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HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGY EVALUATION AND CONTROL, INFORMATION CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A SURVEY OF UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
Full text linkAlong with the debate on universities as specific organisations is the drive for adoption of
marketlike practices among which the strategy process is prominent. The primacy of the
human factor in higher education institutions privileges human resource initiatives. The
human resource strategy is particularly significant. Theoretically, human resource strategy
actualises business strategy; but evidence for its practicality is scarce. This brings to the fore
strategy evaluation and control. Although strategy evaluation and control is vital in corporate
and business strategy discourse, it is apparently less so for human resource strategy. Extant
literature indicates lack of evidence of use of strategy evaluation and control in human
resource strategy. Thus, the purpose of this study was two-fold: to domesticate the business
strategy evaluation and control dimensions to human resource strategy in universities in
Kenya; and to establish the relationship between utilisation of those dimensions and the
performance of the human resurce strategy, directly and indirectly through the mediation of
information characteristics and the moderation of top management support. The rationale of
this inquiry was to narrow this gap in the literature. This study was considered important to
top management and human resource specialists for the need to show the strategic role of
human resource systems and practices by justifying their worth in harnessing the human
potential. Five theories supplied the constructs and explanations: the strategic management
model; data, information, knowledge and wisdom model; role theory; systems theory; and
institutional theory. These anchored evaluation and control deimensions, information
characteristics, top management support, and performance constructs respectively.
Institutional theory underpinned context. The study, a cross-sectional sample survey, was
carried out in Kenyan universities, a population of 74 from which the investigator drew a
probability sample of 34 using a table of random numbers. The unit of analysis was the
human resource function and Registrar (Administration) the respondent. Data was collected
using a self-administered questionnaire tested for reliability and validity on 12 univerisites.
The researcher mailed the instrument to 34 vice chancellors for approval and completion by
the registrars, achieving a 94% response rate. Data was processed using the Statistical
Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 25 with AMOS 21 and analysed using descriptive
and inferential statistics. Six hypotheses were tested at 5% level of significance. The direct
relationship between human resource strategy evaluation and performance was positive and
significant (r = .61, p{0.000}< 0.05; b = .61, p{0.000}) as was the direct relationship
between human resource strategy control and performance) (r = .71, p{0.000}< 0.05; b =
.71, p{0.000}). In mediation, partial correlation between human resource strategy evaluation
and performance was moderate and significant (r = .34, p{0.034}< 0.05). Sobel’s test for path
analyses was significant (z = 2.86, p{0.000}< 0.05). Partial correlation between human
resource strategy control and performance was moderate and significant (r = .60, p{0.000}<
0.05). Sobel’s test for path analyses was significant (z = 3.31, p{0.000}< 0.05). Moderation
of top management support on human resource strategy evaluation-performance link was not
significant (b = .006, p{0.749}) as was moderation of top management support on human
resource strategy control-performance link (b = -.001, p{0.959}). The conclusions were:
business strategy evaluation and control dimensions were relevant and positively influenced
performance; information characteristics mediated the direct relationships, and top
management support was more to management support eas found undesirable. Policy
recommendations included using the dimensions in performance management. Future studies
could include employees, heads of departments and other members top management
members as well as use mediated moderation and moderated mediation
INFLUENCE OF AUDITOR GENERAL’S REPORT ON FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND IN KENYA
Full text linkThe Auditor General plays a critical role in the audit of public finances including the National
Government Constituency Development Fund (NG CDF). Public Finance Management Act,
2012 requires that at the end of each financial year the NG CDF shall prepare financial
statements. The audit of the financial statements of the NG CDF is critical in ensuring that
there is financial accountability in the usage of financial resources and the achievement of
objectives of the NG CDF. This study examined influence of auditor General’s report on
financial accountability of National Government Constituency Development Fund. The study
was guided by the following objectives: Management Action on Audit Queries, Types of
Auditor General’s Audit Exceptions, Attitude towards Auditor General’s Audit Reports and
Capacity to Close Auditor General’s Queries. The study was based on the descriptive research
design. Njoro constituency in Kenya was sampled for data collection. The target population
of this study were the NG CDF Accounting officers, management committee and the project
coordinators of various projects within Njoro constituency. Thus, this study had a target
population of 56 members that constitute the 10 NG CDF Accounting Officers, 30 NG CDF
management committee and 16 project coordinators of various projects. Reliability of the sets
of questions was examined making use of Cronbach's Alpha test of inner consistency. The
research study used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Correlations as well as
multiple direct regressions) in the analysis of data.This study utilized the agency theory,
dynamic capabilities theory and policeman theory to explain the relationships between the
