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The Role and Impact of Learning and Development (LD) Programs, with a Focus on AI Integration, as Perceived by Employees, Trainers, and Managers in an Organization
Get PDFPurpose: In today’s competitive banking industry, maintaining employee engagement and fostering skill growth is crucial for organizational success. This study, which focuses on the UAE banking sector, explores how educational technology and artificial intelligence can enhance lifelong learning and development programs. Despite the increasing prevalence of technology in training, many programs still face challenges such as low engagement, a lack of personalization, and a lack of alignment with the organization’s goals.
Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research technique involving interviews. Semi structured interviews were used.15 interviews were conducted, and participants were selected randomly from each of the three staff categories, including employees, trainers and managers. These groups were purposefully chosen to capture the various levels of involvement and engagement in the banks\u27 L &D programmes in UAE. employed a semi-structured interview guide. Together with primary data collection, secondary sources referring to internal documents, L&D plans, open-source data on industry tendencies, and scientific articles on AI in corporate learning were examined. The data was analysed thematically.
Findings: The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Learning and Development (L&D) programs for the employees in the UAE banking sector is a promising endeavor that has been implemented as a challenge. This research looked at the reception of various levels of employees, trainers, and managers about the changes and efficiency of the AI-based L&D solutions. These studies support that AI has brought ideas of personalization, flexibility, and operational er efficiency and effectiveness into training paradigms.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Organizations should cultivate scheduled follow-up processes, including coaching, mentorship, and debriefings. Managers should ensure that they pattern themselves as trainers and supervisors to oversee the implementation of these new skills in the organization and correct any faults, if any, noted. Thus, this follow-up process retains the learning loop and increases the chances of behavioral change. AI systems should also have feedback methods, learning methods and real-time analysis that will enable the learners to keep up and or remain motivated
AI in Management and Quality Practices
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of this study is to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve management and quality practices in organizations. Many businesses today struggle to keep high quality standards and meet regulatory rules. AI provides tools that can help managers check processes, reduce mistakes, and ensure compliance. This study shows how AI can support organizations in becoming more accurate, efficient, and transparent in their operations.
Methodology This research is based on a review of existing academic studies, case examples, and secondary data from different industries. A descriptive approach was used to understand how AI is being applied in management and quality practices. Information was taken from journal articles, industry reports, and organizational case studies. The data was then examined thematically to find common trends, benefits, and challenges in using AI for management.
Findings: The study found that AI has a strong impact on quality management and compliance. AI helps companies detect errors faster, check for quality problems in production, and follow international standards. It also makes decision-making quicker and more accurate by using large amounts of data. However, the findings also show that many organizations face problems when there are no clear guidelines or ethical rules for AI use. Without proper governance, AI can create risks like misuse of data or weak accountability.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This study contributes to theory by linking AI tools with Total Quality Management ideas and showing how technology supports continuous improvement. For practice, the study shows managers how they can use AI to improve quality checks, reduce waste, and save costs. For policy, the study highlights the need for strong governance frameworks, ethical guidelines, and compliance systems that ensure AI is used responsibly. These contributions will help both researchers and organizations to understand how AI can improve management and quality practices
Untold Realities Regarding the Alarming of Raping Cases at Zanzibar. A case of Urban West Zanzibar
Get PDFPurpose: The study was intended to evaluate the upsetting situation of raping cases in Zanzibar.
Methodology: It employed expressive design (N=283) with respondents completing fourteen items in questionnaires. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyse data, where descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to scrutinize the data through mean scores and standard deviations.
Findings: The study found that socio-economic factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, low economic resources, and the absence of job opportunities, trusting Whitcraft, little schoolteachers’ accountabilities, and having sex with a child are the real causes of widespread raping cases at Urban West District-Unguja.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that the Zanzibar revolutionary government ensure that the Zanzibar economy benefits every member of society, giving them the chance to link with the economy. Also, the government needs to make sure accountability is maintained for everyone associated with community welfare. Last of all, actions are taken to make sure perfect religious faith materializes to members of the community
Effect of Strategic Alignment on Performance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Northern Region of Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: This study investigates the impact of strategic alignment and the performance of NGOs specifically within the dimensions of strategic thinking, goal consistency, resource allocation, and communication on the overall effectiveness of NGOs operating in Northern Kenya.
Methodology: Adopting a pragmatist philosophy, the research employs a mixed-methods, cross-sectional design to explore these dynamics comprehensively. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires from 166 NGO leaders across seven counties, representing a response rate of 70.9%, with high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.793 to 0.891). The questionnaires measured variables including strategic thinking, strategic alignment, performance of NGOs, and other relevant factors. Descriptive statistics indicated strong agreement on the influence of strategic alignment on decision-making and innovation facilitation. Qualitative insights from 15 key informant interviews, focus groups, and document analysis provided contextual understanding of adaptive leadership practices and cultural challenges. Data analysis involved correlation, regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS and AMOS, with SEM explaining 67.2% of variance in NGO performance (R² = 0.672). Ethical protocols ensured participant confidentiality and cultural sensitivity throughout the research process.
