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Saving and Credit Cooperatives Services and Socio-economic Empowerment of Teachers in Rwanda
No full textThe provision of better services to members of UMWALIMU SACCO in Rwanda especially in Nyagatare branch, enhance the socio-economic empowerment of teachers ready to get various service and build their lives. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of credit services on members social economic empowerment at Sacco in Nyagatare. This paper adopted survey descriptive research design. The target population was 140 people and sample size was 72 respondents using solvin formula. The data was collected by using questionnaire and interview guide and analyzed using SPSS software version 21 for quantitative findings and thematic approach for qualitative approach. The findings indicated that the amount borrowed depended on the savings made and shares owned, amount borrowed linked to the purpose of the loan, amount borrowed being adequate to undertake a reasonable investments were all friendly. On credit period, results showed that credit period depending on the type of the loan, credit period changing with the size of the loan and affordable credit period were friendly to members. However, members not aware of the policies on credit period and credit periods given by SACCO not favorable for business growth were not favorable to members. The findings also revealed that the increase of SACCOs services (receive cash deposit, Grant loans, provision of salary advance and accept collateral for loans) can affect starting new business and expending the existing business at 95.3%. This implies that the remaining 4.7% can be affected by other variables. The findings also revealed that the increase of SACCOs services can affect the members investments opportunity at the level of 96.2% while the remaining 3.8% can be affected by other variables. Though, the increase of SACCOs services can also affect members health members at 96.4%. This also implies that the remaining 3.6% can be affected by other variables. However, it was also showed that there is a statistical relationship between saving money using saving account and investing in other business r = .880 and P-value = .000 < .05. This paper also recommends that SACCO should allow its members to withdraw their savings as needed and the minimum balance and be friendly to members.
Keywords: Saving and Credit Cooperatives, Socio-Economic, Empowerment, Teachers & Rwanda
Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Education System in Kenya
No full textEducation is an integral part of human society, its importance in life cannot be ignored as lack of education gives birth to numerous social problems like poor health, internal conflict, poor living standards and many more, education helps people to find a better solution to their problems. Education lets people realize the true value of contribution and help become the backbone of the society. Innovation and creativity can only occur when people are skilled enough to know how to operate with different technologies. Since the first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was announced in Kenya, many aspects of society and the education sector have been dramatically affected. On March 15th 2020, the Kenyan government closed all learning institutions countrywide to contain the spread of the virus. As the numbers of those infected by coronavirus rose to over 8,000, the ministry of education announced on July 7th that, the 2020 school calendar year will be considered lost due to COVID-19 restrictions. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the effect of Covid-19 pandemic on the education systems in Kenya. The study was anchored on Classical Liberal Theory of Equal Opportunities. Mixed method design which involved a combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. In?quantitative the study used a survey research design, specifically the study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. Cross-sectional survey design involves collecting data from a large group of people of different stages of growth at one point in time. The target population for this study included teachers, students and parents. The sample size for the study comprised of 100 teachers, 25 parents and 100 students who were purposively selected across the country. This study used both questionnaire and interview guide to collect primary data. The questionnaires were served to teachers and students online using Google forms while interview guide was administered to the parents using online Google forms as well. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using SPSS. Quantitative analysis involved the use of descriptive analysis, while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The results were presented on tables. The findings revealed that Covid-19 had seriously affected learning among students in Kenya. The study found that the effects of Covid-19 were so severe that some teachers and parents lost their jobs or source of livelihoods. Most of the students were not able to access online learning due to lack of electricity, lack of learning materials and some were forced to relocate to the country side. The study hence concluded that as a result of the challenges presented by the coronavirus and the likely impact of future pandemics the government’s ability to ensure continuation of learning will depend on the ability to swiftly harness available technology, provide adequate infrastructure and mobilize stakeholders to prepare alternative learning programmes. The study concludes that as a result of the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic, teaching and learning activities in all learning institutions in Kenya just like other parts of the world have severely been disrupted. The worst hit learners are the primary and secondary school candidates who should sit for their national examinations at the end of 2020. Based on the conclusion the study recommended that there is need for the government through the ministry of education together with all the stakeholders in education sector in Kenya to navigate through challenges presented by Covid-19 to ensure continued access to provision of quality, equitable and inclusive education during and after the pandemic. Effective implementation of the proposed interventions by education managers and stakeholders will ensure uninterrupted learning in educational institutions in future. This study in addition recommends that it is important to ensure that the Ministry of Education, parents and teachers support vulnerable students to ensure they are not exploited and that no learning loss occurs even as schools delay re-full opening until January 2021 despite grades 4, class 8 and form 4s being back in schools already.
