Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Community Participation and Residents’ Attitudes towards Tourism Development in Rimoi National Reserve, Kenya
No full textTourism development has become a focal point for many towns across the world, providing both cultural and economic interchange. However, the attitudes and involvement of locals play a major role in the success and longevity of such efforts. There has been little research on how community involvement affects locals' perceptions of tourist destination areas, particularly in the early phases of development, despite the crucial role that community participation plays in the development of sustainable tourism. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between locals' opinions regarding the growth of tourism in Kenya's Rimoi National Reserve and community participation. A convergent design and a mixed-methods approach were used in the investigation. Data was gathered from 10 resident teenagers who were purposefully chosen and 231 family heads who were chosen using a systematic sampling technique. While focus groups were used to produce qualitative data, questionnaires were employed to gather quantitative data. The results demonstrated a strong positive correlation between locals' sentiments toward tourism development and community participation (R=.666). Furthermore, the model indicated that approximately 44.4% of the variation in community participation could be directly accounted for by variations in the in residents' attitudes toward support for tourism development within the Rimoi National Reserve (R2=0.444). The study concludes that locals' perceptions of tourist development are significantly improved by community participation. Thus, active engagement of the community residents not only fosters positive attitudes but also holds the promise of yielding more sustainable and inclusive outcomes in tourism development initiatives within the community. The study recommends actively involving Rimoi National Reserve gateway community residents in tourism development discussions and decisions, raising awareness about the benefits of community participation, implementing capacity-building initiatives, and maintaining transparent communication channels.
Keywords: Tourism development, Community participation, Residents' attitudes, Sustainable tourism, and Rimoi National Reserv
Catatonia: Current Perspectives on Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Strategies
No full textCatatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a spectrum of motor and behavioral symptoms, including stupor, catalepsy, and agitation. This review examines the current understanding of catatonia, focusing on its clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and treatment options. Catatonia can manifest in various forms, including motor abnormalities, altered mental status, and mood disturbances. Symptoms often include immobility, echolalia, and posturing, which may severely impact daily functioning and quality of life. The pathophysiology of catatonia involves disruptions in neural circuits, particularly in the supplementary motor area and prefrontal cortex. Key neurotransmitter systems, including GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways, are implicated. NMDA receptor dysfunction and autoimmune mechanisms are also significant areas of research. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for favorable outcomes. Short-term treatment often includes benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which can lead to rapid symptom resolution. Long-term outcomes vary based on the underlying condition and the duration of untreated catatonia. Untreated catatonia can lead to severe complications, including permanent neurological damage and progression to malignant catatonia. Advances in understanding catatonia are ongoing. Future research should focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms, genetic and epigenetic factors, and novel therapeutic interventions. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the durability and safety of current treatments and to explore new approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and emerging pharmacological agents. Further epidemiological studies are also necessary to determine the prevalence of catatonia across different populations and settings, considering cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.Keywords: Catatonia, neuropsychiatric syndrome, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists, multidisciplinary approac
Influence of Demand Forecasting System on Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the influence of demand forecasting systems on the performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. Without proper management, increasing product turnover will increase design and manufacturing costs. This study employed a descriptive survey research design to accomplish its goals since it has enough provision for the protection of bias and maximized reliability. The target population comprised of managers in manufacturing firms that are members of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). KAM therefore provided the sampling frame for this study. As at 2017, KAM had a membership of 903 manufacturing firms. A sample of 90 respondents was drawn from this population. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered. Data obtained was processed and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings from the data analysis were visually represented through tables. The study revealed that demand forecasting system explained 7.6% of the change in performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study concluded that demand forecasting system significantly influence performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. This study recommends that manufacturing firms should use quantitative methods, qualitative methods, causal methods and time series for demand forecasting.
