Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Believability and Trust Foundation of Credible Leadership: Duality of Competence and Character as Persuasive Antecedents
No full textThis qualitative study examined how credible leadership manifested itself through the dual dimensions of competence and character, drawing on in-depth interviews with three prominent community leaders: a County Assembly Member, a local Chief, and a Pastor. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and Authentic Leadership Theory, the study looked at how leaders established and maintained credibility by consistently demonstrating both professional excellence and moral integrity in their leadership practices. The study took a phenomenological approach to leadership credibility, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to understand the lived experiences of leaders who had successfully maintained credibility across diverse stakeholder groups. The study's methodology included rigorous data collection through 90-minute interviews with each participant, followed by systematic thematic analysis to identify patterns in leadership credibility development and maintenance. The results of the study revealed five major themes: the foundational interplay between competence and character in establishing leadership credibility; strategic approaches to building and maintaining trust through transparent communication and authentic relationship building; the importance of navigating credibility challenges while maintaining ethical standards; the critical role of cultural sensitivity and community engagement in leadership effectiveness; and These insights significantly improved our understanding of how leaders could effectively integrate professional capability and moral character to establish long-term credibility in contemporary organisational contexts. The study had practical implications for leadership development programs and provided valuable guidance for aspiring leaders looking to establish and maintain credibility across a variety of organisational environments.
Keywords: Believability, Trust, Credible Leadership, Competence, Characte
Optimization of Virtual Machines in Cloud-Based Distributed Systems for Enhanced Performance and Cost Efficiency
No full textThe advent of cloud computing has revolutionized the management of computing resources within organizations, offering flexible access to scalable infrastructure on demand. This thesis delved into the realm of optimization techniques for Virtual Machines (VMs) in cloud-based distributed systems, with a focus on enhancing system performance and cost efficiency. The research objectives encompassed evaluating performance metrics, devising optimization strategies for workload balancing, dynamic provisioning, and fault tolerance, and scrutinizing the correlation between workload characteristics and resource utilization. The study employed a qualitative approach, conducting open-ended interviews with IT personnel at Bank and utilizing both primary and secondary data, with analysis performed using SPSS. The overarching goal was to furnish insights and recommendations for the adoption of efficient VM strategies. The conclusions underscored the significance of strategies aimed at maximizing resource utilization, integrating workload balancing and dynamic provisioning for Bank's data centers, and enhancing services such as core banking and agency banking. The recommendations put forward the deployment of the proposed algorithms and models, with due consideration for optimizing heat and cooling efficiency in data centers. Furthermore, future research should delve into exploring novel models, algorithms, and robust platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, to continually optimize virtual resources, thereby ensuring both cost efficiency and service performance.
Keywords: Optimization of Virtual Machines, Cloud-Based Distributed Systems, Enhanced Performance, Cost Efficiency
Examining the Role of Management in Upholding Food Safety Standards in Unclassified Restaurants within Nairobi City County
No full textRestaurants provide food to millions of people away from home. However, the provision of safe food in most unclassified restaurants, particularly in Nairobi City County, is a problem. This study aimed to establish the role of management in ensuring that safety standards are met for safe food provision by unclassified restaurants in Nairobi City County. A descriptive survey design was employed as the blueprint to guide the study. The study population consisted of 124 unclassified restaurants in Nairobi's Central Business District. Data collection involved questionnaires, in-depth interview guides, and observation checklists. Questionnaires were administered to supervisors, cooks, and waiters, while interview schedules were conducted with restaurant managers. Quantitative data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, inferential models, and presented in tables and figures. A t-test was used to determine if there is a significant difference between unclassified restaurants that observe specific food safety management practices and those that do not. The chi-square test, as one of the inferential statistics, was employed to determine the association between food handling practices, food hygiene training, food legislation compliance, and the role of management in applying safe food provisions. Qualitative results were presented in tables and triangulated with quantitative results. The study found that the role of management and safe food provision by unclassified restaurants have a significant association (χ2=11.107, p value=.001 < .05). This paper concludes that the role of management impacts the safe food provision by unclassified restaurants. The study recommends that the management of unclassified restaurants implement existing food safety guidelines and procedures. Additionally, restaurant management should work closely with employees to enhance safe food provisions in the hotel industry.
