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    2732 research outputs found

    Flood Disaster Preparedness and Safeguard of Livelihoods in Garissa County, Kenya

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    Purpose: The study investigated the effect of flood disaster preparedness on the safeguarding of livelihoods in Garissa County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined how flood risk assessment, fiscal resource allocation, community involvement, and capacity building in flood emergency planning affect the protection of households against recurrent flooding. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design targeting 141,444 individuals, including disaster officials, households in flood-prone areas, and community-based organizations. Stratified random sampling was used to select 384 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Reliability of instruments was confirmed (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7), and validity was ensured through expert review. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA version 16 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Findings: Findings showed that all four preparedness dimensions flood risk assessment, fiscal resource allocation, community involvement, and capacity building had positive and significant relationships with safeguarding livelihoods. Regression analysis confirmed that community involvement and capacity building were the strongest predictors. Challenges included inadequate funding, weak coordination, and limited participation in planning. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: The study extends disaster risk reduction theory, adaptive capacity theory, and resilience theory by providing empirical evidence that preparedness measures directly enhance community resilience. Practically, it highlights the importance of inclusive participation, transparent fiscal management, and capacity building. Policy-wise, it informs county and national governments to adopt proactive, community-centered preparedness strategies

    Effects of Market Factors on Household Food Security among Food Vendors in Mbale, Vihiga County, Kenya

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    Purpose: Market factors such as market value of vended food has significant effect in the household food security among the food vendors in Mbale town, Vihiga County. The demand levels increase with types of food sold, etc. And this nature of the demand will determine the price ceiling for the food vendors. The study investigates the effects of demand level of food; market segmentation of food; and cost of preparation of food on household food security among food vendors in Mbale, Vihiga County. Methodology: This research thus targeted 176 food vendors in Mbale town and all the respondents were used in census sampling. Structured questionnaires and interviews were applied in data collection, and analysis. This was further conducted by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative information. A multiple regression analysis was applied to test relationships between study parameters. Findings: The research revealed that market demand is a critically significant determinant of food vending in Mbale (68.8%); with substantial 59.7% agreeing market segmentation through having specific clientele demand; and equally a considerable number (57.4%) agreeing that the costs of preparation are minimal due to the few inputs required. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research recommends subsidies and maintenance of input costs by having bulk buying schemes; packaging material subsidies with regards to preparation costs

    The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Public Relations Strategies: A Quantitative Analysis of the Middle East’s 10 Most Valuable Brands

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    Purpose: This paper’s research question is: How does artificial intelligence impact the main elements of public relations strategies: communication objectives, target audiences, brand positioning, and creative concepts (art and message)? Methodology: To answer this question, we conducted a literature review about how this technology impacts the marketing industry, branding campaigns, and public relations strategies. Then, we resorted to Brand Finance’s “Middle East 150” report and defined 20 indicators to quantitively analyze how the Middle East’s 10 most valuable brands used artificial intelligence to enhance their public relations strategies. Findings: Our results revealed that the three most respected indicators were the use of several target audiences simultaneously (78), impactful images (74), and storytelling (73). The brands respecting the most criteria were Sabic and Stc. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Companies must use this technology to revisit the public relations profession and implement more credible branding models based on sharing meaningful content that improves stakeholders’ lives. We recommend brands to integrate artificial intelligence professionally into their public relations departments, recruit experts in this area, update their communication plans, and implement new internal practices and indicators guiding public relations campaigns

    Barriers of Effective Political Communication and Youth Behavior during 2022 Elections in Kisumu County, Kenya

