EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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The Impacts of AI on Student Academic Performance at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania, (MNMA): A Comprehensive Study
Get PDFThis study explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on academic performance at MNMA (Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy) Karume Campus. AI technologies, including adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading, and generative tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity AI, have transformed education by enhancing personalized learning and accessibility. AI-driven systems like OSIM, PEPMIS and PIPMIS facilitate staff and student performance evaluation, ensuring data-driven decision-making. Using a mixed-method design, this study gathered primary data through surveys, interviews, and observations, while secondary data was sourced from academic journals and institutional reports. Stratified sampling ensured diverse perspectives from students, faculty, and administrative staff. The study also highlights the role of computer libraries, interactive projectors, and eBooks in enriching academic experiences. Although AI improves learning processes, reduces administrative burdens, and accelerates research, challenges such as limited technological resources and insufficient training hinder full adoption. Addressing these challenges through infrastructure investment and ethical integration can maximize AI’s positive impact. This study provides insights into AI's role in education and recommends strategies for its balanced and effective use in academi
Influence of Firm Age on Customer Orientation of Courier Service Firms in Mombasa County, Kenya
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to determine the influence of firm age on the customer orientation of courier service firms in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study was founded on the Knowledge-Based View and the target population was 46 courier firms operating in Mombasa which were licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya. A census of the target population was done because it was relatively small. A cross-sectional research design was adopted and data was collected from marketing managers who were the key informants using a semi-structured questionnaire. 37 firms responded and this led to an 80% response rate. Data analysis was done using simple regression analysis and the regression results indicated that firm age explained 12.2 % of the variation in the customer orientation of the courier service firms. The regression coefficients also indicated that firm age had a positive and significant effect on customer orientation (β = 0.138, t = 2.204. p = 0.034). These results led to the rejection of the study’s null hypothesis which stated that firm age has no significant influence on the customer orientation of courier service firms. Based on the results of the regression analysis, the study concluded that firm age has a positive and significant influence on the customer orientation of the courier service firms operating in Mombasa County. The study recommended that marketing managers or officers in both old and young firms should ensure that they are customer-led and data-driven by improving their capability to perform customer analytics. Another recommendation was that future studies should consider exploring the influence of technological innovation on the market orientation practices of firms using mixed method
Influence of Environmental Conservation Training Practice on Business Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Eldoret Municipality
Get PDFSMEs in Eldoret face multiple challenges including inadequate access to financing and a lack of proper training on environmental conservation practices. These issues contribute to their inability to thrive in a competitive market, further exacerbating their insensitivity to environmental conservation. Therefore, this study sought to explore the influence of environmental conservation practices on the business performance of SMEs in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. This study was anchored on the Dynamic Capability theory. The study area was carried out in Eldoret Municipality in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This study employed descriptive correlational research. The target population was 2053 owners/managers while the sample size was 335 respondents from registered SMEs operating in the Uasin Gishu County. The study used a cluster sampling technique to select the SMEs to specifically select owners or managers. Questionnaires were used in data collection from the sampled managers or the owners. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviations). The analysed data were presented in the form of tables. The study findings revealed that environmental conservation training practices positively influenced the business performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (β2=0.195, p=0.001). The study concluded that environmental training for employees leads to greater innovation in managing resources and cost-saving measures. SMEs should implement comprehensive environmental training programs for their employees to enhance resource management, compliance with environmental regulations, and strengthen the company’s brand image
The Impact of Financial Management Practices on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case of Monduli District
Get PDFDespite the significance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector and economic growth, many of these SMEs struggle to achieve sustainable growth and profitability due to inadequate financial management practices. