing & United State
Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Development Assistance and Humanitarian Aid in Developing Countries: A Literature Based Review
No full textAn effective and timely humanitarian aid and developmental assistance is crucial for diversified development. Donor Aid Effectiveness remains a top priority for the international development community. Use of humanitarian aid and effectiveness of development assistance have received renewed consideration during the first years of the 21st century. At the Millennium Summit of 2000, the international community agreed on certain Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to be reached by 2015. Literature based review was adopted in this paper. Various factors influencing effectiveness of Development Assistance and Humanitarian Aid have been identified. The factors include effectiveness of Development Assistance and Humanitarian Aid, donor assistance and humanitarian aid Internal Management Structure, monitoring and evaluation, donor polices and transparency and accountability in aid. Foreign aid has been contributory towards fostering broad-based development and complementing national development initiatives in the recipient countries. According to Radelet (2006), most foreign aid is designed to meet one or more of four broad economic and development objectives: stimulate economic growth through building infrastructure, supporting productive sectors such as agriculture, or bringing new ideas and technologies, strengthen education, health, environmental, or political systems, support subsistence consumption of food and other commodities, especially during relief operations or humanitarian crises and or to help stabilize an economy following economic shocks. However, there are controversies about aid effectiveness go back decades. Critics such as Milton Friedman, Peter Bauer, and William Easterly have revealed stinging critiques, charging that aid has enlarged government bureaucracies, perpetuated bad governments, enriched the elite in poor countries, or just been wasted. Undoubtedly some aid is given with humanitarian motives in mind; however, according to the literature, most foreign aid is given for variety of political, strategic and economic reasons that benefit the donor countries in the longer term. Official Development Assistance (ODA) is often designed to achieve political objectives rather than increase the prosperity of recipient countries.
Key words: effectiveness of development assistance, humanitarian aid, developing countrie
Influence of Personal Factors on Change of Programme of Study among First-Year Undergraduate Students in Kenyan Universities
No full textThe study investigated factors that contribute to students change of programmes of study among first year undergraduate students. This article focuses on the influence of personal factors on change of programme of study among first-year undergraduate students in Kenyan universities. It was anchored on Humanistic Theory of Curriculum, Social Cognitive Career Theory, and Social Learning Career Theory. Its study method was quantitative, a cross sectional survey with a causal comparative research design. It was conducted in selected seven universities and sampled 398 first year undergraduate students. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Kruskal Wallis, Pearson correlation and Regression analysis were used to compare different groups of students and test relationship between personal factors and students change of programme of study, respectively. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the data. Results were presented inform of figures and tables. The findings indicated a strong positive and significant relationship between personal factors and students change of programme of study. This was supported by a correlation value of 0.587 and p-value of 0.000. Further, results indicated that majority of the respondents identified personal interest, personal preference, academic abilities, personal goals, and opportunity for growth as influential factors in their change of programme of study. Regression results concluded that personal interest (β=0.404), personal preference (β=0.223), opportunity for growth (β=0.19) and personal goals (β=0.17) were students’ determinants of their change of course or programme of study. The study recommended that students joining first year undergraduate university education should be encouraged to carry out self-assessments to have a better understanding of their interests, abilities, preferences, among others. This can facilitate informed choice of courses or programmes of study and avoid changing from one programme of study to another.
Keywords: Personal factors, programme of study, career choices, first-year undergraduate students, Kenyan universitie
Existing Cultural Norms which Contribute to Examination Malpractices among Undergraduate Students in Kenyan Universities
No full textCultural norms are the attitudes and patterns of behaviour in a given group or society. Students at the universities develop cultures that direct them in their academic behaviour. Lack of normal social standards is the genesis to questionable character and nonconformity to simple rules that society prescribe as social norms that is required in the society. The main purpose of the study was to explore existing cultural norms which contribute to examination malpractices among undergraduate students in Kenyan universities. The study was guided by the theory of Planned Behaviour. The sample size comprised of 450 participants; lecturers, dean of students (DoSs), heads of departments (HoDs), examination officers(EOs) and undergraduate students.. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to select lecturers and students, simple random sampling for HoDs and further purposive sampling for DoSs and EOs. The study adopted a mixed methods design. The data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, focused group discussions and document analysis. A pilot study was carried out to check on reliability of the research instruments. The reliability was tested using Pearson Correlation Coefficient and items which had a reliability of more than 0.70 were reliable for the study. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative statistics and results interpreted using frequencies, standard deviations, means and percentages. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was employed to determine relationships between the variables. The findings of the study showed that cultural norms have a positive and significant effect on examination malpractices among undergraduate students (r =0.554; p<0.05).These cultural norms include; poor study habits, high parental expectations and engaging in non-academic activities. The study found that students have developed a culture of missing classes, some have joined bad companies which act as the main causes of examination malpractices while others take mobile phones to examination halls. In addition the study found that lecturers repeat questions from past papers and perceived laxity during examination invigilation. The study recommended that universities should train students on how to improve their study habits so that the students do not develop fear to face examination. Further, universities should enhance guidance and counselling to the students to emphasize on the need of honesty and integrity throughout their stay in the university. The study further recommended lecturers to avoid using discouraging words that instill fear in students but rather encourage them to work harder. In addition lecturers should set application themed questions to discourage the students from taking their notes into examination rooms in form of ‘mwakenyas’ or saved notes in their mobile phones.