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    Purpose: The study sought to establish barriers of effective political communication and youth behavior during 2022 elections in Kisumu County, Kenya. The existing gap in knowledge was the understanding of how barriers of effective political communication can influence youth behavior during election campaigns. Methodology: The study was conducted using the descriptive design, with the mixed methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from 400 respondents of Kisumu County, Kenya, while qualitative data obtained through 10 in-depth interviews and 30 respondents for Focus Group Discussions. Findings: The study findings revealed that even though youth play a critical role in various stages in future leadership, they can be used as a source of unity as well as source of division. If youth are not used productively during electioneering periods, they have negative impact on themselves, families and society at large affecting voter turnout, voting trends and inter-ethnic relationships. The study further found that barriers of effective political communication influence youth behavior. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was informed by Speech Act Theory, Theory of Political Propaganda and Mediatization of Politics Theory.The study recommends the need for political class to follow laid down legislations by avoiding the use of barriers of effective political communication for proper youth engagement in political matters without causing mayhem among themselves in the society through use of hate, propaganda, stereotype and discriminatory political messages

    Psychopharmacological Support Significance on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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    Purpose: This paper explores Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), focusing on its treatment approaches, based on its multifaceted etiology, and symptomatology. Methodology: Literature review of current research on the topic was selected as the methodology for the paper. Drawing from an extensive current and peer reviewed articles, the study examines genetic, neurological, environmental, and sociocultural influences on ADHD. Psychopharmacological treatments, particularly stimulants like Methylphenidate, are identified as highly effective, along with considerations for potential side effects and misuse. Alternative therapies such as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Sensory Integration have also been examined through the review process. Findings: With the help of an exhaustive review process, the paper initiates a discussion for the complementary and possibly influential elements for creating a best support system for ADHD. Findings also lead to research gaps due to the limited data on working memory dysfunction, maternal stress impacts, and neurofeedback interventions, alongside inadequate exploration of diet-based treatments. Key findings emphasize the importance of combining pharmacological and behavioral therapies to address ADHD\u27s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. While genetic predispositions play a significant role, sociocultural contexts and environmental factors critically influence symptom expression and management. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings of this review underscore several important recommendations. There is a clear need for culturally adaptive and holistic treatment strategies to address ADHD effectively. Future research should prioritize the expansion of evidence-based approaches, investigate neurodevelopmental connections more deeply, and enhance the accessibility of alternative and integrative treatment options

    Culture, and its Psychotherapeutic Influences on Emotions, Cognitions, and Motivations

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    Purpose: This study explores the psychotherapeutic influences of culture on emotions, cognitions, and motivations. It emphasizes culture\u27s role in shaping individual identity, well-being, and behavioral outcomes. Methodology: The research involves a literature review focusing on cultural definitions, emotional development, motivational drivers, and their therapeutic applications. Findings: Key findings reveal the dynamic and evolving nature of culture, its foundational role in shaping cognition and identity, and its impact on emotional and motivational processes. The study underscores the necessity of culturally competent psychotherapy to address diverse sociocultural challenges, foster therapeutic connections, and promote mental health. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study highlights the importance of understanding culture as a critical clinical discipline to better address its influence on individual and collective experiences

    Effects of Compressed Work Schedule on Performance of Public Universities in Mount Kenya Region

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    Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of project staff on sustainability of Early Childhood Development (ECD) projects, a case of the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) project in Dagoretti North Constituency Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was made up of 507 BFCI project stakeholders while the sample size was 211. The target population comprised five hundred project beneficiaries, two lead mothers in charge of the mother-to-mother groups, two government officials, two Ministry of Health staff, and one staff from the implementing partner of the project. The sample size of the project beneficiaries was derived using the Yamane formula. Stratified sampling was used to get study participants from each village representing a stratum. Proportionate stratification was used to get the sample size of each stratum. This meant that each stratum had the same sampling fraction. The other study participants were not sampled due to their low number. The use of descriptive survey design helped in obtaining data from a large number of participants who took part in the study. The researchers used self-administered questionnaires to collect quantitative data while an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data in the research. Percentages, frequencies, mean, and standard deviation were the descriptive statistics used while correlation analysis was used for inferential statistics. Data collected from the study was analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23.0) and triangulated qualitative data was analyzed through themes and content analysis. Findings: The study found out that the relationship between project staffing and sustainability had a moderate correlation value of (r=0.428, P<0.000). The study found out that project staff contribute to the sustainability of projects if they are supported to develop their skills, are appreciated where they work and are involved in decision making. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that the recruitment of staff should be objectively carried out so as to get competent and highly qualified staff who will contribute to the sustainability of the project. Project stakeholders need to use transparent recruitment processes when hiring project staff to avoid discontentment that can sabotage the sustainability of a project. The study recommends for studies to be conducted to look at other age groups that are not ECD projects

