Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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The Mediating Role of Welfare on the Relationship between University Catering Employees Pride and Loyalty in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textThe study sought to explore the mediating role of welfare on the relationship between catering workers pride and loyalty between public and private universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The interrelationship between the welfare variables was measured using multiple liner regressions while 2-tailed person product moment correlation was used to establish the relationship between workers pride and loyalty of catering employees. Students T-Test was used to carry out the hypothesis testing. A descriptive research design was used as it is timely, cheap and accurate. The study was carried out in 5 out of 46 University campuses in Nairobi City County accredited to operate in Kenya by the Commission for the University Education. The study targeted 300 University catering employees in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A sample size of 189 respondents was obtained using the Israels (1992) sample size calculation formulae. Simple random sampling was used to select the 5 study areas while stratified sampling procedure was used to select the 189 individual respondents of the study. Questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions were used to collect the primary data. A pre-test of 30 questionnaires whose results not included in this study was carried in one of the university campus. Out of 189 questionnaires distributed, 152 were fully filled and returned giving a response rate of 80.42% which is adequate for analysis. The findings of the study showed that, there is a moderate significant positive relationship between work-in-pride (0.60) and employees loyalty.
Keywords: Work-in- Pride, Employees Loyalty, Private Universities, Public Universities & Keny
The Prevalence of Psychological Problems of Students from Single Parent Families and Their Academic Performances: A Case of Mukaa Sub-County, Makueni County, Kenya
No full textSingle parent family is a very crucial social issue and can likely have a significant effect on a child academic success. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of psychological problems of student from single parent families and their academic performances. It adopted quantitative research method. The population of the study was 42 Public schools from Mukaa Sub-County Makueni. Systematic sampling procedure was used to get 20 schools, from which purposive sampling was employed to get 5 students from each school making a total of 100 respondents. The findings from the study showed that the prevalence of psychological problems of students from single parent families was high thus negatively affecting academic performance. The findings also showed that the students were experiencing low self-esteem while their anger levels were mostly severe clinical. Further, the findings showed that the students were depressed and were quite anxious which made it somewhat difficult for them to perform well at home and even in school. The study concluded that the prevalence of psychological problems, that is, low self-esteem, depression, anger levels and anxiety are all affecting the academic performance of secondary school students from Mukaa Sub-County. Based on these research findings, it was recommended that secondary school boards should strive to strengthen the guidance and counseling departments as this will provide an avenue for the students to seek help for the psychological problems they are encountering. It is also recommended that the Ministry of Education should ensure that all secondary schools have guidance and counseling teachers who are fully trained to offer counseling services to the affected students. Another recommendation is that single parents should consider taking their children for private counseling sessions during school holidays in an endevour to boost their self-esteem as this will eventually lead to lower anger levels, elimination of anxiety and depression thus enhancing their academic performance.
Keywords: Prevalence, Psychological Problems, Single Parent Families, Academic Performance
Organizational Resources and Competitive Advantage of Airline Companies Operating in Kenya
No full textCompetition globally is progressively making carriers working at JKIA increasingly competitive to the degree that Airline organizations are hauling out from working at JKIA, given a case of Virgin Atlantic Airlines exit in 2012. Furthermore, in the competitive global economy, there is need to strengthen Financial resources, ICT resources and Human resources to ensure stable, reliable and efficient operations of the airline companies operating in Kenya. The general objective of this research was to evaluate organizational resources and competitive advantage of airline companies operating in Kenya. This study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the influence of financial resources, to establish the effect of ICT resources and to investigate how human resources influence competitive advantage in airline companies operating in Kenya. The study used descriptive design while focusing 40 Airline companies operating in Kenya. Results indicated that financial resources significantly and positively influence competitive advantage of airline companies operating in Kenya (B= 0.870; p < 0.05). Further, ICT resources have a significant and a positive effect on the competitive advantage of airline companies operating in Kenya (B= 0.675; p < 0.05). Human resources had significant and a positive effect on the competitive advantage of airline companies operating in Kenya (B = 0.575; p < 0.05). The study concluded that financial resources improve competitive advantage of airline companies operating in Kenya. It was also concluded that ICT resources is effective enough to enable the improvement in competitive advantage of airline companies. The study concluded that human resources are essential right from customer service at the airline industry, management, and in the operation of the actual plane by crew members. The study concluded that financial resources, ICT resources and human resources significantly and positively influenced competitive advantage of airline companies operating in Kenya. Since a lot financial resources are required in operating an airline firm, the study recommends for the need to prudently use the available resources and allocation should be based on business objectives. Airline may need to invest in relevant information technologies that support the needs of the airline firm. The study recommends for periodic refresher training, workshop and seminars for employees at the airport with aim of enhancing their skills in their respective fields.
