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Instructional Materials Usage and Students’ Academic Performance in Selected Ordinary Level Public Schools in Gasabo District in Rwanda
No full textThe education system in Rwanda considers the passing of examination as the major criterion for performance. Instructional materials like computers, projectors, laboratory apparatuses and textbooks, play an important role in the achievement of educational goals, objectives and students’ performance. The purpose of this paper therefore, was to investigate the relationship between the usage of instructional materials and student’s academic performance in selected ordinary level public secondary schools of Gasabo District. This paper utilized a correlation research design to investigate the relationship between the usage of instructional materials and students' academic performance in selected ordinary level public secondary schools in Gasabo District. The study involved 264 participants, with a sample size of 159 determined using the Yamane formula. Various data collection methods were utilized, including questionnaires, observation, interviews, and document analysis. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and the research instrument demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach's Alpha score of 92.7%. The findings reveal that well-equipped science laboratories can affect students' assessment results in science subjects, with an R-Square of 0.489. Additionally, the study found that the usage of instructional materials can impact students' academic performance, with an R-Square of 0.532. The study also established a statistically significant relationship between instructional materials usage and students' academic performance, indicated by a Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.729. This demonstrates that effective utilization of instructional materials in schools can positively influence students' academic performance. It is recommended that educational managers need to prioritize curriculum stability and allocate appropriate budgets for instructional materials. Mobilizing parents for cost sharing and engaging the private sector in investing in education are crucial steps to ensure an adequate supply of instructional resources. Teachers play a pivotal role in utilizing the available materials effectively, making the teaching and learning process more meaningful and engaging for students. Parents should consider schools with sufficient instructional resources when selecting educational institutions for their children.
Keywords: Instructional materials, educational resources, Students’ academic performance and secondary school
Factors Affecting Curriculum Implementation in Post Conflict Somali Primary Education
No full textSomalia has one of the lowest rates of primary school enrollment. Curriculum development and implementation are both a strategic process and a policy challenge in this regard. Several factors appear to be influencing the curriculum implementation process in Somalia, including syllabus, a lack of resources, time allocation for education, teacher training, teacher and policymaker attitudes, and a lack of training material. The study's goal is to identify factors influencing curriculum implementation in post-conflict Somali primary education. The specific objectives include identifying major challenges in the implementation of the primary school curriculum in post-conflict Somalia, as well as determining the core issues of teachers in implementing the primary school curriculum in post-conflict Somalia and recommending measures to overcome challenges in the implementation of the primary school curriculum in post-conflict Somalia. A descriptive research design was used in the study. The study employed a quantitative approach. The target populations were 5,054 respondents, with a sample size of 505 respondents among them. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data from respondents for the study. The collected data was coded and analyzed using SPSS, a statistical package for social scientists. According to the study's findings, descriptive analysis revealed that a lack of infrastructure, materials, and a teacher shortage were significant challenges for teachers. The study also showed that curriculum implementation had a positive and significant effect on students' skills and knowledge. According to the study, effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders are required to address these challenges.
Keywords: Curriculum Implementation, Post Conflict, Somali, Primary Educatio
Influence of Parental Participation in School Academic Activities on Learners’ Motivation in Rwandan Public Primary Schools; A Case of Huye District
No full textThe study sought to evaluate the influence of parental participation in school academic activities on learners’ motivation in public primary schools in Huye district. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to assess the extent to which parents participate in school academic activities in public primary education in Huye district-Rwanda; to examine the level of learners’ motivation in public primary schools in Huye district, Rwanda and to determine the influence of parental participation in school academic activities on learners’ motivation in public primary schools in Huye district, Rwanda. The study used descriptive and correlational research designs. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the respondents. The sample of 391 determined by Solvin formula was sampled from the target population of 16593 and selected by simple random techniques. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 23 where descriptive analysis, correlation and regression analysis were computed to help in answering research questions. The study found that most students felt their parents were not very involved in their school life: they often didn't visit the school, attend parent meetings, provide all required school materials, help with homework, or assist with lesson revision. Regarding the students' own behaviors, a majority reported that they go to school but not always on time, have peers who have dropped out, don't complete all their homework, score below 50% on exams, and have repeated a class before. The research also discovered a low correlation between how much parents participate in school activities and how motivated their children are, with a slight increase in student motivation when parents are more involved. The involvement of parents in the school activities of public primary students in Huye district is minimal, which seems to affect the students' motivation negatively. The recommendation is for educational authorities and teachers to encourage greater parental involvement to boost student motivation. The research recommended education planners and education officials at the national and district level to train parents on areas of parental engagement in education so that parents can understand how to support education for their children.
