Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Information Security through an Improved Image Steganography Algorithm
No full textSteganography is the data hiding technique which allows hiding secret message or image within a larger image or message such that the hidden message or an image is undetectable. It is a very useful method for secret information transmission. This research proposed security of information through an image hiding steganographic method, of hiding an image within a cover image. This steganographic method aims to minimize the visually obvious and numerical differences between the cover image and a stego image with increase in the size of the payload. The proposed improved algorithm uses the binary codes which is the binary representation of pixels inside the image. This algorithm make use of improved least significant bit (LSB) technique, which is a popular technique in steganography ,in which least significant bits of cover are altered by secret data bits. The proposed method integrates randomization algorithm which improve the security of LSB scheme. The bits of the secret image are embedded in random pixels of the cover image. The method enhances the security of the LSB technique by randomly dispersing the bits of secret image in the cover image which makes it harder for unauthorized people to extract the original image. Since all the secret image bits are embedded in the cover image the exact secret image can be regenerated from the stego-image and thereby the image quality is preserved by the system. The research implements steganography for images, with an improvement in both security and image quality.
Keywords: Information security, Image, Steganography and Algorith
Effect of Capital Structure on Financial Performance of Consumer Goods Firms Listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textCapital structure of a firm is a subject of great interest worldwide. The area has received much attention in developed countries compared to their developing counterparts. Research on capital structure has mainly focused on understanding the forces behind corporate financing behaviour of large listed firms. Firms in developed economies operate in close to similar economic environment however this is not the case with developing economies. The main aim of this study was to establish the effect of capital structure on financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the effect of debt ratio on financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE and to determine the effect of firm size (control variable) on financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE. The study employed panel research design. This study targeted 12 firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. A census of all the 12 firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange was used as a unit of analysis from the year 2012 to 2016. Secondary data extracted from the financial statements was used to compute the relevant ratios. The study employed a dynamic panel data regression model and Eviews software was used for data analysis. The results showed that debt ratio had a negative coefficient of -0.401967 and a t-statistic of -6.006392. The p-value of 0.0000 suggests that the relationship is statistically significant at 5% significant level since the value is lower than the critical p-value of 0.05. The null hypothesis is debt ratio does not have a statistically significant effect on financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE. The study adopted the alternative hypothesis that debt ratio have a statistically significant effect on financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE. The results also indicated that firm size has a positive coefficient of 0.080114 and a t-statistic of 4.085403. The p-value of 0.0002 suggests that the relationship is statistically significant at 5% significant level since the value is lower than the critical p-value of 0.05. The null hypothesis is firm size does not have a statistically significant effect on financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE. The study adopted the alternative hypothesis that firm size has a statistically significant effect on financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE. From the findings of the study it was concluded that debt ratio and firm size were found to be important aspects of capital structure influencing financial performance of consumer goods firms listed on the NSE. The study recommends a balance when financing a firm through either debt or equity. The study recommends that NSE listed consumer goods firms with high levels of current assets should consider using more equity to finance their daily operations. The study recommends prudent use of firms resources to ensure that firms goals and objectives are attained. This way a firm can increase its revenue base.
Key words: Consumer goods, capital structure, firm size, financial performanc
Effects of Tax Burden on Foreign Direct Investment Inflows into the East African Community Countries: Empirical Evidence
No full textThis research was an empirical study on the effects of tax burden on foreign direct investment inflows into the East African Community member countries. The purpose of the study was to determine empirically the effect of tax burden on foreign direct investment inflows into the East African Community countries. This study is anchored on tax competition theory which supports the proposition that in host countries, when tax burden decreases, FDI inflows increase. Therefore, host governments lower tax burden to attract increased and consistent investment inflows into the country. Hence, this strategy creates competitive advantage based on tax. Equally, this competitive advantage is expected to result in benefits such as human capital and financial development that positively impact on the economic development in the country. Therefore, use of tax burden to attract FDI inflows is an act of tax competition. World over, several empirical studies have been conducted to establish the relationship between tax burden and FDI inflows. Some studies have found that tax burden has positive effect on FDI inflows while other studies have found that tax burden has negative effect on FDI inflows. Still, other studies have found that tax burden has no effect on FDI inflows. Therefore, there is no consensus on the effects of tax burden on FDI inflows. This study seeks to answer the question: what is the effect of tax burden on FDI inflows into the EAC countries? The study used correlational research design on secondary data from 2000 to 2013 for Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The dependent variable was FDI inflows while the independent variable was tax burden. Data analysis (Johansen tests of co-integration, summary statistics tests, variables' trends, covariance analysis, correlation analysis, Granger-causality and Vector Error Correction (VECM) Models) and hypothesis tests (ANOVA and regression analyses) were conducted. The study found that tax burden had insignificant negative coefficients during the study period. The study concluded that tax burden had insignificant negative effect on FDI inflows in the EAC countries. Therefore, tax competition theory does not hold in the East African Community countries. The study contributes to research by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between tax burden and FDI inflows in the EAC countries. In addition, the study contributes to practice since tax policy formulation in the EAC countries as evidenced by tax incentives such as tax concessions and tax holidays is influenced by the need to attract FDI inflows. However, the results indicate that there is need to refocus away from use of tax policy in efforts attract FDI inflows into the EAC countries. The study recommends a repeat of same study in presence of other independent factors such as economic development indicators and macroeconomic factors to determine the effect of tax burden on FDI inflows into the EAC countries.
