Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2323 research outputs found
Sort by
Total Quality Management and Success of Implementation of Road Construction Projects: A Case of Ngoma-Ramiro Road Project in Ngoma-Busgesera Districts
No full textThe success of road construction projects is crucial for the sustainable development of any region. This research project aims to investigate the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) and the success of the implementation of the Ngoma-Ramiro Road project in Ngoma-Bugesera Districts in Rwanda. The main objective of the study is to determine the extent to which TQM contributes to the project's success. To achieve this objective, the research focuses on three specific areas: the contribution of top management decisions, the involvement of staff and the local community, and the effect of supplier relationships on the implementation of the Ngoma-Ramiro Road project. These areas were identified as critical factors influencing the success of construction projects and will be analyzed to understand how TQM practices can enhance project outcomes. The study employs a case study approach, centering on the Ngoma-Ramiro Road project, which serves as an exemplary representation of the challenges and opportunities faced in road construction projects in the Ngoma-Bugesra Districts region. There was a descriptive survey in design, collecting data using questionnaires, interview guides and observation schedule from a sample of 151 participants including the project managers, community, suppliers and other key stakeholders involved in this particular road construction project. The study is based on Deming’s theory of total quality management. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 20 for the relationship of the study and frequency tables, charts used to classify the findings. The findings were valuable for road construction planners and project implementers, policymakers, and researchers. The finding showed that Top Management were highly involved in the implementation of the project and the people were involved too. The quality of the project was high and supplier relationship was average. However minimal rejection of service occurred though quality standards were instituted. There was delay of the project too during implementatio
Effect of Financial Resources Management on Project Success in Rwanda; Case of Green Gicumbi Project
No full textThe main objective of this study was to assess the effect of financial control on success of Green Gicumbi Project, to assess the effect of assets management on success of Green Gicumbi Project, and to assess the effect of financial planning on success of Green Gicumbi Project in Gicumbi District. Descriptive research design was used within this study, and the study population comprised 142 various stakeholders working on the Climate resilient settlements components of the GGP in different categories from the community, public sector and private sector. Using universal sampling technique, a sample size of 142 respondents was established. The researcher used a closed end questionnaire for data collection, and a response rate of 87.2% (124 respondents) was obtained. Correlation analysis and multiple regression was utilized to assess the data and results generalized for the entire population. To compute and analyze the data in this study, the SPSS version 27 will be used. The results of correlation analysis showed that there is a positive high and significant relationship between Financial control and project success ((r=0.756 and sig=.000<0.01). The results of correlation analysis proved that there is a positive moderate and significant relationship between financial implementation and project success (r=0.672 and sig=0.00<0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between Financial control and project success (r=0.698 and sig=0.00<0.01). The multiple regressions proved that73.3% of variation in project success in GGP was due to changes in financial resource management. The overall model was significant shown by F statistic of 128.521 and p-value calculated =0.000 is less than Critical p-value =0.01 level of significant. The study concluded that there is significant and positive relationship between financial resource management and project success. All null hypotheses were rejected at 0.5 level of significance due to the fact that the results indicated that there is positive and significant effect between variables. The study recommends that GGP may determine a clear calendar which determine when assets are acquired and used in order to allow all stakeholders to be aware of the availability of assets.