Keywords: Parental Involvement, Learner Motivation, Academic Performance, Education Engagement, School Participatio
Scale-Descale-Rescale – An Emerging Analytical Tool
No full textUnderstanding multi-scale interactions and their effects across spatial, temporal, and organizational scales are important aspects of designing effective environmental governance policies. Problems of scale are intrinsic to environmental governance, where managing natural resources across political jurisdictions and biophysical scales is a familiar theme in the complex human–environment relations. Some agreement has emerged that scale is fundamentally a relational concept that is socially constructed and both fluid and fixed and must therefore be considered when analyzing effectiveness of environmental governance policies. However, what form such an analysis should take to accurately capture the multifaceted relations and interactions, remains an open question. Given that policies designed for environmental governance often carry objectives at larger geophysical scales of resource management, the design and implementation strategies of such policies must include better description of how different design aspects and implementation measures lead towards long-term sustainability and equitable outcomes
Women Empowerment and Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Women for Women NGO in Rwanda
No full textThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of women's empowerment programs on post-conflict reconstruction in Rwanda, with a specific focus on the initiatives undertaken by the Women for Women NGO. Leveraging a multiple linear regression model, the research, which engaged 398 participants, offers valuable insights into the multifaceted relationship between women's empowerment and the post-conflict rebuilding process. One of the central findings of this study is the significant positive impact of women's educational attainment, which was observed to influence the reconstruction process impressively, with over 295.5% of participants displaying a beneficial effect. On the other hand, it underscores the detrimental influence of prolonged conflict durations, emphasizing the urgency of swift reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected regions. Moreover, the research reveals that income-generating activities for women play a pivotal role, contributing a substantial 56.9% of the overall reconstruction endeavors. These activities not only enhance the economic well-being of women but also drive progress within societies emerging from conflict, thereby underlining their transformative potential. Access to healthcare services is identified as a crucial factor, contributing to 52.7% of the overall societal rebuilding process. This emphasizes the imperative of investing in healthcare infrastructure and accessibility in conflict-affected regions, not only for the improved well-being of the population but also for driving substantial advancements in post-conflict societies. The study also underscores the immense significance of gender-based violence interventions integrated into women's empowerment programs. These interventions make a substantial positive contribution of 38.6% to the overall efforts in post-conflict reconstruction. By reducing violence and creating a safer environment, they empower women and contribute significantly to the broader process of societal rebuilding. The significance of this study lies in providing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of women's empowerment programs in post-conflict reconstruction, thus offering valuable guidance for policymakers and NGOs. It is intended to facilitate the promotion of sustainable peace and development in post-conflict regions, ensuring that the transformation experienced by beneficiaries of these programs becomes a beacon of hope for others in similar circumstances. In light of the research findings, this study strongly recommends prioritizing investments in women's education, enhancing income-generating activities, improving healthcare services, and integrating gender-based violence interventions into women's empowerment initiatives as crucial steps in promoting robust and stable post-conflict societies.
Keywords: Women's Empowerment Programs, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Women for Women, Rwand
Making Home Work; Making Work Home: Charting a New Paradigm for Employment Relations in an Emerging Work Environment
No full textFollowing the emergence of the virtual Organization resulting from the third and fourth phases of the Industrial revolution, the old Employment Relations paradigm has seized to function optimally. The objective of this paper was to explore an Employment Relations paradigm shift that will match the contemporary workforce, workplace and Organization. This paper explored the people management models that emerged in the phases of the industrialization process. Exploring extant literature, the effect of the third and fourth Industrial revolution with the corresponding digital production process that gave rise to the emergence of remote working, a remote workforce and a digital organization were unveiled. The challenges faced with the management of the digital workforce, including the implications of the birth of Remote Working on Employment Relations were analyzed. The paper posited that the workplace rules currently in vogue are modeled to work for physical workplace settings. The paper concluded and recommended that models of workplace rule making for Remote working will now need the instrumentality of high cost technologies, employees and Managers re-skilling as an Employment Relations paradigm shift that will make work home, and home work.
Keywords: Employment Relations, Paradigm Shift, Remote workforce, Digital Organization
Authentic Leadership and Ethical Behavior of Employees in Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textThis study conceptualized and tested the relationship between authentic leadership and ethical behavior of employees in commercial banks in Kenya. Previous researchers have argued that authentic leadership influences performance of organizations. Few studies that have looked at the relationship between authentic leadership and ethical behavior of employees have reported conflicting results. As a result, there was need to conduct more studies to establish the existence of the relationship between the study variables. The main objective of the study was to establish the relationship between authentic leadership and ethical behavior of employees in commercial banks in Kenya. The study specifically aimed at establishing the effect of authentic leadership on ethical behavior of employees. A descriptive survey design used structured questionnaires to collect data from 384 employees of commercial banks in Kenya. Inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Hypothesis test was done using simple linear regression analysis. The study findings indicated that authentic leadership had a significant influence on ethical behavior of employees. The findings made significant contribution to knowledge by validating the propositions of the theory that informed the study in commercial banks in Kenya. Further, the results provided value to policy makers in human resource management and commercial banks as far as entrenching authentic leadership in their organizations is concerned. The study therefore recommends that the commercial banks in Kenya leadership promotes authentic leadership so as to improve ethical behavior of employees in their respective banks. The study proposes that future studies consider other contexts and different research designs.