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of financial management practices on the performance of manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Monduli District. Financial management practices, including working capital management practices, financial reporting and analysis practices, accounting records practices, capital budgeting practices, and performance of SMEs are variables of this study. The study used a correlational research design and a quantitative approach. The study used a simple random sampling technique to select 96 SMEs to be included as a sample size. The study used closed-ended questionnaires for data collection in the Likert scale format. The study used descriptive analysis, including tables and bar charts. Also, multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of working capital management practices, financial reporting and analysis practices, accounting records practices, and capital budgeting practices on the performance of manufacturing SMEs. Findings showed that capital budgeting practices, financial reporting and analysis practices, accounting records practices, and working capital management practices are statistically 0 significant at (t=6.349, p (0.000) <0.05, n=96), (t=3.434, p (0.001) <0.05, n=96), (t=2.041, p (0.044) <0.05, n=96) and p (t=3.179, p (0.002) <0.05, n=96) respectively. These results imply that working capital management practices and capital budgeting practices show a higher positive contribution to the performance of SMEs, while financial reporting and analysis practices and accounting records practices show a lower positive contribution to the performance of SMEs. Therefore, the research concludes that budgeting practices, financial reporting and analysis practices, accounting records practices, and working capital management practices improve the performance of SMEs. It is recommended that manufacturing SMEs prioritize effective, structured, and comprehensive financial management practices to improve their overall performance
Empowering Kenyan SMEs: Leveraging Business Intelligence, Design Thinking, and AI for Sustainable Innovation: A Narrative Review
Get PDFThe role of design in fostering innovation and creating a competitive advantage has garnered increasing interest among management scholars over time. Early perspectives on this topic were rooted in product and architectural design—spanning buildings, furniture, and clothing—where scholars argued that "thinking like a designer" could help address complex, "wicked problems". They proposed that organizations could maximize the benefits of this mindset by embedding design thinking into their structures and cultures. Despite these early theoretical insights, much of the initial empirical research on design approaches in organizations concentrated on the team level, outlining specific tools that enable teams to "think like designers." This research identified a structured problem-solving approach incorporating design tools such as rapid prototyping, user observation, idea visualization, and brainstorming. Over time, the application of these "designedly tools" across various organizational challenges led to the emergence of "design thinking" as a distinct discipline. While existing research on design thinking has largely focused on its practical applications in solving business problems. It has paid comparatively less attention to the broader advantages of integrating design as a core element of organizational culture. Design can foster innovation and generate a competitive advantage for organizations and has, over time, attracted increasing interest among management scholars. Building on frameworks of product and architectural design (e.g., the design of buildings, furniture, clothes), early proponents of this mind-set suggested that “thinking like a designer” to solve “wicked problems” could be best leveraged in organizations by “infusing” design into the fabrics and cultures of these organizations. Despite this initial theorizing, most early empirical studies of design approaches in organizations focused on the team level and defined the specific tools that these teams could use to “think like designers.” This research identified a systematic approach to problem-solving that employs design tools such as rapid prototyping, user observation, visualization of ideas, and brainstorming. Over time, the use of such “designedly tools” to solve a wide variety of organizational problems evolved into a new discipline called “design thinking” Research on design thinking, thus, has traditionally emphasized the practical implications of using design tools to solve business problems but has largely overlooked the potential benefits of incorporating design as a key component of organizational culture
Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Teacher Integrity in the Deployment of Smart Technologies in the Digital Era in Cross River State, Nigeria
Get PDFAs artificial intelligence (AI) gains more traction in education in the digital era, questions arise about the number of empirical studies available that have useful outcomes on the protocols for deploying the technology in the sector. This univariate descriptive survey was consequently conducted to examine whether the ethics of AI predict teacher integrity in the application of smart technologies in public primary schools in the digital age in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated for the research. 1,600 teachers were recruited from 16 public primary schools across four education zones of the state to participate. Ethics of AI and Teacher Integrity in the Application of Smart Technologies Questionnaire (EAITIASTQ) was adopted to generate data. Based upon the Value Sensitive Design (VSD), simple linear regression was used to analyze data, aided by SPSS. Findings suggest that user transparency significantly predicts teacher integrity in the application of AI in public primary schools; user accountability significantly predicts teacher integrity in the utilization of AI in public primary schools. It is recommended that a sound ethical protocol on the application of AI in school be codified in documents and made available for all primary school teachers; experienced and skilful personnel in computer and AI operations have to conduct regular supervision of teachers in relation to the use of AI in elementary school
Inclusive Management Decision-Making for the Effective Governance of Urban Central Markets: A Case Study of Kabale and Mbarara Central Markets – Southwestern Uganda
