KABU Repository (Kabarak University)
Not a member yet
1292 research outputs found
Sort by
A FRAMEWORK FOR IMPROVING SECURITY IN CLOUD COMPUTING FOR SMES (FISCCS) USING SECURITY INDEX
Get PDFCloud computing plays a very important role in the development of business and competitive edge for many organizations 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 is cloud security which is one among other specific challenges hindering adoption of the cloud technologies. The absence of appropriate, standardized and self-assessing security frameworks of the cloud world 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 paper presents a security framework for assessing security in the cloud environment based on the Goal Question Metrics methodology. The framework named as Framework for Improving Security in Cloud Computing for SMEs (FISCCS) produces a security index that describes the security level accomplished by an evaluated cloud computing environment thereby providing the first line of defense
EFFECT OF MANAGERS’ EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MICRO - ENTERPRISES IN NAKURU EAST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTSmall and micro enterprises (SMEs) have strong influence on the economies of many countries. In Kenya, SMEs play a key role in economic development including job creation. In 2014, eighty percent (80%) of jobs created were dominated by these enterprises. SMEs are the core business units in Kenya, however many of them do not progress to maturity implying poor performance. Performance of any organization is dependent on the competence of its leaders or managers. Studies that have sought to investigate the link between managerial capacities and performance have largely focused on their knowledge and technical skills and the impact of emotional intelligence on the performance of managers with regard to SME‘s in Kenya has remained unknown. This study thus sought to investigate effects of emotional intelligence of managers on performance of SMEs in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya. This study was anchored on the Mixed Model Approach of Emotional Intelligence which is pegged on five dimensions: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Self-Motivation, Social Awareness and Social Skills. The researcher used descriptive design to carry out the study. This study targeted SME‘s conducting their businesses in Nakuru, East Sub-County, Kenya. The target population was 800 small and micro-sized enterprises‘ in Nakuru East SubCounty. Systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain a representative sample of 131 managers of SME‘s. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data from the respondents. A pilot study of twelve SMEs in Free Area, in Nakuru East Sub-County, was carried out to determine reliability of the instrument and Cronbach Alpha was computed. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to aid in the data analysis process. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe characteristics of the sample while the chi-square test of association and goodness of fit were used to establish associations and differences respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis between the five dimensions of entrepreneurs‘ emotional intelligence and SME performance was carried out. The computed Cronbach‘s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.799 for self-awareness, 0.776 for self-regulation, 0.813 for self-motivation, 0.756 for social awareness, 0.844 for social skills, 0.787 for SMEs performance and 0.814 for the overall questionnaire. The results show that managers of SMEs have high levels of emotional intelligence and that emotional intelligence has a significant impact on SME performance. The findings of the study revealed that 15.8% of variation in SMEs performance was explained by Self-Awareness score showing that there is a significant effect of self-awareness on SMEs performance. The study also found that 17.5% of variation in SMEs performance was explained by Self-Regulation score and thus there is a significant effect of Self-Regulation on SMEs performance. About 11.9% of variation in SMEs performance was explained by Self-Motivation score suggesting that there is a significant effect of Self-Motivation on SMEs performance. Further, 12.8% of the variation in SMEs performance was explained by Social Awareness and thus there is a significant effect of Social Awareness on SMEs performance. Finally, the study found that 20% variation in SMEs performance was explained by Social Skills score. Thus there is significant effect of Social Skills on SMEs performance. The main conclusions of the study are that self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, social awareness and social skills have a significant impact on the performance of SME. The study recommends that efforts be made to increase managers‘ levels of emotional intelligence, in particular with a focus on social skills. This can be through sensitization campaigns and encouragement to join groups/association
