EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Marketing Agility: A Critical Review of Literature
Full text linkThe current business environment is highly dynamic, with frequent changes in customer needs and technology. The success of business firms in such a scenario depends on their ability to adopt and engage in agile marketing practices. This article offers a critical review of existing literature on the concept of marketing agility, beginning with definitions, the various dimensions of marketing agility, as well as the antecedents and market factors that influence the need for marketing agility. The article also reviewed the various obstacles to marketing agility that exist in business firms as well as the benefits of agile marketing practices. In terms of theoretical perspectives, the Resource-Based Theory and the Dynamic Capabilities Theory were examined in detail to help explain how marketing agility can be a source of competitive advantage for business firms. The article concluded that marketing agility is directly linked to digital transformation since the business environment is characterised by a high rate of technological advancement, which includes the use of Artificial Intelligence in business activities. Marketing agility enables firms to rapidly make adjustments to their marketing strategies in anticipation of or in response to market changes. The article provided relevant recommendations for managers of business firms, such as investing in the training of employees in agile marketing practices and the use of digital tools like cloud computing and data analytic
Enhancing Millennial Workforce Motivation Through Flexible Work Arrangements: A Systematic Review
Full text linkThis systematic review investigates whether flexible work arrangements (FWAs) serve as effective motivators for millennial employees in contemporary workplaces. Millennials, born between 1980 and 2000, now constitute a significant proportion of the global workforce and exhibit distinct work preferences, particularly regarding autonomy, flexibility and work-life balance. The review is anchored in the Self-Determination Theory and Generational Theory to understand the psychological and generational underpinnings of motivation among millennials. The study employed a qualitative design, utilising systematic review methodology to analyse peer-reviewed articles. These studies were selected from Google Scholar using inclusion criteria that prioritised research-based articles addressing both flexible work arrangements and millennial motivation. Findings consistently demonstrated a positive impact between FWAs such as flex-time, remote working, telecommuting, compressed hours and job sharing and heightened motivation among millennials. Millennials were found to value flexibility in determining where, when and how they work, which in turn fostered a greater sense of autonomy, competence and relatedness to the core tenets of Self-Determination Theory. The study revealed that while flexible work arrangements are strong motivational factors, other elements like compensation, career development, recognition and inclusive organisational culture also contribute to overall engagement and retention of millennials. Based on the findings, the study recommends that organisations should institutionalise clear, inclusive and well-communicated FWA policies, invest in supportive technology infrastructure and train managers in remote supervision and trust-based leadership. Such strategic implementations will not only boost millennial motivation but also contribute to sustainable organisational performance in the digital era
Input Factors and Industrial Sector Growth in Uganda (1986-2024)
Full text linkThis study investigates the effects of input factors on the growth of Uganda’s industrial sector. Specifically, it examines the impact of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), investment in education, and population growth. A longitudinal research design was used to analyse changes over time, utilising secondary data from reputable national and international sources. The data was processed using STATA 14, which is effective for time series analysis. Findings show that increasing investment in GFCF, such as factories, machinery, and infrastructure, significantly boosts industrial growth, particularly in the short term through job creation and increased output. However, in the long run, the benefits diminish unless complemented by improvements in skilled labour and institutional support. In contrast, investment in education showed no direct effect on industrial growth, possibly due to a mismatch between education outputs and industrial job demands. Additionally, population growth alone was not found to drive industrial expansion, indicating that sheer numbers in the workforce do not guarantee increased productivity. The study recommends that the Government of Uganda continue prioritising investment in industrial infrastructure, especially in energy, transport, and manufacturing hubs. To improve education's relevance, greater emphasis should be placed on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), along with stronger industry-academic linkages and curriculum reforms. Furthermore, policymakers should promote labour-intensive industries like agro-processing, textiles, and construction, and support entrepreneurship and inclusive employment incentives, particularly targeting youth and women
Modeling Consumer Behavior and its Impact on Choosing a Competitive Strategy - A Survey Study of the Opinions of a Sample of Mobile Phone Shopping Stores in Kirkuk City