variables. The study found a coefficient of determination (r2
) of 0.652 indicating that 65.2%
of the variability in the financial accountability that is attributable to the cumulative
independent variables. The achieved beta coefficients for NG CDF management action,
auditor General’s audit exceptions, attitude towards auditor General’s audit report, and
capacity to close auditor General’s audit queries had beta coefficients of 0.417, 0.596, 0.569,
as well as 0.492 respectively. The beta coefficients of all the variables suggested that increase
in the respective independent variables were connected with rise in the dependent variable
with the remainders of the variables maintained consistent. The research additionally
discovered that there was statistically considerable influence in between each of the auditor
general report and financial accountability. The research study suggested that NG CDF should
observe objectivity in taking management actions in order to enhance financial responsibility
of the constituencies. Among the components elements that the NG CDF officers ought to
observe include removal of the conflict of interest in the preparation of the financial report
THE ROLE OF FAMILY CONSTELLATIONS ON DEVELOPMENT OF PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG THE REGULAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
Full text linkThe study sought to assess the influence of Family constellations on psychosocial adjustments of
regular third year undergraduate Students in Nakuru County, Kenya. The specific objective was to
determine the influence of family constellations on prosocial behaviour development of regular
undergraduate students in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study used a mixed-method research
approach and adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was 2862
third year regular undergraduate students from five selected universities. A random sample of 307
students forming a 90.6 percent response rate participated in the study. Stratified random sampling
was used to distribute the sample in the five selected universities. Primary data was collected using
semi-structured questionnaire and interview schedule, while secondary data was collected from
existing documents about the topic under study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive
statistics (frequencies, percentages and means) and inferential statistics (ANOVA and Chi Square
tests) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 for Windows while
qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study findings indicate that
majority of the respondents came from dual (nuclear) parent families. There was no statistically
significant difference in the pro-social behaviours development of regular undergraduate students
from different family structures. The study recommends that there is a need for parents to maintain
a unified family structure in order to encourage holistic psychosocial development and adjustment
of their children in universities. There is a need for parents to create a warm close and supportive
relationship with their children in universities. There is need to encourage university students t
Effects of Total Assets on Financial Performance of Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru County, Kenya
Full text linkSince 2015 some manufacturing firms in Kenya
closed their business due to poor performance while others have
been forced to relocate their manufacturing plants to other
countries. Some companies have also scaled down their
manufacturing capacity impacting negatively on the financial
performance of manufacturing firms therefore the study sought
to analyze the effect of total assets on financial performance of
food and beverage manufacturing firms in Nakuru county
Kenya. The study was guided by economic theory of firm
growth. The study adopted descriptive survey research design
with a target population of 15 food and beverage manufacturing
firms. The unit of observation was 15 food and beverage
manufacturing firms in Nakuru County. The unit of analysis
was 56 employees in the finance department. The study utilized
primary data. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data
desirable for the study. Piloting was done in Kericho County.
Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential
statistical methods. Descriptive analysis was done using
frequency, percentage, means and standard deviations to
describe the basic characteristics of the population. Inferential
statistics involved the use of Pearson’s Product Moment
correlation and multiple regression model. The finding of the
study was presented in table form. There exists a moderate
positive and significant relationship between total assets and
financial performance of food and beverage manufacturing
firms in Nakuru county Kenya (r=0.513 and p=0.000). The
study recommended that food and beverage manufacturing
firms ought to have more tangible assets this is because tangible
assets are often an essential resource for such business. The
study also recommended that for food and beverage
manufacturing firms to increase their sales revenue, they ought
to align marketing with sale
A BLOCKCHAIN BASED SMART CONTRACT MODEL FOR TENDERING
Full text linknformation technology is the backbone for all 21st
-century organizations that are looking
forward to offering better customer service and gaining a competitive advantage. Today,
the blockchain technology is being adopted by several organizations such as financial
service providers, healthcare, agriculture, and even government sectors. Nonetheless, the
procurement sector has adopted information technology in its processes especially with
the advent of E-procurement technology. However, the tendering sector has not been able
to take advantage of the new blockchain technology. This study focuses on the
blockchain and its BYOE (Bring Your Own Encryption) concept in the procurement
sector. Using a proof of concept approach the research came up with a blockchain-based
procurement model for organizations. The model was designed following ASD approach.
