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Assessing the Impact of Education on Life Expectancy in Rwanda
Get PDFPurpose: Education\u27s impact on life expectancy is a crucial area of study, particularly in nations undergoing rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions like Rwanda. This research examines the intricate relationship between education and life expectancy in Rwanda, considering the nation\u27s advancements in education and healthcare. Despite progress, challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to quality education.
Methodology: The study utilizes quantitative research methods, employing descriptive, correlation, and causal-comparative approaches, alongside econometric analyses like co-integration tests and vector error correction models. Data covering the period from 1965 to 2020 were collected from the World Bank Database.
Findings: Findings indicate a significant effect of education on fertility rates, with higher education levels associated with lower fertility. Additionally, forecasts project an increase in life expectancy across educational groups, albeit less pronounced for the less educated. Gender disparities persist, with the rate of decrease in life expectancy differences between males and females slower than in previous decades. Increasing prediction intervals highlight growing uncertainty over time.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research contributes to understanding the complex interplay between education and life expectancy in Rwanda, offering insights for policy interventions to enhance population health outcomes and promote sustainable development. This study underscores the imperative for targeted strategies to mitigate educational barriers and advance inclusive development, addressing existing gaps in empirical evidence within the Rwandan context
Entrepreneurial Motivation Competence and Growth of Micro and Small Enterprise in Nairobi County
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of the study was to establish how entrepreneurial motivation competence influences the growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are important drivers of economic growth and development in Kenya. These enterprises create employment, facilitate wealth creation and form the backbone for private sector growth and expansion. The numerous challenges facing MSEs in Kenya are both internal and external to their operations. Many businesses are characterized by entrepreneurs\u27 lack of proper entrepreneurial training, lack of marketing capacity and broad operational capacity, lack of business innovation, inadequate business training, lack of motivation for business and pro-activeness.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. There were 1,236,907 operating businesses categorized as MSEs in Nairobi County by the year 2020. To select the MSE in all the regions in Nairobi County, cluster sampling techniques was employed, first to identify the various MSEs and clusters relevant to this study. Seventeen clusters were identified according to where they are located. 384 respondents formed the study sample. The selection of the sample from each cluster of the study was through simple random sampling. The study used a questionnaire to collect primary data, which was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis.
Findings: The findings showed that an increase in Innovation competence would result to increase in growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. The findings showed that a unit increase in Entrepreneurial Motivation competence would result to an increase of 0.639 units in growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. The univariate analysis fitted to test the relationship between motivation competence and growth of micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County show that entrepreneurial motivation competence explained 29.9% of the variation in growth of micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County other factors held constant.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory that underpinned the study was entrepreneurial competency theory. This study recommended that micro and small enterprises should have a strong mission and vision that is shared with all employees. This will help to create a shared sense of purpose and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal. Investing in training and development will help to increase employee motivation
The Cause and Effect of Responsibility Frame on the Perception of Obesity among 35-55 Years University Female Academic Staff in Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cause and effect of responsibility frame on the perception of obesity among 35-55 years University female academic staff in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Methodology: This study applied the one-group pretest-posttest experimental design. In the one-group pretest-posttest experimental design all study participants provided with the same treatment and assessment. The researcher, therefore, collected data using the pre-and posttest questionnaires. The treatment applied is Slimpossible television program season six episode one was purposively selected out of seven seasons and ninety-eight episodes covered by the Slimpossible television program. The obese females were qualified through an interview process to participate in the Slimpossible challenge, a popular weight loss television program aired by Citizen Television Network. The justification for choosing the season six-episode one television program was based on assessing the media frames according to Entman (1993), where the scholar mentions the following: human interest, consequences, morality, and responsibility. Although this study is aquasi-experimental research design, the researcher attempted to use randomization to improve the validity of the pretest and posttest experimental study design. Furthermore, out of the randomly selected sample, a purposeful sample was selected for assessment based on a specific interest (Stratton, 2019). The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. This study presented descriptive statistics using tables with frequencies and percentages. Secondly, the research conducted inferential statistics using several types of inferential analysis tools such as the Factor analysis (The Keiser-Meyer -Olkin (KMO) test), Pearson\u27s correlation coefficient, and regression analysis (logical regression).
