Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Influence of Parents’ Level of Education on Student Enrolment in Public Primary Schools in Kajiado North, Kajiado County, Kenya
No full textThe primary aim of this study was to examine the influence of parents' education level on student enrollment in public primary schools in Kajiado North, Kajiado County, Kenya. The research was guided by the question: How does parents' education level affect student enrollment in public primary schools in Kajiado North, Kajiado County, Kenya? The study employed a convergent mixed-methods approach, using a cross-sectional design for quantitative data and a phenomenological design for qualitative insights. The target population included 16 public primary schools, 16 head teachers, 100 teachers, 200 students, and 16 Board of Management members. Simple random sampling was used to select 5 schools, while stratified sampling was employed to sample 80 teachers and 60 students. Five head teachers were automatically included, and purposive sampling was used to select 5 Board of Management members. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Instrument validity was ensured through content and face validity assessments by experts, while reliability was confirmed using a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.8. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics, including t-tests and ANOVA, were applied for quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings were presented using frequency distribution tables and direct quotes. The results revealed that parents' education level significantly influences student enrollment in public primary schools. Higher parental education levels were associated with increased student enrollment; as educated parents tend to prioritize their children's education. Conversely, lower parental education levels contributed to reduced enrollment rates. The study recommends implementing adult education programs and community awareness campaigns to encourage parental involvement in their children's education, ultimately improving enrollment rates in public primary schools in Kajiado North, Kajiado County.
Keywords: Parental education, student enrolment, public primary schools, Kajiado North, home-based factor
Determinants of Secretarial Effectiveness and Performance of State Corporations in Kenya
No full textSecretarial effectiveness and performance of organizations has been an area if interest in academia and in the world although there has been limited studies in Africa and particularly in Kenya. In the light of advancement of computers there has been a misunderstanding around the professional role of secretaries and their contribution to the overall performance of organizations. The study examined the determinants of the effectiveness of secretaries and their influence on the performance of state parastatals in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the role of secretarial training and experience, job specific competencies and desirable Information Technology (IT) skills on the performance of state parastatals in Kenya. The research used both quantitative and qualitative data which was collected from the research respondents. Documents from the selected parastatals were studied with the aim of generating qualitative data. Questionnaires were issued to 384 respondents who were the secretaries and office administrators in different cadres in state parastatals. Descriptive survey design was used. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The questionnaire was tested for reliability and established that it had a value coefficient which was larger than R>0.7 establishing its reliability. The regression results established that secretarial training had a significant and positive influence on the performance of state parastatals, Job specific qualities revealed that they were significantly increasing state parastatals performance while desirable IT skills influenced performance of state parastatals positively and significantly. The study recommended that Secretaries should be given training on communication skills to enhance their performance, secretaries required job specific skills to perform specialized duties effectively and that IT was key in enhancing the performance of secretaries.
Keywords: Performance of state parastatals, Secretarial Effectiveness, Secretaries, Office Administrator
Effect of Transformational Leadership on Organisational Performance of Top 100 SMEs in Nairobi, Kenya
No full textThe study examined the impact of transformational leadership on the performance of SMEs in Nairobi. It explored four characteristics of transformational leadership: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Grounded in various Transformational Leadership Theory, the research used a descriptive survey design, focusing on ten SMEs, selected as category winners in the KPMG top 100 SMEs in Kenya for 2022. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, both online and with research assistants, and analysed using SPSS version 20.0, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed a positive relationship between these leadership traits and SME performance. Intellectual stimulation, idealized influence, and inspirational motivation significantly impacted performance, emphasizing the importance of innovation, role modelling, trust, and team inspiration. Individualized consideration also enhanced performance by addressing employee needs. The study highlighted the crucial role of transformational leadership in improving SME performance in Nairobi, recommending promotion of intellectual stimulation, ethical behavior, clear vision communication, and personalized support to boost organizational success.
Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, Individualized Consideration, Organisational Performance, SME
The Future Use of Cloud-based Virtual Technologies to Enhance Project Management in West Coast governments: A Delphi Study
No full textThe future use of advanced cloud infrastructure technologies has continued to receive increased attention from theory and practice. However, there is a persistent lack of consensus among information technology on the future use of cloud-based technologies to enhance project management in government agencies. This study sought to obtain the consensus of the information technology experts on the West Coast on the future use of cloud-based technologies to enhance project management in West Coast governments. The study adopted a qualitative research method grounded on the Delphi design in which data was collected in three cycles/rounds. A sample of 20 information technology experts sourced from LinkedIn were engaged in semi-structured interviews to generate data. Data collected was interviews was transcribed verbatim to generate a Microsoft Word document, which was subjected to coding. Codes bearing similar meanings were combined to form themes, which were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. The study findings confirmed that there is a consensus among information technology experts that cloud-based virtual technologies will become increasingly relevant in project management environments due to intensified expectations for efficiency and productivity in project management. The study recommended that government agencies should be abreast of technological advancements and adopt cloud-based virtual technologies to continue optimizing the outcomes of project management in the future.
