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PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO PRINCIPALS’ PERFORMANCE OF MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS IN TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTES IN MOUNT KENYA REGION IN KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTPerformance contracting is a freely negotiated agreement between a government, acting as the owner of a public agency, and the management of the agency and it is used in the Kenyan public institutions to enhance efficiency. Technical Training Institutes face pressure to improve efficiency in management practices. Before the study was conducted it was unclear whether the introduction of performance contracting had enhanced efficiency in management practices in Technical Training Institutes. The study, therefore, intended to determine relationship between performance contracting and Principals’ performance of management functions in Technical Training Institutes in Mount Kenya Region. For the purposes of conceptualization of the study: Douglas MacGregor Theory X and Theory Y; Goal Setting Theory; McClelland’s Needs Theory and a conceptual frame work showing the relationship between the variables were used. Using descriptive research design, data were collected from 6 Technical Training Institutes out of 7 in Mount Kenya Region. The respondents included 6 Principals, 31 Administrators (7 Deputy Principals, 6 Registrars, 6 Deans of Students, 6 Finance Officers and 6 Performance Contracting Coordinators), 66 Heads of Departments and 165 Classteachers. A census approach was used to include all the Principals and the Administrators in the study. The stratified random sampling technique and the simple random sampling technique were used to select the Heads of Departments and Class - teachers. A total of 268 respondents participated in this study. An interview schedule for Principals, Administrators’ questionnaire, and Heads of Departments and Class – teachers’ questionnaire were used to collect data from the respondents. A pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of data collection instruments using one Technical Training Institute which was not included in the main study. In this regard, test- retest method was applied to estimate the reliability of the instruments. All the reliability estimates were above 0.9 (90%). Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, percentages and inferential statistics such as Pearson’s Correlation Coefficients were generated and analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Science computer package. The results indicated that the extent of target’s achievement in Technical Training Institutes was high. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r = 0.166) generated indicated that there was a positive and significant relationship between performance contracting and Principals’ performance of management functions at 0.05 level of significance, p – value = 0.017. The results also indicated that performance contracting enhanced service delivery, academic performance and procurement procedures. It also reduced corruption cases. However, performance contracting in Technical training institutes is faced with constraints which included delay in disbursement of funds by the Government, lack of trained staff on performance contracting, targets being imposed by the Government, lack of reward and lack of sanctions. The study concluded, among others, that the greater the extents of targets’ achievement the higher the level at which the Principals performed the management functions
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ON SOLAR TUNNEL CROP DRYER FOR TWO AFRICAN INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES (AIVs).
No full textUtilizes solar energy to dry AIVs
Transparent material used to cover the AIVs being dried
Trapped and absorbed radiations used to raise temperature
Dried AIVs under protection from undesired elements
Leads to availability of the product in and out of seasons
Dried AIVs can be stored in sliced or powder form
Due to nutritional value of AIVs ,they have gained popularit
SELF-RELIANCE PROJECTS; THE FUTURE CORE DRIVER OF RURAL YOUTH LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES
Get PDFINFLUENCE OF SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSTEMS ON PERFORMANCE OF PARASTATALS IN KENYA; A CASE OF KPLC EASTERN KENYA REGION
Get PDF. A project is an interrelated set of activities that has a
definite starting point and a definite ending point, and
results in the accomplishment of a unique often major
outcome (Clements, 2007
EFFECT OF BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING AS A STRATEGIC TOOL ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED FIRMS IN NAKURU COUNTY
No full textFULL TEXTFirms have always sought ways to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors; one avenue that firms have pursued to improve their competitive position in this new business environment is to increase the role of outsourcing in their operations, which has been found to provide a competitive advantage and heightened performance to these firms. The study therefore sought to establish the relationship between BPO and financial performance. The study drew objectives to test the nature of the relationship between BPO and firm`s financial performance. The specific objectives were; to establish the effects of outsourcing of legal services on financial performance of selected firms, to find out the effect of outsourcing fumigation services on financial performance of selected firms, to assess the effect of outsourcing fire safety services on financial performance of selected firms and lastly to find out the effects of outsourcing security services on financial performance of selected firms. It was a survey focusing on 83 hotels and 14 manufacturing firms in Nakuru County that outsource the combination of services listed in the objectives of the study. The study had a response rate of 79.4%. Primary data obtained from the information in the questionnaires distributed to the hotels and manufacturing firms was used for analysis. Data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. The correlation analysis revealed that all variables had a positive correlation relationship on the dependent variable. Outsourcing legal services (β = 0.804; p = 0.000), outsourcing fumigation services (β = -0.686; p = 0.004), outsourcing fire safety services (β = 1.006; p= 0.000) proved significance, while outsourcing security services turned out insignificant (β = 0.215; p = 0.234). These variables combined in a linear multiple regression equation explained 65.2% of the changes in financial performance. Data was presented using tables and figures. This study is expected to form a useful guide to the government as it implements the vision 2030 and especially on policies governing BPO. Being one of the six key sectors of the economic pillar, the findings of this study will make a substantive contribution with regard to how the benefits of BPO can be maximized. For those institutions already involved in outsourcing, the findings of this study may form an important benchmarking tool. Having clearly demonstrating the crucial factors BPO has towards financial success, decision makers in both public and private bodies will be guided on the need to put in place adequately skilled and capable manpower as well as the need to re-evaluate their approaches to BPO to ensure they are strategic