Keywords: Management, food safety standards, unclassified restaurants, safe food provision, regulatory compliance, Nairobi City Count
Influence of Marketing Strategy as a Turnaround Strategy on Performance of Four-Star-Rated Hotels in Coastal Region, Kenya
No full textGlobalization, dynamic shifts in customer preferences, and rapid technological advancements pose formidable challenges to the global hospitality sector, exerting adverse effects on sales, productivity, and market share. Faced with these complex uncertainties, Kenyan hotels are navigating difficult circumstances, prompting a thorough examination of turnaround strategies and their impact on the marketing strategies of four-star hotels in the coastal region. This study adopts a method of descriptive research, rooted in Brand Equity Theory, to scrutinize the nuanced influence of marketing strategy implementation on hotel performance. The target population includes 319 managers, out of which 177 were randomly selected through a meticulous stratified random selection process. Data collection utilized questionnaires employing the drop-and-pick method, and subsequent analysis was conducted using the advanced statistical tool SPSS 27. Findings revealed a strong, positive linear relationship existed between hotel performance and marketing strategy (R=0.668). Furthermore, the model indicated that approximately 44.6% of the variation in the dependent variable could be directly accounted for by variations in the contingent variable (R2= 0.446). This study provides valuable insights for navigating challenges in the Four-Star Rated Hotels in the Coastal Region of Kenya.
Keywords: Marketing Strategy, Turnaround Strategy, Performance, Four-Star-Rated Hotels, Coastal Regio
Cultural Practices and Food Consumption Behaviour of Guests Dining In 4-5 Star Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textIn a culturally diverse market such as Kenya, consumers form a mindset of foods to consume while dining out, have different food preferences, and assume different consumption behavior patterns while making food purchases. Cultural practices may influence their decisions, prohibiting them from eating certain foods. The study sought to investigate the influence of cultural practices on behaviors regarding food consumption of guests when dining out in restaurants found in 4–5-star hotels in Nairobi County. The study’s target population was customers dining out in restaurants in 4–5-star hotels in Nairobi County and respective restaurant managers. A suitable pretest sample of 10 respondents was selected from walk-in customers and three restaurant managers from three restaurants picked from the hotels that were not part of the sample. Cronbach's Alpha obtained from the pre-tested 13 participants was 0.743. The ideal sample size of respondents drawn from restaurants in hotels classified as four- and five-star hotels according to the Tourism Regulatory Authority classification 2016 was determined by proportionate stratified sampling. The sampling technique for the Managers was purposive, selecting each Restaurant's Manager. The estimated number of respondents was 385 from a sample of restaurants in 21 hotels ranked as 4- and 5-star hotels in Nairobi County. Data collection involved questionnaires and direct interviews, yielding an 80.5% response rate with 310 adequately completed questionnaires and seven interviews. The analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistics, presenting the data in tables, charts, and graphs for each category of variables. The Chi-square Test was employed to assess the relationship between dependent and independent variables at a 95% confidence level. The findings showed a significant association between food taboos and the dining habits of patrons in 4-5 star hotel restaurants in Nairobi County (χ2=8.980, p=0.003), a notable link between cultural beliefs and dining habits in the same context (χ2=22.099, p<0.05), and a significant influence of rituals on these dining habits (χ2=5.361, p=0.021<0.05). The study further established that the decision-making process significantly moderated the relationship between cultural practices and consumption behavior of diners in restaurants in four and five-star hotels in Nairobi County. The study concludes that modern-day food consumption behaviors result from several factors, including culture, taboo, religious beliefs, rituals, and thus food choice diversity. Therefore, 4- and 5-star hotel professionals should factor in the cultural element during menu planning to balance the catering, financial, and marketing policies.
