EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Relationship between Headteachers’ Gender and Financial Management in Schools
Get PDFThe study was on the relationship between headteachers’ gender and financial management in schools, by managers to monitor an organisation's assets, debts, and inventory usage. In modern management, financial control is increasingly important in schools. However, head teachers in primary schools often lack financial management skills, leading to potential financial risks such as poor staffing, accounts receivable, credit, collections, accounts payable/purchasing, asset acquisition and maintenance, financial reporting, and inventory management. This study explored whether gender, i.e., male or female, could explain the low level of financial management in primary schools in Kitgum District. The study determined the relationship between head teachers' gender and financial management in primary schools in Kitgum District. Data was collected from 300 respondents using questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The results showed that gender disparities in financial management skills assessments were negligible or unimportant across different aspects. Both male and female head teachers received comparable assessments in most areas, indicating a consistent perception of their financial management practices. The study concluded that there is no significant correlation between financial discipline, as measured by Financial Planning, Financial Requisition, Financial Records, and Financial Reports, and gender within this dataset of 150 individuals. The correlation coefficients indicate extremely weak or negligible associations between gender and various aspects of financial discipline
Strengths and Weaknesses of Teachers Promotion Criteria in Tanzanian Public Secondary Schools: A Comparative Analysis
Get PDFThis paper reviews the promotion criteria applied to secondary school teachers in Tanzania, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential reforms to improve transparency, equity, and fairness in career advancement. Teacher promotion is a key aspect of professional service, providing salary increments, higher ranks, greater responsibilities, and leadership opportunities, with the ultimate aim of fostering a conducive environment for quality education delivery. Promotion is defined as the formal advancement of an individual to a higher rank or grade, usually accompanied by increased responsibilities, improved remuneration, and recognition of competence and service. In Tanzania, guidelines for promotion are stipulated in the Public Service Act and the Teachers’ Service Commission Act Regulations of 2015, which emphasise merit, effective performance, qualifications, skills, and personal attributes. The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm using a concurrent mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 119 participants, including teachers, school heads, and education administrators, through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews of relevant policy instruments. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to ensure triangulation and credibility. The review identified educational qualifications, teaching experience, professional grade, job performance, professional development, adherence to professional ethics, and citizenship status as the main promotion criteria. Although these criteria are merit-based and well-structured, implementation challenges persist, including bureaucratic delays, inadequate performance assessment, excessive reliance on years of service, and limited teacher involvement. To address these weaknesses, this paper recommends strengthening the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC), periodically reviewing promotion criteria, enhancing professional development, establishing disciplinary and appeals boards, and broadening stakeholder engagement. Effective enforcement of these measures would enhance transparency, equity, and efficiency in promotion processes, thereby improving teacher motivation, retention, and service delivery in Tanzanian secondary schools
Quality of Higher Education and Stakeholders’ Support Affecting Financial Performance as Mediated by Intellectual Capital: Basis for a Program
Get PDFThis study examined the impact of higher education quality and stakeholder support on financial wellness, with intellectual capital as a mediating variable. The investigation focused on selected public and private higher education institutions across the East African Community (Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi). A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed, targeting 450 senior administrators, of whom 403 (90.57%) responded. Participants represented both rural (66%) and urban (34%) institutions. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U tests, regression analysis, and financial ratio analysis were applied. Findings indicated high perceived quality of education, moderate stakeholder support, and weak intellectual capital, with Z-score analysis revealing financial vulnerability among institutions. Mediation analysis using SmartPLS and SPSS showed that intellectual capital partially mediates the relationships between higher education quality, stakeholder support, and financial wellness. Stakeholder support had a direct effect of β = 0.129 and an indirect effect of 11.49 (total effect 49%), while higher education quality exhibited a direct effect of β = 0.613 and an indirect effect of 2.66 (total effect 61.3%). The direct effect of intellectual capital on financial wellness was β = 0.613 (t = 17.274, p < .001), highlighting its critical role in converting quality initiatives and stakeholder engagement into measurable financial outcomes. Based on these findings, a strategic intellectual capital model is proposed to strengthen financial resilience in East African higher education institutions
Job-Related Factors and Burnout among Nurses in Primary Health Care Facilities in Baringo County, Kenya
Get PDFBurnout is a syndrome characterised by emotional exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment, and depersonalization, often experienced by health professionals. Nurses are particularly prone to burnout due to heavy workloads and occupational stress, impacting their ability to deliver high-quality healthcare. The objective was to establish the prevalence of burnout among nurses working in Primary Health Care facilities in Baringo County and also analyse the job-related factors associated with burnout. The findings revealed that burnout is highly prevalent, with more than half of the nurses (57%) experiencing high levels of emotional exhaustion and psychological fatigue. The results demonstrated that job-related factors, namely workload, recognition, control over work, nurse-to-patient ratio, and supervisory support, had a significant impact on burnout. High workload, inadequate recognition, limited autonomy, and weak supervisory support were the strongest predictors of burnout among nurses. The study concluded that burnout among nurses in Baringo County is widespread and primarily driven by organisational and socioeconomic factors. To mitigate burnout, the study recommends that the County Health Department improve staffing levels, enhance recognition and reward systems, promote participatory decision-making, strengthen supervisory support, and review compensation structures to promote motivation and well-being among nurse
