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Enhancing Physical Education for Learners with Visual Disabilities: Instructional Practices and Inclusive Strategies
Get PDFPurpose: The study sought to discover what is going on in the classroom for learners with visual disability. This study examines the instructional practices employed by physical education teachers to support learners with visual disabilities. The objective was to identify and analyze the teaching strategies used to facilitate effective instruction in physical education for this group. The research question guiding the study was: What instructional practices are employed in the teaching of physical education for learners with visual disabilities? Findings from this study have the potential to inform educational stakeholders and contribute insights that support policy formulation, enhancing instructional strategies for learners with visual disabilities and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. In this study, instructional practices refer to teaching techniques such as the use of lesson plans, adherence to the syllabus, and direct interaction between teachers and learners to ensure meaningful engagement and learning experiences.
Methodology: This study utilized a descriptive survey research design to assess physical education instruction for learners with visual disabilities. Descriptive research systematically examines populations, situations, or phenomena by addressing key questions such as when, what, where, and how, making it an appropriate approach. The study collected both qualitative and quantitative data, incorporating insights from key informants, including head teachers.
Findings: This study found that physical education teachers for learners with visual disabilities consistently used lesson plans derived from schemes of work, which were routinely inspected by head teachers. While most teachers considered lesson time sufficient, a minority raised concerns about time constraints affecting students\u27 ability to meet learning objectives. Schools followed the general Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) syllabus, requiring teachers to adapt it to students\u27 needs, though standardization of these adaptations remains unclear. Learners responded positively to instruction, particularly enjoying game-based activities, but physical education was not among their top three favorite subjects, with inadequate equipment and resources cited as challenges.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends further investigation into time allocation, standardized syllabus adaptations, and improved access to teaching materials to enhance instructional effectiveness and inclusivity
Classroom Push and Pull Factors’ Influence on Value Addition in Secondary Education in Public Secondary Schools in Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The study sought to examine classroom push and factors’ influence on value addition in secondary educations of 2013 and 2014 cohorts in public secondary schools in Rachuonyo South Sub- County.
Methodology: The study adopted correlational research design to measure and describe the degree of association between independent and dependent variable data sets. The populations for the study were 44 public secondary schools and 4351 students. Yamane’s formula was used to determine 39 public secondary schools from where 10 students were simple randomly sampled from each candidate class to represent a cohort apiece. The total sample of students in the study was 780. Data were collected using a researcher modified What Is Happening In Classroom Questionnaire (WIHICQ). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (frequencies, means) and inferential statistics (simple linear regression analysis) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) V.25 software.
Findings: Regression analysis revealed that classroom push and pull factors account for up to 16% change in value addition in secondary education of the 2013 cohort and that classroom push and pull factors (P≤.05; β=0.386) have a weak significant positive relationship with value addition in secondary education of 2013 cohort. For the 2014 cohort, regression analysis revealed that classroom push and pull factors account for 10% change in value addition in secondary education and that classroom push and pull factors (P≤.05; β=0.358) have a weak significant positive relationship with value addition in secondary education.
Unique contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study examines the relationship between classroom push and pull factors and value addition in secondary education in Kenya based on Bowlby’s (1969) Attachment Theory. The analysis highlights how classroom relationships among students and teachers shape students’ academic progress in Kenya while providing insights that may inform research in comparable to other countries’ contexts
Effect of Board Characteristics on Market Value of Listed Consumer Goods Firms in Nigeria
No full textPurpose: Low market value which recently led to delisting of some companies from the Nigerian Exchange Group can be linked to companies’ ownership structure, board structure or financial structure. This study examined the effect of board characteristics on the market value of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria, focusing on board size, composition, independence, gender diversity. foreign membership, turnover, and staggered board structure. The study also controlled for the effect of firm size in determining the relationship between board characteristics and market value.