While Ethereum based solidity smart contract with Truffle running on 127.0.0.1:9545 and
MetaMask installation was configured for the running environment. In addition, Ganache
running on localhost 127.0.0.1:7545 for the graphical interface was realized. The running
hosted model is available at https://gov.chimera-iot.co.ke/index.php. The model
prototype was evaluated based on the model goals and software quality attributes.
Software quality attributes, was a purely technical evaluation that used test cases to see if
the model requirements were attained. To ascertain the model goals, the evaluation
intended to identify issues related to the various model components and gauge user
experience. At the end of the evaluation process, the functional testing proved that all the
model functional and system requirements were satisfied. The feedback from the users
also indicated that most of the participants were able to accomplish all the model
functionalities. Participants also strongly agreed that the model satisfied all the goals and
software quality attributes. The model verification and validation results showed that the
model design satisfied all the intended objectives. The model was able to automatically
initiate the tender, place bid and perform bid evaluation & relay bid results with relevant
bid reports. The functional model was able to provide transparencies by ensuring bids are
not concealed and ensuring immutability of transaction thus ensuring transparency and
openness. The overall idea was therefore found to be feasible and practica
A SERIAL NUMBER BASED AUTHENTICATION MODEL FOR A COMPUTER IN A WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Full text linkWith today’s technological evolution, wireless networks have become very common for organizations, homes and public places due to the numerous benefits that come with them, as compared with wired networks. One of the biggest challenge though, is on how to control the ever increasing and dynamic nature of devices that use such kind of a network. Network access control security service uses identification, authentication, authorization and accounting services in that order, are used to provide such needed security controls. Machine based authentication methods are token, IP address and MAC address methods with their corresponding token, IP address and MAC address identifiers. A MAC address, a physical network address that is used as basis for this study, has a copy of its value in the system software that can be spoofed and altered rendering the address not unique, not secure and unreliable. On the contrary, a computer’s serial number is hard-coded in the system hardware only and therefore cannot be spoofed and altered making it unique, secure and reliable. The research, therefore, was aimed at designing a model that demonstrates how a computer’s serial number can be used for authenticating a computer in a wireless local area network. In order to achieve the research objective, the study examined the inbuilt access and use of a computer’s serial number prototype model as an alternative method of authenticating devices in a network. Design science research methodology that involved design and development, demonstration and model evaluation was employed. The Serial Number Based Authentication or SNAM model was therefore designed using state chart and flow chart diagrams based on dynamic programming, developed over evolutionary prototyping and test run on a static experimental design using Java Development Kit and MySQL platforms to demonstrate, as proof of concept, that a computer’s serial number can be used to authenticate a computer in a wireless local area network. The SNAM model first registered computers so that on execution, unregistered computers were denied network access while registered computers were allowed access to the network, based on the computer’s serial number. Allowed computer details are then displayed on an authentication interface to further either block a computer from the network if a need arises or allow the computer to continually use the network and its resources. From the test runs whose outcome were the binary values yes or no, it was found out that SNAM can actually allow or deny, enable or disable a computer in a network based on the computer’s serial number. The researcher therefore, recommends that the prototype be scaled up, then adopted as a network device authentication metho
A MODEL FOR AN IMPACT-DIRECTED MUSIC-BASED PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH FOR ENHANCING TEACHER TRAINEES ' PERFORMANCE IN BASIC MUSIC SKILLS
Full text linkMusic education is a field of study associated with the teaching and learning of music.
Music teachers should apply appropriate pedagogical approaches that best suit specific
level outcomes. Over the years, practitioners and educationists have noted a decline in
teacher trainees‟ performance in music at primary teacher education (PTE) level. There
is little indication on whether the use of music-based pedagogical approaches impact on
the teacher trainees‟ performance in PTE music examination in teacher training colleges.