Keywords: Covid-19, Pandemic, Education system, Students, teachers, Parents, Kenya
Factors Influencing Quality Education Among Secondary Schools in Sarajevo, Bosnia
No full textThe study examined the factors influencing quality education among secondary schools in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The study's specific objectives were to examine the role of the board of management, e-learning and student interaction on education quality. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The target population was 374 teachers and students. The study used questionnaires to collect the data. The study did sampling of 193 respondents selected from the target population of 374. The correlation results of the study showed that board of management, student interaction and e-learning was positively and significantly associated with the education quality. The study found that 64.9% of the variations in the quality of education among the secondary schools in Sarajevo, Bosnia is explained by the board of management, student interactions and e-learning. The study found that the board of management was positively and significantly related to the quality of education among the secondary schools in Sarajevo, Bosnia (?=.403, p=0.001). The relationship between student interactions and the quality of education among the secondary schools in Sarajevo was found to be positively and significantly related (?=.194, p=0.000). E-Learning and quality of education was found to be positively and significantly related (?=.243, p=0.007). The study concluded that board of management, student interaction and e-learning were satisfactory in determining the quality of education among secondary schools in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The study recommended schools need to engage in rewarding and promoting hardworking teachers and students and this will positively improve the quality of education. There should also be easy access to the required resources such as books by both the teachers and students. There is a need of the school to develop educational networking and promote the development of the ICT centers. The study recommended that schools need to promote the interaction between student to student and also between student and teachers. The study recommended that schools need to advocate for e-learning to enhance the quality of education since technology is inevitable.
Keywords: Board of management, e-learning, student interaction, quality of education, Sarajevo, Bosni
A Resource Based View of Curriculum Implementation: Evidence from Primary Schools in Marakwet West, Elgeiyo Marakwet County, Kenya
No full textThis paper aimed to determine the effect of teacher pupil ratio and variability of resources on curriculum implementation in Marakwet West Sub-county, Egeiyo Marakwet County Schools. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data involving 2400 school managers, teachers and parents among the primary schools in Marakwet West Sub-County, Elgeiyo Marakwet County. The study findings showed a positive effect of teacher-student ration and variability of resources on curriculum implementation amongst the primary schools in the sub-county. The cross-sectional nature of collection of data weakens the author's claim of causality between the variables in focus. Similarly, the descriptive analysis done could not provide the real effects as the variability and causality of the variables could not be determined with such statistics. The study recommended that school managers need to uphold teacher-student ratio and variability of resources which would improve curriculum implementation in those schools. Besides, schools should emphasize on the teacher- student ratio and variability of resources while delivering their curriculum in order to be assured of effectiveness. Teacher-student ratio and variability of resources have an impact on effective curriculum implementation among schools, hence the society benefits from such implementation. The school stakeholders should strive to improve on them for societal benefits. This was the first study to investigate a linear relationship between teacher-student ratio and variability of resources on curriculum implementation among schools in Marakwet West sub-county, Elgeiyo Marakwet County
Relationship between Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainability of Anglican Church Funded Projects in Kenya
No full textChurch funded projects are a powerful global concept which describes those businesses with primarily social and environmental objectives. However, these projects undertaken by the Church have been facing critical challenges in sustainability. Thus the study sought to establish the relationship between stakeholder engagement and sustainability of Anglican Church Funded Projects in Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design aimed at collecting large number of quantitative data to establish patterns of value addition in the church projects. The study used positivism philosophy. The study's respondents was drawn from all the Anglican Churches in Mombasa Region. The unit of analysis was the Anglican churches funded projects while the respondent was the development committee, parochial church council and church members. One development committee member was selected from each of the 11 deaneries while 2 parochial church council members was selected from the 11 deaneries while sampling was done for the church members. Yamane (1967) simplified formula was used to obtain the number of church members from the 11 deaneries. Stratified random sampling was used to select church members while purposive sampling was used to select the church committee members, parochial church council and church members. Primary data was obtained using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was made up of closed questions relating to the study's objectives. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation was used for the quantitative data. Inferential data analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The results was presented in form of tables and graphs. The results indicated that stakeholder engagement positively and significantly influenced sustainability of projects. The study recommended that all stakeholders should be given an opportunity to participate in each phase of the project cycle as it is clear that participation influences sustainability. Participation should not just be in isolated episodes but throughout the project cycle as each stakeholder has a role they play in the different phases.