ab Initio Study of Electronic Structure Properties of Lead Halide Perovskites for Optical Performance of Solar Cell
No full textFull textThe ever increasing demand of energy has necessitated the need of coming up with measures of
seeking alternative energy sources. Solar energy is one
of energy. However,the use of the first and second generations solar cells made of silicon in
making solar panels has notable shortcomings such as unaffordability and lack of longevity of
the electric power generated. In this regard, therefore, We report the initial electronic structure
results of lead halide perovskite (APbX3) where (X
for application in solar cells. Calculations were done using density functional theory withi
generalized gradient (GGA) approximations, Projector augmented wave (PAW) pseudopotentials
of the functional type Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE).The calculated lattice parameter for CH3NH3PbI3 is foundto be 6.27A which compares relatively well with experimental value. Our band gap is 1.74 eV and is underestimated as expected. Understanding these electronic structure
properties are critical in application of this material in optoelectronics
INVESTIGATING EFFECTS AND MANAGEMENT OF FLASH FLOODS IN MARIGAT SUB-COUNTY, BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTFlash flood is a natural disaster that occurs due to the sudden onset of rainfall that causes runoff waters from high altitude areas to low altitude area. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects and management of flash floods in Marigat Sub-County. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population of the study area was 24,893 households. Purposive sampling and stratified random sampling methods were used to select three locations affected by flash floods. These were Ilng‘arua, Ng‘ambo and Salabani. The locations had a population of 3168 households, from which a sample size of 355 was obtained. The study relied on both primary and secondary data. The questionnaires, key informants interview and observations were used to collect data. SPSS version 23 was used in the analysis of the data. This study adopted percolation theory in determining the effects and management of flash floods. The reliability of the instruments was through subjecting piloted data to Cronbach‘s analysis and the causes of flash floods was 0.70 alpha level, effects of flash floods was 0.73 alpha level and mitigations measures of flash floods was 0.71 alpha level proving a good instrument because any value less than 0.7 is not acceptable. The study found that; causes of flash floods were, Clearing of vegetation, climate change, topography, unsustainable farming practices, overstocking and siltation. 53% of the respondents inferred that, clearing vegetation is the main cause of flash floods. Further more, the study found that flash floods resulted in soil erosion. The recommended mitigation measures of flash floods in Marigat Sub-County were; cash transfers, humanitarian aids, building of bridges, and traditional early warning. The conclusions of the study was the local community were knowledgeable of the causes of flash floods but do not have resilience skills to predict and prevent flash floods. Additionally, the study held that flash floods have contributed to the increased poverty level in the study area. Lastly, the mitigation measures are limited, leading to frequent flash floods occurance with adverse effects. Recommendations are policy review and their implementations. The findings and recommedations of the study are beneficial to Baringo County and the national Kenyan government for management of flash floods and the achievement of sustainable development goals which directly benefits the residents of Marigat sub-county
Management of Flash Floods in Marigat Sub County, Baringo County, Kenya
No full textFULL TEXTFlash flood is a natural disaster that occurs due to the sudden onset of rainfall that causes runoff
waters from high altitude areas to low altitude area. This runoff waters leads to loss of lives,
destruction of property, and environment; a problem experienced by residents of Marigat Sub-
County. The purpose of the study was to investigate the management strategies of flash floods in
Marigat Sub-County. The study used descriptive research management practices of flash floods
on qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population of the study area was 120,263
people with 24,893 households. Purposive sampling method for three locations which
wereIlng’arua, Ng’ambo and Salabaniexperiencing flash floods with a population of 13,885
translating to 3168 households, from which a sample size of 355 respondents was obtained.
Stratified proportionate random sampling method was used to select household heads for the
survey. Purposive sampling method was used to identify key informants from the selected
locations and one disaster management officer. Primary and secondary data were used. The
questionnaire, key informants interview schedules, and observations were used to collect data.