Get PDFThis study investigates the levels of stakeholder participation in management decision-making for the effective management of Kabale and Mbarara Central Markets in Uganda. Management decision-making is crucial for effective governance. Involving stakeholders ensures reliable, inclusive decisions. Structured decision management is essential for urban markets, vital for socio-economic development in towns, especially in developing countries like Uganda. Despite the benefits of participatory management, clear and transparent guidelines between vendors and market authorities are often lacking. Authorities frequently made unilateral decisions on market sales, redevelopment, and operations without involving key stakeholders. Using a descriptive case study design, data were collected through interviews and questionnaires. Results indicated that while stakeholder participation was more consolidated in implementation activities, problem rationalization and ensuring fair representation in boundary condition settings still had wide gaps. Although some collaborative initiatives were seen, the decision-making process was primarily top-down and resulted in frustration and resistance from stakeholders where inappropriate. This exclusionary strategy diminishes confidence between market authorities and vendors, hence compromising the efficacy of governance frameworks. Transitioning to a more participatory decision-making paradigm is essential for enhancing transparency, mitigating disputes, and ensuring that policies address the requirements of all market stakeholders. These findings highlight an urgent call for stakeholder inclusion in market governance to foster transparency, equity, and sustainable innovation. Tackling these challenges is key to the successful integration of vendors in management and requires structured vendor representation in decision-making forums and participatory policy frameworks to improve market governance effectiveness and boost stakeholder satisfaction. The study enhances participatory urban governance literature and provides insights for policymakers and planners to improve stakeholder engagement in urban market managemen
The Representation of the Journey Motif in Understanding Selfhood in Waris Dirie’s Autobiographies
Get PDFThe study examines the journey motif to understand the identities of Waris Dirie’s in Desert Flower and Desert Dawn. The study relies on autobiography theory as well as African feminism theory. Dirie’s two narratives which form the basis of this study: Desert Flower and Desert Dawn, help to define and place women’s contribution to literary and gender issues in the World. Using the autobiography theory, the study uses the tenet of intertextuality to examine how the narratives by Warris Dirie present the factors that problematize the author’s identity. The study employs close reading and interpretation of both the primary and secondary data sources on the rendition of identities in the two primary texts under study since it is qualitative. The study establishes that through the analysis of the journey motif, the study traces the transitions that Waris Dirie undergoes to get freed from the restrictions of traditional customs and patriarchy, enabling her to openly express her emotions and ideas
Forest Cover Dynamics in Ngarama North Forest Reserve, Kilwa District, Tanzania
Get PDFUnderstanding forest cover dynamics is important for supporting Sustainable Forest Management strategies and implementing climate change mitigation policies. Remote sensing and geospatial analysis play a critical role in mapping and characterizing forest conditions in protected areas. In Tanzania, where management practices have evolved over decades, remote sensing is essential for assessing their effectiveness. Ngarama North Forest Reserve, which transitioned its management regime from the Forestry and Beekeeping Division (FBD) to the Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS), has been affected by this transformation. However, no prior study has evaluated the impact of this management shift on forest cover conditions. This study used Landsat imagery from 2000, 2010, and 2020 to classify forest cover via supervised image classification with the random forest algorithm on Google Earth Engine and monitored the rate of change in forest cover classes over time. Additionally, Key informant interviews and focus group discussions with forest officials and nearby forest communities provided insights into drivers of forest cover change, complementing the spatial data obtained. The results show that in 2000, the forest comprised 33.47% closed forest, 40.99% open forest, 21.61% bushland, and 3.94% bare land. By 2010, these proportions shifted to 16.19%, 57.30%, 23.47%, and 3.03% respectively. In 2020, the proportions changed again to 39.29%, 26.70%, 30.02%, and 3.99% respectively. These shifts suggest a complex interplay of environmental management, land use changes, and ecological responses. The key drivers behind these trends include illegal logging, uncontrolled wildfires, grazing, hunting, farming and natural factors. The findings of this study show that forest conditions have significantly improved over time due to the shift in management regime from FBD to TFS. This study provides crucial insights for sustainable forest management strategies and climate change mitigation policies by demonstrating the positive impact of management regime changes on forest conditions over time
The Extent of Forest Recovery from the Previous Disturbances in the Magombera Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania
Get PDFThere is an increased interest in understanding the rate of forest recovery from previous disturbances. This information is helpful for the formulation of better conservation strategies for the respective forest reserves. This study aimed to assess the extent of forest recovery from the previous disturbances in the Magombera Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR) located in Kilombero District, Morogoro region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study assessed the current status of; i) woody species diversity and regeneration, ii) soil quality (Texture, pH, Bulk Density and Soil Organic Carbon), and iii) vegetation cover in comparison with the previous cover before it was upgraded to nature forest reserve in 2019. Vegetation data were collected from 46 concentric sample plots of 0.071ha established systematically across the forest area of 2,623 ha; soil samples were collected from 24 plots systematically with an interval of one plot to a depth of 0 – 30 cm. Vegetation cover analysis spans from year 2016 to 2022. The results indicated that a total of 352 plant species (trees = 170, herbs = 63, grasses = 43, shrubs =42, climbers =15, sedges = 14 and lianas =5) which belong to 109 plant families were identified. The diversity status of trees and herbs was higher compared to other life forms (H’ values range from 3.12 to 4.09). Average soil characteristics were bulk density =1.59, soil texture = Sandy Clay Loam, soil pH =4.58 and soil organic carbon=0.95 indicating soil has a good quality supporting the growth of a variety of plant species. There was a significant improvement in vegetation cover with a gain of 11% in close forest area from the year 2019 after being upgraded to a nature reserve. Generally, these results show that MNFR has recovered from the previous disturbances and the quality of the forests has increased. Efforts to continue protecting the forest against any further disturbances to uphold the current healthier status of the forest are recommended