Key Words: Tax Burden, FDI Inflows & East African Community Countries
Influence of Service Quality Differentiation Strategy on Customer Loyalty in Commercial Banks within Nakuru Municipality
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the influence of service quality differentiation strategy on customer loyalty in commercial banks within Nakuru Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and employed purposive sampling technique in the identification of the banks and systematic random sampling in the selection of the respondents. The study sample was drawn from customers of banks that had operated in Nakuru Municipality for more than five years. A representative sample of 384 bank customers was chosen and the process of data collection was conducted over a period of one month. The study used a questionnaire for data collection. Data collected was analyzed for descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 15. Research findings were presented in the form of tabular summaries. The significance level used for the study was 0.05. The results revealed that most bank customers agreed that banks used the service quality differentiation strategy dimensions and they also agreed with the aspects of customer loyalty as being present among most customers. Results also revealed that service environment was not significantly related to customer loyalty while interaction quality, empathy and reliability were significantly negatively correlated with customer loyalty. The study recommended that bank managers should change the application of the service quality differentiation dimension and they should also differentiate on aspects that increase customer loyalty. The study recommended that similar studies should be carried out in other parts of the country and in different sectors of the economy; and that factors that affect customer loyalty that are not discussed in the study should be researched on.
Keywords: Service quality, differentiation strategy, customer loyalty, commercial banks, Nakuru Municipalit
The Effect of Porter's Generic Competitive Strategies on Customer Satisfaction in Commercial Banks within Nakuru Municipality, Kenya
No full textThis study was set to determine the effect of Porter's Generic Competitive Strategies on Customer Satisfaction within commercial banks in Nakuru Municipality. This study adopted a descriptive survey design and employed purposive sampling technique in the identification of the banks and systematic random sampling technique in the selection of the respondents. The study sample was obtained from bank customers that have operated in Nakuru Municipality for a period of more than five years. A representative sample of 384 bank customers was chosen and data was collected over a period of one month. The study used a questionnaire to gather data from the respondents. Data collected was analyzed for descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 15. Research findings were presented in the form of tabular summaries. The significance level used for the study was 0.05. Results revealed that differentiation, cost leadership and focus strategy were significantly positively related to customer satisfaction. The study concluded that differentiation, cost leadership and focus strategy affect customer satisfaction positively. The study recommended that banks need to improve on the implementation of the three porter's generic strategies especially differentiation and focus strategy and also deliver services that exceed customer's expectations in order to enhance customer satisfaction and that similar studies should be carried out in other parts of the country and in other sectors of the economy.
Keywords: Porter's generic competitive strategies, customer satisfaction, commercial banks Nakuru Municipality, Kenya
Institutional Factors that Influence the Implementation of Policy on Management of Childhood Illnesses in Bomet County
No full textThe study aimed at establishing the institutional factors that influenced the implementation of policy on management of childhood illnesses in Bomet County. A descriptive cross sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used for data collection. The study population was a total of 279 health workers in Bomet County Hospital and Tenwek Hospital. A sample of 164 was arrived at which was selected using stratified and simple random sampling technique. The quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24). The study established a significant positive relationship between institutional factors of enhancing compliance to policy procedures on implementation of policy on management of childhood illnesses at 0.824, p˃0.01. The study recommends that health institutions in Bomet County facilitate the dissemination and compliance to the implementation of the policy on management of childhood illnesses.
Key words: Institutional factors, implementation, policy on management, childhood illnesses Bomet County
Determining the Levels of Technical Efficiency Changes in Bomet County Before and After Devolution
No full textThe study aimed at determining the levels of technical efficiency changes in Bomet County before and after devolution. A cross-sectional study design was used where secondary and quantitative data was collected using a data checklist from the ministry of health and the county's information platforms. Ex-ante and ex-post data from the devolution periods were used to calculate the technical efficiencies using a non-parametric econometric technique, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Key informant interviews were done after analyses of data to get the views of the county's health managers on the results. The mean constant returns to scale technical efficiency (CRS TE) scores for the county increased from 92.4% in 2012 to 96.1% in 2015, while the varied returns to scale technical efficiency (VRS TE) score showed an increase of 3.4% from 96.6% to 100%. The county mean scale efficiency scores increased from 95.7% before devolution to 96.1% after devolution. Bomet County ought to create more demand for its health services and therefore increase the utilization of its resources. This could be done through the use of community units, which is responsible for bringing out the unmet needs in the population and linking the populations to the health facilities.
