Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation

Knowledge Exchange and Team Performance in Non-Governmental Agricultural Organizations in Kenya

Tedson Nyongesa, Caren Akomo Ouma, Timothy CHRISPINUS OKECH — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study investigated the impact of knowledge exchange on team performance within Non-Governmental Agricultural Organizations in Kenya, utilizing the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, the research involved 792 employees from 33 organizations. Through stratified random sampling, 266 participants were selected for quantitative data collection via structured questionnaires, while qualitative data was gathered through interviews. Ethical approval was secured from the Institutional Review Board, and a research permit from NACOSTI was obtained before pilot testing. Data analysis, performed with SPSS, incorporated descriptive statistics, inferential tests, and regression analysis. The findings indicated that knowledge exchange in terms of feedback, attitude, dissemination of information, and interaction accounted for 26% of team performance variations in Agricultural NGOs. ANOVA results highlighted a positive and statistically significant influence of knowledge exchange in these domains on team performance. Moreover, the study revealed a 60.8% likelihood of enhancing team performance for every unit improvement in knowledge exchange. Rejecting the null hypothesis (t = 5.545, p<0.05), the study concluded that knowledge exchange positively and significantly influenced team performance in non-governmental agricultural organizations, emphasizing the role of servant leaders in influencing group competence and capability. The recommendations derived from the research advocate for leaders in these organizations to embrace technological advancements, optimize infrastructure, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, and foster knowledge exchange among employees. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of encouraging leaders and staff to share knowledge, thereby enhancing organizational capacity and competency.

Effect of Porters Generic Strategies on Firm Performance of Tyre Dealers in Nairobi County, Kenya

Edmond Imbwaga — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0300

The study sought to assess the effect of Porter’s generic strategies on firm performance of Tyre dealers within Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study were tyre dealers in Nairobi County. A sample of 200 tyre dealers was picked through random sampling in Nairobi County. Out of the targeted tyre dealers that were picked through simple random sampling, 108 were responsive indicating a 54% response rate, this large sample ensured the reliability of the responses while the mode of the structure of the questionnaires guaranteed the validity of the data collected. After analysis of the data through correlation and multiple regression, it was deduced that there is a strong effect of Porter’s generic strategies on firm performance, with a strong correlation coefficient of 0.975, 0.928 and 0.976 for cost leadership, differentiation and focus respectively. Multiple regression deduced that 95.2% of firm performance was attributed to cost leadership, differentiation and focus strategies based on the regression model. Based on the regression model cost leadership has a deduced coefficient of 0.84 implying that an increase in a unit of firm performance is due to an increase in 0.84 unit of cost leadership. Differentiation generated a co-efficient of 0.09 implying an increase in one unit of performance due to an increase in 0.09 unit of differentiation Focus strategy deduced a co-efficient of -0.05 implying a reduction of a unit of performance by an increase in practice of focus by 0.05. This overall indicated that cost leadership and differentiation have a positive effect on performance while focus strategy has a negative effect on firm performance.

The Effect of Bundles of Strategic Human Resource Management Pratices on Employee Performance Of Geothermal Development Company in Nakuru County,Kenya

Margaret Kungu, Mongare OMARE, Emily Tumwet — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:57:03 +0300

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of performance appraisal on employee performance of a geothermal development company in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research study. The target population of the study was 1097 employees which comprised 79 top-level employees and 351 middle-level employees and 667 lower-level employees from 17 departments in GDC Nakuru County. The study used Nassiuma’s (2000) formula to get a sample size of 100. The study further adopted a stratified random sampling from which the sample was allocated to various categories according to their relative sizes. The study collected primary data using questionnaires. The questionnaire included both open and closed-ended questions. The pilot study was carried out in Kenya Pipeline Company Nakuru County to assess the effectiveness of the data collection instruments before venturing fully into data collection. This consisted of 11 employees representing 10% of the sample size. The piloted questionnaires were not included in the main study. Cronbach's Alpha was used to determine internal consistency technique. During this initial visit, the researcher explained the purpose of the study to the senior manager in charge of the geothermal development firm in Nakuru County and arranged for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to evaluate qualitative data. In this study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The findings revealed that there is a strong significant positive relationship between performance appraisal and employee performance in Geothermal Development Company (r=0.547 and p<0.05). The study concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between performance appraisal and employee performance in Geothermal Development Company. From the conclusion the researcher recommended that Geothermal Development Company should strictly adhere to performance appraisal results to ensure employees are rewarded and promoted based on performance appraisal results.