INFLUENCE OF PRODUCT PACKAGING ATTRIBUTES ON CHOICE OF DETERGENTS PURCHASED BY CONSUMERS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTWith the growing liberization of trade and business in Kenya, many manufacturing firms are now able to produce and bring to the markets broad varieties of products. On the other hand consumers have become more knowledgeable and are seeking lot of information before purchase and consumption of products and services. In detergent market particularly, manufacturers are nowadays increased due to the level of increased demand for detergents induced by the improved lifestyles of the consumers, such that competition has become more stiff. For these reasons the firms are now putting more effort in mode of packaging of their products. Therefore, the study intended to empirically examine the influence of packaging attributes on detergent choice by the consumers in Nakuru. In achieving this general objective the study sought to examine the extent to which colour of the package, material of the package, size of the package and package label influences consumers‘ choice of the detergent. Structured questionnaire was be used to gather primary data from various consumers in Nakuru. Study sample size was 222 consumers, which was being selected using a multistage sampling which entailed stratified random and convenience sampling. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationship between variables under study whereas spearmans correlation was used to test research hypotheses at 0.05 significant levels. The study findings were presented using frequencies distribution tables and percentages. The finding of the study shown that Colour of the package had a significant influence consumer choice which had a p- value of (0.000) which is less than alpha 0.05.Packaging material had no significant influence on consumer choice(p=0.067) which is greater than alpha 0.05.Size of the packaging had no significant influence on detergent consumer choice(p=0.664) which is greater than (alpha 0.05).packaging label had significant influence on consumer choice (p=0.006) which is less than (alpha 0.05).The results are expected to give insight to detergent manufacturer and marketers in improving product presentation. Attributes of packaging contributes only 32% of the consumer choice of the detergent. There is need for further research to identify other variables that affect consumer choice that would contribute to the 68% not accounted for by this study. There is need for further research to identify other variables that affect consumer choice of the detergents that would contribute to the 68% not accounted for by this study. The study also contributed to the existing knowledge in aiding scholars understand the influence the packaging attributes has on consumer choice thus forming their basis for further research
THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL SERVICE ACCESSIBILITY AS A GROWTH STRATEGY IN COMMERCIAL BANKS: A CASE STUDY OF EQUITY BANK NAKURU TOWN
No full textFULL TEXTThe role of financial service accessibility as a growth strategy at equity bank has received considerable attention in the last twenty five years showing effective connection. The specific objective therefore was to assess and determine how financial institutional factors, financial structure, collateral requirements, and awareness of funding opportunities affect growth strategies in commercial banks.The Equity bank branch offices Nakuru town was the area where the general objective of the study was conducted of which has a workforce of 125 permanent employees as at January 2016. The study adapted a descriptive research design. Simple random sampling technique was employed. Sample size of 65 respondents was determined using Nassiuma’s formula. Primary data was then collected using questionnaires and results were presented in tables and figures. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study findings indicated that the banks institutional factors(r = 0.224, p = 0.073), collateral requirement(r = 0.394, p = 0.010), and awareness of funding opportunity (r = 0.280, p = 0.005)had a significant effect on growth strategies. Financial structure (r = 0.840, p = 0.508) was found to have negative significant influence on growth strategies. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that institutional factors (β= 0.003, p value=0.791), financialstructure (β = -0.027, p value=0.552), collateral requirement (β= 0.166, p value=0.013) and awareness of funding opportunity (β = 0.164, pvalue=0.072) were all of a particular significant. This study found out that equity bank collateral security requirement(β= 0.166, p value=0.013) had a positive significant influence on growth strategies in commercial banks implying that effective collateral requirement practices leads to increased access to financial services achieving growth strategies. On awareness of funding opportunity (β = 0.164, p-value=0.072), findings are in line with this study in which efficient and effective awareness of funding opportunities had a positive significant influence on growth strategies. Findings also show that institutional factors (β= 0.003, p value=0.791) have significant but almost weaker influence on growth strategies of the bank.The key limitation was that the respondents were not willing to give the required information likely due to fear of intimidation or negative image perceived towards them after they gave the information out. This problem was handled by provision of an introductory letter from university that assured them that the information given would be treated confidentially and used for academic purpose only. The study thus concluded that effective and reliable financial structure, awareness of funding opportunities, collateral requirement and institutional factors were of significant importance towards the growth strategies of commercial banks. It is important to note that these factors are only responsible for variation of 15% of growth strategies. The study recommends that the bank should continue enhancing access to their financial products and services as well as coming up with more means and growth strategies towards creation of high level of quality services for this would enhance growth of equity bank. In addition, a research on effect of financial structure as a financial service accessibility factors need to be carried out to ascertain the negative correlation displayed in this study
EFFECT OF UNIONIZATION ON EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES IN KENYA. A CASE STUDY OF STEEL STRUCTURES LIMITED, NAIROBI.