The current study was prompted by the need for pedagogical approaches that would help
in raising efficiency in teaching music and by extension yielding better results. The
purpose of this study therefore was to develop a model for an impact-directed music based pedagogical approach for enhancing teacher trainees‟ performance in basic music
skills. The objectives of the study include: to determine the impact of the use of Kodály
pedagogical approach (KPA) on teacher trainees‟ performance in music basic skills, to
establish the impact of the use of Orff pedagogical approach (OPA) on teacher trainees‟
performance in basic music skills, to analyse the impact of the use of Dalcroze
pedagogical approach (DPA) on teacher trainees‟ performance in basic music skills and
to propose a model for an impact-directed music-based pedagogical approach. The study
was guided by Music Learning Theory by Gordon and complemented by the theory of
Multiple Intelligences by Gardner. The study adopted mixed methods quasi-experimental
research design. Selected experimental group was exposed to the music-based
pedagogical approaches while control group continued with the traditional teaching
approaches used by music tutors. The target population was 344 comprising of 341
teacher trainees in second-year and 3 college music tutors. Purposive sampling was used
to draw participating tutors teaching music while census sampling was used to select
teacher trainees studying music in second-year. A sample of 3 tutors teaching music and
170 teacher trainees studying music in second-year participated in the study.
Questionnaires, an interview schedule, pre-test and post-test evaluation were used in
collection of data for the study. A pilot study was conducted to determine the reliability
of the research instruments. Cronbach‟s alpha was used to estimate the reliability of the
instruments. A correlation co-efficient value of 0.748 was achieved. The research
instruments were validated by the help of the supervisors and experts from the School of
Education and School of Music and Media. Frequencies, percentages and means were
used to summarize and describe data whereas Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and T-test
were used to establish the impact. All hypotheses were tested at α = 0.05 level of
significance. The study revealed that there was statistically significant difference in the
use of KPA on teacher trainees‟ performance in basic music skills. The study also
revealed that sequential instruction has great potential for improvement of music basic
skills (rhythm, melody, intervals, triads, transposition, and translation) at PTE music
examination. Further, the study has proposed a model for an impact-directed music based pedagogical approach, which it is hoped when adapted will improve the overall
performance of PTE music curriculum in Kenya, particularly equipping the teacher
trainees with musicianship skills while also helping the music tutors develop content
knowledge, practical experiences and effective pedagogical approaches. To this end, the
study recommends that Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) should
consider inclusion of the principles of all music-based pedagogical approaches in the
current curriculum refor
An Evaluation of the Coping Strategies of Medical Residents in Kenya
Full text linkCoping has been demonstrated as the key determinant of mental health among medical residents.
No study has quantitatively evaluated the coping strategies of medical residents in Kenya. This
study therefore sought to evaluate the coping strategies of medical residents in Kenya. The BRIEF
Cope was used. The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional online survey among medical
residents in Kenya. The validated study tool consisted of the Brief-COPE. Stratified sampling
technique was used with a sample size of 283 calculated. Descriptive statistics were analyzed into
proportions. Adaptive coping strategies were more utilized. The most commonly used adaptive
coping strategies were acceptance (mean 69.96, SD 22.41), planning (mean 69.15, SD 22.84),
positive reframing (mean 67.81, SD 22.42) and religion (mean 62.40, SD 26.96). The most
commonly used maladaptive coping strategies were self-distraction (mean 61.33, SD 21.38),
venting (mean 55.04, SD 19.25) and self-blame (mean 52.52, SD 21.82). Adaptive coping
strategies were used more than maladaptive. The most commonly used adaptive and maladaptive
coping strategies were acceptance and self-distraction respectively. Policy formulation to promote
utilization of adaptive coping strategies among medical residents in Keny
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SELECTED SAFETY STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, AND STUDENT SAFETY IN PUBLIC MIXED BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
Full text linkGlobally, researchers have demonstrated the fact that heads of schools have a duty to
provide children with a safe, secure, and peaceful environment in which learning can
occur (Ministry of Education, Guyana, 2017). However, it is unfortunate that there have
been occurrences of various incidences that seem to affect student safety in institutions
of learning, as indicated by the inspection reports (Nakuru County Education Office,
2020). The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between the
implementation of selected Safety Standards and Guidelines and student safety in Public
Mixed Boarding Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The objectives of the
study were to: find out the relationship between the implementation of Safety Standards
and Guidelines for Physical Infrastructure; School Grounds; Drug and Substance Abuse,
and Food Safety and student safety in public mixed boarding secondary schools in
Nakuru County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Krejcie and Morgan
(1970) sample determination table was used to determine the sample size for students
and comprised 327 form 4 students. Out of the 16 schools, 2 had 2 deputy principals
each, thus bringing the number to 18. A census approach was used whereby all 16
principals and 18 deputy principals were used for the study. The study population was
clustered into 9 sub-counties. A stratified sampling technique was used to categorise the
population into three strata, namely, principals, deputy principals, and form 4 students.