Keywords: Stakeholder Engagement, Sustainability, Anglican Church & Kenya
Influence of ICT Weather Forecasting on Agricultural Productivity in Kenya: A Literature Based Review
No full textThis study aimed to establish the influence of ICT weather forecasting on agricultural productivity in Kenya. The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and conclusion drawn based on the reviewed literatures. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to establish the ICT weather forecasting practices used on agricultural production in Kenya, to establish the extent of use of ICT on weather forecasting in Kenya and to determine the challenges hindering ICT weather forecasting on agricultural productivity in Kenya. Agriculture in Kenya is an important fundamental in economic development; it contributes 35% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and constitutes 40% of the export earnings. Thus, weather forecast helps farmers on many fronts such as helping them make informed decisions. Weather affects the entire agriculture chain, whether it is determining which seeds are most effective in certain soil conditions, helping farmers decide how much water to use for crops, or deciding how many crops to raise based on weather conditions at various level. Precision agriculture based upon weather analytics is becoming even more important. Information and communication technology in agriculture (ICT in agriculture), has been developing and applying innovative ways to use ICTs in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture on weather forecasting. The study concluded that climate uncertainty also has a negative impact on the providers of credit and markets for productive inputs and can make it difficult for smallholder farmers to benefit from agricultural markets. Climate information reduces uncertainty and can help farmers make better use of new seeds and technologies. The study recommended that meteorologists should consider linkages with end users of forecast information to develop user-oriented products, communicate the information in the user's local languages (particularly the pastoral communities), and develop techniques for raising the awareness of the user communities on the benefits of using weather information in agricultural practices decision-making. The study recommends that weather forecasts be devolved to the counties in developing informed agricultural decisions. It further recommends that language and communication of the weather information be improved in temporal and spatial scales with the use of new and emerging technology. KMS should enhance its efforts in awareness creation and public understanding of weather services
Keywords: ICT, Weather Forecasting, Agricultural Productivity & Kenya
The Influence of Digital Migration on the Performance of Media Houses in Brazil; Case study of Sistema Sistema Brasileiro de TelevisÃo
No full textThe research examined the perceived influence of digital migration on the performance of the media houses in Brazil. Specifically, the study wanted to investigate the impact of digitization on performance to Sistema Brasileiro de TelevisÃo. The study was anchored on the two theories, namely, the technology acceptance model and theory of innovation diffusion. The study concluded that digital migration was a hopeful incident to be adopted by the media houses although it had the hurdles of the high cost of procuring the digital facilities, lack of adequate information, technology experts, poor infrastructure in the country and the lack of regulatory legal framework on the use of digital platforms. The study also concluded that digital migration spurred productive information acquisition and news distribution within the organization. The study further concluded that the organization majorly depended on the internal product re-innovation to establish new products to the viewers. The study also confirmed the organization had ushered in a relook at the competitive service strategy to align it to the existing market situation. The study recommended that media houses always need to welcome the use of digital platforms to enhance their performance and enhance the cost-effectiveness. The study also suggested the government to implement strategies and policies that minimize unhealthy and unfair competition amongst the media houses to make the firms grow in their future digitization. Besides, the study recommended the media houses to continue espousing the digitization of its contents and training of the employees to improve the skills and competency, thus higher efficiency.