Keywords: Productivity, Efficiency, Cloud-Based Virtual Technologies, West Coast Governments, Project Management
Effect of the Application of Electronic Learning System on Learning Effectiveness Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic at University of Rwanda
No full textWith the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, e-learning has become a mandatory component of all educational institutions worldwide, including schools, colleges, and universities. The abrupt transition from in-person to online learning has had a variety of effects on learning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the "effect of the application of electronic learning system on learning effectiveness amidst coronavirus pandemic at University of Rwanda" using the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) as a case study. The study's goal was to assess the impact of electronic learning system resources on learning effectiveness in UR CAVM during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also had the following hypotheses: there is no relationship between the availability of electronic learning system resources and learning effectiveness in UR-CAVM during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher used a descriptive research design to interpret and analyses the data. The study population was 2161, with a sample size of 337 participants. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire with five-point Likert scales. Quantitative data was examined using frequencies, percentages, standard deviations, means, and regression analysis. The study found that the use of electronic learning systems during COVID-19 had a significant impact on learning effectiveness at the University of Rwanda. This result was obtained through regression analysis using the software SPSS 21 Version. As a result, it was determined that the variable has a significant impact on learning effectiveness. Specifically, electronic learning systems were available during COVID-19 (p-value=0.000, β=1.291). According to the findings of this study, academicians require advanced skills, and universities should invest in capacity building in terms of technological packages for Open Distance eLearning (ODeL) pedagogical approaches, instruction design, and internet connectivity. It is recommended that training programs and ICT facilities for both students and lecturers be implemented to ensure an effective online learning experience. Parents should be mobilized about the importance of creating a technological environment at home for their children, because academic achievement is dependent on how parents assist students at home. Students require electronic devices that allow them to access e-learning.
Keywords: Electronic, Learning System, Learning Effectiveness, Coronavirus Pandemic, University of Rwanda
Implementation and Utilization of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Technology Within A Bank: A Case Study of Bank of Kigali
No full textThe banking industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by advancements in technology and the need to meet the evolving demands of customers. One of the key technological innovations in this sector is the adoption of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology. A relatively new networking technique that is quickly gaining acceptance in the enterprise space is called software-defined wide area network, or SD-WAN. Compared to conventional WAN technology, SD-WAN has several benefits, such as increased security, flexibility, and performance. This research study presents a comprehensive case study that explores the implementation and utilization of SD-WAN technology within the Bank of Kigali. It investigates the motivations behind adopting SD-WAN, the benefits of emerging trends in communications and networking technology, such as software-defined wide area networks. The primary goal is to create a virtual environment that simulates both traditional and SDWAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) infrastructures in order to conduct a technical comparison at the design and configuration level. The findings confirm that the advantages of SDWAN preserve business continuity, foresee scenarios in which the infrastructure can respond appropriately, maximize connection while upholding security, and offer enhancements in the administration of the entire infrastructure. The researcher will employ a quantitative approach to assess to examines the implementation and utilization of SD-WAN technology within the Bank of Kigali. The case study discusses the bank's motivation for deploying SD-WAN, the specific challenges that it faced, and how SD-WAN has helped to improve its network performance, flexibility, and security. This research study concludes with a discussion of the future of SD-WAN technology and its potential impact on the banking industry.
Key words: Implementation, Utilization, Software-Defined Wide Area Network Technology, Bank of Kigali, Rwand
Prevalence of PTSD among the Survivors of the Sinai Fire Disaster in Mukuru-Sinai Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThis study examined the prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among survivors of the 2011 Sinai Fire disaster in Mukuru-Sinai informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya. With global PTSD prevalence estimates ranging from 3.9% to 5.6%, and higher rates in disaster-affected populations, this research addressed a critical gap in understanding PTSD in vulnerable urban communities. Guided by the Shattered Assumptions Theory, which posits that traumatic events disrupt core beliefs about the world's benevolence and predictability, the study employed a descriptive correlational design. A sample of 294 survivors completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), with additional qualitative data gathered through key informant interviews. Results revealed that 27.9% of survivors exhibited clinically significant PTSD symptoms, with 23.8% experiencing moderate symptoms and 4.1% severe symptoms. The majority (72.1%) reported minimal or mild symptoms. These findings align with previous studies in similar contexts, such as the 22% PTSD prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, despite 96% of respondents believing they had developed psychological issues post-disaster, only 4% sought professional help, indicating a significant treatment gap. The study concludes that while most survivors demonstrated resilience, a substantial minority continue to experience significant PTSD symptoms years after the disaster. Recommendations include implementing regular PTSD screening programs, developing targeted mental health interventions, and establishing community-based support groups. These findings underscore the need for long-term, culturally sensitive mental health support in disaster-affected communities and highlight the importance of addressing barriers to accessing mental health services.