Keywords:Manufacturing, Performance, Demand, Forecasting, firm, Kenya
Digital Financing Services and Agri-Business Performance Rwanda
No full textAgriculture in developing countries including Rwanda is progressing provides the basic necessities for the families and the country. The availability of technology within the compilation of agriculture would be of added value so as to solve the poverty issue and boost agriculture productivity which in turn ensures food security. The current research aims to identify the contribution of digital financing towards agricultural productivity in Rwanda. The general objective of this research is to explore the role of digital financing in Agricultural Productivity, Specifically, the following objectives were considered: To assess the digital financing services offered to farmers in Rwanda, to examine the role of digital financial services on agricultural productivity, to examine the challenges that farmers face in using digital financing in Rwanda. The study adopted the descriptive survey as a study design. The target population was 1300 from 6 Rwandan Districts, RAB agriculture specialists, Agronomists at the Sector and at the District, and agents banking from institutions that offer digital financial services. The sample size was 329 individuals, among them there are 305 respondents which got through the Simple random sampling method and 24 respondents got from the purposive sampling method. The primary data was collected through structured questionnaires; whereas secondary data through reading and analysis of relevant books, reports and journals. The data collected was edited, coded and fed into SPSS software v. 20 and Microsoft Excel for analysis, using descriptive, inferential statistics. Regression analysis was done to investigate the relationship between hypothesized variables. The research findings revealed that among the major of digital financing services offered to farmers to increase their agricultural productivity, Mobile Banking and Mobile Money is at 68.5% and the study participants’ perceptions on the role played by digital financial services on the agricultural productivity where reported that they agreed by 94.1% that digital finances play a key role in the agricultural productivity in Rwanda. On the side, among the main challenges faced by farmers in using digital financing in Rwanda, limited digital literacy was reported at 44.6%. The study found that digital financing services have a weak negative contribution to Agricultural productivity where it contributes (β=-0.215) to Agricultural productivity. The Agent Banking services also have a weak negative contribution towards Agricultural productivity (β=-0.038) on Agricultural productivity and the digital wallets has a contribution of (β=-0.197) on Agricultural productivity. In conclusion, the researcher found that Digital Financial Services has a statistically significant contribution to the Agricultural productivity of Rwanda
The Effect of Cost Control on Financial Performance of Manufacturing Companies in Rwanda. A Case of BRALIRWA PLC (2018-2022)
No full textThe research was aimed at analyzing the effect of cost control on financial performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda. The research was guided by the following specific objectives: to assess the relationship between setting standard and financial performance of Bralirwa Plc, to analyze the relationship between cost standard implementation and financial performance of Bralirwa Plc and to analyze the relationship between cost analysis and financial performance of Bralirwa Plc. The population in this study was 600 who are the employees of Bralirwa Plc working in different departments, including marketing and sales department, production department, procurement department, quality and assurance, auditing, inventory department, garage department, civil engineering department, finance department, accounting department and general service, however the researcher targeted 58 employees working in finance, accounting, internal control and procurement departments who considered the sample size of the research; they was selected using purposive sampling technique. Primary and secondary data was collected using questionnaire and documentary. The data was analyzed using SPSS to test the relationship between the cost control and financial performance of Bralirwa Plc. Descriptive statistics revealed strong positive correlations between cost control practices and the financial performance of Bralirwa Plc. Specifically, setting standard demonstrates a significant positive relationship (r = 0.813, p < 0.001), indicating that 81.3% of the variation in financial performance can be attributed to variations in setting standard. This aligns with our research objective, emphasizing the importance of well-structured setting standard processes. Findings also show a substantial positive relationship between standard costs implementation and financial performance (r = 0.745, p < 0.001), indicating that 74.5% of financial performance variation relates to standard costs implementation variations. This underscores the role of cost standard implementation in effective cost control and financial decision-makin. Moreover, a strong correlation (r = 0.781, p < 0.001) between cost analysis and evaluation and financial performance signifies that 78.1% of financial performance variation is associated with cost analysis and evaluation variation. In conclusion, this study highlights the symbiotic relationship between cost control and financial performance. By optimizing setting standard, cost standard implementation, and cost analysis practices, strategically affect the financial outcomes of Bralirwa Plc. However, for a better performance, Bralirwa Plc should prioritize the optimization of cost control practices, including setting standard, cost standard implementation, and cost analysis.