Application of Pls-Sem in Developing a Maintenance Management Model to Enhance Generator Maintainability in Government Institutions
Get PDFThis study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to develop a maintenance management model aimed at enhancing the maintainability of government-owned generators. Key factors influencing maintainability, such as equipment age and condition, operational environment, regulatory compliance, maintenance practices, design complexity, spare parts availability, electrical connection integrity, fuel quality, load management, and personnel competence, were analysed. Data from 68 generators, including downtime, failure frequency, and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), were normalised and weighted to quantify factor importance. Total Downtime (weight = 0.65) was identified as the most critical performance metric, followed by Frequency of Failures (0.26) and MTTR (0.14). PLS-SEM path analysis revealed that Operational Environment (0.838) and Electrical Connection Integrity (0.584) positively impact repair efficiency, whereas poor Load Management & Generator Sizing (-1.264), advanced generator age (-0.645), and high Design Complexity (-0.593) negatively influence maintainability. The refined regression model shows that Avg. MTTR serves as a key mediating variable linking operational and design factors to maintainability outcomes. Model validation using R² (0.763), CR (≥ 0.70), AVE (≥ 0.50), and fit indices (RMSEA < 0.08, CFI/TLI ≥ 0.90) confirmed the model’s predictive and explanatory power. The proposed framework (Figure 1) provides a structured, evidence-based approach for prioritising maintenance interventions, optimising resource allocation, and improving generator reliability, availability, and operational efficiency in government institutions
Development of Maintenance Management Model for Enhancing Availability Performance of Passenger Terminal Facilities: A Case Study of Lake Tanganyika
Get PDFPurpose: Passenger terminal facilities along Lake Tanganyika face persistent challenges such as ageing infrastructure, misoperation, and inconsistent maintenance, resulting in frequent service disruptions. This study develops and validates a data-driven maintenance management model aimed at enhancing availability performance. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining archival data (2020–2024) with user satisfaction surveys. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index (RII), regression modelling, and hold-out validation. Findings: Results identified Workforce Competence B = 3.656, User Satisfaction B = 2.585, and Technology Advancement B = 1.993 as strong positive predictors of availability. In contrast, Misoperation B = -2.433, Maintenance Schedule Non-Compliance B = -2.151, and Ageing Infrastructure B = -0.001 exerted significant adverse effects. The developed regression model demonstrated excellent predictive power R² = 0.922; MAE = 1.92%, confirming robustness and practical applicability. Practical implications: The study concludes that prioritising workforce training, integrating predictive maintenance technologies, and rehabilitating ageing assets can substantially improve passenger terminal availability. Originality/value: This study presents a validated, data-driven model tailored to freshwater passenger terminals, integrating both technical and human dimensions of maintenance managemen
Development of Maintenance Management Model to Improve Availability Performance for Electric Generation System: A Case Study at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute
Get PDFThis study developed a comprehensive hybrid maintenance management model to enhance the availability performance of electric power systems at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Tanzania's premier specialised cardiac care facility. Traditional maintenance approaches, including preventive and reactive strategies, have resulted in uncontrolled downtimes, increased operational costs, and compromised medical care delivery, creating significant risks to patient safety and operational efficiency. The research employed a sophisticated mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques using a comprehensive case study methodology with triangulated data sources. Primary data was systematically collected through structured interviews with technical personnel, comprehensive site inspections using standardised evaluation checklists, and extensive expert consultations with experienced maintenance engineers. Secondary data encompassed detailed maintenance logs, operational records spanning 2018-2023, equipment performance histories, and manufacturer technical specifications. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) was rigorously utilised to identify and systematically assess critical failure modes, with Risk Priority Number (RPN) ranking and Risk Importance Index (RII) analysis employed for comprehensive risk assessment and prioritisation. The detailed analysis revealed fourteen critical failure modes, with seven classified as extremely high-risk (RII > 0.98), including grid outages, generator control system malfunctions, and battery/inverter failures that pose immediate threats to system continuity. These high-risk failures formed the foundation for the predictive model, with grid outage preparedness (β = 0.061) and thermal management/overheating issues (β = 0.049) emerging as the two most statistically significant predictors—directly addressing the most critical vulnerabilities identified through FMEA. A sophisticated hybrid maintenance model combining Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) and Predictive Maintenance (PdM) strategies was developed using advanced multiple regression analysis with comprehensive coefficient evaluation. The model demonstrated exceptional statistical validity with a correlation coefficient R = 0.99, coefficient of determination R² = 0.98, and F-statistic = 642.78 (p < 0.001), confirming robust predictive capabilities. Comprehensive twelve-month validation showed remarkable accuracy with only 0.2% variance between predicted (87.8%) and actual (88%) availability performance across diverse operational conditions. The validated model successfully improved system availability from baseline 91% to over 99.5%, achieved a substantial 15% reduction in maintenance costs, and enhanced mean time between failures by 20% through optimised maintenance scheduling. The hybrid model provides a scalable, evidence-based framework for critical healthcare infrastructure maintenance, demonstrating significant potential for widespread application in similar facilities across developing countries facing comparable infrastructure challenge