Keywords: Prevalence of PTSD, Survivors, Disaster, Mukuru-Sinai Informal Settlemen
Supply Chain Management and Cost Efficiency of the Food Manufacturing Industries in Gasabo District Rwanda
No full textThis research aimed to examine the effects of supply-chain management on cost efficiency with emphasis on African Improved Food during the period from 2017 up to 2022. The management is being tasked with achieving greater financial returns despite a smaller headcount. This challenge is further compounded by the fact that many institutions are not entirely clear on how to attack them spend cube to achieve greater spend under management or compliance goals, particularly in supply-chain efficiency. The need for market data and intelligence has never been more important. The main challenge in supply-chain management is the procurement fraud that can be distinct as dishonestly obtaining an advantage, avoiding an obligation or causing a loss to institutional property or various means during supply-chain efficiency of procurement servants, contractors or any other person involved in the procurement. Poor risk management and less communication are the problems that hinder the effective procurement guidelines into organization. Indeed, lack of proper internal audit related to the procurement function and effective workforce engagement in institutions continue to be big challenges that has made organizations fail to achieve their intended objectives of being going concerns making surplus, delivering services to the institutions as well as satisfying the needs of all stakeholders. The study took theoretical references including strategic supplier agent theory; logistics management agent theory; information technology theory of change and the cost-efficiency theory. The sample size is 210 respondents. Therefore, the questionnaire research technique was used during data collection, and SPSS was used during data analysis. During the collection of answered questionnaire sheets, findings showed a participation rate of 93% of responding to research questions means 196 respondents. The model summary indicates that R-squared (R2) equals to 0.806 means that up to 80.6% of long-run appreciation in cost-efficiency is influenced by changes in strategic supplier integration; logistics management and information technology as implemented by AIF. The other remaining 19.4% can be explained by other factors not examined in this study. Basing on result the model for instance, a one-unit increase in Strategic supplier integration corresponds to a 0.258-unit increase of cost-efficiency in Africa Improved Foods (AIF) (β=0.258 t=3.556 p value = 0.000). Similarly, a one-unit increase in logistics management corresponds to a 0.437 unit increase of cost-efficiency in Africa Improved Foods (AIF) (β=0.437 t=7.678 p value = 0.000). And a one-unit increase in information technology corresponds to a 0.252 unit increase of cost-efficiency in Africa Improved Foods (AIF) (β=0.252 t=3.496 p value = 0.001). Therefore, the p-values are less than 0.05 and there is significant determinant of cost-efficiency in AIF means the study findings conclude that good cost-efficiency in AIF scored is directly related to effective independent variables. African Improved Foods is recommended to improve the way they sharing information about production and demand forecasts with suppliers in order to enhance quick production and reducing production costs
The Influence of Logistics Management Practices on Supply Chain Performance in Energy Sector in Rwanda: A Case of Engie Energy Access Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study was to assess the influence of logistics management practices on supply chain performance in the energy sector in Rwanda, with a case study of Engie Energy Access Rwanda. Specifically, the objectives aimed to determine how transport management, warehouse management and information management impact the performance of Engie Energy Access Rwanda. The study was guided by a descriptive and explanatory research design, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study targeted 118 staff from various working units of Engie Energy Access Rwanda. Due to the small population size, universal sampling technique was employed, and data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized to analyze the data, and the findings were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes that logistics management practices significantly influence supply chain performance, as indicated by the multiple regression analysis revealing a statistically significant regression model with a p-value of less than 5%. Additionally, the resulting R2=0.699 suggests that variations in logistic management practices contribute to the performance of the supply chain in manufacturing companies. This study recommends investing in information management, as the flow or movement of materials or money is often triggered by information movement
Capital Structure and Firm Efficiency of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya
No full textThe stability and resilience of SACCOs' performance stood out both during and after the coronavirus epidemic. However, the average variable returns to scale regarding the ratio of members' deposits to loans issued by SACCOs is inefficient, with a ratio of less than one. This inefficiency impacts revenues and, in turn, the interest paid on members' deposits.. This study sort to investigate the effect of capital structure on the firm efficiency of deposit taking saccos in Kenya and was anchored on financial intermediation Theory, economic efficiency theory and capital structure theories. The study adopted a positivist paradigm and causal research design and target population of all 176 saccos as at 2021.A data review guide was used to extract secondary quantitative data from the saccos published financial reports from year 2015 to 2021. Stata version 13 was employed to run descriptive and inferential statistics after computing efficiency scores using data envelopment analysis model and results presented in graphs and tables. The study findings indicate that saccos efficiency has an increasing growth trend though not optimal with variable return to scale contributing the highest levels in efficiency relative to scale efficiency while capital structure does not significantly affect level of efficiency. The study recommends that the deposit-taking savings and credit management board strategize and implement a rebate payment policy, comply with regulations on external borrowing, and improve strategies for collecting deposits. Additionally, the study suggests further research to determine if specific elements of capital structure significantly influence the efficiency of deposit-taking savings and credit societies