Key words: Cost control, financial and performance
Effect of Budgeting Practices on Performance of Public Institutions. A Case of Kirehe Hospital
No full textThe general objective of this research was to assess the effect of budgeting practices on performance of public institutions in Kirehe hospital. This study had the following specific objectives to establish effect of budget preparation practices on performance of Kirehe hospital, examine the effect of budget implementation practices on performance of in Kirehe hospital and determine the effect of budget monitoring and evaluation practices on performance of Kirehe hospital. For this study, the researcher used quantitative data collected from closed ended questionnaire while descriptive and explanatory analysis used for generating frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Explanatory design used for association between variables, researcher used correlational design. The study population for this study was 187 Staffs including Director General, Procurement officer, Planning &Monitoring and Evaluation of hospital, Administrative assistant, Public relation & communication, Public relation & communication, Internal Auditor, QI Officer, Administration & Finance staff, and medical staff at the Kirehe Hospital. The researcher decided gathered data from every single individual or unit within the target population, without using any sampling techniques. Documentary and questionnaire sources used to compile information for the study. Using SPSS, the researcher determined descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions, percentages, means, and standard deviation. The results indicated the coefficient of β1 equal to 0.307 indicates that a one-unit increase in budget preparation practices is associated with a 0.307-unit increase in the performance of Kirehe hospital. This effect is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The coefficient of β2 equal to 0.443 means that a one-unit increase in budget implementation practices is associated with a 0.443-unit increase in the performance of Kirehe hospital. This effect is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The coefficient of β3 equal to 0.282 implies that a one-unit increase in budget monitoring and evaluation practices is associated with a 0.282-unit increase in the performance of Kirehe hospital. This effect is statistically significant (p < 0.05). Kirehe hospital should promote effective coordination and communication among different departments during the budget implementation process. This will ensure that budgeted activities are executed smoothly and that resources are allocated efficiently across various units
Contribution of Electronic Banking on the Financial Performance of Banking Institutions in Rwanda; A Case Study of Bank of Kigali Plc
No full textThis research investigated the impact of electronic banking on the financial performance of banking institutions in Rwanda, focusing on the Bank of Kigali Plc. The study aimed to achieve the following objectives: to examine the impact of mobile banking on the financial performance of the Bank of Kigali; to determine the influence of online banking on the financial performance of the Bank of Kigali; to analyze the effect of automated teller machines (ATMs) on the financial performance of the Bank of Kigali; and to assess the impact of debit card transactions on the financial performance of the Bank of Kigali. This study was designed as a case study of the Bank of Kigali Plc, employing the survey method. A case study is described as an analysis that provides a detailed examination of electronic banking's impact on the financial performance of banking institutions. Through in-depth exploration of this single case, the researcher gained insights into the subject matter. Qualitative analysis involved meticulous observation of the situation, requiring all respondents from the Bank of Kigali Plc's population to answer the research questionnaires. The research used questionnaires to collect data. The population was comprised of respondents of Bank of Kigali Plc in different departments targeting 159 respondents. The sample size was 159 respondents. The findings indicated that there is high positive correlation between electronic banking and financial performance at Bank of Kigali Plc r= 0.798*, p-value=0.000<0.05) and was found to be significant at 5% significance level suggesting the existence of high positive relationship between electronic banking and financial performance at Bank of Kigali Plc, change attitudes towards changes and technology because these inevitable are inevitable phenomena. Learn from their peers about the use of e-banking. Follow e-banking terms and conditions, especially security measures, to address cybercrimes in online financial transactions. Ask for information from their financial service providers when encountering challenges related to e-banking. The study recommends that customers of the Bank of Kigali should adapt their attitudes and behaviors towards the inevitabilities of change and technological advancements in the electronic banking system. Customers would benefit from learning about e-banking from their peers and strictly adhering to the terms and conditions related to security measures to safeguard against cybercrimes in online financial transactions. The staff should also encourage customers to use electronic banking by highlighting its cost-effectiveness and convenience, aiming to increase the adoption of e-banking services among the bank's clientele.
Keywords: Electronic banking, financial performance, banking institutions, Bank of Kigali Pl
The Effect of Microfinance Services, Financial Literacy and Financial Health of Women Members of Selected Microfinance Banks in Kenya
No full textThe World Bank identifies the financial health of women as crucial for poverty reduction and economic development. This study aimed to assess the impact of microfinance services and financial literacy on the financial health of women members of selected microfinance banks in Kenya. Specifically, it examined the effects of micro-credit, micro-savings, and micro-insurance services, as well as the moderating role of financial literacy. Guided by empowerment, gender stratification, finance growth, and information asymmetry theories, the study employed an explanatory research design within a positivist framework. The target population included 37,773 women with active deposit and loan accounts in 14 microfinance banks in Kenya, with a sample size of 384 respondents. Findings revealed that micro-credit, micro-savings, and micro-insurance services significantly enhance the financial health of women. Additionally, financial literacy positively moderates the relationship between microfinance services and financial health. The study recommends that microfinance institutions diversify their financial products beyond traditional micro-credit and implement educational programs to improve awareness and understanding of micro-savings services among women
Keywords: Micro-finance Services, Financial Health, Microfinance Banks, Micro-Credit Services, Financial Literacy  
The Relationship between Retained Earnings and Financial Performance of Listed Non-Financial Firms: An Econometrics Examination
No full textInternal funding sources such as retained earnings provide minimize information asymmetry in addition to being cheap and convenient for ailing firms such as listed non-financial firms trading at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Research has however failed to do document precisely how the potential inherent in retained earnings can be exploited to improve financial performance of such firms in the long run. Therefore, this research conducted among 42 non-financial firms listed on the exchange explores the relationship between retained earnings and financial performance from an econometrics perspective. The study is anchored on the Pecking Order Theory, and employs the panel data research design founded in the positivist research paradigm, with data covering the time interval 2016 to 2022 inclusive. Data is sourced purposively from the annual reports of the non-financial sector, including agricultural firms, automobiles and accessories, commercial & services, construction & allied, energy & petroleum, insurance, investment, investment services, manufacturing & allied, telecommunication, and real estate investment trust. The research uses the fixed effects model under panel regression to show a positive and significant relationship between retained earnings and financial performance, and particularly the ultimate direct influence that retained earnings have on financial performance of listed nonfinancial firms. Therefore nonfinancial sector stakeholders should seek to leverage retained earnings to enhance financial performance and achieve resilience in the volatile market conditions, while scholars should seek to enhance external validity of these findings by replicating them in other study contexts.
