Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Effect of Performance Appraisal on Employee Development in Novartis Basel, Switzerland
No full textPerformance appraisals play a pivotal role in identifying individuals' training needs and guiding them towards relevant learning programs and resources. Feedback and recognition are fundamental aspects of performance appraisal process. Regular check-ins between managers and employees foster ongoing discussions, addressing challenges, and identifying growth opportunities. It is essential to explore whether the feedback provided during performance appraisals is sufficiently constructive, actionable, and aligned with employees' development goals. Companies are required to invest in both internal and external training initiatives, such as workshops, seminars, e-learning platforms, and leadership development programs. The study utilized the descriptive research design. The target population was 85 workers. The research did sampling of 70 respondents that were selected from the target population of 85 employees in Novartis, Switzerland. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The research concluded that by offering constructive feedback, the company helps individuals understand their strengths and areas for development, enabling them to enhance their skills and knowledge. The goal-setting component of the performance appraisal allows employees to align their personal objectives with the organization's goals, promoting focus and direction in their development efforts. Effective performance appraisal system, combined with its commitment to talent development, positions it as a leading organization in Switzerland when it comes to employee development. It was recommended that managers should focus on highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement, offering clear guidance on how employees can enhance their performance and achieve their development goals. Managers should provide personalized guidance and support, helping employees create effective development plans and providing resources to facilitate their growth. Implementing regular feedback mechanisms and establishing forums for knowledge sharing and collaboration can further promote employee development.
Keywords: Performance Appraisal, Employee Development, Novartis, Switzerlan
Leadership Creates a Compelling Vision, Translates into Action and Sustains It
No full textTransformational leadership emphasizes inspiring followers to go beyond self-interest and strive for higher-order needs. It's a subject of interest to many academics, practitioners, and leadership students. The study included Michelle Obama's transformational leadership as a practical example. The study aimed to explore transformational leadership, one of the most compelling approaches in leadership theory. A literature-based study method was employed, which involved an in-depth review and analysis of relevant theoretical constructs, scholarly articles, books, and other authoritative sources on transformational leadership. The study revealed transformational leadership's global relevance, alignment with higher-order needs and emphasis on ideals, inspiration, and innovation. The practical effectiveness of this approach was exemplified by Michelle Obama's initiatives, which showcased the potency of compelling vision, clear communication, and ethical commitment. The study also acknowledged the potential weaknesses, including measurement challenges and an overemphasis on the leader's personality trait. The study concluded that transformational leadership, despite its criticisms and potential weaknesses, conforms to idealized leadership models, making it effective on a global scale. The study recommended that future research and practice should maintain a nuanced understanding of transformational leadership, emphasizing global applicability and ethical commitments. Attention must also be directed toward potential weaknesses and comparative studies with other leadership approaches.
Keywords: Leadership Compelling Vision, Translates, Action, Sustains I
Emotional Intelligence and Turnover Intentions among Teaching Staff in Kenya's Private Universities
No full textThe objective of this study was to establish the relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions among the teaching staff in Kenya's Private Universities. The study was anchored on the mixed theory of emotional intelligence. It focused on all 36 private universities in Kenya as listed by the Commission for university education as at June 2021. The research was guided by positivism philosophy and used cross-sectional survey design. A sample size of 364 teaching staff from Kenyan Private Universities was obtained through stratified proportionate random sampling. The researcher used a structured questionnaire to collect primary data for the study from 364 respondents. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software and involved diagnostic tests, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The results revealed a weak positive and significant relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions. The research recommends the leadership of private universities in Kenya to assess a candidate’s emotional intelligence ability to build strong relationships among employees when employing the teaching staff. The study further recommends that employees in these institutions be trained on emotional intelligence aspects of Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Social-awareness and social management or social skills at institutional and personal level. This training should include all leaders at various levels such as vice chancellors, deputy vice chancellors’ deans and non-academic leaders.
Keywords; Emotional intelligence, turnover intentions, teaching staff, private universities, Kenya
Strategic Link Between HR Practice and Achievement of Contemporary Organizational Objectives
No full textIn today's organizational management landscape, the strategic role of human resource (HR) practices in achieving organizational goals is critical. This literature review delves into the complex relationship between HR practices and organizational goal achievement. Drawing insights from a diverse body of literature on recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, and employee engagement, this study sought to identify the strategic relationship between HR practices and organizational goal achievement in modern organizations. The study employs a literature-based review methodology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategic implications of HR practices in contemporary organizations by synthesizing insights from scholarly articles, books, and reports. The findings emphasize the importance of HR practices such as advanced recruitment technologies, inclusive cultures, and effective performance management systems in enabling organizational success. Additionally, developing leadership excellence, ethical considerations, and adaptability to changing economic and global conditions are critical in aligning HR practices with strategic objectives. Finally, this study emphasizes the multifaceted importance of HR practices in achieving organizational goals. By embracing innovative technologies, promoting inclusivity, and aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, modern organizations can position themselves for sustained excellence and resilience in today's dynamic business environment.
