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Dyadic Gaze Patterns during Child-Robot Collaborative Gameplay in a Tutoring Interaction
No full textThis study examines patterns of coordinated gaze between a child and a robot (NAO) during a card matching game, ‘Memory’. Dyadic gaze behavior like mutual gaze, gaze following and joint attention are indications both of child’s engagement
with the robot and of the quality of child-robot interaction.Eighteen children interacted with a robot tutor in two settings.
In the first setting, the robot tutor gave clues to assist children in finding the matching cards, and in the other setting, the robot
tutor only looked at the participants during the play. We investigated the coordination between child and robots’ gaze
behaviors. We found that more occurrences of mutual gaze and gaze following made the children aware of the gaze hints given
by the robot and improved the efficacy of the robot tutor as a helping agent. This study, therefore, provides guidelines for gaze
behaviors design to enrich child-robot interaction in a tutoring context
Effect Of Value For Money Auditing On Public Sector Accountability In Kenya
No full textValue for money auditing has emerged in the public sector, where absence of firm measures
of profitability creates difficulty in judging performance. Thus, it influences the adoption of
practices for reduction of waste and inefficiency and bring forth outcomes that improve
service to end customers.
This study sought to find out the effect of value for money auditing on public accountability,
througha descriptive survey. Purposive sampling was employed to target internal auditors at
the National Treasury who have mandate to conduct value for money auditing. In addition,
Cluster sampling was utilized to choose the South Rift region as the respondents.
32 questionnaires were mailed to the respondents, and majority of the respondents were of
the view that economy value for money auditing had a big impact on public accountability, as
compared to efficiency value for money auditing and effectiveness value for money auditing
that demonstrated a comparatively minimal effect on public accountability. Data was
analyzed through SPSS version 2, and presented through tables, charts, and a linear model
Effect Of Green Supply Chain Practices On Sustainable Competitive Advantage Of Cement Manufacturing Companies, Kenya
No full textThe relationship between green supply chain practices and manufacturing companies has attracted a lot of attention in a world that is striving to control industrial impact on the environment. This study investigated cement manufacturing companies in Kenya and how green supply chain practices affect their sustainable competitive advantage. Its specific objectives were to establish the effect of green technology, eco-packaging and green logistics practices on the sustainable competitive advantage of cement manufacturing companies in Nairobi County, Kenya. This was achieved by adopting a descriptive research design that allowed the researcher collect information from employees in 5 cement manufacturing companies in the country. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were then conducted on the data collected and inferences regarding the effect of the three selected green supply chain practices on sustainable competitive advantage were made. It was revealed that holding eco-packaging practices and green logistics practices constant, a unit increase in adopting green technology will increase organization sustainable competitive advantage by 0.053 units. Subsequently, holding green technology practices and green logistics practices constant, a unit increase in adopting eco-packaging practices will increase organization sustainable competitive advantage by 0.069 units. Furthermore, holding green technology practices and eco-packaging practices constant, a unit increase in adopting green logistics practices will increase organization sustainable competitive advantage by 0.329 units. The study also found that the effect associated with Green Technology, Eco-Packaging and Green Logistics Practices were all statistically significant as illustrated by significant p values 0.032, 0.041 and 0.029 which were all less than 0.05. Based on the study findings, therefore, the study concluded that green supply chain practices positively affect the sustainable competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in Nairobi County. Specifically, the study found that a positive change in the adoption of green technology practices leads to a positive increase in the sustainable competitive advantage of a cement manufacturing company. The study therefore recommended manufacturing companies to implement production methods that are environmental friendly since this approach elevates a company to a favourable position on the competitive advantage scale in the county
Metacognitive Knowledge As A Predictor Of Reading Comprehension Among Form Three Students In Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive knowledge (MCK) among
form three students in Lari Sub County. The study adopted a predictive correlational design to investigate the
relationship between metacognitive knowledge and reading comprehension performance and the predictive
value of metacognitive knowledge in predicting reading comprehension performance. A total of 320 students
were used in the study. Data was collected using a Metacognitive Knowledge Questionnaire (MCKQ) and a
pro forma summary of student’s reading comprehension scores. Pearson’s Product Moment(r) was used to
establish the relationship between Metacognitive Knowledge and reading comprehension performance at 0.05
significance levels. A multiple regression was used to determine the predictive value of metacognitive
knowledge in predicting reading comprehension performance. The results revealed that there was a moderate,
positive significant correlation between person knowledge (r (317) = .21, p < .05 and reading comprehension.
