Browsing International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies (IJMLS): Volume 1 Issue 1 by Subject

Now showing items 1-9 of 9

      Subject
      Coffee farming in Kenya has faced numerous challenges over time ranging from land ownership to access to information, cultural beliefs and collateral challenges to acquisition of bank credit. This study aims to establish the determinants of choice of finance by coffee farmers in Machakos County Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive approach which utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The study used questionnaires to collect data from a sample of ninety-six (96) respondents. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to test the relationship between the independent variable (collateral, interest rates, bureaucracy and accessibility to financial institutions) and the dependent variable (choice of finance). The findings indicate that R is 0.726, R2 is 0.527 and adjusted R2 is 0.5905. ANOVA of the data showed that F calculated is greater than F critical (26.361>2.49), indicating that the overall model was reliable in predicting the relationship between the independent variable (collateral, interest rates, bureaucracy and accessibility to financial institutions) and the dependent variable (choice of finance).The study concludes that there was a statistically significant association between collateral, interest rates, bureaucracy and accessibility to financial institutions and selection of funding as the p values 0.039, 0.001, 0.015, 0.011 and 0.018 are less than 0.05 at 5% level of significance. The study recommends that government and financial institutions, as well as other lending institutions, should consider coming up with policies and procedures geared towards catering for specific credit needs of farmers. Key words: Coffee Board of Kenya, Coffee Marketing Board, Collateral, Interest Rate [1]
      Collaboration between and across universities on a personal rather than an institutional level is an effective way of sharing and learning from each other. All departments can gain from this type of collaborative effort between colleagues of different and even competing institutions. New or inexperienced university lecturers often struggle with the demands of university instruction and research. An exchange of ideas and points of view between instructors of varied levels of experience, or from different disciplines and institutions leads to deep professional growth and creates opportunities for career advancement. This paper will present a brief overview of the literature regarding practice and theory of academic collaboration, examine the benefits of inter- and intra-institutional collaboration, analyze one case study of collaboration between faculty members at three Japanese universities, and present a list of suggestions for implementation of academic collaboration in the East African context. Keywords: collaboration, cross-cultural communication, university faculty development [1]
      ICT is the engine of growth in every country, especially in young economies that are now growing. These economies are currently equipping their citizens with knowledge in information technology since it is the fastest way to good governance in the emerging information economies globally. However, integration and use of ICT is affected by many factors. The study used cross sectional survey with a sample of 118 employees from Machakos County collected primary data using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, correlation and aggregation data collection methods were used in the study. From the study, it was found that ICT infrastructure and staff competence both have significant influence the integration and the use ICT in the management of county government of Machakos. Thus, the study concludes that ICT infrastructure and staff competence are important factors that the county should address with regards to the incorporation and the use of information and communication technologies. The study recommends investment to upgrade the infrastructure and training of staff to improve delivery of service by the county governments. Keywords: Information communication technology, infrastructure, management, staff capacity. [1]
      Research and interest on terrorism has increased several folds in the last few decades in many countries. Terrorism is known to have a significant effect on security and socio-economic performance of many countries across the globe. This paper investigates the role of radicalization and recruitment of individuals into terror groups and terrorist activities. The paper uses theoretical analysis approach to examine secondary paper obtained from various secondary sources globally. The review uses qualitative methods comprised mainly of content analysis to identify mentions of relevant terms as the main method. It then proposes possible prevention measures in the Kenya and Somalia context. The analysis has established that terrorism is a global phenomenon and has intensified especially since the emergence of terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, Al Shabab, and Islamic State. This paper shows that Al Shabab and Al Qaeda members including Kenyans have participated in several terrorist attacks globally. The paper finds that terrorist radicalization and recruitment mostly targets the youth through indoctrination based on extreme ideology, brainwashing; and rejection of status quo, freedom of expression, and modern ideas. A key finding is that contrary to belief linking terrorism to religion and ethnicity, empirical evidence indicates that economic circumstances top the list for individuals joining terrorist groups. The study concludes that radicalization and recruitment has increased tremendously in the recent past two decades. The study recommends that Kenya and Somalia governments should intensify credible intelligence gathering and response, build trust among ordinary citizens, improve on counter-intelligence, set up proper systems for de-radicalizing and resettling youth disengaging from terrorist activities, and institute measures for establishing livelihood engagements for all youth. The study also suggests that governments should deal with radicalization at grassroots level by including its causes, effects, and prevention in social studies starting from primary school level. Key Words: Al Shabab, Prevention, Radicalization, Recruitment, Terrorism [1]
      The major objective of this paper is to bring together two ways of thinking in order to create a decision-making framework for developing practical solutions to complex issues. In one bracket of the framework, Ludwig von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory provides a way to gain an understanding for the macro-context of a society. Simultaneously, Paulo Freire’s ideas on empowering individuals through liberation literacy programs allows for individuals at the grassroots to gain the necessary tools to critically engage their surroundings socially, politically and economically. This paper is derived from a larger qualitative case study. The methodology and design allowed freedom and access to explore abstract ideas hoping to reveal important understandings about how socio-economic institutions can work together. This paper is basically a literature review and analysis of Japan’s current state of affairs with a focus on the challenges of building a globally competent workforce for the future. In this paper, as well as the larger study, the case of Japan is used to illustrate and make tangible various ideas, concepts, and recommendations. Although the context is Japan the recommendations can be a model for other nations. This aligns with the main findings, which are that greater cooperation between government, academia, and business, in the Japanese context, need to be fostered while empowering local actors to be more critically engaged in developing solutions to societies challenges. Also, further study of these socio-economic institutions needs to be done because of their complex operational realities. Keywords: business, government, higher education, Ludwig von Bertalanffy, Paulo Freire [1]