Keywords: Strategic Link, HR Practice, Organizational Objectives, Contemporary Organization
Assessment of Food Safety Control Measures and Organisational Sustainability: A Case of Selected Hotels in Kigali, Rwanda
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the sustainability of selected hotels in Rwanda in relation to food safety management procedures. The study focused on assessing the impact of government food safety guidelines, workplace food safety procedures, staff food safety awareness, and government policies on the sustainability of these hotels. A sample of 283 food service staff from selected hotels in Kigali city was chosen at random, with a sample size of 166. Data was analyzed using SPSS to determine the effect of food safety management methods on profitability. Results showed that the findings on food safety guidelines were reliable, with standard deviation values above 0.312 but less than 1, indicating closeness of individual responses. Workplace food safety procedures had high mean values, indicating strong evidence of the existence of such practices. Food safety awareness had standard deviation values above 0.311 but smaller than 1, indicating closeness of individual responses. Government policies had standard deviation values above 0.310 but much less than 1, indicating closeness of responses. Regression analysis revealed that an increase in food safety guidelines, procedures, staff awareness, and government policies would lead to an increase in sustainability for selected hotels in Kigali city. All hypotheses were rejected, suggesting that RDB should supervise these hotels and empower all staff, as well as sensitize hotel owners on the objectives of food safety. The institution should also ensure that all staff are empowered and sensitized to the importance of food safety in the hospitality industry.
Keywords: Food Safety, Control Measures, Organizational Sustainability, Rwand
The Impact of Affective Destination Image on Domestic Tourist Preferences: A Study of Gaborone City, Botswana
No full textVisitor preferences is a personal choice of a destination for a defined purpose of travel. In most times it is influenced by value for money, intention to re-visit and the intention to recommend the destination to others. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence destinations affective image on visitor preferences in destination Gaborone City, Botswana. Descriptive survey design was used for describing the study population and their characteristics. The target population was 3750 and a sample size of 360 domestic tourists who visited Gaborone departing through SSKIA Structured questionnaires was used to collect quantitative data, and interview schedules was used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results were presented in tables. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study findings revealed R coefficient of 0.638, implying that destinations affective image as the independent factor had a correlation of 63.8 percent with visitor preferences in Gaborone City. This was supported by coefficient of determination (R-square) of 0.408. This meant that destinations affective image explained 40.8 percent of the variations in tourist preferences in Gaborone City. The study concludes that improving destination affective image has the likelihood of enhancing visitor preferences of destination in Gaborone City, Botswana. Gaborone city has a rich cultural heritage that can be showcased through cultural tourism, including cultural festivals, traditional dance performances, and visits to local museums and historical sites. By promoting cultural tourism, Gaborone can attract a niche market of travelers interested in experiencing local cultures and traditions. The study thus recommends that tourism destinations in Gaborone city needs to have a strong marketing strategy that promotes the city's unique features and attractions, including social media campaigns, collaborations with travel bloggers and influencers, and attending travel shows and exhibitions.
Keywords: Affective, Destination image, Domestic tourist, Destination preferences, Gaborone Cit
Impact of Customs and Artifacts on Tourism Development in South of Italy
No full textCustoms and artifacts play a pivotal role in shaping the tourism development of a destination. They offer unique insights into the cultural heritage and traditions of a place, attracting tourists seeking authentic and immersive experiences. When preserved and showcased thoughtfully, these elements become a compelling draw for visitors, contributing significantly to the growth of the local tourism industry. The research strategy for this study was descriptive. 20 tourists’ destination managers in South Italy were the intended audience. From a potential sample of 20 tourists’ destination managers in South Italy, 15 were interviewed for the research. The data was gathered with the use of questionnaires. In the South of Italy, the rich tapestry of customs and artifacts plays an integral role in the region's tourism development. These treasures, steeped in history and tradition, not only provide a unique window into the area's cultural heritage but also serve as a magnetic force for travelers seeking genuine and immersive encounters. By preserving and promoting these customs and artifacts, Southern Italy can continue to thrive as a top tourist destination, where visitors can savor the authenticity and beauty of the region's unique cultural identity. The study recommended that South of Italy should allocate resources to safeguard and showcase its customs and artifacts, creating museums, cultural centers, and interactive exhibits to educate and engage tourists about the rich heritage of the region. Collaborative efforts involving local communities and artisans can be encouraged to ensure that customs and artifacts are not only preserved but also revitalized, thereby creating sustainable economic opportunities and fostering a sense of pride and ownership. Develop marketing strategies that emphasize the cultural richness of the South of Italy, highlighting the customs and artifacts as key attractions, and utilize digital and social media platforms to reach a wider audience, attracting travelers who seek authentic and immersive experiences.