Task knowledge and strategy knowledge had a positive but insignificant correlation with reading
comprehension
Assessing Institutional Repositories As Enabler Of Research Output In Academic Institutions In Kenya: The Case Of Kca University
No full textThe study assessed the role of institutional repositories as enabler of research output in academic
institutions in Kenya with special reference to KCA University. Objectives of the study were to:
assess the level of awareness of IR as enabler of research output in academic institutions,
investigate the usage of institutional repository by the researchers in academic institutions, explore
the role of the university management in adopting institutional repository in academic institutions
and propose an appropriate model for embracing IR as enabler of research output in academic
institutions. The study employed descriptive design where both qualitative and quantitative
methods were used. Cluster and purposive sampling methods were used to get the target
population. Data was collected by means of questionnaires and interview guides. Questionnaires
were used to collect primary data from 62 postgraduate students, 88 fulltime academic staff and
14 library staff while an interview was conducted on the 6 senior library managers. Cluster
sampling was used to select 62 postgraduate students while census sampling was used to select all
the 88 fulltime academic staff. Library staff and senior library managers were purposively selected
because of their knowledge and experience of using the IR. Content analysis was used to analyze
the qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews. Quantitative data in the
questionnaires was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences and information
presented in form of tables, percentages, pie charts and graphs for better interpretation. Findings
from this study established that lack of skills to use the repository, lack of awareness, legal and
copyright issues were the main challenges that hindered the adoption of institutional repository.
The study also revealed that IR is an effective tool that supports widespread circulation of research
work and increases value to published scholarly work. The study, therefore, recommended the
need for promoting and marketing the platform though library orientation, workshops and trainings
as a way of creating awareness. The study further recommended, the university management to
review the available policies and to provide relevant guidelines on the use and access of materials.
Management also to recognize the staff members who have deposited their work in the repository
as a way of encouraging others. Finally, the study recommended an appropriate model for
enhancing research productivity
Effect Of Training And Development On Employee Performance At Safaricom Company Limited
No full textTraining and development are important in equipping employees with work-related
skills and building their competencies for improved performance. The purpose of the
study was to determine the effect of training and development on employee
performance at Safaricom Company Limited. To achieve this, the study was guided
by the following objectives: To establish the effect of training needs assessment on
performance of employees at Safaricom Limited; To determine the effect of training
methods on performance of employees at Safaricom Limited; To assess the effect of
training content on performance of employees at Safaricom Limited; and to establish
the effect of development programs on performance of employees at Safaricom
Limited. The study anchors on the human capital theory, social learning and goal
setting theories. This study used descriptive research design to assess the effectiveness
of the training and development on employee performance. The target population is
1892 permanent employees working at their head offices in Westland’s, Nairobi
County. A sample of 377 respondents was randomly selected from the target
population. This study collected primary data using structured questionnaires which
was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, percentages and frequencies. Analyzed
data was presented in the form of tables and figures. The collected data was coded
into SPSS Version 23.0 for analysis and presentation. The study found out that
coefficient of correlation R was 0.887 an indication of strong correlation with the
variables. The concludes that training need assessment significantly influenced
employee performance, this was associated to the fact that the company had regular
skills set evaluation that brought out areas of deficiency that employees were to be
trained on. Training methods significantly influenced employee performance since the
content of trainings for staff were in line with the training needs established and was
according to organizational policies and procedures. Training content significantly
influenced employee performance due to organization adopted the content of trainings
for staff that was in line with the training needs. The study further established that
employee development programs significantly influenced employee performance
since there was a well-organized orientation program for all its new staff. The study
recommends that there ought to be regular skills set evaluation in the company,
regular evaluation of skills ought to bring out areas of deficiency that employees are
to be trained on and training for staff ought to be tailored to tasks performed by each
staff. Well qualified experts in different fields ought to be engaged in conducting job
training. Safaricom company ought to have off the job training. Trainings ought to be
kept in line with organizational policies and procedures. The training contents ought
to allow provision of feedback for greater learning impact. Employee mentorship
programs ought to be embraced by the organization to nature employees’ career
growth. Employees ought to be allowed to work in teams on a given project
Effect Of Firm Characteristics On The Profitability Of Listed investment Companies In Kenya
No full textFinancial statements are very useful for reporting and analysis of financial performance to
determine the profitability of the company. Financial ratios which are derived from firm
characteristics are used by the interested parties such as management, investors, government
among other parties to make investment decisions. As such, the purpose of this research
project was to assess the effect of firm characteristics on the profitability of investment
companies in Kenya as listed at the NSE. The specific objectives of the study were to
establish the effect of liquidity on the profitability of listed investment companies in Kenya,
to determine the effect of asset management on the profitability of listed investment
companies in Kenya and to investigate the effect of firm leverage on the profitability of listed
investment companies in Kenya. The market timing theory, pecking order theory and tradeoff
theory helped in developing the study. Census survey method was used with a target
population of 4 investment companies as currently listed under investments at NSE.