Principals and deputy principals were selected using a purposive sampling technique,
while the students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data from
students was collected by the use of questionnaires, while that from principals and
deputy principals was collected using interviews. In addition, an observation checklist
was used to determine the level of implementation of the selected Safety Standards
Guidelines in the schools. Prior to use, the instruments were subjected to validity checks
with the help of university supervisors and reliability tests guided by the 0.7 Cronbach‟s
Alpha Reliability Coefficient level. SPSS version 22 was utilised for data analysis. The
analysis involved the computation of descriptive statistics: frequencies, percentages, and
inferential statistics. The data was then presented in tables and textually. The study found
that the implementation of Safety Standards and Guidelines for School Grounds and
Food Safety have a statistically significant relationship on student safety. The study
established that implementation of Safety Standards and Guidelines for Physical
Infrastructure and Drug and Substance Abuse do not have a statistically significant
relationship on student safety. The school management should consider mobilising
resources for enhancing the safety of school infrastructure, school grounds and food in
compliance with the safety standards and guidelines. This study is significant because it
brings to light that the implementation of selected Safety Standards and Guidelines has a
statistically significant relationship with student safety in public mixed-boarding
secondary schools in Nakuru County, Kenya. The researcher adhered to all ethical
considerations of research
NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE, DIETARY PRACTICES AND NUTRITION STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND ATTENDING DIABETIC CLINIC AT NAKURU LEVEL 6 HOSPITAL, KENYA
Full text linkThe prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is on a rising trend. This is worrying because
the complications are severe. Billions of dollars are also spent in the management of
DM. Cost-effective interventions are available and include dietary management.
Dietary intervention is effective though still a major challenge. Against this backdrop,
this study therefore set out to determine the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients’
nutrition knowledge, dietary practices and nutrition status in order to develop an
effective intervention strategy. Descriptive cross-sectional design was used among 262
T2DM patients at Nakuru level 6 Hospital. Fisher’s 1998 formula, was used to
determine the sample size. Study participants were chosen using simple random
sampling, whereas the hospital and clinic were chosen purposively. A Pretest was done
at Naivasha Hospital among 10% of respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was
used, and the collected Data was analyzed using SPSS and Nutri-survey. All research
and ethical approvals as well as permits were obtained from KUREC, NACOSTI, and
Nakuru Level 6 Hospital. Most respondents had a normal BMI; in kg/m2
103(39.3%),
low DDS 162(61.8%), and high nutrition knowledge 230(87.8%). Respondents' income
(P≤0.01), and level of education (P≤0.007) had a significant association with nutrition
knowledge. Household income (P≤0.018) and BMI; in kg/m2
(P≤0.022) had a
significant association with DDS. Participant’s random blood sugar levels had a
significant association with the participant’s carbohydrate (P≤0.034) and fiber
consumption (P≤0.016). Participants BMI; in kg/m2
also had a significant association
with DDS (P≤0.001) and energy consumption (P≤0.006). Participants with no formal
education were more likely to have good nutrition knowledge (AOR: 3.921). Similarly,
those who earn an income of ≥20000 were more likely to have good nutrition
knowledge (AOR: 1.274). Finally, participants who were younger <45 years were more
likely to have a good glycemic control (AOR: 1.319).The patients’ level of education
and income affects their nutrition knowledge, in that participants with higher level of
education and those with more income had a higher level of nutrition knowledge.
Household income and BMI; in kg/m2
affected T2DM patients’ dietary diversity in that
having a high dietary diversity leads to good nutrition status. Emphasis therefore needs
to be placed on proper dietary practices. Further research should be considered on
determining the effect of income, education and BMI; in kg/m2
on both nutrition
knowledge and dietary diversity on the predictors of T2DM such as gender, age and
incom