Full text linkStudying and understanding consumer behaviour is considered one of the ways to choose a competitive strategy, but understanding consumer behaviour is very difficult due to the many factors that overlap and interact with each other. Therefore, modelling consumer behaviour aims to simplify this difficulty by identifying the most important factors and showing the relationship between them. This study aims to understand the extent of the impact of modelling consumer behaviour on the choice of competitive strategy represented by its dimensions (cost leadership strategy, focus strategy, and differentiation strategy). Accordingly, the researcher selected a deliberate random sample consisting of 70 workers in mobile phone stores in Kirkuk city and relied on the questionnaire as a tool for collecting data and information and analysing it using the statistical program SPSS. A number of statistical analyses were used, including the arithmetic mean and standard deviation, to determine the extent of employees' awareness of the study variables. Correlation and influence analysis between the study variables was also used. The study reached several conclusions, including: There is a significant correlation between consumer behaviour modelling and competitive strategy selection, and there is a significant impact of consumer behaviour modelling on competitive strategy selection. The study also found that most mobile phone stores use a cost leadership strategy for a number of brands based on customer desires. The study presented a set of proposals, namely: The surveyed stores should use influential figures in advertisements to introduce customers to prestigious brands to attract their desires, and work on analysing the marketing environment to understand customer trends and provide value propositions based on customer income. The surveyed stores should adopt an appropriate competitive strategy based on monitoring competitors' movements in the market
Querying the Application of University-Acquired Employability Competences among Fresh Secondary Teacher Education Graduates in Uganda
Full text linkThe study investigated the application of university-embedded teaching skills in teaching and Learning by Fresh Education graduates in Mid-Western Uganda. It employed a qualitative method of data collection and analysis. This cross-sectional narrative found that teachers express themselves positively about the training they received while at the university, through innovative teaching methods, the quality application of the professional Code of Conduct, and sharing social experiences that motivate them. This is achieved by building strong relationships with students and helping learners recognise their abilities to the fullest by fostering creativity through confidence in them. Their adherence to proper classroom management as well as their promotion of a safe learning environment to enhance good teacher-student relationships. However, prior classroom management could lead to other pre-social disengaging and destructive behaviours that could be detrimental to learning and fresh teachers need to adopt and encompass preventive and responsive strategies to support and facilitate both social and emotional learning in the classroom. In Conclusion, institutions, more so Universities, need to emphasize the teaching of the latest pedagogical skills that enhance a whole round Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) teacher such as Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Emotional Intelligence, and Human Resource Management, among others with supportive and continuous Guidance and counselling among the students taught to build and enhance a high level of Academic Performanc
Examining the Relationship between Stressors and Coping Strategies Used by Teacher-Trainees in Universities in Central Region, Uganda
Full text linkStress is an integral part of the student’s university life that calls for appropriate coping measures. Guided by the Transactional Appraisal Theory of stress and coping, this study examined the relationship between stressors and coping strategies used by pre-service teacher-trainees in universities in the Central region of Uganda. The study was quantitative in nature and adopted a cross-sectional survey research design on a target population of 7502 teacher-trainees. Five hundred fifty-four (554) pre-service teacher-trainees from year one to year three on two programs of study were selected using a simple random sampling strategy. The study involved 254 (45.8%) males and 300 (54.2%) females with an average age of 24 years. The findings revealed academic difficulties and time pressure as key stressors. The findings further revealed a significant positive relationship between stressors and coping strategies used by pre-service teacher-trainees to mitigate stress (r = 0.469, p = 0.000<0.05, n=554). Although teacher-trainees adopted myriad coping strategies simultaneously, the findings revealed that the majority used avoidant coping strategies (β = 0.550, p = 0.000<0.05), followed by problem-focused coping (β=0.439, p = 0.000<0.05) and emotion-focused coping strategies (β = 0.363, p=0.000<0.05). Thus, the study underscored the importance of adaptive coping strategies in mitigating stressful situations. The study recommends awareness and orientation of students in university life, strengthening counselling services, and introducing mindfulness programs to enhance the students’ problem-solving and adaptation-solving skill
Community Participation and Retention of Learners in Government-Aided Secondary Schools in Kazo Sub-County, Kazo District
Full text linkThis study investigates the influence of community participation on the retention of learners in government-aided secondary schools in Kazo Sub-County, Kazo District, Uganda. The primary objectives were to assess the current retention rates, identify the levels and forms of community involvement, and examine the relationship between community participation and retention of learners. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires administered to learners, teachers, and key stakeholders, with qualitative insights from interviews with district officials, headteachers, and PTA members. The sample comprised 341 respondents selected through purposive and random sampling techniques. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to establish relationships. Results indicated a generally positive perception of community participation's role in retention, with frequent PTA meetings, community support for infrastructure, and local leadership involvement being prominent factors. Quantitative analysis revealed a weak but significant positive correlation (r=0.134, p=0.009) between community participation and learner retention. The findings conclude that while community involvement contributes to improved retention, other factors also influence learner persistence. The study recommends increasing community engagement efforts, strengthening school-community partnerships, and implementing policies that formally recognise community roles in education. The study contributes to the limited literature on rural pastoral communities, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to enhance learner retention through active community involvemen