The validity of the study was achieved through the construction of relevant instruments to the
objectives of the study. To ensure reliability, piloting of the questionnaire was done and results
obtained were 0.76 Cronbach's alpha level. Collected data were coded and analyzed using the
SPSS software, where descriptive and inferential statistics were generated to test the study
hypothesis. The findings of this study will be beneficial to Baringo County and the Kenyan
government in the management of flash floods and the achievement of sustainable development
goals in which the residents of Marigat sub-county are direct beneficiaries.1. National Research Fund
2. Sentimental Energy Lt
INFLUENCE OF COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES ON FIRM PERFORMANCE IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY: A CASE STUDY OF TELKOM KENYA IN NAKURU EAST SUB COUNTY
No full textFULL TEXTThe telecommunication sector plays a critical role in communication, contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creation of economic opportunities through mobile money agents, facilitating economic activities, facilitating the provision of mobile money and internet services. The firm performance of the telecommunication companies are thus important in Kenya's context. However, comparing the firm performance of Telkom Kenya Limited with other mobile phone service providers, Telkom Kenya Limited has performed relatively low compared to its peers as evidenced by data from communication authority of Kenya. Competitive strategies have been noted as key drivers of firm performance around the world. This study sought to examine the role of competitive strategies on the firm performance of Telkom Kenya. In particular, the study examined the influence of differentiation strategy, cost strategy, and focus strategy on firm performance of Telkom in Nakuru. The study was guided by three theories; Bowman's Strategy Clock Theory, Institutional Theory, and Michael Porter Theory. This study utilized a correlational research design. The target population of this study is 56 Telkom Kenya staff involved in marketing, finance and operations aspects of the Telkom offices at Nakuru East Sub County. The study used the census method in selecting sample members. The sample size of the study is therefore 56 Telkom Kenya staff based in Nakuru East Sub County offices. The study used structured questionnaires for the purposes of the data collection process. A pilot study was undertaken in Naivasha offices of Telkom Kenya. The validity of the instrument in this study was examined using the content validity of the instrument. Reliability of the research instrument in this study was examined using the Cronbach alpha coefficient. Data was coded into the SPSS software in preparation for data analysis. The data from the questionnaire was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The statistics to be undertaken include frequencies, chi-square, and linear regression analysis. The competitive strategies were found to have positive correlations amongst themselves. The study achieved a correlation coefficient R of 0.945 indicates that there is a strong and positive correlation between the independent variables (competitive strategies) cumulatively and the dependent variable (firm performance). The results of this study indicate that the achieved coefficient of determination stood at 0.894 indicating that the competitive strategies influenced 89.4% of the change in the firm performance. In respect to the influence of the differentiation on the firm performance, the results indicated the achieved results of Beta (β1) = 0.304, t = 5.886, and Sig= 0.000 indicating a positive statistical significance between the differentiation and firm performance. In respect to the influence of the cost strategy on the firm performance, the results indicated that the achieved results of Beta (β2) = .449, t = 9.427, and Sig= 0.000 indicated that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between cost strategy and firm performance. In respect to the influence of the focus strategy on the firm performance, the achieved results of Beta (β3) = .302, t = 6.516, and Sig= 0.000 indicated the presence of statistically and positive relationship between focus strategy and firm performance. These results indicated that cost strategy had the most significant influence on the firm performance at Telkom Kenya followed by focus strategy, and differentiation strategy respectively. The study recommended that the competitive strategies such as focus strategy, differentiation strategy and cost strategy should be implemented continuously by the organization. The study further recommends that Telkom Kenya as a firm should place its emphasis on cost strategy as it had the most influence on the firm performance at the organization followed by focus strategy, and differentiation strategy respectively
Effect Of Customer Focus On Success Of Marketing Strategies Of Microfinance Institutions In Kenya
No full textFull textCustomer focus is one of components of marketing orientation. Its philosophy is based on the
supremacy of the customer thus the need to focus on the determination of customer needs and
wants. Organizations which endeavor to focus their energies on determining customer needs and
wants and seek to satisfy them through designing products sought by customers will certainly
record better performance than Competitors. Success will also come to those organizations
which adopt customer focused communication and delivery strategies. This paper therefore seeks
to establish the effect of customer orientation on the success of marketing strategies of
microfinance institutions in Kenya. The paper is based on the following specific objectives: To
assess the extent to which identification of customer needs affects the success of marketing
strategies of MFIs in Kenya, to evaluate the extent to which provision of services that meet
customer needs affects the success of marketing strategies of MFIs in Kenya, to assess the extent
to which efficiency in delivery of services to customers affects the success of marketing
strategies of MFIs in Kenya and to evaluate the extent to which appreciation of customers
affects the success of marketing strategies of MFIs in Kenya. A Census approach was used
N=67 for MFIs who constituted membership of AMFI in 2016. The CEOs of the MFIs and the
marketing managers provided the information to a questionnaire data collection instrument. Data
were analyzed using inferential statistics and multiple linear regression was used to examine how
independent variables under study contributed to the dependent variable.The main findings were
that the effect of customer orientation on success of marketing strategies of MFIs in Kenya was
significant (p=0.01). The findings of this study have been used to provide recommendations to
MFIs; Academia and policy makers on how to enhance the marketing of MFIs services
Computer Clubs and the Competency Based Curriculum: An Examination of the Current State of Computer Clubs in Kenyan High Schools
No full textFULL TEXTComputer clubs are extracurricular activities established in some Kenyan High Schools
with varying objectives but primarily meant to generate interest in Information and
Communication Technologies through activities and lessons outside of regular class hours.