Keywords: Cultural influences, food consumption patterns, luxury hospitality, gastronomic tourism, Nairobi city county hospitality
Influence of Domestic Tourism Marketing Strategies on Post Covid-19 Hospitality Sector Recovery in Isiolo County
No full textThe impact of promotional strategies and product diversification on post COVID-19 hospitality sector recovery in Isiolo County cannot be ignored, more so in a bid to reignite the sector recovery. Thus, the study examined the influence of domestic tourism marketing strategies on post covid-19 hospitality sector recovery in isiolo county. The study was guided by the dynamic capability theory and extended marketing mix theory. Descriptive survey was adopted and the study area was areas encompassing Isiolo County. The study targeted 370 employees from three game reserves in Isiolo County. Stratified random sampling was used to select 192 respondents forming the sample size. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires and underwent a pre-testing to ensure it was valid and reliable. The analysis of each objective was done through means and standard deviation and regression analysis and presented through tables and figures. The study established that 70.8% change in post COVID-19 hospitality sector recovery in Isiolo County is explained by variation in promotional strategies and product diversification. Similarly, promotion strategies (p<0.05) and product diversification (p<0.05) had significant effect on post COVID-19 hospitality sector recovery in Isiolo County. The study concluded that promotional strategies were significant predictors of post COVID-19 hospitality sector recovery in Isiolo County. Isiolo County had invested in promotional efforts aimed at enhancing recovery of hospitality sector and concludes that product diversification had significant effect on post COVID-19 hospitality sector recovery in Isiolo County. Product diversification strategies in Isiolo County helped to diversify broad range of services that were enjoyed by tourists. The study recommends that Isiolo County should intensify awareness campaigns and branding of the local tourism products to stimulate their uptake among tourists. Players in the hospitality sector in Isiolo County should leverage market research to enhance the level of awareness of the local tourism products. Players in the hospitality sector in Isiolo County should constantly develop new tourism attractions and diversify more on the portfolio available to tourists. Local culture of people living in Isiolo County should be blend with their tourism attractions as a way of supporting diversification.
Keywords: Promotion strategies, product diversification, domestic tourism marketing strategies, post- COVID-19 hospitality recovery
Isolation's Echo Current Perspectives in Loneliness Research
No full textDespite increasing incidence across the world, not much evidence is available for understanding and effective management of loneliness. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, hard economic times, parental stress, marriage issues and other factors pressed the global population with severe loneliness in high-income, low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This literature review investigates the current landscape of loneliness in high and LMICs to identify new developments, knowledge gaps and insights. This literature search in electronic databases, PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar, to gather qualitative and quantitative evidence and evaluate reported symptoms, prevalence and variance of loneliness across populations. The review focused on unaddressed or contentious issues that are vital for evidence-based interventions. The incidence of loneliness among adolescents, married, children, and separated partners in high and LMIC resonated around vulnerability due to socio-economic, cultural, political and ethnic features. A global incidence of loneliness manifested through parental stress, family conflict, abuse and victimization, racial discrimination, loss of jobs, the COVID-19 pandemic and weak social connections. In children aged 4 to 10 years, loss of pro-social activities like hobbies, sports, school, family conflicts, child-parent disagreements, sedentary behaviors like increased screen time, health disparities and racism have been associated with loneliness. Loneliness has been deemed a trigger of poor social development, quality of life and family fragmentation. The global variance of loneliness can be attributed to unique risk factors. Loneliness implicates social isolation, stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances among children, adolescents and elderly people. Apart from parental stress, the recent pandemic amplified its prevalence due to hard economic times, loss of jobs and curfews. Males, adolescents and children are the major victims of ensuing loneliness. nonetheless, our study established that physical exercise is an effective intervention against loneliness.
Keywords: Loneliness Research, Social Isolation, Mental Health, Psychological Well-being, Current Perspective
Role of Community Engagement on Mobile Mentorship Initiative (MOBIMENTA) Project Sustainability in Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi Districts of Rwanda
No full textThe main objective of the paper was to find out how community engagement on project planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation affects sustainability of maternal and child care projects (Mobimenta) in rural areas of Africa. 3 districts of Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts in rural Rwanda were assessed as case studies. The study used descriptive research design with a sample size of 255 people working with MobiMenta project. The study used universal sampling techniques where questionnaires were administered to 254 people and 1 manager. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as correlation and multiple linear regressions were used as method of data analysis. The findings revealed that community engagement in project implementation had significant role on project sustainability. Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.67 supported a strong association between project sustainability and community engagement in project implementation monitoring and evaluation. The findings revealed that community engagement in project monitoring and evaluation had significant role on sustainability of MobiMenta project. From the findings, it was concluded that increasing community engagement in the various stages of project management will increase in community ownership, capacity building and empowerment which are key drivers in ensuring that projects run after the completion stage and when the donors or other sources of external funding has been cut off. Lack of community engagement can result in loss of capital, non-acceptance of the project by the beneficiaries, legal implication and conflict which lead to non-sustainable projects. The researcher recommends that project beneficiaries should be involved in the earlier stages of the project cycle leading up to monitoring and evaluation, otherwise their participation in monitoring and evaluation will have less meaning.
