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INFLUENCE OF JOB DESIGN ON JOB SATISFACTION OF SECURITY PERSONNEL IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA
Get PDFPREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION FOR UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING THE OUTPATIENT CLINICS IN THARAKA-NITHI COUNTY
Get PDFUpper respiratory tracts (URTI) are acute, self-limiting infection. In 80% of cases, the cause is viral. Consequently, routine antibiotics prescribing to treat URTIs is not justified as they have no clinical benefit and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, clinicians are frequently prescribing antibioticswith no indication. AMR is one of the principal threats to public health throughout the world. This sequential explanatory study aimed to examine the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions among under-fives with URTI and to determine the factors influencing prescriptions in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The first phase was a retrospective chart review withthe calculation of prevalence and Odds ratio. The researcher did asystematic sampling of charts of under-fives treated from December 2018 to November 2019 in outpatient for URTI. Children with a clinically suspected bacterial infection were excluded. This study found that antibiotic prescribing was 70.4%, and it was significantly associatedwith having tonsillitis, the level of education of the prescriber and living close to the hospital. In the second phase, medical officers and clinical officers working in the pediatric outpatient wereinterviewed. A thematic analysisrevealed the following influencing factors: easy access to antibiotics, lack of clinical confidence, limited clinical knowledge and communication skills, tonsillitis and reported fever,the workload in the outpatient clinic,parent's pressure. The recommendations include the reinforcement of regulations of antibiotic use inand out of hospitals with effective stewardship programs; focus on training clinicians regarding the indications of antibiotics,and training of clinicians to communicate effectively with patients. Hospitals should consider to reduce the workload of clinicians and to avail diagnostic testin
RISK MANAGEMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ENTREPRENEURIAL INVESTMENTS IN KENYA
Get PDFThis study was set to investigate risk management and its effect on the performance of
commercial real estate entrepreneurial investments in Kenya. Objectives of the study
include determination of how technical risk management, financial/economic risk
management, market risk management, environmental risk management, political risk
management and operational risk management affect the performance of commercial real
estate entrepreneurial investments in Kenya. The study also sought to find the moderating
effect of the adoption of risk management procedure on the performance of commercial
real estate entrepreneurial investments. The research was based on and guided by four
theories of entrepreneurship and risk management, namely; Strategic Planning Theory,
Risk and Uncertainty-Bearing Theory, Enterprise Risk Management Theory and
Contingency Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design having a quantitative
approach. The target population for this study was 9,320 real estate entrepreneurs
comprised of 884, 95, 320 and 8,021 sourced from SoftKenya directory, Kenya
Developers Association, Estate Agent Registration Board and National Construction
Authority respectively having their registered offices in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and
Eldoret. A sample size of 384 participants was selected and using a stratified random
sampling procedure, participants that participated in the study were identified and later
served with online questionnaires using their emails. The collected data was analysed
descriptively and inferentially using frequency distribution – mean and standard
deviation, Chi-square, Pearson’s Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis with
the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. The
significance of each risk factor within the categories was examined using Risk Significant
Index method. Out of 26 risk factors, inadequate site investigation, delayed payments to
construction teams, improper market feasibility study, corruption and bribery,
incomplete environmental analysis and extended voids/low uptake after completion were
found to be the most critical risk factors in each risk category. The study established that
technical risk management, financial/economic risk management, environmental risk
management and operational risk management significantly affected performance while
adoption of risk management procedure by the real estate entrepreneurs was found to
have a significant moderating effect on the performance of commercial real estate
entrepreneurial investments. Market risk management and political/legal risk
management were found not to significantly affect the performance. A small percentage
of the respondents use systematic risk management procedure while most of the
entrepreneurs depend on judgment, intuition and general experience obtained in the real
estate industry in managing their risks. This is attributed to lack of information on the
type of risks and their criticality on one side and lack of adequate knowledge on risk
management among the entrepreneurs. The study recommends concern authorities to
ensure that real estate entrepreneurs undertake adequate site investigation, adhere to
environmental requirements, and establish a one-stop-shop for document approvals in
each County to minimise bureaucracy and corruption. The government should enhance
policy issues that will help in increased adoption of risk management procedure and
increase knowledge on real estate entrepreneurial investments risks and management
amongst real estate entrepreneurs. The policy framework should include as a prerequisite
submission of a risk management plan and staff training in risk management in any
commercial real estate entrepreneurial investment approval.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, risk management, risk factors, performance, commercial
real estate entrepreneurial investments
Relationship between Socio-Cultural Factors and Gender Disparity in Enrolment of Students in Public Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Kericho County, Kenya.