Findings: Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between strategic alignment and NGO performance (r = 0.598, p < 0.01). Regression results confirmed that strategic alignment explains 40.3% of performance variability, with dimensions such as goal consistency, resource allocation, and communication all contributing significantly resource allocation being the most influential (β = 0.312, p < 0.001). The SEM further established that strategic alignment, combined with competence management and other factors, strongly predicts NGO performance, with cultural factors moderating these effects. Qualitative themes highlighted the importance of adaptive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building, aligning with quantitative findings and emphasizing the critical role of cultural and contextual factors in strategic effectiveness.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research contributes to strategic alignment theory by emphasizing the necessity of contextually adaptive practices in resource-limited, culturally diverse environments like Northern Kenya. It demonstrates that strategic alignment particularly through goal coherence, resource management, and effective communication significantly enhances NGO performance. The findings advocate for capacity building in strategic thinking and organizational practices to foster innovation, flexibility, and stakeholder engagement, which are essential for sustaining NGO effectiveness in complex operational landscapes
Influence of Stakeholder Engagement on the Performance of the Inua Jamii Senior Citizens’ Scheme in Murang’a County, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The Inua Jamii Senior Citizens’ Scheme protects the right to social security of the elderly in Kenya as per the Constitution. The performance of this program in the entire nation mainly relies upon the efficient participation of stakeholders. Research shows that the program still faces some difficulties in its operations and administration. This study looked at how stakeholder engagement impacted the performance of the Inua Jamii Senior Citizens’ Scheme in Murang’a County, Kenya.
Methodology: Quantitative research design was used in this study, the sampling of which involved 384 respondents or stakeholders comprising beneficiaries, local administrators as well as scheme coordinators. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that considered program implementation experiences and operational efficiency of the scheme. To identify the relationships and predict the effects of the study variables, descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were done.
Findings: Study findings indicated differences regarding the spreading of information and the communication with the beneficiaries, with 78.4% of the respondents saying that the beneficiaries did not have enough knowledge of the program, and 71% saying that there were no sensitization activities. Social gatherings (82.39%) was the most announced means of communication. Mobile phone platforms were the primary and the most chosen payment method (88.8%), with most of the people getting their stipends every month (90.9%). Nevertheless, challenges coexisted, as 34.9% of the participants took part in the grievance redress mechanism, mainly due to the delayed disbursements (70.15%) and the missed payments (65.67%). Increasing stipend amount (85.7%) and making regular, and timely payments (58.3%) were the suggestions for sustainability. The chi-square test also indicated that there were strong connections between stakeholders\u27 roles and demographic factors, such as age, sex, and education (p < .000).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Findings from this research will support, refine, and/or further develop existing theories of social pensions by identifying how various modes of communication and engagement of stakeholders combine to influence program outcomes, as well as by providing valuable insights for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of cash transfer programs in Kenya and other similar countries
Legal and Environmental Risks in Cross-Border Procurement: Implications for Ontario Businesses Importing from China with a Focus on Supply Chain and Sustainability
No full textPurpose: The study not only focuses on the legal risks faced by Ontario businesses in cross-border procurement from China but also considers how sustainability practices and environmental regulations impact these risks. As businesses increasingly prioritize green supply chain management and sustainability, understanding how to mitigate legal risks related to environmental laws, ethical sourcing, and the global push for sustainable practices is critical. The paper explores how these factors intertwine with legal considerations, providing a comprehensive view of the risks businesses face when importing goods and meeting consumer expectations for environmentally responsible products.
Methodology: The research utilizes methods, including a mix of statutory analysis, case study, and literature review, to analysis the legal risks associated with cross-border procurement from China. This paper reviewed sources from a mix of academic and legal databases, while it gives priority to studies from the last 10-15 years.
Findings: This paper identifies three significant risks facing businesses intellectual property infringement, product liability, and lack of jurisdiction and introduces a fourth: sustainability and environmental compliance. This includes navigating green procurement challenges, the environmental impact of goods being imported, and the potential legal consequences for violating international environmental laws or failing to meet sustainability standards. As sustainability becomes a driving factor in procurement, businesses must adapt to evolving green regulations and ethical sourcing practices to avoid legal pitfalls.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study extends Siedel’s Six Forces Model to include environmental and sustainability considerations in business legal risks and international procurement. It adds a dimension to Siedel’s theory, validating that understanding not only the legal but also the environmental and ethical challenges facing businesses is crucial for competitive advantage in cross-border procurement. The paper encourages future research in integrating sustainability with legal risk mitigation strategies in international procurement, offering a new framework that balances both sustainability and legal compliance
Determinants of Balance of Payments in Sierra Leone: An ARDL Model Approach
No full textPurpose: Using yearly data from 1980 to 2020, this study investigates the macroeconomic factors influencing Sierra Leone\u27s balance of payments (BoP). The purpose is to determine the main macroeconomic determinants affecting Sierra Leone\u27s external sector performance in order to address the paucity of empirical data on BoP dynamics in post-conflict nations.