Keywords: Customs and Artifacts, Tourism Development, Ital
Effect of Total Quality Management Practices on Service Delivery in Health Sector in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThis study sought to examine the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices on quality services in healthcare sector in Nairobi County, Kenya. Specifically, this study examined the influence of customer focus, quality improvement, employee involvement and management support on quality services in healthcare sector in Nairobi County. The study adopted cross-sectional descriptive design and targeted healthcare providers in five hospitals (three public and two private) in Nairobi County including; Mbagathi hospital, Mama Lucy hospital, Pumwani hospital, Coptic hospital and Aga Khan Hospital. Yamane formula was used calculate the sample size of 115 respondents from healthcare workforce population of 1,652. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that customer focus promoted effective assessments and follow-ups on patients and helped to build strong relationships between healthcare providers and patients through effective communication and continuous quality improvement through Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams and routine Multidisciplinary teams (MDT) promoted service quality while employee involvement enhanced motivation and productivity of staff. Management support was essential in setting and ensuring implementation of goals and vision of healthcare facilities, motivation of staff and resource mobilization to implement core services in healthcare facilities. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between TQM practices and quality services in healthcare sector in Nairobi County, Kenya and recommended that healthcare facilities (public & private) should bolster implementation of TQM interventions since they promote quality of services.
Keywords: Customer Focus, Quality Improvement, Employee Involvement, Management Support & Service Deliver
Strategy Implementation and Performance of Insurance Companies in Rwanda: A Case of Britam Insurance Rwanda
No full textThe study determined strategic implementation practices on performance of Britam Insurance Rwanda by establishing effect of training, leadership, and communication. A descriptive and exploratory research designs were applied. The target population was 130 employees at Britam Insurance Rwanda operating in Kigali City, Rwanda. A census method was applied to take 130 workers as sample size. The researcher collected data using questionnaire and interview guide. Moreover, to analyze data collected, qualitative data was subjected to content analysis while quantitative data was processed using statistical product and service solution to produce Results shows knowledge of workers (mean of 3.666) was used as a mentoring worker. Correlation results significant association between creativity and innovation and customer satisfaction (r=0.206 and sign=0.000). Results demonstrated that vision articulation (mean of 3.33), motivating works with a mean of 4.400, managing workers with a mean of 4.00. The study ascertained that vision articulation was statistically significant with effectiveness (r=0.122*, p-value=0.035), results on managing workers demonstrated that there a significant relationship between efficiency (r=0.123, sign=0.034). Results found that relationship between workers (Mean=3.833) was the assessment that the relationship between workers, making decision (mean of 3.333), managing activities (mean of 2.833), managing activities (3.333) have been adopted and used by at Britam Insurance companies (st.dev of 1.632). Results revealed a low level of significance between relationship between workers and efficacy (r=0.052, p-value=0.373); relationship between workers and effectiveness (r=0.27, p-value=0.646), there is significantly relationship between making decision and customer satisfaction (r=0.105, p-value=0.071). Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that insurance organizations in Rwanda ensure an adequate number of workers for effective strategy execution. Communication managers should enhance communication methods to improve data flow among workers.
Keywords: Strategy Implementation, Performance of Insurance Companies, Britam Insurance, Rwanda
Strategic Innovation Management in U.S. Automobile Manufacturing: Electric Vehicles and Competitive Advantage
No full textThis study examined the role of strategic innovation management in the U.S. automobile manufacturing sector, focusing on the development and deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). Utilizing data from 2010 to 2020, the research sought to understand how innovation in electric vehicles contributed to competitive advantage among American manufacturers. Our analysis revealed that companies investing in EV technology experienced a 25% average increase in market share compared to those that did not. Moreover, investment in EV research and development correlated with a 30% rise in profitability over the same period. Companies like Tesla led the market, capturing 60% of the EV market share in the United States by 2020. Traditional manufacturers like General Motors and Ford were observed to gradually adapt to this trend, with GM committing to go fully electric by 2035. The study concluded that strategic innovation in electric vehicles was a critical factor for competitive advantage in the U.S. automobile manufacturing industry. Adoption of such strategies was found to be both environmentally sustainable and financially rewarding for companies willing to embrace this technological shift.
Keywords: Strategic Innovation, U.S. Automobile Manufacturing, Electric Vehicles, Competitive Advantage, Market Shar