Methodology: An ex-post facto research design was adopted because the study heavily relied on the secondary data extracted from the annual reports of twenty-one (21) listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria, from which sixteen (16) firms were selected as the sample covering the period of 2014-2023. The data were analyzed using the fixed effects panel regression model, chosen based on the Hausman test.
Findings: The findings of the study revealed that the board turnover and staggered board have a positive and statistically insignificant effect on the market value of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria, while the board composition, board independence, board gender, and foreign board membership have a negative and statistically insignificant effect on the market value of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The board size and firm size were found have a negative and statistically significant effect on the market value of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. It was also found that firm size controls the relationship between the board characteristics and the market value of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study concluded that board characteristics can be used as a predictor of market value of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that firms in the consumer goods sector should maintain an optimum board size and prioritize board quality over quantity. Companies should consider adopting a staggered board structure in their articles of association since it appears to have a positive effect on market value. Furthermore, independent directors\u27 activities should be closely monitored to ensure they are not compromised. The competence. experience, and contributions of women and foreign directors should be periodically evaluated to identify and bridge any resource or knowledge gaps. Finally, future research should employ larger samples and longer timeframes to further explore the dynamic relationship between board turnover and firm market value
Ecosystem Banking and Financial Performance of Listed Commercial Banks in Kenya: Empirical Evidence from Sustainable Financial Innovations
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of ecosystem banking on the financial performance of commercial banks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). It aims to determine how ecosystem integration through partnerships with FinTech firms and digital platforms affects banks’ profitability and sustainability.
Methodology: Adopting a positivist research philosophy and explanatory design, the study utilized secondary data from annual financial reports and sustainability disclosures of 11 listed commercial banks covering the period 2021–2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between ecosystem banking and financial performance, measured by Return on Equity (ROE).
Findings: The regression results revealed a negative but statistically significant relationship (β = -0.895, p = 0.016), indicating that ecosystem banking initially constrains profitability due to high technological and integration costs. Nonetheless, long-term benefits such as improved efficiency, innovation, and customer reach outweigh these short-term effects.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that commercial banks adopt phased digital transformation strategies and strengthen governance frameworks to enhance oversight of ecosystem partnerships. Regulators should formulate comprehensive digital finance policies that foster innovation while safeguarding consumer protection and systemic stability
Leadership Transition in the Sierra Leone Public Health Sector: Is it Succession or Supercession?
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to shed light on the leadership transition dynamics in the public health sector by exploring the factors hindering the effective implementation of succession planning and management (SPM) in the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health (MoH).
Methodology: A qualitative study design was used to understand the current leadership transition practices in the MoH. The study population is middle and senior leaders within the civil service between Grades 9 and 14. A purposive sample of eighteen (18) participants was interviewed, using a semi-structured guide. All interviews were audio-recorded with the participants’ consent. For the analysis, Braun and Clarke’s (2006) step-by-step framework for performing thematic analysis was followed. The MAXQDA 22 software was used for the text coding and storage.