Keyword: Digital migration, Sistema Brasileiro de televisÃo, performance, media house, Brazi
The Intervening Effect of Planning Function of Management in the Relationship between International Procurement Practices and Supply Chain Performance of Energy Development Agencies in Kenya
No full textDuring the procurement planning process, the procurement method is assigned and the expectations for the fulfilment of procurement requirements are determined. The planning function of management entails a set of goals and targets that aim to transform and improve the image of the public service through the quality delivery of services. This study sought to establish the intervening effect of the planning function of management in the relationship between international procurement practices and the supply chain performance of energy development agencies in Kenya. The positivistic philosophy approach was adopted for the study. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design to collect a large number of quantitative data at a point in time to establish patterns of value addition in the Kenyan energy sector. The study's target population consisted of six energy development agencies in Kenya as outlined by the Ministry of energy (2018). The unit of analysis was the energy development agencies. The study purposely sampled only the top managers and middle managers since they are the key individuals handling the strategic issues within the departments. This study utilized primary data. Primary data was obtained using self-administered questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). They established a partial mediation effect on the mediating role of the planning function of management on the relationship between international procurement practices and supply chain performance. The study thus rejected the null hypothesis and adopted the alternative hypothesis that there is a significant intervening effect of the planning function of management in the relationship between international procurement practices and the supply chain performance of energy development agencies in Kenya. The study concluded that there is a significant intervening effect of the planning function of management in the relationship between international procurement practices and the supply chain performance of energy development agencies in Kenya. The study also found that from the responses, the agencies had adopted well-laid-out strategic plans that are well planned and management organizes all the required resources for optimal supply chain performance. The management had stipulated a clear vision, mission and strategic goals and is effective in directing the agency towards achieving its vision and mission. The study also recommended that measures should be put in place to ensure that only exact quantities of materials are procured in a way that minimizes the overall cost of the supply chain. Effective use of e-procurement technologies should be highly encouraged to achieve this. To improve the supply chain performance more, the study recommended that the supply chain managers should be holding regular supplier appraisals and meetings to know the areas of improvement on the part of the suppliers. Specific e-procurement implementation key performance indicators should also be defined and closely monitored since this will lead to improvement in supply chain performance.
Keywords: Planning Function of Management, International Procurement Practices, Supply Chain Performance, Energy Development Agencies & Kenya.
 
Risk Management and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textCommercial banks are vital as they play an important role in allocation of resources for nations which span from linking of funds to investors from depositors. They are however susceptible to the various uncertainties relating to lending. Banks executives require reliable and sufficient measures to reduce or minimize the risk arising from capital being outside the limits established. The banking industry of Kenya has been characterized by several banks going under due to miss-management and also lack of preparedness in risk mitigation. Risks are in reality uncertainties and the banking industry is faced with large number of risks. This study was to examine the impact of risk management on commercial banks performance in the context of Kenya. The specific aims were to assess the impact of credit, liquidity and interest risks on performances of Kenyan banks. The examination made use of the theories of Risk Theory, Moral Hazard Theory, Modern Portfolio Theory and Agency Theory. Descriptive design was utilized in this examination where the target populace comprised of the forty Kenyan banks. The study therefore was a census as it covered all the 40 commercial banking organizations in Kenya. It was based on the time period 2013 to 2017. Secondary data was utilized. The analysis was based on descriptive analysis (means and standard deviations) and inferential analysis (multiple regression technique). Ethical considerations were observed in the course of the research. Based on the panel regression approach, the conclusion of the study was that credit risk was not key in affecting the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study also concluded that liquidity risk is not a key determinant of financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Likewise, the study concluded that interest rates were key factors which influenced the commercial banking performances. Thus, interest rates should be continually adjusted by bank management to be in line with the prevailing economic conditions.
Keywords: Credit Risk, Financial Performance, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, Non-Performing Loans, Return on Equity, Risk management, Risk Monitoring
Governance and Accountability: The Role of Audit Committee
No full textThis paper aimed at investigating good governance in and its role in improving the administrative and financial performance, in order to shed light on its financial and administrative transparency practices, accountability indicators, process of information disclosure and accessibility, and the procedures and mechanisms used to control financial and administrative corruption. One can barely come across any term more stimulating than accountability revealing both the idealistic expectations and technical requirements of governance. This paper provided deep insights into the advancements in corporate governance and accountability, and in particular the influence of internal and external factors. In this regard, the paper intended to add onto the available literature on the convergence of national corporate governance systems and the associated implications. The paper further presents important implications for key players in corporate governance development and accountability, audit committee. This paper evaluated and criticized the fragmented contents of the term governance and elaborate the relationships between governance, accountability and audit committee as well. Although accountability is fully considered as a critical element of public administration, it is a crucial question to ask whether there exists an inevitable relation between accountability and governance. The ideal praxis of accountability is best achieved through a centralized concentration of control or through dispersed power and delegated responsibilities. Despite numerous studies done on audit committee and corporate governance, very little empirical research has analyzed the direct and indirect relationships between audit committee and corporate governance and accountability. This paper sought to bridge this research gap by carrying out an in-depth literature review on the audit committee influence on the relationship between audit committee and governance. The paper looks into the role of audit committee on the direct relationship between accountability and governance.
Keywords: Governance, Accountability, Audit Committee, Transparenc