Get PDFThis study attempted to establish the relationship between socio-cultural factors and gender disparity in
enrolment of students in mixed public day secondary schools in Kericho County, Kenya. The study was guided
by Social Demand Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 124
mixed day secondary schools. The target population consisted of 124 principals and 9,418 students. Sampling
techniques applied included purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. A sample size of the
principals was determined using Kerlinger’s 30 per cent rule, whereas for the students Cochran formula was
used. The sample size consisted of 38 principals and 384 students. Data for the study was collected by the use
of questionnaires. There exists a statistically significant relationship between Socio-Cultural factors and Gender
Disparity (r=0.536; p<0.05). The study found out that, early pregnancies among girls had the highest mean score
of 3.28, and this was followed by students' negative attitude towards education with a mean of 3.02. This was
followed by peer influence with a mean of 2.98. Parent's preference to educate a boy at the expense of a girl
with a mean of 2.92. The study recommended that stakeholders and especially the county education ministry
should develop and fund peer education programs through which they can outreach students from all over the
county and encourage them to complete their secondary education cycle. Education providers and stakeholders
should address early marriages, early pregnancies and domestic chores among girls to address gender disparity
in enrolment
The relationship between commodity risk, its management and financial performance of manufacturing companies in Kenya
Get PDFCommodity risk exposure and its management is critical for any business entity as the risk management tactics used impact on the financial performance of an entity. This study adopts a pragmatic approach as it sought to establish the relationship between revenue volatility and financial performance and equally the relationship between commodity risk management tactics such as pricing tactics, inventory management tactics and corporate diversification tactics as used by manufacturing entities in Kenya and the financial performance of these entities focusing on the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) and return on assets (ROA). The objectives of this study focused on the relationship of the above revenue volatility, inventory management, commodities pricing and corporate diversification tactics and the financial performance of manufacturing entities in Kenya. The study has made contributions towards evaluating the current trends in risk management and make critical input towards policy formulation. The theories upon which the research has been grounded include prospect theory, theory of storage, theory of price determination and the modern portfolio theory. The researcher conducted a thorough literature review focusing on the key variables of the study. The literature reviewed provides different perspectives and aspects of commodity risk management tactics, impact on enterprise value and ultimately its effect on financial performance. From the literature reviewed, the researcher established a gap exists as no research has been done in Kenya specifically focusing on commodity risk management tactics and their impact on the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Kenya thereby justifying the importance of the study. The study adopted an analytical research design in order to get a better understanding of the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The target population consisted of five hundred and two manufacturing companies in Kenya from which a representative sample of two hundred and eighteen companies was selected through stratified and random sampling from the key sectors as classified by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). The study used ten-year panel data given that this period was adequate for an objective analysis. Data was collected from archival financial statements to compute the key measures under the independent and dependent variables. Data analysis was done through a general linear model for panel data analysis and the results presented in a concise manner. From the descriptive statistics, the data is normally distributed across all variables of the study and thus it can be construed the results obtained from the data are accurate. There was significant correlation between the independent and dependent variables but no multicollinearity was observed. From the findings, the first three null hypotheses of the study were rejected implying that revenue volatility, inventory management, and commodity pricing variables have significant relationship with the financial performance of manufacturing entities in Kenya. For corporate diversification, the null hypothesis was not rejected implying that corporate diversification does not have a significant relationship with the financial performance of manufacturing companies. The researcher recommends that manufacturing entities should pay special attention to revenue volatility, inventory management and commodity pricing in order to enhance their financial performance