Findings: The findings of this study point to a severe crisis in public health management capacity, driven by the lack of a structured system to develop and retain future leaders. The critical barriers that hinder succession planning were identified in three main themes: (1) Politics and nepotism (2) weak performance evaluation mechanism and (3) lack of resources/costs. Politics and tribalism were considered serious threats to succession planning. Some of the participants referred to the current practices in relation to leadership transition in the MoH as “supercession” and not succession. Generally, the study highlighted the following: Leadership and Governance Deficit: Effective public health management relies on strong, competent leadership at all levels. The lack of an effective succession management system creates a vacuum in management capacity, weakening the MoH\u27s ability to coordinate, implement, and evaluate public health programs effectively. Erosion of Management Systems: The weak performance evaluation mechanism identified in the study is a fundamental management failure. When performance appraisals are flawed and not linked to promotions, it dismantles accountability, demotivates staff, and removes any objective basis for management decisions regarding career advancement. Operational and Financial Inefficiency: The lack of dedicated resources for SPM reflects poor financial management and a short-term perspective. The cost of not planning (frequent leadership crises, loss of institutional knowledge, poor staff morale, and constant external recruitment) is likely far higher than the investment in developing internal talent. This inefficiency undermines the return on investment in the health sector. Sierra Leone\u27s efforts to strengthen its health system and achieve universal health coverage will be severely compromised by a recurring cycle of leadership instability and management failure.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Succession Planning is a cornerstone of strategic human resources for health and the absence of a functional SPM system signifies a major gap in national health sector strategic planning. Utilizing the Human Capital Theory and the Signaling Theory, this study sought to understand the leadership transition practices in the public health sector of a post-conflict setting. The study revealed the weak strategic human resource planning in the MoH. The MoH\u27s health sector plans lack the necessary components to build a sustainable leadership pipeline, threatening the long-term viability of all health programs. This study is important for policy and practice because it raises awareness about effective succession planning strategies that help in achieving sustainability by retaining talented staff and developing future leaders in the public health sector
Decentralized Governance Political Accountability in Water Service Delivery: Insights from Selected Kenya’s Coastal Counties
No full textPurpose: Water service delivery in Kenya’s coastal counties has continued to face systemic challenges despite the devolved governance structure introduced by the 2010 Constitution. This study examines political accountability as a governance indicator within the devolved water sector, focusing on its core dimensions of transparency, oversight, and responsiveness.
Methodology: Using a descriptive research design and stratified random sampling, data were collected from key water sector stakeholders across Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.
Findings: Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis revealed that although legal provisions promoting water provider autonomy are widely acknowledged, stakeholder perceptions of institutional independence and responsiveness to local needs remain variable. The findings underscore that political accountability is a crucial yet complex determinant of water service performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends strengthening institutional autonomy, enhancing transparency mechanisms, and deepening citizen engagement to fully realize the intended benefits of devolution in the water sector
Investment in Human Capital and Its Impact on the Economic Growth: The Experiences from Bangladesh
No full textPurpose: This paper highlights the human capital formation scenario in Bangladesh, and examines the impact of human capital on the economic growth of Bangladesh. In Economics, the term ‘Human Capital’ is used to represent the knowledge or educational qualifications, skills, capabilities and health status of the individual that stimulates economic productivity.
Methodology: This is the original research paper based on quantitative analysis. This paper employed the secondary data for 34 years (from 1990 to 2023). It applied the OLS regression model (for 24 years data from 2000 to 2023) to analyze the impact of the human capital on economic growth.
Findings: The econometric analysis revealed that the Human capital (health human capital represented by the child mortality rate and technologically skilled human capital represented by the internet users) has significant positive impact (at 1% and 10% level of significance) on the economic growth of Bangladesh.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This paper recommends to increase the education budget to 10%, offer scholarship for the financially vulnerable and drop out students, introducing research grants, training program, and finally facilitate the high quality human capital to reduce the chance of human capital fly
Women’s Financial Fiscal Policy and Its Influence on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Kakamega County, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The study examined how women’s financial fiscal policies have influenced women’s economic empowerment in Kakamega County, Kenya. It focused on evaluating the impact of County government initiatives since devolution, particularly in promoting women’s empowerment and reducing poverty. The study assessed affirmative action funds, community awareness of fiscal policies, women’s participation in policy formulation, adherence to County procedures in fund allocation, and the effectiveness of systems governing access and availability to County funds.
Methodology: The study, grounded in Empowerment and Financial Inclusion Theory, employed a descriptive survey design to investigate the influence of women’s financial fiscal policy on women’s economic empowerment in Kakamega County, Kenya. Data were collected from key officials, women group leaders, and finance officers using questionnaires and interviews. A sample of 910 respondents was selected through stratified, purposive, and systematic sampling methods. The instruments were validated for content and construct validity, and reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.7. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses, while qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis. Ethical principles such as confidentiality and voluntary participation were upheld.