Keywords: Authentic Leadership, Ethical Behavior & Commercial Bank
Organization's Structure Alignment to the Environment and Objectives is a Key Determinant of its Success
No full textThe alignment of an organization's structure with its environment and objectives is emphasized in this paper as a critical factor in determining its success. The paper highlights the importance of understanding the external environment and adapting to changes, as well as the role of organizational objectives in shaping the structure. The paper discusses the various types of organizations, ranging from multinational corporations to nonprofits, as well as the unique challenges that each type of organization faces. It emphasizes that organizations operate in a complex and dynamic external environment, and that their structure should be adaptable to changes while remaining aligned with their strategic goals and objectives. It investigates how various schools of thought in organizational theory can assist organizations in identifying and addressing challenges, as well as providing guidance in designing a suitable structure to effectively address those challenges. The paper also provides examples of organizations that used these theories to gain insights into areas such as organizational design, leadership, communication, and decision-making, all of which are critical for effectively addressing challenges. Organizations can design a suitable structure that allows them to effectively deal with the challenges they face and ultimately achieve their desired outcomes by considering the principles and concepts offered by organizational theory.
Keywords: Organization's Structure, Alignment, Environment, Objectives, Determinant, Succes
Reward Systems and Performance of Employees in Hospitality Industry. A Case Study of Shangri-La Singapore
No full textReward systems are instrumental in driving employee performance across industries, providing a framework to motivate, recognize, and retain top talent. By offering a mix of financial incentives, recognition programs, and professional growth opportunities, organizations can create an environment where employees are motivated to excel and contribute their best efforts. Strategic deployment of reward systems not only enhances individual and team performance but also aligns employee goals with organizational objectives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and achievement. In the vibrant landscape of the hospitality industry, employees serve as the heartbeat of exceptional guest experiences. This study exemplifies how a dedicated and empowered workforce can elevate service standards, showcasing the pivotal role that engaged employees play in shaping the hotel's renowned reputation for luxury and hospitality. The study used the descriptive research design. The target population was 200 employees of Shangri-La Singapore Hotel in Singapore. The study did sampling of 160 respondents that were selected from the target population of 200 employees of Shangri-La Singapore Hotel in Singapore. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The study concluded that employing a strategic blend of compensation, recognition, professional growth opportunities, and sustainability integration, Shangri-La has showcased the potential of these systems to cultivate a motivated, committed, and customer-focused workforce. This serves as a compelling testament to how adeptly tailored reward systems can not only elevate employee performance and job satisfaction but also significantly enhance the overall guest experience, solidifying the hotel's position as a beacon of excellence in the hospitality landscape. It was recommended that the hospitality industry can optimize its reward systems by implementing tailored recognition initiatives that encompass all staff levels, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork. Moreover, by weaving sustainability incentives into rewards, inspired by Shangri-La's commitment, hospitality establishments can harness employees' sense of purpose and environmental consciousness, thus creating a virtuous cycle of heightened performance and guest satisfaction.
Keywords: Reward systems, performance, employees, hospitality industry, Singapor
Mediating Effect of Social Security Administration on Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Performance of Public Sector Social Security Agencies in Kenya
No full textThe management of social security by some state agencies has been accused of the issue of low coverage and not affordability. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine the mediating effect of social security administration on relationship between transformational leadership and performance of public sector social security agencies in Kenya. The study was anchored on institutional theory. A positivist research philosophy was utilized in the study. The study adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 176 public sector social security agencies in Kenya. The study purposively selected two managers from each of the 176 public sector social security agencies in Kenya, resulting in a sample size of 352 participants. SPSS version 26 was used in the analysis of the data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation results showed that social security administration is positively and significantly correlated with performance (r = 0.796, p=0.000). Social security administration plays a significant role in mediating the relationship between transformational leadership and performance in the public sector social security agencies in Kenya. The study concludes that social security administration encompasses several aspects, including having a clear vision and direction, inducing responsibility and technical expertise among employees. The study recommends that the management should prioritize having a clear vision and direction, instilling responsibility and technical expertise in employees. There is the need of maintaining an effective communication flow, promoting honesty and integrity, capitalizing on opportunities, prioritizing resource allocation based on urgency, investing financial resources wisely and keeping administration costs low. Social security agencies has to improve service delivery, communication and complaint platforms to be customer-centric. In addition, the government should develop a comprehensive social security policy for all citizens, including the informal sector.
Keywords: Social security administration, transformational leadership, performance, public sector social security agencies, Keny