A CLOUD COMPUTING SECURITY ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA
Get PDFCloud computing plays a very important role in the development of business and competitive edge for many organisations including SMEs. Cloud computing is considered to be a very capable and able internet-based computing platform which offers numerous benefits like mobility, flexibility, reliability and cost effectiveness. Every cloud user continues to expect maximum service, and a critical aspect to this is cloud security which is one among other specific challenges hindering adoption of the cloud technologies. The absence of appropriate, standardised and self-assessing security frameworks of the cloud world for SMEs becomes an endless problem in developing countries and can expose the cloud computing model to major security risks which threaten its potential success within the country. It is further noted that security issues arise from either human error (people), lack of implementing appropriate technology or external factors like cloud providers or legislation. Security metrics can be seen as tools for providing information about the security status of a certain environment. With that in mind, this research presents a security framework for assessing security in the cloud environment based on the Goal Question Metrics methodology. The developed framework produces a security index that describes the security level accomplished by an evaluated cloud computing environment thereby providing the first line of defence. The framework was developed by first investigating the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya who use cloud computing and also by determining backend challenges in a practical manner using OwnCloud. The data was collected from the top 100 SMEs using questionnaires and further, SPSS was used to interpret the data. The data collected from the questionnaires and the experimental study were analysed through Goal Question Metrics simulation method that was used in formulating a framework on how SaaS Cloud Computing can be securely used for assessment in a SME infrastructure. This study has concluded with an eight-step framework that could be employed by SMEs to assess improved information security in the cloud. The most important feature of the developed Security framework is to devise a mechanism through which SMEs can have a path of improvement along with understanding of the current security level and defining desired state in terms of security metric value
Influence of Self-efficacy on Risky Sexual Behaviors among Undergraduate Students:A Case of Egerton and Kabarak Main Campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya
Get PDFThis study’s purpose was to determine the influence of self-efficacy on risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate students of
main campuses in Nakuru County. Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura and Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers
guided the study. The study was carried out among 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year undergraduate students from main campuses in
Nakuru County. The study adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 18570 undergraduate students.
The accessible population was 8456 3rd , 4th , 5th and 6th year undergraduate students whose sample was 367. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The study included a sample of 10 peer counselors and 2 student counselors from the Egerton University and Kabarak University main campuses who were selected through purposive sampling.
Data were obtained using questionnaire for undergraduate students, focus group discussions guide for peer counselors and
interview schedule for student counselors. Validation of research instruments was done through peer and expert review and also
through pilot testing which was done in Mount Kenya University (MKU) - Nakuru Campus. Both descriptive and inferential
statistics were used to analyze quantitative data using SPSS Version 25 whereas the qualitative data was analyzed thematically.
The analyzed data was presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The researcher considered ethics of confidentiality and
informed consent. The findings indicated that majority of the respondents were of the view that self-efficacy influence risky sexual
behaviors among undergraduate student
Screening Strategies to Detect Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in AIC Kijabe Hospital, Kenya
Get PDFFULL TEXTGestational DM has been associated with increased risk of perinatal mortality
and morbidity however, screening recommendations are not clearly described in
Kenyan guidelines. Kenyan studies have shown wide-ranging prevalence rates for
GDM between 1.1% - 16.7% which reflects inconsistences in GDM screening
strategies. The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of the selective and
universal screening strategies in detecting GDM in AIC Kijabe Hospital. Methods
This was a cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study. Study participants
between 24- and 32-weeks’ gestation had a risk factor screening questionnaire
administered, followed by a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if appropriate.