Keywords: Information asymmetry, retained earnings, financial performance, nonfinancial firms, Securities exchange, Econometrics, Panel data
Рrоjeсt Management Рrосess and Рerfоrmаnсe of Feeder Rоаds Соnstruсtiоn Рrоjeсts in Rwаndа
No full textThis reseаrсh exаmined the influenсe оf рrоjeсt mаnаgement рrосess оn рerfоrmаnсe оf feeder rоаds соnstruсtiоn рrоjeсts in Rwаndа. Feeder rоаds соnstruсtiоn рrоjeсts exрerienсe сhаllenges thаt hаmрer them frоm being effeсtively соmрleted within the аllосаted budget, timelines аnd tо the desired quаlity. This study sрeсifiсаlly investigаted hоw рrоjeсt initiаtiоn, рrоjeсt рlаnning, рrоjeсt implementation аnd рrоjeсt mоnitоring аnd соntrоl influenсe the рerfоrmаnсe оf feeder rоаds соnstruсtiоn рrоjeсts. The study was соnduсted in аll the 10 Distriсts feeder rоаds соnstruсtiоn рrоjeсts in Rwаndа. These feeder rоаds рrоjeсts аre аt vаriоus stаges оf соmрletiоn. The number оf seleсted resроndents was 84 respondents from all 84 employees аnd cencus was used from which 77 responses were received. The study used desсriрtive reseаrсh designs аnd аррlying questiоnnаire in соlleсtiоn оf dаtа. Thrоugh quаntitаtive аnаlysis, the study fоund оut that рrоjeсt initiаtiоn, рrоjeсt рlаnning, рrоjeсt exeсutiоn аnd рrоjeсt mоnitоring аnd соntrоl hаve а significant relаtiоnshiр with feeder roads рrоjeсts рerfоrmаnсe. Moreover, it was estаblished оut аt whiсh extent thоse рrоjeсt mаnаgement рrосess рhаses аre being аrrаnged in the feeder rоаd рrоjeсts under study. The study emрlоyed multiрle lineаr regressiоn mоdel fоr dаtа аnаlysis аnd it соnсluded that рrоjeсt mаnаgement рrосess рhаses influenсed the рerfоrmаnсe оf feeder rоаds соnstruсtiоn рrоjeсts. The R-squared (R2) equals to 0.880 (or 88.8%) and adjusted R-squared equals to 0.873 (or 87.3%); the results show the goodness of fit of the estimated model. Up to 88.8% of long-run appreciation in performance is influenced by changes in project initiation process; project planning process; project implementation process and project monitoring & control process as implemented by FRCP. The other remaining 11.2% can be explained by other factors not examined in this study. The results of ANOVA as p-value is less than 5%, this specifies that the performance of FRCP was significantly driven by at least one independent variable under this study. Therefore, the calculated F-value equals to 131.960 and this is greater than critical F-Value which is 2.499. Consequently, the general regression model is significant. Оverаll соnсlusiоns аnd reсоmmendаtiоns were shарed in оrder tо helр рrоjeсt mаnаgers, оrgаnizаtiоns, аnd future reseаrсhers.
Keywords: Project Management Process, Construction Project, Project Performance, Feeder Rоаds Соnstruсtiоn Рrоjeсts Rwanda