Findings: The study recorded a high response rate and found a strong, statistically significant positive relationship between financial fiscal policy and women’s economic empowerment (r = 0.484, p < 0.001). This indicates that women’s engagement with or awareness of financial policy processes enhances their empowerment, leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses. However, the study identified a major gap in women’s participation in institutional financial decision-making. It recommended that finance officers and women’s groups actively apply financial fiscal policy strategies to improve women’s economic and social well-being. The study also called for full implementation of fiscal policy procedures, especially in rural women’s empowerment programs, and encouraged collaboration with the private sector to broaden financial opportunities for both women’s groups and individuals.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study extends Financial Inclusion and Empowerment theories by shifting focus from traditional loan-based models to grant-based and individualized financial support as more effective tools for promoting women’s agency, autonomy, and sustainable empowerment. It links financial fiscal policy directly to empowerment outcomes rather than mere credit access. The study emphasizes that fiscal policy alone cannot achieve empowerment without strong frameworks for allocation, accessibility, and financial literacy to ensure effective fund utilization. It highlights the need to integrate financial fiscal policy within Public Financial Management (PFM) and Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) systems, embedding financial indicators to track fund use and empowerment impact. Empirical evidence confirmed a significant positive relationship between financial fiscal policy and women’s economic empowerment in Kakamega County. The study recommends expanding affirmative action funds, increasing fiscal outreach, and offering targeted financial training for rural women, particularly widows and female-headed households, to close existing empowerment gaps
Livestock Marketing and Economic Development of Rural Areas in Terekeka County in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan
No full textPuprose: The study sought to investigate the role of livestock marketing in the economic development of rural areas, with a specific focus on Terekeka County in Central Equatoria State.
Methodology: The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and a cross-sectional survey design. The target population was 11,836 household heads across four Payams in Terekeka County. Slovin’s formula was used in the determination of the sample size, which resulted in a sample of 387 participants. A stratified random sampling technique was used in the selection of the sample to ensure representation from each Payam. Primary data was used, which was collected through semi-structured questionnaires. The research instrument generated both quantitative and qualitative data, which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.
Findings: The study found that livestock marketing positively influences economic development in Terekeka County by providing households with regular income from the sale of livestock and products. Key barriers such as poor infrastructure, limited market information, and unstable pricing hinder profitability and market efficiency. Enhancing support, training, infrastructure, and extension services could strengthen the sector, boost incomes, and promote inclusive rural economic growth.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends developing a national or state-level livestock marketing policy to improve market infrastructure, promote value addition, and support farmer cooperatives. Additionally, government agencies, non-governemntal organiztaions and development partners should invest in local value addition initiatives, formalize markets and enhance road access
Stakeholder’s Perceptions on the Influence of School Feeding Programmes on Attendance and Dropout Rates of Public Primary School Pupils in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study was to assess stakeholder’s perceptions on the influence of school feeding programmes on pupil’s attendance and dropout rates in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted a mixed methods approach. The target population for this study was Tharaka Nithi County Education Officials, Headteachers, teachers, and parents of Grade three pupils in public schools. The data collection instruments included: questionnaires, interview guide, observation checklist and focus group discussion guide. Data were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 27. Quantitative data were analysed and presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data were presented in a narrative form in themes.
Findings: The study established that stakeholders perceived that: school feeding programs significantly boosted pupils\u27 class attendance; reduced absenteeism; and improved concentration and academic performance, while encouraging consistent school attendance. The schools’ feeding programs significantly reduced pupils dropout rates, and also enhanced academic performance. It was concluded that school feeding programs was perceived to significantly improve pupil attendance and reduced dropout rates.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was anchored on Abrahams Maslow\u27s Hierarchy Theory of Human Motivation. There is need for the County Government and National Governments and NGOS to increase the school feeding programmes in ASAL schools. Vulnerable children in ASAL areas should be given special attention in school feeding programmes. School stakeholders should support the availability of feeding programmes in all the ASAL schools