Keywords: Financial Control, Assets Management, Financial Planning, and Success
Project Contractors’ Capacity and Performance of Road Construction Projects in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
No full textDelays in the performance of road construction projects are pervasive and detrimental, frequently leading to time and cost overruns, compromised project quality, the escalation of disputes and litigation, and, in some instances, the complete abandonment of projects. The main aim of the study was to determine effect of the project contractors’ capacity on performance of road construction projects in Uasin Gishu County. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess the influence of the contractors’ financial capacity on the performance of road construction projects in Uasin Gishu County and to determine the influence of human resource capacity on performance of road construction projects in Uasin Gishu County The study was guided by Theory of Constraints (TOC), Stakeholder Theory and Human Capacity Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for the research were 195 employees which comprised of resident engineers, assistant engineers, materials technicians, works inspectors, surveyors, project managers, procurement, administrators and accountants. The desired sample size for the study was 135 respondents, derived from the accessible population through proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select respondents using the formula by Yamane (1967) to obtain respondents from each cluster. A random sample from each cluster is taken in a number proportional to the clusters size compared with the population. The research instrument used in the study was questionnaire. A pilot study was carried out in Nandi County to ascertain the validity and reliability of research instruments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data for the current study. The descriptive statistics for the study included, the mean, percentages, standard deviation and the frequencies. Inferential statistics for the study included correlation and multiple regression models. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Science software version 24 in analyzing the raw data. Descriptive statistics were used to answer research questions while hypotheses were tested at 95% confidence level using inferential statistics. The study findings revealed that the β coefficients were all significant used for multiple regression as follows; contractors’ financial capacity (β2=.208, p<0.05) and human resource capacity (β3=.194, p<0.05). The study concluded that contractors’ financial capability and human resource capacity are crucial for road project success. Financial capacity is crucial for project quality and timeliness. Human resource management is essential for recruiting skilled personnel and maintaining professionalism. The study recommends that contractors awarded contracts for road construction should have financial and human resource, capacities as it enhances project performance
Project Planning Practices and Performance of Roads Construction Projects in Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of project planning practices on the performance of road construction projects in Kenya. Additionally, the study sought to determine the moderating effect of project monitoring on the relationship between project planning practices and project performance. Road construction projects in Kenya frequently encounter issues such as cost overruns (averaging 45%) and delays (up to 21 months), leading to poor performance. Despite the implementation of project planning practices, these challenges persist, affecting the overall quality and efficiency of road projects. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and employed both cross-sectional survey and explanatory research designs. The target population included 62 contractors, 54 resident engineers, 60 quantity surveyors, 32 KURA officials, and 28 KENHA officials in Kenya. The sample size was determined using Slovin’s formula and selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection methods encompassed both primary data, gathered via structured questionnaires, and secondary data from the websites of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were processed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS version 25. Results were presented using tables, pie charts, and bar charts. The study found that project planning practices have a positive and significant effect on the performance of road construction projects in Kenya. Additionally, it revealed that project monitoring moderates the relationship between project planning practices and the performance of road construction projects. From a practical standpoint, the study emphasizes the need for structured planning, including stakeholder identification and clear project objectives, to enhance outcomes. From a policy perspective, the findings support mandating rigorous planning and monitoring frameworks to better equip project managers and enhance infrastructure development.
Keywords: Project Planning, Project Performance, Road Projects, Project Managemen
Assessment of Accident Risks on Project Time Performance in The Ghanaian Upstream Oil and Gas Industry: The Role of Management
No full textIf Ghana's economy gets richer because of better project accident risk assessment, poverty and underdevelopment will go down. The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of accident risk assessment on project time performance and management’s role as a moderating factor in Ghana's upstream oil and gas industry as an emerging economy. The management theory of Henry Mintzberg serves as the foundation for the study's theory and hypothesis. Purposive sampling was used to select employees and managers preoccupied with project management and risk assessment roles as respondents, and quantitative data were collected from 589 Ghanaian upstream oil and gas industry employees in the Western Region of Ghana. These voluntary informants have worked in the industry for more than six months. The study reveals a significant relationship between accident risk assessment and project time performance, with management roles as a moderating factor in the Ghanaian upstream oil and gas industry.