Performance Metrics Assessment and Improving Priorities of Onshore Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure for Marine Vessels
Get PDFThe transition to hydrogen as a marine fuel necessitates efficient and reliable onshore refuelling infrastructure to support vessel operations. This study evaluates the performance of TEMESA ferry hydrogen refuelling systems using a mixed-methods approach over five months, combining correlation analysis, performance gap assessment, Six Sigma classification, and fishbone root-cause analysis. Data correlation indicated stable operational efficiency, with Pearson coefficients ranging from 0.942 to 0.995, except for a slight deviation in December (0.943). Performance gap analysis revealed significant underperformance in key metrics: Regulation Ratio (87%), Hydrogen Consumption Rate (57%), Cooling Hydrogen Consumption Rate (56%), Discharge Power (56%), and Fuel Cell Power Output (55%). Conversion efficiency averaged 43.6%, while propulsion motor outputs reached only 55% of targets. Six Sigma analysis classified ten critical metrics as High to Very High severity, indicating an urgent need for corrective action. Fishbone analysis identified hardware ageing, valve and sensor failures, process inefficiencies, and design limitations as primary causes. These results highlight that the current system utilises less than 50–60% of its potential capacity, underscoring inefficiencies in storage, energy conversion, and propulsion performance. Recommendations include targeted maintenance, process optimisation, system redesign, and continuous monitoring to enhance reliability and operational efficiency. Implementing these interventions aligns with global sustainability objectives, reduces downtime, and ensures safer and more environmentally responsible hydrogen refuelling operations for marine vessels
Risk Management Practices: An Indicator of Project Performance for Large Construction Companies in Rwanda
Get PDFConstruction projects have poor track records of risk management and have become a critical issue in the management procedures of large construction Companies. Workers from construction projects don’t comprehend the potential of risk events and ineffective execution of risk management strategies, leading to poor project performance. This article aimed to assess the effects of risk identification, risk planning, risk monitoring, and risk mitigation on the performance of construction projects under Large Construction Companies in Rwanda. The researchers used primary data collected using structured survey questionnaires, and a convenience sampling technique was used from 206 respondents, including managers, Engineers, and owners. The study utilised quantitative methods through descriptive and inferential analysis by the ANOVA test in SPSS. Results showed the existence of a good positive correlation between independent and dependent variables, fitting to data, R2=70.6% meaning that all independent variables have contributed to the dependent variable at 70.6%. Results showed moderate to high positive correlation and significant effect between risk identification, planning, monitoring, mitigation, and performance of construction projects from Large Construction Companies in Rwanda. Results showed that risk categories were not identified before planning and execution; only lump-sum risk was anticipated, resulting in budget constraints from poor planning. The study found that the risk schedule and contingency budget plans were not correctly elaborated, the Risk Response strategies were not planned, and the overall project risk plan was not fully elaborated. This went against project implementation and caused cost overruns, disrupted and cut off project communication, leading to delays and failures. The researcher concluded that all risk management practices were performed at Large Construction Companies, leaving minor gaps to correct and improve to outperform all construction projects. The researcher recommended that large construction companies and project managers plan, specify, and anticipate potential risks to facilitate the execution and performance of any project undertaken by these companies
Instructors’ Perspectives on the Implementation of Information and Communication Technologies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): A Case Study of Tanzania
Get PDFInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) has become increasingly important in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and in supporting English as a second official language in Tanzania. ICT tools such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, and internet services are now integral to vocational teaching and learning processes. Effective utilisation of these technologies requires vocational trainers to be adequately trained in order to enhance students’ information technology skills and meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce. This study aimed to examine vocational trainers’ perceptions of ICT use in training and learning, as well as the challenges they encounter in implementing ICT in TVET institutions. A quantitative research design was employed, involving fifty (50) vocational trainers from TVET institutions in the Coast Region of Tanzania. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that 46% of the participants demonstrated positive perceptions toward the use of ICT tools such as computers, mobile phones, and the internet as effective teaching and learning resources, while 44% reported being comfortable using ICT in their instructional activities. However, the study also identified several challenges hindering effective ICT integration. These included lack of regular training to keep pace with emerging technologies and software (52%), insufficient time for lesson preparation due to additional assigned duties (54%), inadequate time to master new or updated ICT tools (54%), and limited support from top management (54%). The study concludes that while vocational trainers generally hold positive attitudes toward ICT integration, significant institutional and professional development challenges persist, which must be addressed to enhance effective ICT implementation in TVET institution