Findings: From the findings, the respondents presented that the media was responsible for showcasing slim-bodied celebrities on TV, in newspapers and magazines, increasing the stigma of obesity among females. They felt that the media was also responsible for supporting controversial weight loss practices that could yield harmful to obese individuals. The respondents also state that the government and public health were responsible for the rise of obesity among 35-55 years University female academic staff because of inefficiencies, lack of health clinics specific to treat obesity cases and lack of insurance covers for obesity cases. However, on individual responsibility, the respondents\u27 findings registered relatively low, indicating that the person may not entirely be blamed for obesity. The inferential statistics successfully obtained three components about the responsibility frame using the factor analysis. Government and public health and social responsibility factors were more likely to produce a negative perception of obesity than personal responsibility.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: In terms of contribution to theory, this study emanated from the media framing theory, where it provided responsibility frame as one among five frames, mentioned by an American political scientist known as Robert Entman in 1993. Its contribution to practice, from the conclusions, it was evident that government and public health were deemed responsible for the rise of obesity among 35-55 years University female academic staff because of inefficiencies, lack of health clinics specific to treat obesity cases and lack of insurance covers for obesity cases. Its contribution to policy looks at collaboration between World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health -in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit developing health and nutrition policies to caution the women suffering from obesity. The study recommends that international bodies such as the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health -in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit be actively involved in the development of relevant nutrition policies that address obesity cases affecting individuals and help in setting up health clinics for treating obesity cases
The Cause and Effect of Morality Frame on the Perception of Obesity among 35-55 years University Female Academic Staff in Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cause and effect of morality frame on the perception of obesity among 35-55 years University female academic staff in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Methodology: This study applied the one-group pretest-posttest experimental design. In the one-group pretest-posttest experimental design all study participants provided with the same treatment and assessment. The researcher, therefore, collected data using the pre-and posttest questionnaires. The treatment applied is Slimpossible television program season six episode one was purposively selected out of seven seasons and ninety-eight episodes covered by the Slimpossible television program. The obese females were qualified through an interview process to participate in the Slimpossible challenge, a popular weight loss television program aired by Citizen Television Network. The justification for choosing the season six-episode one television program was based on assessing the media frames according to Entman (1993), where the scholar mentions the following: human interest, consequences, morality, and responsibility. Although this study is a quasi-experimental research design, the researcher attempted to use randomization to improve the validity of the pretest and posttest experimental study design. Furthermore, out of the randomly selected sample, a purposeful sample was selected for assessment based on a specific interest (Stratton, 2019). The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. This study presented descriptive statistics using tables with frequencies and percentages. Secondly, the research conducted inferential statistics using several types of inferential analysis tools such as the Factor analysis (The Keiser-Meyer -Olkin (KMO) test), Pearson\u27s correlation coefficient, and regression analysis (logical regression).
Findings: The results showed that obesity and morality issues are more inclined toward Westernized perception than African perception. The inferential statistics using factor analysis was successful in extracting three independent components of the morality frame. The Keiser-Meyer -Olkin (KMO) test of adequacy (KMO=0.521; Chi-square=4254.5 d.f =66, p=0.000) was significant, implying factor analysis using the principal component method was appropriate. The three components, that is personal moral opinion, morality & Western media, and morality & African media cumulatively explain 71.3 % of the total variability.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study emanated from the media framing theory, where it provided morality frame as one among five frames, mentioned by an American political scientist known as Robert Entman in 1993. Its contribution to practice, based on the findings, the respondents expressed that obesity is not subjected to moral decay/decline because their perspective was that obese females are healthy, beautiful and good people. The respondents felt that Africa faces more challenges with hunger and famine compared to obesity issues. The study recommends the involvement of academicians and health scientists to explore through research "˜why\u27 obesity is not a moral issue in tackling obesity. They could conduct visibility studies and experiments and publish them in peer-reviewed journals for access
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education: A Threat or Helping Hand in Improving Student-Instructor Communication
Get PDFPurpose: The study aims to summarize current discussions among educational stakeholders regarding the potential benefits and threats posed by Artificial Intelligence.
Methodology: In conducting comprehensive and systematic review, the study utilized the PRISMA flowchart and included only articles published between January 2020 and July 2024. The focus was strictly on peer-reviewed articles, with conference papers, dissertations, and other types of papers excluded. Data was sourced exclusively from EBSCOhost and Google Scholar. Additionally, only articles centered on the higher education industry were considered.
Findings: The findings of this study reveal ongoing debates among educational stakeholders regarding the threats and benefits of AI models. It explains how AI is transforming academic environments by offering personalized learning experiences, enhancing learning outcomes, and increasing student engagement. However, concerns about data privacy have also emerged. To eliminate these concerns, the study recommends the introduction of consent forms that give users the option to allow or deny the use of their data for AI training.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study contributes to the ongoing debates by grounding its analysis in Sociotechnical Systems Theory (STS), emphasizing the need for a human-centered approach in AI adoption. This offers a holistic perspective on how educational institutions can implement AI effectively while addressing stakeholder concerns about privacy and control over data, making it a valuable resource for both academic and policy discussions surrounding AI in education
Comparative Analysis of COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Mental Health Effects on Children with Household Healthcare Workers vs. Those Without
Get PDFPurpose: The primary objective of this pilot study is to investigate and comprehend the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children\u27s mental health based on the presence of household members working in healthcare settings.