Keywords: Accident risk assessment, Project Time Performance, Upstream Oil, Gas Industry, Managemen
Dynamic Response of Stock Prices to Changes in Foreign Exchange Rate
No full textIn Kenya, there has been volatility in exchange rates that have been deemed to have an adverse effect on the share prices. The study examined the dynamic response of stock prices to changes in foreign exchange rate. The target population consisted of monthly observations of the Nairobi All Share Index and the nominal Kenya shillings per US dollar exchange rates from the year 2008 to 2015. Secondary data was collected from Central Bank and Nairobi Securities Exchange. The research employed a Vector Auto-Regression model. Ordinary Least Square was used to examine long run relationship between stock prices and exchange rate on equation. The Vector Auto-Regression model was estimated and optimal lag length was obtained by use of Akaike Information Criterion. Vector Moving Average of the Vector Auto-Regression model with the subsequent derivation of impulse response functions and the variance decomposition was used to analyze the dynamic impact of changes in the level exchange rates on the stock prices. The study found that a one standard deviation shock in exchange rates initially leads to a negative impact on stock prices for the first six years, followed by a positive effect in the subsequent four years. The study concludes that exchange rate fluctuations have a significant and prolonged impact on stock prices, with effects that can last for several years. The study recommends that investors and policymakers should adopt a long-term perspective when considering the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on stock prices, given the extended period over which these effects materialize. In addition, companies engaged in international trade should implement financial instruments such as forwards and options to hedge against exchange rate risks.
Keywords: Dynamic response, stock prices, foreign exchange rate, Keny
Instructional Supervision and Teacher Performance in Secondary Schools in Wakiso District-Uganda
No full textThe effectiveness of instructional supervision enhances the performance of teachers in their daily teaching activities which also improves the school productivity. The purpose of this study therefore sought to show the correlation between instructional supervision and teacher performance in Secondary Schools in Wakiso District-Uganda. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and a correlation research design. The target population was 679 people corresponding to the sample size of 252 respondents by using Solvin’s formula. Questionnaire was used as research instrument for data collection. Through data analysis, the findings revealed that supervision was grouped distinctively in these schools. 53 % agreed that instructional supervision is carried out in their district, while 11% recognized the existence of inspection by personnel, 16 % accepted that supervision in general was carried out in schools. It was also noted that 87% firmly approved that challenges do exist during supervision, 11% settled with it and 2% disagree. They include: Instructional supervisors struggle with ambitious goals. They are therefore overworked and realized mediocrity; instructional supervisors are short of financial enticements, certain instructors are not willing to ascertain their limitations, supervisors are challenged by the inadequacy of time for teachers, some supervisors are restricted to services. It was also noted that there is a statistical significant high positive relationship between instructional supervision and teacher performance where R= 0.8421. The study concludes that addressing the challenges in instructional supervision requires specific interventions, such as providing transportation for supervisors, particularly area education officers, and establishing refresher courses for instructional supervisors. The findings from the regression analysis, highlighted by a strong R value, indicate that enhanced instructional supervision practices such as classroom observation, checking of documents, and setting academic targets are closely linked to improvements in teacher performance. The study recommends that Supervisors can address multiple dimensions of teaching including lesson planning, instructional strategies, classroom management, student engagement, assessment practices, and differentiation.
Keywords: Instruction supervision, teacher performance and performanc
Factors Affecting Socio-Economic Status of the Residents of Mbeere North; Embu County Kenya
No full textMbeere North, a rural constituency in Embu County, Kenya, faces significant socio-economic challenges despite its potential for agricultural productivity and resource utilization. The region, inhabited predominantly by the Mbeere community and characterized by diverse ethnic groups, suffers from inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and education, and a reliance on subsistence farming. These issues are exacerbated by environmental degradation and climate change, leading to high poverty rates and economic instability. This study assessed the socio-economic status of Mbeere North's residents by identify the factors influencing their well-being. The research employed a descriptive design, targeting a sample of 150 residents, including households, community leaders, business owners, and providers of education and healthcare. Data collection methods included questionnaires and interviews, with a focus on key areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and economic activities. The findings revealed a population with low levels of education, limited healthcare access, and average monthly household incomes of KES 15,000. Infrastructure development is rated moderately, with significant variability in perceptions among respondents. The theoretical framework integrated Gary Becker's Human Capital Theory and Structural Functionalism. The paper presents analysis of descriptive statistics on socio-economic indicators, alongside the results of regression analysis. This analysis sheds light on the relationships between various independent variables, including education, health, economy, infrastructure, social services, and welfare, and the dependent variable, socio-economic status. Regression analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the independent variables (education, healthcare, and infrastructure) and socio-economic status, with an R value of 0.75 and an R Square of 0.5625. In conclusion, Mbeere North requires targeted interventions to improve infrastructure, diversify agriculture, and enhance healthcare and education services. Recommendations include promoting agro-processing industries, investing in modern farming techniques, and developing eco-tourism. These strategies are essential for fostering economic growth, improving living standards, and achieving sustainable development in the region.