    Impact of Mindful Eating Practices on Employees’ Well-being and Productivity

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    Purpose: It has become increasingly necessary for organizations to pay attention to employee well-being and productivity in today’s high-pressure work environments. The goal of this study is to understand the working of mindful eating practices on employee well-being and productivity in the dynamic company sector in Dubai. Methodology: A mixed-methods research design was adopted, consisting of qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative survey analysis to offer a more or less comprehensive picture of the topic. Findings: The qualitative results suggested that mindful eating practices help employees towards their physical and emotional health, regulation of stress, cognitive clarity and work-life balance. Even though there were positive correlations between employee well-being and productivity and mindful eating, they were not statistically significant (p>0.05) because of the small sample size (54). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Although there was little quantitative evidence to support this claim, thematic analysis indicated that mindful eating could help with healthier eating habits, better emotional regulation, and better task focus, all of which might subsequently lead to better productivity of time. The study, therefore, points to the need to integrate mindful eating into broader wellness programs and to establish a supportive organizational culture, as well as to take into account a longer time lens in gauging the results of a wellness program. Organizations that wish to support employees\u27 sustainable health, engagement, and efficiency in fast fast-changing work context in Dubai will benefit from these findings

    Barriers to Justice: Investigating the Personal and Professional Challenges Faced by Judges and Lawyers in Somalia: A Case Study in Puntland

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    Purpose: This study investigates the challenges faced by judges and lawyers in Puntland, Somalia, focusing on how personal and professional obstacles hinder their effectiveness and undermine the integrity and authority of the judicial system. It aims to explore the multifactorial social, cultural, political, and institutional barriers confronting legal professionals in the region. Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed, using in-depth interviews to gather data from legal practitioners in Puntland. The study utilized purposive sampling to gain insights into the lived experiences of judges and lawyers. Findings: The findings reveal that legal practitioners face numerous personal challenges such as emotional stress, threats to physical safety, financial constraints, and work overload. Professionally, they are hindered by insufficient legal resources, outdated infrastructure, and limited training opportunities. Furthermore, judicial independence and impartiality are compromised by political interference and clan-based affiliations, contributing to a weakened justice system. Unique Contribution to Theory and Policy: This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the interplay between personal, professional, and socio-political challenges in a fragile legal system. It offers policy recommendations including the enhancement of professional development, promotion of judicial independence, strategic allocation of resources, and reforms to address cultural and political pressures. These measures are essential for building a more transparent, efficient, and fair legal system in Puntland, thus reinforcing the rule of law and democratic governance

    Influence of Charismatic Leadership on Organizational Innovation: Evidence from the South Africa

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    Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the influence of charismatic leadership on organizational innovation: evidence from the South Africa. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on charismatic leadership and organizational innovation in South Africa found that charismatic leaders significantly boost innovation by inspiring and motivating employees. These leaders foster a culture of creativity, leading to higher engagement and risk-taking, which drives the adoption of new ideas and technologies. The research concluded that charismatic leadership is crucial in enhancing organizational innovation, especially in South African businesses facing economic challenges. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Transformational leadership theory, self-concept theory of charismatic leadership & innovation diffusion theory may be used to anchor future studies on the influence of charismatic leadership on organizational innovation: evidence from the South Africa. Organizations in South Africa, especially SMEs, should invest in leadership development programs that focus on cultivating charismatic leadership qualities. By training leaders to be more visionary, empathetic, and communicative, organizations can foster a culture of innovation and create a work environment conducive to creativity and change. Policymakers should recognize the importance of leadership development in driving innovation and consider policies that encourage the cultivation of charismatic leadership within both the public and private sectors

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