Keywords: financial resources, ICT resources, human resources, competitive advantage, airline companie
Market Penetration Strategy and Performance of Agrochemical Companies in Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textThe performance of the agrochemical industry in Kenya is of paramount importance to the agricultural sector because agriculture is the mainstay of Kenya’s economy. This study sought to investigate the effect of market penetration strategies on performance of agrochemical companies in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population was 20 agrochemical companies operating in Nakuru County. The study employed a census survey and purposive sampling was used to select 60 senior management. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data after being pretested for reliability and validity and found to meet the acceptable Cronbach’s alpha value. Data analysis included both descriptive and inferential analyses. Simple regression analysis showed that market penetration strategy had a positive and statistically significant relationship with the performance of agrochemical companies. The findings of this study are significant to managers, scholars and government. To the managers, the findings reveal market penetration strategies influence the performance of their agrochemical companies. For the government the findings reveal the need to develop policies that will support the market penetration strategy adopted by agrochemical companies because they affect their performance. For scholars, the findings contribute to further understanding of the effect of market penetration strategy on firm performance. This study concludes that market penetration strategy is the most important predictor of performance of agrochemical companies. This study finally recommends that future studies could be carried out in other counties and different industries such as banking and manufacturing to compare the findings in this study.
Keywords: Market Penetration, Firm Performance, Agrochemical Companies, Internal Growth Strategie
An Assessment on Factors Influencing Completion of National Constituency Development Fund, Projects: A Case of Public Secondary Schools in Mombasa County- Kenya
No full textThe aim of this research project was to determine factors influencing completion of Constituency Development Fund, projects, a case of public secondary schools in Mvita constituency Mombasa County. The research was guided by four objectives; to assess local community participation, timely availability of funds, political affiliation, and how monitoring and evaluation influence completion of National Constituency Development fund, sponsored projects. To attain its goal, the study adapted descriptive survey with target population of 180 members of which 36 respondents participated. Data was collected through use of questionnaires and use of interviews. Data analysis was done using averages, frequencies and SPSS. The Findings indicated, a unit increase in community participation will lead to improvement on completion of the project by 0.06 whereas a unit increase in timely funding would result to improved completion of projects by 0.300 this being second highest contributing factor to the rate of completion of the projects. The political influence had the highest impact on completion of the projects with 0.386 when a unit of it increased. Lastly, unit increase in monitoring and evaluation would lead to improved completion of national constituency funded projects by 0.231. The regression equation further established that in the absence of the four factors there would be completion of the project by 0.114 this is as a result of factors not considered in this model. Conclusions were; Political affiliation greatly influences completion of constituency development fund funded school project, community involvement also plays role in the completion of sponsored projects. Monitoring and evaluation was found to be a determinant on successful completion of constituency development fund sponsored projects. Study findings also concluded, there is a strong relationship between timely availability of funds and project completion. The research recommended; Timely Availability of funds, proper monitoring and evaluation systems ought to be in place for transparency. Lastly, Community involvement through public participation, community empowerment should be enhanced so as to ensure successful completion of the funded project.
Key Words: Local Community Participation, Timely availability of Funds, political Affiliation, monitoring and evaluation and completion of NG-CDF sponsored projec
Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Structure on the Performance of Projects at Kenya Ports Authority
No full textThe purpose of the study was to establish the influence of monitoring and evaluation structure on the performance of projects at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The study was anchored by the Stakeholder theory as proposed by Freeman (1884). Descriptive research design was used in the study with the target population consisting of 500 participants drawn from KPA infrastructure development division, key stakeholders and government agencies. Stratified random sampling technique was used to determine the sample size of 50 participants which was 10% of the targeted population. Questionnaires were used as the main data collection tool which was piloted to test validity and reliability. Quantitative analysis of data was conducted through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive data was expressed through mean, percentage, frequency and standard deviations. The study was presented in figures and tables. Regression analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study applied regression analysis to test the hypothesis. Correlational test revealed presence of significant relationship between Monitoring and Evaluation structure and performance of projects. The findings of ANOVA showed that the model used to link Monitoring and Evaluation structure and performance of projects had a goodness of fit. The null hypothesis was rejected implying that Monitoring and Evaluation structure has a significant influence on performance of projects. The study concluded that project performance was influenced by monitoring and evaluation structure. The study recommended that organizational structure should be comprised of specialized Monitoring and Evaluation personnel who are mandated to oversee that projects are implemented as per the set requirements and standards.
Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation structure, project performance, Kenya Ports Authorit
Effect of Herding Factor on Investment Decisions among Small and Micro Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThis study sought to determine the effect of herd factors on investment decisions among small and micro enterprises in Nairobi County. The study was premised on the behavioural portfolio. Positivism paradigm was deployed. The study adopts explanatory research design. The target population were 102,821 firm owners. A sample of 383 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Linear regression models were used to establish the relationship between herd factors and investment decisions. The findings revealed that herding factors was found to have positive influence on investment decision (P = 0.450 < 0.05). The study recommends that firms should improve on herd factors which improved investment. This would enhance better decision investment decision improving financial performance of the SMEs.
Keyword: Herd factors, Investment decision, SME
Utilization of Learning Management Systems: Perspective of Physically Challenged Learners in Africa
No full textThe purpose of the study was to examine the Utilization of Learning Management Systems: Perspective of Physically Challenged Learners in Africa. The study was guided by three objectives which were; to establish the factors influencing the utilization of learning management systems by physically challenged learners in Africa, to determine the barriers hindering utilization of learning management systems by physically challenged learners in Africa and to provide Policy Recommendations based on the findings. The study was informed by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Change Theory. Learning disabilities (LD) vary from person to person. One person with learning disabilities may not have the same as another is having, one person may have trouble with reading and writing, however, another may have the problem of understanding a concept and the other may have the problem of understanding what others are telling them. The most obvious benefit of Learning Management Systems (LMS) utilization for the physically challenged students is that they stay in their comfort zone without rushing to a campus or commuting between classes to classes. The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. The study findings revealed that, acknowledging accessibility in e-Learning is a key issue vouching to promote and ensure e-inclusion of students with disabilities. The study recommended that, studies evaluating utilization of LMS should employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches such that each can compensate for the weakness of the other, thereby giving a detailed and credible result.
Key Words: LMS, Physically Challenged Learners, Utilizatio
Examining the Effect of Adherence to Administrative Procedures and Guidelines of Setting Examinations on the Quality of Examinations in Public Universities in Kenya
No full textUniversity examinations play a significant role in evaluating the teaching and learning process and therefore have an impact on both teaching and learning outcomes. However, there is a widespread perception that the quality of examinations in universities in Kenya is declining. This study sought to critically examine the effect of adherence to administrative procedures and guidelines of setting examinations on the quality of examinations in public universities in Kenya. The study used the mixed method research design. The study combined phenomenological research design for qualitative data and cross-sectional survey research design for quantitative data. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select the sample for the study. The researcher purposively sampled 5 universities from the 31 public universities in Kenya. The total number of academic staff in the 5 sampled universities was 4,134. The study sampled 5 Examination Administrators/deputy Registrar Examination and Administration, 5 Registrar Academic and Students’ affairs (RASA), 5 Quality Assurance Officers/Directors, 10 Deans of faculties, 10 Heads of Departments and 207 academic staff (lecturers). A total of 242 respondents were involved in the study. Data collection instruments included questionnaires, interview guides and document analysis guide. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented through frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviations and inferential statistics by conducting a correlation and multiple regression. Qualitative data was organized into themes to make meaningful conclusions of the study. The study found a statistically significant mean difference between adherence to administrative procedures and guidelines and the quality of examinations in public universities in Kenya. The study concluded that the academic staff does not adhere to the administrative procedures and guidelines on setting examinations set out by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The study therefore recommends that university administration should provide funds to train the university academic staff on administrative procedures and guidelines of setting examinations in order to improve the quality of examinations in public universities in Kenya.
Keywords: Adherence to administrative procedures and guidelines, quality of examinations, public universities
The Effect of Customer focus Strategies on performance of Cooperative Bank of Kenya
No full textStrategic management practice has gained significance in recent years, particularly in the Kenyan banking industry. Players in banking industry are continuously under intense pressure to profoundly change the manner in which they do business to remain competitive and ensure their survival. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Customer focus Strategies on performance of Cooperative Bank of Kenya. The study adopted a primary research methodology, which involved use of closed questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 65 employees selected from among the staff and board members of Cooperative Bank of Kenya. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0 software. Findings from the study revealed that customer focus strategies (p=0.028; p<0.05) have a significant influence on performance of Cooperative Bank of Kenya. Customer focus strategies are part of strategic change management practices that influence the performance of Cooperative Bank of Kenya. It was recommended that Cooperative Bank of Kenya should engage in continuous improvement through maintaining focus on customers in order to sustain performance.
Key words: Change Management Practices, Customer Focus, Cooperative Bank of Kenya