Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Flexible Working Arrangements and Employee Satisfaction in Private Hospitals in Nairobi City County
No full textThe level of satisfaction among employees profoundly impacts their dedication, morale, and effectiveness in achieving organizational goals. Striking a harmonious balance between professional commitments and personal life activities significantly enhances overall employee satisfaction. Thus, the study examined the relationship between flexible working arrangements and employee satisfaction in private hospitals in Nairobi County with a moderating effect of organizational culture. This investigation was underpinned by the theoretical principles of border theory, emphasizing how individuals manage and negotiate their work and non-work domains. The target audience for the research was 19 hospitals. The observational unit was made up of support staff and managers at the medium and high management levels. The study found that flexible working arrangements are positively and significantly related to employee satisfaction (p=0.000; =.288). The study recommended the private hospitals in Nairobi City County should ensure there is a flexible working arrangement. This can lead to increased job resources, such as reduced stress levels and improved work-life balance, which can positively impact employee satisfaction and productivity. Therefore, organizations should prioritize variable flexible working arrangements to promote employee wellbeing and satisfaction. It is suggested that a study be conducted to examine the effect of employee competency, leadership style, teamwork and work complexity on employee satisfaction. In addition to this, subsequent studies could be conducted in other counties, broadening the scope to include public hospitals, thereby providing a more comprehensive perspective on the subject matter.
Keywords: Flexible working arrangements, employee satisfaction, private hospitals, Nairobi City County, Keny
My Leadership Philosophy
No full textThis paper presents a well-articulated and educated personal philosophy centred on empathy, collaboration, adaptability, and purpose, drawing on theoretical frameworks, personal experiences, and viewpoints. This worldview acknowledges the importance of these characteristics in dealing with the varied situations and difficulties of the twenty-first century. It understands society's changing dynamics and the need for effective leadership that goes beyond old conceptions of authority and control. Individuals can establish meaningful connections and create inclusive cultures by adopting empathy. Collaboration allows varied viewpoints and collective reasoning to address complicated problems. Individuals with adaptability can negotiate uncertainty and swiftly changing conditions. The purpose is a driving force that connects activities to values and leads to fulfilment. Unlike my prior approach, which was centred on authority and control, this philosophy equips leaders to succeed in the twenty-first century by addressing inclusive leadership, cultivating a culture of openness and growth, and managing the dynamic demands of an interconnected world. Individuals embracing this idea can effectively fit within the twenty-first-century setting, advocating inclusive and sustainable solutions to societal and global concerns.
Keywords: Adoptability, Collaboration, Empathy, Philosophy, Purpos
Ethical Human Resource Practice and Performance of Auditing Firms in Australia: A Case Study of Moore Australia
No full textEthical human resource practices play a pivotal role in shaping the performance and reputation of auditing firms in Australia. By prioritizing ethical conduct throughout their human resource policies and initiatives, auditing firms can foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and trust. These practices include ethical hiring processes, comprehensive employee codes of conduct, ongoing training and development programs, and the promotion of work-life balance and employee well-being. When auditing firms demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical human resource practices, it positively impacts employee engagement, retention, and overall job satisfaction. The study used the descriptive research design. The target population was 25 employees of Moore Australia working in the Human Resource Department. The study did sampling of 20 respondents that were selected from the target population of 25 employees of Moore Australia working in the Human Resource Department. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. In conclusion, Moore Australia highlights the significance of ethical human resource practices in the performance of auditing firms in Australia. Moore Australia's commitment to ethical conduct throughout its human resource policies, employee engagement initiatives, and leadership exemplification has contributed to enhanced employee satisfaction, client relationships, and overall business performance. Ethical human resource practices are a vital component of fostering a positive work culture, maintaining a strong reputation, and achieving long-term success in the auditing industry in Australia. The study recommended that auditing firms in Australia should focus on strengthening ethical leadership and fostering a culture of integrity throughout the organization. Additionally, enhancing employee engagement initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion, and emphasizing continuous ethical communication and training are recommended to further improve ethical human resource practices and drive performance.