Secondary data from financial statements and journals for a period of 8 (2010 – 2017) years
were used and data collection forms were developed to help in gathering information
efficiently. Regression models and STATA software were used for data analysis where
diagnostic tests were done using Hausman test, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity and
normality test to determine appropriate model. Panel data analysis plan was also undertaken.
The study findings indicated that there was a strong positive correlation between liquidity and
profitability of listed investment companies in Kenya. On the effect of asset management and
leverage on profitability of listed investment companies in Kenya, the study results indicated
a negative correlation of -03466 and -1.133987 respectively. The study recommended that
investment companies should redesign their ability to utilize fixed assets to generate sales
efficiently. Further, the study recommended that the companies should check their leverage
use in terms of asset funding as well as reconsider their approach in debt financing in order to
develop a strong positive correlation between them. The study recommends that another
study be carried on asset management and leverage to determine their effect on profitability
of investment companies since the findings of this study found out a negative relationship.
Other firm characteristics should also be incorporate in the future research so as to estimate
their relationship with profitability of listed investment companies in Kenya
Effect Of Internationalization On Organizational Performance Of Food And Beverages Manufacturing Firms In Kenya
No full textThe 21st century has been influenced by a protraction of globalization whereby firms have been
obliged to make three strategic decisions- which target markets to enter, when to enter, and how
to enter those selected markets. With the shrinking of the domestic markets, the future of the firm
is on internationalization of their operations. This study sought to determine the effects of
internationalization on organizational performance of food and beverages manufacturing firms in
Kenya. Specifically, the effect of product-market internationalization, input-market
internationalization and human capital internationalization on organizational performance of
food and beverages manufacturing firms in Kenya were assessed. The study will focus on firms
operating in Nairobi since it is estimated the 80% of the manufacturing firms in Kenya operate in
Nairobi. The study used a questionnaire to collect primary data which were distributed to the
respondents and collected at a later date. The data was coded and analyzed with the help of SPSS
software version 24 and STATA 13. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation
were computed. To study the effects of the independent variables on the dependent variables, a
linear regression model was fitted. To enable this, the major assumptions of linear regression;
normality, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation were tested. The data was
found to have heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation. To resolve this, a linear model with robust
standard error was used. The study concluded that input market and human capital
internationalization have a significance positive effect on organizational performance of food
and beverages manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study was however inconclusive on the effect
of product-market internalization on organizational performances of food and beverages
manufacturing firms in Kenya
The Moderating Influence Of Work Environment On The Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Behaviour And Perceived Service Quality By Government Ministries In Kenya
No full textAbstract: The work environment which encompasses several factors impacts on the way employees perform their work. A comfortable and supportive workplace environment will boost the employees’ performance hence boosting the organizational performance. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of work environment on the relationship between employee entrepreneurial behaviour and perceived service quality by government ministries in Kenya. The target population was all the 4 executive officers from all the 18 government ministries resulting to a sample size of 72 executive officers. The study used purposeful sampling technique in the selection of the executive officers. Datawas analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the scale which was used to assess the interval consistency among the research instrument items.The regression results showed that work environment had statistically significant moderating influence on the relationship between entrepreneurial behaviour and perceived service quality in government ministries in Kenya. The study therefore recommended that the government should pay more attention to work environment in government ministries as it was a key contributor to quality service delivery. The study is grounded on the Weiss and Cropanzano’s Affective Events Theory (AET) which explains the link between internal influences and their reactions to incidents that occur in their work environment that affect employee performance, organizational commitment and job satisfaction (Phua, 2012)
Effect Of Banking Regulations On Lending Among Commercial Banks In Kenya
No full textThe main objective of the study was to assess the effect of banking regulations on lending among commercial banks in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the effect of liquidity management regulations, capital adequacy regulations, management efficiency regulations and asset quality regulations on lending among commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of this study comprised 43 commercial banks that operated in Kenya by December 2017. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on regression results, liquidity management regulations (p=0.000<0.05), capital adequacy regulations (p=0.002<0.05) and management efficiency regulations (0.019<0.05) have a significant effect on lending among commercial banks in Kenya. The study concludes that asset quality has no positive significant influence on lending among commercial banks. Management efficiency regulations have negative significant influence on lending among commercial banks. Capital adequacy had positive significant influence on lending among commercial banks. Liquidity management regulation positive significantly influenced lending among commercial banks. The study recommends that commercial banks should improve client profiling for better management of non-performing loans for better risk taking. Commercial banks should cut down their operating expenses for increased profits in the organization. Commercial banks should increase liquidity management regulations for increased lending in commercial banks. The study suggests that future studies ought to be done in other lending institutions including SACCOs. Additionally, the focus of the future studies could be on listed commercial banks on NSE