      This paper presents literature review on sustaining competitiveness in public universities in Kenya. The overall objective of the study is to establish the effect of transformational leadership style on internal marketing in addressing the challenge of sustaining competitiveness in public universities in Kenya. The study involved desk research of peer reviewed journal articles and texts on leadership styles, transformational leadership, internal marketing and their relationships to competitiveness of public universities in Kenya. Content analysis which involved categorization of the subject in thematic areas for review and presentation was used. Literature review revealed that indeed competitiveness is bound to depend to a large extent on attracting competitive resource people, attractive courses, and attractive collaborations, sustainable programme funding and profitable operations. The study recommends transformational leadership as a leadership style which inspires and motivates followers to achieve key competencies for the competitiveness of universities. Key words: Leadership styles, Transformational leadership, Public universities in Kenya [1]
      Today, voters tend to evaluate party leaders based on a group of categories that incudes integrity, reliability, and competence. Such evaluation criterion is hardly considered irrational. This study aimed at establishing the effect of political leadership on voting behaviour in the north eastern part of Kenya. It used descriptive research design. The target population was 159 political leaders and 354, 061 registered voters. The sample size was made of 81 political leaders and 322 registered voters. Qualitative data was analysed by use of content analysis while quantitative data was analysed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The study established that leaders personality traits influence voting behaviour in North Eastern Kenya most followed by past performance, leadership style and leadership capacity. The study also found out that authoritarian leaders employ coercive tactics to enforce the rule and manipulate people in decision-making while transformational leaders demonstrate human understanding and guide others in creating and embracing a vision. Finally, social dominance, communication cues, political ideology, and competence were found to be a major influence on voting behaviour in North Eastern Kenya. The study recommends that political leaders should be made to avoid authoritarian leadership. Instead, they should employ servant leadership, charismatic leadership and transformational leadership. Leaders should ensure stakeholders involvement in decision-making, project implementation and avoid voter manipulations. Keywords; Leaders’ personality traits: Leadership style, political parties, voting [1]
      UNIVERSITIES by their very nature should embrace diversity in their structures and the selection and appointments of its human resources especially at the top echelons. However, Kenya as a country faces a challenge of ethnicity which is persistently in the media houses year in year out. This article interrogates this critical issue with special reference to appointments of Vice Chancellors in universities in Kenya and assess how these has affected negatively the process of development in universities and Kenya as a country. Using desk and content analysis research approach, a survey of empirical and theoretical studies were studied and research findings obtained. The study reveals that nepotism and tribalism practices are taking a centre stage in employment of staff in public universities contrary to laid down employment guidelines by the Government of Kenya. Further, appointment of Vice-Chancellors in public universities is skewed towards six major tribes in Kenya, contrary to equal employment opportunities legislations enacted by parliament relating to gender affirmative action as well as the marginalized groups and persons living with disability. The study concludes that the marginalized and persons living with disability are groups affected and therefore not benefitted appointments even after the promulgation of new Constitution of 2010. The study recommends review of the criteria and procedure of appointment to curb ethnicity and nepotism in order to ensure that inclusivity of the gender, marginalized and persons living with disability is catered for. Key words: Ethnicity, Development, Tribalism, University appointment, Vice Chancellor [1]
      Women entrepreneurs’ access to finance services is crucial to the economic development and growth in a particular area. They need to have access to financial services to make their work easier regarding saving, investing and even insuring their businesses against disasters like the fire that can lead to many losses. Accessing financial services improves the living standards and reduces the economic dependency of individuals, families and even groups. It is a fundamental aspect towards poverty reduction and development of a particular area since it opens up employment opportunities, attracts both local and foreign investors, leads to the development of infrastructure and economic growth. The study aimed at exploring the factors affecting women entrepreneurs’ access to financial services in Migori County, West Sakwa ward. Given that their financial access restricted regarding options available, there are few m-past shops, one Equity bank agent and KCB mtaani agent, all owned by one person worsening the situation in case the owner has an emergency to attend to or is not around. Determination of the effects of financial exclusion and effects of economic illiteracy on women entrepreneurs’ access to financial services in Migori County, West Sakwa ward were the specific objectives. The study used random sampling method and 378 female entrepreneurs of Migori County, West Sakwa ward as the appropriate sample size. The study adopted descriptive design. The study was conducted in West Sakwa ward, Migori County. Data collection was done by using questionnaires; SPSS was used to analyze the data collected. The analyzed data was submitted in various forms; charts, graphs, and tables. The major findings of the study established that culture is the greatest barriers to access to financial services for the women entrepreneurs, small levels of education has had a great impact on their access to financial services, more than half of the respondents only have the primary school education. Key words: Independent Electoral Boundary Commission, International Monetary Fund [1]