Keywords: Ethical Human Resource Practice, Performance, Auditing firms, Australi
The Effect of Training on Employee Performance in the Public Sector of Rwanda, A Case Study of The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
No full textThe general objective of the study was to assess the effect of training on employee performance in the public sector of Rwanda. The specific Objectives under this study were to determine the effect of training design on employee performance of Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, establish the effect of training policies on employee performance of Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and assess the effect of evaluation of training on employee performance of Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Data collected via questionnaires given to a sample of one hundred and seventy (170) employees in MINECOFIN. With the aid of descriptive statistics, data analyzed. Standard-deviation, averages, and percentages used in descriptive statistics. The basis of this research is a completed questionnaire. The findings indicate strong positive correlations are evident between various training factors and employee performance at the MINECOFIN. Training design exhibits a strong positive correlation of 0.812, highlighting that well-structured Training design is closely linked to better employee performance at the MINECOFIN. Similarly, Training policies shows a strong positive correlation of 0.843, indicating that effective Training policies contributes significantly to improved employee performance at the MINECOFIN. Lastly, Evaluation of trainings demonstrates a positive correlation of 0.823, emphasizing the importance of Evaluation of trainings in employee performance at the MINECOFIN. These correlations, all statistically significant at the 0.05 level with (p=0.000), collectively indicates that enhancements in employee-performance, Training design, Training policies, and Evaluation of trainings are associated with improved overall employee performance of the MINECOFIN. Training design has a coefficient of (β= 0.275, t=5.289, p value=0.000), Evaluation of trainings has a coefficient of (β= 0.361, t=6.947, p value=0.000), and Training policies has a coefficient of (β= 0.367, t=6.558, p value=0.000). All these coefficients are statistically significant on employee performance of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, as indicated by their associated Sig. Values below 0.05. The study reflected on the following recommendations: MINECOFIN should assess the training needs of all departments; management to offer staff members chances for workshops and training in order to keep them informed and help them advance their knowledge and abilities. Additionally, underperforming employees shall be evaluated in order to identify the causes of their poor performance rather than being condemned. The management of the institution should work to support each department and all personnel levels. Promotions should not be determined on length of service, as is now the case, but rather by degree of skills and job performance.
Key words: Training, Training Design, Training Policies, Evaluation of Training and Employee Performanc
Development of an Automated Hall Effect Experimentation Method for the Electrical Characterization of Thin Films
No full textThere has been drastic growth in the microelectronics industry in the recent past. The performance of these materials is influenced by their structural, electrical, and optical properties among others, depending on their applications. Therefore, the need to conduct measurements of the semiconductor characteristics precisely, quickly, and conveniently cannot be overstated. Some of the desirable features of measurements include usability, accuracy, resolution, repeatability, and consistency which cannot be assured with manually operated systems. This study strived to design and interface an automated computer-aided four-point probe test equipment that characterizes materials to determine their electrical properties. A four-point probe head, an electromagnet, NI Keithley model 6220 Precision current source, model 7001 switch, model 2182A Nanovoltmeter, and model 7065 Hall Effect card instruments were interfaced with the NI LabVIEW program running in a computer through a GPIB hub to a PC USB for its full control. The four-probe head was utilized to probe the samples with a square symmetry that was adopted for the measurement of the semiconductor properties. Reliability tests were conducted on a standard P-type Germanium sample. The collected data was within 0.32% of the expected results. This work forms a basis for automating similar systems that were inherently designed to be operated manually.
Keywords: Automated Hall Effect, manually operated systems, Hall angle, thin films, string manipulation routines
Determinants of Measles Vaccine Uptake among Mothers of Children between 9 and 24 Months in Narok North Subcounty
No full textThe low uptake of measles vaccines in Kenya is a noticeable public health problem. Therefore, the study assessed the determinants of low uptake and hesitancy of measles vaccination among mothers of children aged 9 – 24 months in Narok North Sub-County, Narok. Cross-sectional quantitative study was done. The study was conducted in four purposively selected health centers in Narok North Sub-County. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 mothers. The multistage sampling method was used in this study to select the mothers who participated in the current study. The data were analysed descriptively. Additionally, Pearson’s chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis H, and logistic regression tests were conducted to determine the significance of the relationships and associations between the determinants and MCV uptake. A total of 69(69%) of the children (N =100) who had qualified for the first dose of measles vaccines (MCV1) had received the vaccines, while 31(31%) had not. Thirteen (26.5%) of the children (n = 49) who had qualified for the second dose of measles vaccine (MCV2) had received the vaccine, while 36(73.5%) did not. The significant maternal determinants of MCV uptake included; maternal age (p = .019) and maternal level of education (p = .030). The significant child’s determinants were birth order (p = .032) and place of birth (p = .001). The significant socioeconomic factors included; low socioeconomic background (p = .004) and cultural and religious issues (p = .003). The significant healthcare determinants included distance from the health facility (p = .020) and availability of vaccines in the health center (p = .000). Measles vaccine uptake was very low compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended coverage rate of >95%. Thus, there is a need to provide health education and information to mothers or caregivers on measles vaccine uptake.