Keywords: Effects of Socio-Economic Status on the Residents of Mbeere North; Embu County Kenya
Green Innovation Strategies, Environmental Regulations and Competitive Advantage of Tea Processing Firms in Rift Valley Region, Kenya
No full textIn the context of growing environmental concerns, examining the effect of green innovations on the competitiveness of tea processing firms not only broadens the frontier of research in the field, but also provides guidance to firms in their pursuit of competitiveness and sustainability. To assess tea processing firms' competitive advantage, this study looked into the moderating role of environmental regulations in the interaction of green innovation practices and competitive advantage in the Rift Valley Region of Kenya. The study was guided by four theories: the Schumpeter theory of innovation, dynamic capabilities theory, institutional theory, and Porters' theory of competitive advantage. An explanatory research design was used. The investigation focused on 59 private tea firms in Rift Valley counties. The sample size was 51 private tea processing firms and 204 informants drawn from the population. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data, and a documentary analysis guide for secondary data. Expert opinion determined validity, and Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, whereas inferential statistics included regression analysis. The research is important to the studied firms because it serves as a decision-making reference and provides insight to regulatory bodies on sustainability issues. It will also serve as a foundation for future research in the areas of environmental guidelines, green innovation, and competitive advantage. The study found that circular economy practices (β1=0.298, p<0.05), resource efficiency (β2=0.225, p<0.05), waste reduction (β3=0.234, p<0.05), green business model innovation (β4=0.246, p<0.05), and environmental regulations (β5=0.177, p<0.05) all had a positive and significant effect on competitiveness. Implementing circular economy practices, improving resource efficiency, reducing waste, innovating green business models, and adhering to environmental regulations all contribute significantly to tea processing firms' competitive advantage in Kenya's Rift Valley Region. The study suggests that tea processing companies standardize refurbishment, invest in advanced recycling and waste reduction technologies, optimize production processes, improve transparency, and streamline certification to strengthen sustainability and competitive advantage.
Keywords: Green Innovation Strategies, Environmental Regulations, Competitive Advantage, Tea Processing Firms, Rift Valley Regio
Strategic Management Practices and Organizational Performance of Agricultural State Corporations Within North Rift Region, Kenya
No full textThe study aimed to assess the influence of strategic management practices on the organizational agility of selected agricultural state corporations in the North Rift region of Kenya. Key research questions focused on the impact of product diversification, strategic innovation, quality management, and strategic leadership on organizational adaptability. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, targeting 229 heads of departments and employees, with a sample size of 143 selected through stratified and random sampling. Data collection included questionnaires and document analysis, validated by experts, and reliability was measured using the Cronbach alpha method. A pilot study was conducted in Bungoma County. Quantitative statistics underwent descriptive analysis. Manifold reversion analysis was affianced to test the supposition. The enquiry as signposted by archetypal summary R= 0.717, R- square = 0.5141 publicized that merchandise divergence contributed 51.4% change on organizational adeptness. The main enquiry which was to reconnoiter the sway of premeditated novelty and organizational adeptness of Agricultural State Corporations. The discoveries of the enquiry as on the archetypal summary R= 0.776, R- square = 0.602 publicized that premeditated novelty contributed 60.2% change on organizational performance. On the third research question which was to reconnoiter the sway of eminence management and organizational adeptness the enquiry publicized that 58.2% of the variation in Organizational Performance. The enquiry also discovered that premeditated leadership contributed 69.9% of the variation in organizational adeptness is elucidated by the reversion archetypal. The study concludes that merchandise diversification, strategic innovation, quality management, and strategic leadership significantly influence the organizational agility of agricultural State Corporations in the North Rift region. The study recommends conducting extensive market reviews, increasing R&D funding for product diversification, and adopting strategic innovation to enhance production processes.
Keywords: Product diversification, strategic innovation, quality management, organizational performance, agricultural corporation