Methods: Permission was secured from the Research Department of a densely populated county in the state of Georgia. Subsequently, an online survey was conducted among participants consisting of high school and middle school students, aiming to evaluate their mental health experiences three years following the onset of the pandemic in the United States. The survey included questions related to fear, sadness, preferences for online schooling, changes in sleeping habits, and whether anyone in the household worked in a healthcare setting. Responses were collected on a Likert scale with options "Yes," "No," and "Maybe."
Findings: Among both groups of children about two thirds reported no increase in fear three years after the onset of pandemic. Around 25% of the children in both groups reported increased sadness. The majority of children in either group did not prefer online schooling.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This survey underscores the need to consider household dynamics, specifically the presence of healthcare workers, when addressing children\u27s sleeping habits during global stress situations such as pandemics
Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Diplomacy and Cyberwarfare in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to investigate challenges and opportunities of digital diplomacy and cyberwarfare
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: Climate change exacerbates security risks in Mexico through extreme weather events, economic instability, and social tensions. This poses threats to food and water security, increases vulnerability to natural disasters, and fuels conflicts over resources. To address these challenges, Mexico collaborates with international partners, develops adaptation strategies, and invests in renewable energy. Cooperation at national and global levels is crucial to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change on security.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Realism theory, constructivism theory & cybersecurity deterrence theory may be used to anchor future studies impact of climate change on global security and cooperation in Mexico. Invest in capacity building for diplomats and foreign service personnel in the field of digital diplomacy and cybersecurity. Implement robust national and international cybersecurity legislation that includes provisions specific to the protection of diplomatic communications and infrastructure
Peacebuilding Efforts in Civil War-Affected Countries in Afghanistan
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze peacebuilding efforts in civil war-affected countries in Afghanistan.
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: Peacebuilding in war-torn Afghanistan faces hurdles due to ongoing conflict, ethnic divides, and Taliban resurgence. Governance reforms and reconciliation efforts struggle amidst poverty and corruption. Despite some progress, achieving lasting peace is an uphill battle.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Liberal peacebuilding theory, critical peacebuilding theory & relational peacebuilding theory may be used to anchor future studies on the peacebuilding efforts in civil war-affected countries in Afghanistan. Peacebuilding efforts should prioritize local ownership, inclusivity, and participatory approaches that empower affected communities to take an active role in shaping their own futures. Peacebuilding efforts should be integrated into broader development, security, and governance frameworks to ensure coherence, coordination, and sustainability
Negotiation Strategies in International Diplomatic Conflicts in United States
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze negotiation strategies in international diplomatic conflicts in United States.
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: Findings on negotiation strategies in U.S. diplomatic conflicts highlight the use of coercive diplomacy, economic sanctions, and multilateral negotiations. These strategies involve bilateral talks, international organizations, and third-party mediation. Leverage, including military power and economic incentives, is employed to advance U.S. interests. Challenges arise from divergent interests and power dynamics. Success requires a balanced approach of assertiveness and flexibility.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Game theory, constructivism & distributive and integrative bargaining may be used to anchor future studies on the negotiation strategies in international diplomatic conflicts in United States. Provide negotiators with training and resources to enhance their cross-cultural competence, including understanding cultural values, communication styles, and negotiation norms. Invest in the development of mediation and third-party intervention mechanisms to facilitate diplomatic negotiations in international conflicts
Reconciliation Pedagogy as Peacebuilding through Education in the Context of Cameroon
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to examine Reconciliation Pedagogy as Peacebuilding through Education in the Context of Cameroon
Methodology: Being a literature-based paper, there was introduction of the paper in which some concepts were defined, a review of relevant literature on Cameroonian scholarship about the ongoing crisis, review of global literature on reconciliation pedagogy, a description of the role of a Christian teacher as a reconciliation pedagogue, and a proposed reconciliation pedagogical framework from a Christian perspective.
Findings: The Christian Teacher can positively provide good influence to help address the current Anglophone crisis in Cameroon through pedagogy for contextual reconciliation. This would be seen in actual ethical paradigms like forgiveness, compassionate care, honesty, love, justice and equity as Christian virtues of being and doing, which is a potential gap in teachers’ practice in a crisis situation. Hence, the paper seeks to provide a new paradigmatic shift in ethical discernment in teaching pupils/students who are the immediate beneficiaries of reconciliation pedagogy and the society at large. The focus is not on inculcating ideas but in shaping life through teaching and modeling of Christian virtues that would be constructive to the development of students and the society in general. This would be an integrative approach of historical, ethical, spiritual and practical principles and Christian thinking and doing.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper suggests a contextual pedagogy for the Christian Teacher’s practice which is a form of summary of the roles they can play as reflective pedagogues. Hence, this paper sought to suggest reconciliation pedagogy from a Christian perspective for the Cameroonian context which is a characterized with human abuse and which both teachers and learners are victims. It is hoped that the suggested framework guides the Christian Teacher’s practice towards the reconstruction of the society as a step in the process of reconciliation in view of the current Anglophone crisis in Cameroon.