Keywords: Vaccine, Vaccine Uptake, Measle
Family Planning Uptake and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Rusizi District, Rwanda
No full textThe global landscape of contraception use, particularly in developing countries, presents a concerning situation. Approximately 123 million women in these regions, who wish to space and limit their births, do not use contraception. This leads to 38% of pregnancies worldwide being unwanted, and a staggering 60% of these unwanted pregnancies result in induced abortions. Lack of information about available family planning services is a significant obstacle, with an estimated 214 million women facing this barrier. The overall prevalence of contraceptive use stands at 22%, varying widely from 3.5% in the Central African Republic to 49.7% in Namibia. This study focused on the low family planning uptake in the Rusizi district of Rwanda. It involved 382 women of reproductive age and 18 key informants. The research adopted quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and the analysis revealed several insights. Notably, the majority of the participants were women, most of whom fell within the 31 to 40 age group and had limited education. Financial constraints and the need for spousal approval were identified as key factors affecting family planning usage. Multivariable analysis showed that women educated in technical and vocational schools, living in low-income households, and obtaining their husband's approval had significantly higher odds of using family planning. Interview data indicated that inadequate information on family planning services and financial limitations were substantial barriers. The study's primary recommendation is to target women in low-income groups for education, income enhancement, and empowerment to enable them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives. This approach involves collaborative efforts with their husbands.
Keywords: Family Planning Uptake, Reproductive Age, Rwand
Impact of Drought on Tomato Production in Bal’ad, Somalia
No full textThis study investigated the impact of drought on tomato production, the three major objectives of the research were to evaluate the causes of drought on tomato production, to assess the constraints of drought on tomato farmers, to suggest possible solutions to manage drought on tomato production. The study found that drought has negative impact on farmers, pastoralists, and other communities that depend on these two sectors, the data was collected from BALCAD by using questionnaire and analyzed statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 16.0 After analyzing answers of the respondents from the questions asked in the questionnaire, The study found that drought on tomato production is caused by factors like precipitation deficiency, climate change, and human activities, leading to negative impacts on farmers and ranchers, reduced crop production, and unemployment among agricultural laborers, with suggested solutions including early warning systems and government support. The study concludes that drought, driven by factors like precipitation deficiency, climate change, and human activities, has significant adverse effects on tomato production, leading to reduced yields, unemployment, and migration among farmers in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia. The study recommends establishing early warning systems, promoting water harvesting techniques, distributing drought-resistant seeds, improving irrigation infrastructure, conducting farmer awareness programs, providing alternative livelihood skills training, and increasing budgetary allocations for drought relief measures to enhance tomato producers' climate resilience and food security in BALCAD.Top of Form
Keywords: Drought, Tomato Production, Agricultural, Bal’ad, Somalia
 
Logistics Outsourcing Services and Performance of Firms in the Tele-Communications Sector: A Case of Airtel Rwanda Ltd
No full textThis study assessed the effect of out-sourcing services on performance of firms in telecommunication sector with reference to Airtel Rwanda Ltd. The specific objectives were to determine effect of financial systems, network monitoring tools services, and supplier network responsiveness outsourcing on organizational performance of Airtel Rwanda Plc the study provides useful data to management of Airtel to assist it in service delivery and quality performance for the outsourced services. The study targeted 65 senior managers and key employees at Airtel Rwanda Ltd and sampled 56 respondents using Yamane formula. Primary and secondary data collection techniques were both using through questionnaire and interview guide. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis to establish the relationship between variables. Results to the first objective show that the logistic process response to unexpected demand changes and the effectiveness in delivery of shipments both scored means of 4.597. These variables scored means of 4.376, 4.376 and 4.038 respectively. There was the significant correlation between rapidly adjusts warehouse capacity to address demand changes and project time (r=.206; p-value=.000). Results to the second objective that all respondents agreed that their company uses outsourcing in its operations and as a result, they indicated that the supply chain operating system responds rapidly to changes in product volume demanded by customers (mean 4.921). The grand mean of these factors was 4.498 showing that generally there was higher responsiveness of the supply chain systems to customer needs. For the effect on responds rapidly to changes in product mix demanded by customers on quality, time cost, the study ascertained that responds rapidly to changes in product mix demanded by customers is statistically significant with quality (r=0.122*;p value=0.035). Results on effectively expedites emergency customer orders felt that it is significantly correlated with an increase of quality of services (r=0.123*; p value=0.034). Results to the third objective shows that the grand mean was 4.155. It was indicated that major suppliers consistently accommodated requests (mean of 4.712) and the major suppliers changed product volume in a relatively short time (Mean of 4.259). Results show that major suppliers consistently accommodate our requests was insignificant with the quality of services (r=0.080, p-value=.0169), and major suppliers consistently accommodate our requests was insignificantly correlated with efficient and effective use of cost (r=0.013, p-value=.822). Finally, the study found a significant correlation between Major suppliers consistently accommodate our requests and timely delivered of services to beneficiaries (r=0.105, p-value=0.071). All the correlations were statistically significant given that the p value was < 0.05 proposing that an increase in major suppliers consistently accommodate our requests was insignificant with the quality of services increase quality of services, timely delivered, efficient and effective use of cost allocated and vice versa. In conclusion, the study concludes that Airtel Rwanda Plc in Rwanda have outsourced financial system billing. Airtel Plc had outsourced networking monitoring tools which play a pertinent role to the organizational success. Airtel has masts/towers and fleet management that contribute to organizational performance. Finally, the study recommends that to adopt masts/towers and fleet management in means, the government should revise competition policy, and contract duration for outsourcing activities. Future studies should consider conducting similar research in different types of companies for comparison of results with the aim of coming into consensus on the generalization of the results.
Keywords: Outsourcing, in-housing development, telecommunication, core business activities
Impact of Automated Procurement System on Organizational Performance in Rwanda: A Case of Armed Forces Shop
No full textThe purpose of this study was to know the impact of automated procurement system on organizational performance in Rwanda with a case study of Armed Forces Shop. To assess the impact of electronic mails as an automated procurement system in the performance of Armed Forces Shop (AFOS). To examine the impact of automated barcode scanner as an automated procurement system in the performance of Armed Forces Shop (AFOS). To assess the impact of electronic procurement as an automated procurement system in the performance of Armed Forces Shop (AFOS). The study covered the information of Armed Forces Shop (AFOS) for period of 3 years from 2020 to 2022. The population was equal to 80 respondents from Armed Forces Shop ICT, procurement and logistics, operations, administration departments for investigating the automated procurement system on organizational performance in Rwanda. These reports included any written documents and published financial statements that contain information about the issue worked on. The researcher collected data from text books, journals, financial statements and reports or any other relevant publication of the institution under study within a given scope of time. The researcher analyzed quantitative data using descriptive frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis), qualitative data analyzed using content analysis. R was 0.913, the R2 was 0.834, and the adjusted R2 of 0.826 i.e., the performance of Armed Forces Shop (AFOS) in Rwanda by electronic procurement, electronic mails, automated barcode scanner study at 82.6%. The results show that electronic procurement, electronic mails, automated barcode scanner are all important indicators of that performance, with F=97.426 and a p value of 0.000<0.05, respectively. The researcher then adopts a competing theory while rejecting the null hypothesis. Armed Forces Shop (AFOS) should include enhancing email communication and implementing monitoring systems, integrating barcode scanners with procurement systems, training for barcode scanner usage and maintenance, expanding electronic procurement features, and implementing data analytics for performance monitoring.
Keywords: Automated Procurement System, Organizational Performance, Armed Forces Shop, Rwand