Results A total of 343 were selectively screened for GDM from the retrospective data,
while 38 women were universally screened for GDM in the prospective arm of the
study. The detection of GDM was 13.2% and 2.6% in the universal and selective
screening strategies, respectively (p=0.016). Forty-three percent (42.9%) of GDM
cases were diagnosed in the absence of risk factors for GDM. Conclusion Universal
screening detects a significantly higher rate of GDM than the selective screening
strategy. Recommendations The Ministry of Health in Kenya should consider
adopting the universal screening strategy for GDM, for early diagnosis and prevention
of maternal and neonatal complications amongst pregnant women in Kenya. The true
prevalence of GDM in Kenya will be clearly defined once universal screening is
widely adopted.AISE
Effect of Environmental and Political/Legal Risk Management on Performance of Commercial Real Estate Entrepreneurial Investments in Kenya
Get PDFThe study adopted a descriptive survey design having a quantitative approach. The target population
for this study was 9,320 real estate entrepreneurs comprised of 884, 95, 320 and 8,021 sourced from
Softkenya directory, Kenya Developers Association, Estate Agent Registration Board and National
Construction Authority respectively and having their registered offices in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu
and Eldoret. A sample size of 384 real estate entrepreneurs was selected and using a stratified
random sampling procedure, them that participated in the study were identified and later served
with online questionnaires using their emails. The primary data that was collected then analyzed
descriptively and inferentially. Environmental risk management was found to a have a statistically
significance effect on performance of commercial real estate entrepreneurial investments in Kenya.
It further reveals that incomplete environmental analysis and unpredictable weather patterns
were the two most frequent and severe sources of environmental risk. Political/legal risk
management was however found not to have a statistically significant effect on the performance
of the entrepreneurial investments. The study recommends the need by the concern authorities
to enforce full compliance of environmental requirements before any entrepreneurial
investment commences and throughout its life cycle and aided by real estate entrepreneurs and
other stakeholders should further scrutinise all approvals that an entrepreneur requires with a view
to determine the viability in the long run of the number of approvals as well as the number of institutions mandated to issue these approvals, ultimately aiming at establishing a one-stop shop in
every County where all needed approval could be obtained
INFLUENCE OF JOB CONTEXT FACTORS ON JOB SATISFACTION AMONG PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN NAKURU WEST SUB COUNTY, KENYA
Get PDFJob satisfaction is the perceptions of fulfillment derived from day-to-day work activities and is the ultimate reward to employees in an organization. Job satisfaction among public secondary school teachers plays a key role in how they perform their functions. However, in Kenya, despite significant redress of issues affecting teachers job satisfaction by multiple stakeholders, most teachers still remain unsettled in their work-stations while others are contemplating quitting the profession altogether for other promising careers. In Nakuru West Sub County, for example, a good number – a cumulative average of 16% between 2015 and 2018 - of teachers have been lost to other professions. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to establish the influence of job context factors on job satisfaction among public secondary school teachers in Nakuru West Sub County. Specifically, the study sought to determine the influence of work environment, workload, compensation practices and supervision practices on job satisfaction among public secondary school teachers. The study was guided by Herzberg‟s Two-Factor Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and carried out in Nakuru West Sub County, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study targeted 326 teachers drawn from 9 public secondary school teachers in Nakuru West Sub County. A sample size of 150 respondents obtained using stratified random sampling was used for the study. Data for the study collected using structured questionnaires. The validity and reliability of data collection instruments was ascertained through content validity and internal consistency respectively. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings revealed that work environment (β = 0.243, p = 0.014 < p ≤ 0.05), workload (β = 0.108, p = 0.025 < p ≤ 0.05) and Compensation practices (β = 0.313, p = 0.001 ≤ p = 0.05) significantly influenced satisfaction among public secondary school teachers in Nakuru West Sub County, Kenya in the joint regression model. The positive and moderate relationship observed between the two variables; work environment and compensation practices with job satisfaction together implied that emphasizing the variables in the schools would lead to improvements in teachers‟ job satisfaction. However, supervision practices (β = 0.125, p = 0.197 ˃ p = 0.05) was not found to significantly influence job satisfaction among public secondary school teachers in the area in the joint regression model. Therefore, the study recommends that the management of the schools in the area should invest in the school infrastructure and also in bonding activities to improve the levels of satisfaction among teachers with their jobs. The study also recommends that the schools management explore ways through which they can further reduce the teacher‟s workload and make them more happy and satisfied with their work. It is further recommended that the Compensation schemes should be done competitively so as to have considerable effect on the teachers job satisfaction levels. Finally, the study recommends that the management of the schools should pay more attention to their supervision practices and try to create a rapport with their teaching staff so as to enable them address issues regarding appraisals in their work