This work focused on establishing the current state of computer clubs in some selected high
schools in Kenya with respect to their value in the schools as well as for the purposes of
performance of students in the computer studies subject. The issues examined were the
existence of the clubs, existing guidelines and support structures for these clubs, their
perceived impact on the delivery of the curriculum, student interest and participation, as
well as the challenges they face and how they can be resolved. The study was undertaken
by means of a brief survey and a focus group discussion with computer studies teachers in
selected schools in Nakuru County. It was established that not all schools that offer
computer studies as an examinable subject have these clubs and vice versa, that these clubs
are generally appreciated and valued but not primarily as a means to better performance in
the computer studies subject, and that they do not have consistent support from key
stakeholders such as the school administration and the Ministry of Education. The study
recommends the development of a framework to guide the activities of these clubs in order
to ensure that they meet their objectives of creating interest and competencies in
Information and Communication Technology as is envisaged in the Competency Based
Curriculum.1. National Research Fund
2. Sentimental Energy Lt
Factors That Contribute To Stunting Of Children Less Than Two Years In Food Secure Regions: A Comparative Study Of Urban And Rural Uasin Gishu
No full textFULL TEXTStunting is low height for age with poor brain and physical development. It affects about
one fifth of children less than five years globally with Africa having 39% in 2017. Stunting
develops during pregnancy and in children 0-23 months due to inadequate nutrition. It
results to increased morbidity, mortality, reduced individual output, and predisposes
children to chronic illnesses. Some surveys have shown stunted children are found in food
secure areas. However, there seems to be a major research gap on factors contributing to
stunting in such areas more so in Uasin Gishu County. The purpose of this study was to
determine the contributors to high prevalence of stunting in children less than two years in
Uasin Gishu County. A comparative cross-sectional survey design was used for this study.
A sample size of 331 stunted children aged 0-23 months were recruited using multistage,
systematic random sampling. The results show more stunted females than males at χ2
(P=0.001) with most of the children cared for by their biological mothers 92% (305/331).
More urban children who were less than six months were exclusively breastfed compared to
rural children, χ2 (P=0.001). More rural than urban children 6-23 months were still
breastfeeding at χ2 (P=0.001). Children who lived in the rural area had a higher dietary
diversity score ≥4 compared to urban children. Eggs were least fed food for both urban and
rural children respectively (13/269:11/88). Rural children had a higher intake of vitamin A
rich foods compared to urban children. Sub optimal feeding for the urban children six to
twenty three months and rural children less than six months may be a contributing factor for
stunting in children who are less than two years of age.1. National Research Fund
2. Sentimental Energy Lt
FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COBALT PIGMENTED ANODIZED ZINC FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC APPLICATION
No full textFULL TEXTPopulation growth and urbanization have led to water scarcity and pollution which is a health hazard not only to human but also the ecosystem in general. This has necessitated coming up with ways of treating water before consumption. Photocatalysis has proved to be one of the most promising cheap techniques, which involve chemical utilization of solar energy. TiO2 widely used in photocatalysis absorbs a narrow range of the solar spectrum compared to ZnO. In this regard, this study aimed at preparing and optimizing Cobalt pigmented ZnO which is applicable in photocatalytic water treatment. The objectives in this study were to fabricate zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films by anodization, pigment the fabricated films with varying Cobalt concentrations, characterize the fabricated films optically and to investigate the Cobalt pigmented ZnO performance in the methylene blue degradation under UV light irradiation. Mirror polished Zinc plates were sonicated in ethanol and rinsed. Anodization was done at room temperature in 0.5M oxalic acid at a constant voltage of 10V for 60 minutes and Cobalt electrodeposited in the films. Post deposition treatment was done at 2500C. Optical properties of the films were studied using a UV-VIS- NIR spectrophotometer in the solar range of 300nm-2500nm. The photocatalytic activity of the fabricated films was studied in Methylene Blue solution degradation in the presence of UV light irradiation for 5 hours. Cobalt pigmenting was observed to reduce reflectance and optical band gap from 3.34eV to 3.10eV indicating good photocatalytic properties. In this study, ZnO film pigmented with Cobalt for 20s was found to be the most photocatalytic with a rate constant of 0.0317hr-1 hence had the optimum Cobalt concentration for photocatalytic water treatment. This can be applied in small scale water purification