Implementation of Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) In India: Strengths and Challenges
Full text linkTeachers are considered nation builders, and it is largely acknowledged that they acquire their expertise through training rather than innate ability. To develop skilled and competent educators for the 21st century, various teacher education programs have been ongoing for decades across different levels of education. Analyzing the history of education pre- and post-independence reveals that numerous commissions, policies, and programs have consistently emphasized the importance of cultivating competent teachers for our children. Periodic updates to policy initiatives have been implemented within teacher education programs. In this context, India's New Education Policy (2020) offers hope for reforming teacher education by introducing a four-year integrated teacher education program across all teacher education institutions. The policy recommends that, from 2030 onwards, teacher engagement will be exclusively through the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP); therefore, a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of ITEP is essential for its successful implementation. A sample of 16 teacher educators was selected, and their perspectives on the strengths, challenges, and proposed measures for effective ITEP implementation were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data was qualitatively analyzed through coding and categorization of responses into various themes. The findings of this study highlight the strengths of ITEP and also identify issues related to its successful implementation. Additionally, this paper discusses the suggestions provided by teacher educators for the effective implementation of ITEP. The results of this research will be valuable to policymakers and other stakeholders in the education secto
Developing Life Skills through Science Education: Enhancing Values and Communication for Holistic Learner Growth
Full text linkLife skills are essential competencies that empower learners to effectively navigate personal, academic, and societal challenges. This article examines the definition, categories, values, and benefits of life skills within the context of science education. It highlights three core categories: intrapersonal skills (living with oneself), interpersonal skills (living with others), and cognitive-critical thinking skills (making effective decisions). The review explores key values that underpin life skills such as empathy, responsibility, integrity, and inclusivity and outlines the diverse benefits these competencies bring to science teaching, including improved academic achievement, civic engagement, and emotional resilience. Methodologically, the article is based on a qualitative integrative review of literature published between 2015 and 2025. Thematic analysis was conducted using a multi-stage coding process: open coding to identify emergent themes, axial coding to relate these themes to pedagogical strategies like inquiry-based learning, collaborative projects, reflective practices, and ICT integration, and selective coding to derive fifteen specific roles that science tutors and lecturers play in nurturing life skills among student teachers in Uganda. These roles include mentorship, role modelling, curriculum integration, inclusive pedagogy, and ethical leadership. The article concludes by emphasising the implications for science education and teacher training, providing practical guidance for educators to equip learners with holistic competencies necessary for sustainable development and transformative citizenshi
The Relationship between Occupational Stress and Job Satisfaction among Administrators in International Schools, Nairobi City County, Kenya
Full text linkOccupational stress is a global concern, particularly among educational administrators. This study examined the levels of stress, levels of satisfaction, and the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction among administrators in international schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Guided by Herzberg's two-factor theory and Lazarus' cognitive theory of stress, a correlational research design was employed. The study population comprised 33 international schools affiliated with the Kenya Association of International Schools (KAIS). Data were collected via questionnaires from 126 school administrators (30 principals, 30 heads of prep schools, 33 heads of kindergarten, and 33 deputy principals) and 9 quality assurance personnel (8 SCQASOs and 1 KAIS Quality Assurance Manager). Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation and chi-square analysis) were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that 78.4% of respondents experienced moderate to high levels of occupational stress, while 21.6% reported low stress levels. More than half of the respondents acknowledged the significance of relationships with co-workers, students, and parents. A significant relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction was found {χ²(2) = 18.435, p < 0.001}. The study recommends further research into additional factors influencing job satisfaction and the impact of occupational stress on workforce productivity in diverse educational setting