Methodology: Both short- and long-term relationships between BoP and its determinants—real GDP, foreign direct investment (FDI), real interest rate, official effective exchange rate (OEEXR), and the external balance on goods and services (EBGS)—are estimated using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds-testing approach.
Findings: The results show that while FDI has a negative impact on the BoP because of its link to import-intensive businesses and profit repatriation, real interest rates and exchange rate fluctuations have a considerable short- and long-term impact on the BoP.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: While EBGS is statistically insignificant, real GDP exhibits a favorable long-term effect. In order to guarantee a sustainable external balance, the study recommends preserving currency rate stability, encouraging export diversification, and creating FDI policies that improve domestic ties and lessen reliance on imports
Advertising Excellence through Social Influence and Intrinsic Motivation Stages
No full textPurpose: This study examines advertising effectiveness within Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) by integrating Kelman\u27s social influence theory with Ryan and Deci\u27s self-determination framework. The research addresses a theoretical gap by moving beyond stage-based models to explain the psychological processes underlying how and why consumers respond to advertising messages.
Methodology: Drawing upon ten years of systematic evaluation, this study identifies enduring qualities of advertising effectiveness observed across outstanding campaigns. Expert judges with academic and professional marketing expertise evaluate how well each advertising quality aligns with four integrated stages of social influence and intrinsic motivation. The analysis employs established criteria from both theoretical frameworks to assess the motivational depth and engagement of the qualities.
Findings: The results demonstrate that advertising excellence emerges from guiding consumers through progressive stages of motivational engagement rather than relying on isolated persuasive tactics. Compliance-oriented strategies (urgency, repetition) prove effective for immediate behavioral activation, but they have limited impact at deeper motivational levels. Qualities that reflect empowerment, self-belief, and meaningful reflection achieve the highest relationship with internalization and intrinsic regulation stages, and they provide sustained consumer engagement.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This research contributes to marketing theory by synthesizing Kelman\u27s social influence framework with Ryan and Deci\u27s self-determination theory, offering a unified model for understanding advertising effectiveness across motivational stages. For practitioners, the findings provide strategic guidance for sequencing advertising messages to progress audiences from compliance to commitment. From a policy perspective, the integrated framework supports ethical advertising practices that foster genuine consumer engagement rather than manipulative persuasion tactics
Contract Management Practices and Project Performance of Parastatals under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in Kenya
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of contract management practices specifically contract planning, contract monitoring, contract cost management, and contract documentation on the project performance of parastatals under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in Kenya.
Methodology: The researcher used a descriptive and correlational research design, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Structured questionnaires were employed as the primary research instruments. The target population comprised senior supply chain officers, procurement officers, finance managers, project engineers, and legal officers drawn from 13 parastatals within the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. A census survey approach was adopted owing to the manageable population size and the technical expertise required from respondents. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 28), and results were presented using tables, charts, and regression output indicators.
Findings: The results revealed that all four-contract management practices had a statistically significant positive effect on project performance. The regression coefficients showed strong predictive power, while correlation analysis indicated a strong positive linear relationship between contract management practices and performance outcomes, demonstrating that improved planning, monitoring, cost control, and documentation significantly enhance timeliness, efficiency, and service delivery.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: The study contributes to Transaction Cost Economics, Stakeholder Theory, Institutional Theory, and Agency Theory by demonstrating how structured contract processes reduce uncertainty, strengthen accountability, and enhance project delivery. The study recommends that parastatals strengthen contract planning, adopt robust monitoring frameworks, automate cost management systems, and implement secure digital documentation platforms to enhance performance and ensure better governance within Kenya’s public energy sector
Road Safety Strategic Management Practices and Performance of NTSA, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The study set to investigate the relationship between road safety strategic management practices and the NTSA performance.
Methodology: The study adopted the descriptive and explorative research design. The usable dataset was composed of primary data collected from the NTSA staff from 15 different branches and offices in Kenya. The study was carried out among the management and technical staff of NTSA situated in 15 branches and numbering 507. The study adopted the statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) for the estimation of the results and findings. The OLS regression models were estimated as the main inferential statistics in this study.
Findings: It was found, that there was a statistically significant relationship between the Road Safety Management Practices and the performance of the NTSA in Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that there should be promotion of road safety and the civil education (road user’s sensitization) in order to improve the road safety and performance of the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA). It will take the collective efforts of the entire society to promote and enhance safety on the Kenyan roads in order to ensure that more lives are saved and that the number of lives lost in the Kenyan roads are reduced significantly. NTSA should strengthen its roadway safety control mechanisms by investing in modern monitoring technologies, enhancing field inspection systems, and enforcing compliance consistently across all transport sectors. Strengthened control mechanisms will improve accountability, reduce traffic violations, and more so reduce road-crashes