Keywords: Community Engagement, Mobile Mentorship Initiative, Project Sustainability, Karongi District, Nyamasheke Distric, Rusizi District, Rwanda
Teaching and Learning Resource Usage and Academic Performance of Visually Impaired Students in Basic Education Schools of Rwanda
No full textThe effective usage of resources in teaching and learning especially among students having visual impairment improves the academic performance and enhances the completion of basic education. The purpose of this study therefore sought to find out the relationship between teaching and learning resources usage for visually impaired students and their academic performance basic education in Nyaruguru District in Rwanda. The study employed descriptive correlational analysis with a sample of 5 school administrators, 125 untrained teachers, 34 trained teachers, 186 visually impaired pupils and 5 librarians. The study employed a descriptive correlational analysis with a sample of 5 school administrators, 125 untrained teachers, 34 trained teachers, 186 visually impaired pupils, and 5 librarians. The study utilized a mixed-method approach, with respondents and key informants chosen through purposive and random sampling. Slovin's technique yielded a research sample of 188 respondents. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that 84.7% strongly agreed that they use braille; 84.8% strongly agreed that they use the slate and stylus; 72.9% strongly agreed that they use the orbit reader; 51.0% strongly agreed that they use cubes and cuberythms; and 85.7% strongly agreed that they use plastic papers and drawing boards in their learning as a visually impaired student. It was also noted that 72.4% strongly agreed that students with visual impairments should sit for a second sitting; 91.8% strongly agreed that the number of repeats among students with visual impairments is high due to inadequate materials. Furthermore, the study indicated that there is a statistical significant positive relationship between teaching and learning resources usage for visually impaired students and their academic performance basic education in Nyaruguru District in Rwanda. The study recommends that educational institutions should have access to knowledge resources such as qualified teachers, up-to-date and sufficient computer and internet infrastructures upkeep and renovation of physical places of confinement, supply of appropriate library resources. Government intervention should be limited in the oversight of colleges and universities by boards of trustees; academic freedom and autonomy among institutions must be upheld. MINEDUC should supply for both public and private institutions the material that is able to be used by visually impaired students and give training to the teacher on how to use those materials.
Keywords: Teaching and learning resources, Basic education, Visual impairment and students’ performance
E-Government and Service Delivery at Kenya Revenue Authority Headquarters in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textIn their quest to enhance service delivery, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has gone through various transformations and the most recent is e-Government system. However, the effect of such strategies on service delivery remains inconclusive and hence this study sought to determine the effect of e-government strategy (queue management and customer care management) on service delivery. The target population was 97 employees in the Information Technology Communication (ICT) department. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect the data. The collected data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that electronic governance stands out as a critical factor in enhancing service delivery. It was determined that the Kenya Revenue Authority's service performance is significantly influenced by effective queue management. Furthermore, the research indicates that both queue management and customer service are pivotal in improving service performance. Effective customer service, when combined with efficient queue management, contributes to a more satisfactory service experience for users, leading to increased satisfaction and trust in the KRA's services. This synergy between technology-driven governance and customer-focused strategies is essential for public service institutions aiming to improve their service delivery in the digital age. The study recommends that the government should enhance service delivery by adopting e-Government through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). KRA's leadership should leverage e-Government to establish nationwide one-stop service centers, ensuring easy and quick public access to information about KRA's services. Additionally, the study recommends that to foster greater public engagement and connectivity with government services, mechanisms should be put in place for citizens to actively participate and benefit from these services. Finally, the study recommends that public management systems should be optimized with e-Government technologies, such as unique IDs for efficient information retrieval, to streamline client information management and improve service efficiency.
Keywords: E-government, Queue Management, Customer Management, Service Delivery