Keywords: Examination Malpractices, Existing Cultural Norms, Curbing examination malpractices, Undergraduate Students, Kenyan universitie
Effect of Teenage Pregnancy Consequences on Academic Attainment of Girls in Selected Public Secondary Schools Case of Nyaruguru District, Rwanda
No full textTeenage pregnancy consequences remain a complex problem on girls ‘academic attainment in secondary schools. The main objective of the study was to find out the effect of teenage pregnancy consequences on academic attainment of girls in public secondary schools in Nyaruguru. The specific objectives were: to determine teenage pregnancy consequences that girls of public secondary schools of Nyaruguru district face, to assess the level of academic attainment and investigate the effect of teenage pregnancy consequences on academic attainment of girls in Public secondary schools of Nyaruguru district. Questionnaire and interview methods were used for gathering the needed information. Questionnaires were administered among 105 mothers who dropped out after pregnancy and interview to 40 head teachers from all schools with pregnancy drop out cases. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. Quantitative data was gathered using questionnaire and structured interview for qualitative data. This study employed descriptive and correlational design. Early marriage, low self-esteem, discrimination from family, separation with former friend at school and isolation from other students are teenage pregnancy consequences that girls in public secondary schools face. The low academic performance, frequent absenteeism and school dropout are the level of academic attainment indicators of pregnant teen girls in public secondary schools of Nyaruguru. Teenage pregnancy consequences contribute 75.2% of the academic attainment. The study recommended education officials, parents and schools leaders to help pregnant schools girls complete their studies.
Keywords: Teenage Pregnancy Consequences, academic attainment, public secondary schools
The Relationship between School Uniform Policy and Student Behavior in Elementary and Secondary Schools in the US
No full textA major task facing educational administrators across the world today is the constant presence of the issue of deviant behaviours, examination malpractice, lateness and inadequate academic performance among students. The need has therefore arisen for school managers, teachers, parents and the public to eliminate indiscipline in schools and also unruly behaviour among pupils. Throughout the 2017-18 school year, there were an estimated 3,600 occurrences across US including the property of a weapon or explosive gadget at school in the country. A higher percent of middle schools reported that student intimidation happened at school at least once a week Some 35 percent of corrective activities taken by institutions in reaction to student participation in the usage or possession of a tool aside from a weapon or explosive device included an out-of-school suspension lasting 5 or even more days, 14 percent involved the transfer of pupils to specialized institutions, and 5 percent entailed the removal of pupils without any continuing solutions for a minimum of the remainder of the school year. Studies have actually shown that school uniforms might decrease physical violence and burglary, stop gang members from putting on gang shades and also insignia at school, promote pupil self-control, help parents and pupils withstand peer stress, aid students focus on their school work, and also allow school authorities to acknowledge school intruders. Numerous primary schools in the USA have actually taken on school consistent plans as part of a general program to boost institution safety and discipline. Particularly, school attire policies have been embraced in California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New York City, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. Many huge public institution systems have volunteer or mandatory uniform plans, primarily in primary and middle schools. It is sufficient to conclude that when our students are putting on attires in the exact same colors, it's easy for the administration and training groups to identify who might be a guest or a trespasser on our school. The study suggests that keeping uniforms where they are already made use of and to consider introducing attires where they are not yet usual. There is requirement for the school administration to make every effort to implement the law relating to school uniforms in their schools since school attire has been found to enhance discovering, attendance and also technique and pupil actions.
Keywords: Uniform, Policy, Behaviour, Students, Elementary, Secondary, Schoo