No full textFULL TEXTThis study attempted to establish the effect of unionization on employees’ performance in family owned businesses in Kenya. The need to manage employee performance every day is the key to an effective performance management system. The researcher specifically sought to establish the effect of union mediated in compensation on performance of employees in family owned businesses; to determine the effect of union mediated motivation on performance of employees in family owned businesses; to examine the effect of union mediated equal treatment practices on performance of employees in family owned businesses; and to compare aggregate employee performance of unionized employees to nonunionized employees in family owned businesses. The research adopted a descriptive research design. The research study was carried out at Steel Structures Ltd. The study population comprised a total of 614 employees from various functions in SSL. Stratified random sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of 307 respondents. This study used descriptive statistics using statistical measures such as frequency and percentages. In using inferential statistics, the data was analyzed using correlation, which was vital in making sense of the data. Further regression analysis was used to test the relationships between variables. The analyzed data was presented in the form of tables and figures according to the research questions. The regression model further revealed that there was a significant relationship between union mediated motivation and employee performance (p=0.003); there was a significant relationship between Union mediated compensation and employee performance (p=0.012); there was a significant relationship between Union mediated equal treatment and employee performance (p=0.001). The study concluded that unionization aids in achieving better decisions in organization through the existence of trade unions and that existence of trade unions in organizations means that employees through their representatives are involved in many decisions that take place in the organization
Claiming Agency Reflecting on Trust Africa’s first decade
Get PDFIn 2016, TrustAfrica celebrates its first decade as an African foundation and leader in shaping African philanthropy on the continent. Its work is built on a commitment to African agency, the conviction that Africans are the rightful drivers of efforts aimed at the transformation of their condition. This notion of agency is complicated, however, in the case of TrustAfrica’s International Criminal Justice (ICJ) Fund. In this field, which seeks international justice for victims of crimes such as atrocity, opinions are sharply divided over what it means for Africans to support Africa. This chapter discusses TrustAfrica’s work in this contested setting, where a truly African theory and practice of philanthropy is emerging
TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECT OF TEACHER CHARACTERISTICS ON THE INTERNAL EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KERICHO COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTWorld initiatives in education such as Education for All (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have seen many governments make access to education central to their national development strategies mainly by reducing education costs. This has seen many governments invest heavily in education with Kenya allocating a third of her annual budget to education. However, despite this kind of investment, there is little empirical evidence to show that learners are benefitting commensurately. Studies suggest that the human resource plays a crucial role in school efficiency. This study sought to determine teachers‘ perception on the effect of teacher characteristics on the internal efficiency of public secondary schools. The Systems Approach and Production Function Theories were used to relate teacher characteristics (inputs) and internal efficiency of schools (output). Internal efficiency was measured in terms of students‘ academic outcomes at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. This study was conducted within Kericho County. It was based on five objectives which were to: establish the nature of internal efficiency; examine the effect of teacher qualification on internal efficiency; determine how teacher work experience affects internal efficiency; establish the effect of teacher workload on internal efficiency and to determine the influence of teacher turnover on internal efficiency of public secondary schools in Kericho County. The target population was 1318 teachers with the sample size being 298. Cluster sampling was used to sample three districts out of the five in the County. Simple random sampling was used to select teachers while the CDE, three DEOs and the ten Principals were selected using purposive sampling. Sampling of schools was based on school type such as national, county and district/day. Descriptive survey design was used to investigate the problem. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection which included questionnaire, interview and document analysis were used. The questionnaire, interview guides, document checklist and audio recorder were used to collect and record data. Findings reveal that 23.5% of public secondary schools in Kericho County are efficient, 47.1% are moderately efficient while the remaining 29.4% are inefficient. Further, the study found a relationship between internal efficiency of schools and school type, whether national, county or district. The study showed that both teacher qualification and experience are perceived to positively affect internal efficiency while teacher workload and turnover are perceived as negative predictors of internal efficiency. This study concludes that teacher trainees joining pre-service teacher training meet minimum requirement in their teaching subjects and that practicing teachers pursue professional development courses. Recommendations are made to Teachers Service Commission to improve their terms of service to ensure retention of qualified and experienced teachers. Suggestions for further research on the effect of other variables other than teacher characteristics on internal efficiency of secondary schools are also made, among others