Keywords: Technical efficiency changes, Bomet County, before and after devolution
 
Relationship between Strategic Management Practices and Quality of Food Products in Supermarkets in Kenya
No full textMaintaining quality products in Supermarkets is a problem in the growing food service market across the world. Naivas Supermarket capitalizes in ensuring customer satisfaction through retaining fresh offerings, as this ensures they will shop there frequently and start to buy from the retailers' other branches. Yet, in spite of heightened popularity and considerable adoption of the practices, concerns and criticisms still linger about the influence of these strategic management practices on quality of products. This paper sought to establish the influence of strategic management practices on quality of food products in Naivas Supermarkets. It specifically sought to establish the influence of Proactive QMS; Measurement of Quality performance; Staff Compliance and innovation on quality of food products in Naivas Supermarkets in the Nairobi Central Business District. The push goal theory and the Contingency theory anchored the variables of the present study. The study results show that QMS, Measurement of quality, and staff compliance had a significantly negative influence on quality of food products at Naivas supermarkets at the Nairobi Central Business District. However, innovation had a significantly positive influence on quality of food products. The study thus recommends that: The Naivas supermarkets management should initiate effective processes, policies and procedures needed for efficacious planning and execution of development, service and production elements to help improve the quality of food products. They should create concrete measurements of quality to help in tracking the progress towards quality of food products. In addition, Naivas supermarkets management should invest in training of its staff for enhanced quality of food products. Finally, they should continue to be innovative both in their products and process mix to ensure that they keep abreast with current practices in the area.
Keywords: ISO International Organization for Standardization, Central Business District, Commercial Bank of Africa Limited, Quality Management Syste
Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies in Business: A Case of Companies Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textThe objective of the study was to analyze the alternative dispute resolution strategies used in business. It was limited to companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Nairobi, Kenya. Businesses have found the traditional court system to be costly, time consuming, formal, rigid and lacking in confidentiality. Further, as business is often conducted in space with no obvious boundaries coupled with cross border deployment of assets, enforcing court orders has posed challenges. The research design that was used was the census design. The study used primary data which was collected through a structured questionnaire comprising of closed and open-ended questions. It was found that organizations are increasingly employing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms which include arbitration, mediation, facilitation and training as a means of solving disputes. Focus should however be on appropriate rather than alternative dispute resolution strategies. It would be crucial to incorporate ADR in the school syllabuses.
Keywords: Traditional Court System, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Cross Border Business, Nairobi Securities Exchang
Utilization of Evidence-Based Treatment Outcome Measures in the Rehabilitation of Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy among Physiotherapists at the Kenyatta National Hospital
No full textCerebral palsy is the leading cause of motor disability in children. Global incidence of cerebral palsy stands at 2 to 3 per every 1,000 births. In Kenya, World Health Organization estimates that 1 in every 300 children has Cerebral palsy, this suggesting that over 60,000 children in Kenya have cerebral palsy. The high prevalence has been attributed to mostly brain damage in newborns and infants. The impact of Hemiparetic cerebral palsy is felt not only on the individual but also the caretakers and society as a whole, making physiotherapy fundamental to the lives of persons living with cerebral palsy. Evidence-based physiotherapy practice involves a number of components that follows a step by step process and thus has been argued to be the most ethical approach to treatments in a variety of medical professionals. Measurement of outcomes in physiotherapy rehabilitation is needed to determine whether the rehabilitation methods performed are useful to the patients. Yet, there is no research that has been done to determine whether evidence-based treatment outcome measures are used as part of the rehabilitation process in Kenya, particularly in Hemiparetic cerebral palsy. The main objective of the study was to determine the utilization of evidence-based treatment outcome measures in the rehabilitation of hemiparetic cerebral palsy among physiotherapists at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The study design was descriptive cross-sectional study. It was conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital which is the largest referral and teaching hospital. The study used semi-structured questionnaire design that included both closed-ended and a few open-ended questions. The time frame that is expected to facilitate the process of the proposal development and data collection up to the final thesis defense and dissemination is 10 months; from May 2016 to February 2017.The study was inclusive of physiotherapists working at the Kenyatta National Hospital in both the out-patient and in-patient departments who will have been sampled and passed the inclusion criteria. The data was analyzed using STATA software. The study found out that level of education and utilization of evidence based treatment are positively and significant related (r=2.759, p=0.016). The table further indicates that CPD participation and utilization of evidence based treatment are positively and significant related (r=7.887, p=0.021). It was further established that Availability of information resources and utilization of evidence based treatment are positively and significantly related (r=5.428, p=0.007). The study recommends for Physiotherapy Council of Kenya and Ministry of Health, institutions of higher learning to emphasize on trainings of physiotherapists since training has a positive effect. Thus will lead to improved efficacy and effectiveness of the rehabilitation, increasing patient satisfaction and an eventual increase in quality of life for the patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Keywords: Knowledge, Clinical practices, Evidence-based treatment outcome measures, Hemiparetic cerebral palsy, Physiotherapist