The Mechanical and Elastic Properties of Selected 211 MAX Phases: A Density Functional theory Study

geoffrey arusei, Nicholus Makau, George Amolo, Chepkoech Mirriam — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: MAX Phases are a class of ternary materials that have continued to play a greater role in the field of materials science due to their unique properties that bridge the gap between metals and ceramics which have uses in a wide range of applications. The studies done so far have proven that MAX phase materials are indeed a promising class of materials in a wide range of applications. However, in spite of this progress, there are still a lot of open questions and properties that needs to be understood. The Mechanical and elastic properties of (Nine) MAX phase materials, namely, Ti₂AlC, Ti₂AlN, Ti₂GaC, Ti₂GaN, Ti₂PbC, Ti₂CdC, Ti₂SiC, Ti₂GeC and Ti₂SnC have been investigated using the density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximations as expressed in Quantum Espresso and VASP codes. The values of elastic anisotropy, Young’s modulus, Poisson ratio and shear modulus revealed that the compounds were indeed stable and ductile. Out of all the nine MAX Phase materials, Ti₂PbC and Ti₂CdC are more stable than the other considered compounds. The findings of this study suggest that the nine MAX phases considered in this study are potential candidates in various industrial applications requiring hard materials

ANXIETY AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CHALLENGES AMONG SELECTED RETIRED SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN RUIRU AND JUJA SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Michael Mbiriri — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:10:41 +0300

The transition from work to retirement is a significant and demanding process, marked by individual variations in the timing and decision-making. Legal frameworks often guide retirement decisions. This life event typically triggers psychological responses, necessitating a psychotherapeutic approach to preparation and decision-making. While retirement represents a major life milestone, some individuals may not proactively consider it. Effective pre-retirement planning and preparation can commence 5-10 years before retirement. Mandated pre-retirement counseling is beneficial, as it compels individuals to make essential preparations well in advance. However, many people tend to avoid contemplating retirement after reaching the age of 45. This study aimed to assess anxiety and psychological challenges experienced by retired secondary school teachers in Ruiru and Juja Sub County. It also sought to compare anxiety and depression levels between early retirees and those subject to mandatory retirement. The study employed a quantitative research design. A sample of 35 retired teachers was selected using census sampling, with 20 respondents interviewed due to logistical constraints and respondent availability. The study focused on secondary school teachers who had retired between 2018 and 2021. Data were collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and a Social-demographic questionnaire. The findings revealed that 78.9% of respondents reported low family socioeconomic status, while 68.4% experienced high levels of loneliness and social isolation. Additionally, 63.2% noted elevated boredom in retirement, 52.6% reported high financial stress, and 63.2% indicated increased frustration due to medical issues. Moreover, 63.2% exhibited high levels of anxiety. Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in anxiety and psycho-social challenges between teachers who had early or mandatory retirement. To better support prospective retiree teachers, it is crucial to encourage them to seek guidance from the Teachers Service Commission wellness center during their pre-retirement preparation and planning.

STAKEHOLDER-INVOLVEMENT IN WATER RESOURCE RELATED CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN LAKE TURKANA BASIN OF KENYA

David Ngonge, Elvin Nyukuri, Kariuki Muigua — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:19:04 +0300

Lake Turkana is the largest permanent desert lake in the world and a crucial water source in Turkana County, sustaining thousands of livelihoods. The ethnic groups are primarily nomadic pastoralists. The region is heavily prone to perennial water resources related conflict resulting into perennial displacement of human beings and animals. Prior studies established that perennial resource conflict is fuelled by stakeholders. The study aimed to determine stakeholders' participation in managing water resource conflict in Kenya's Lake Turkana Basin. A descriptive research design anchored on negotiation theory was applied. A sample of 36 respondents were contacted through a structured questionnaire, Key Informant Interview (KII) schedule, observation guide and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). The study revealed limited stakeholder exposure to conflict management and biased participation. The study concluded that stakeholder involvement and poor stakeholder identification bred water resource related conflict. In matters conflict management, the under-developed road structures and poor communication facilities make it difficult to mobilize people in the vast lake basin The study recommends broader stakeholder inclusion in future conflict management, applying Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as enhanced traditional dispute resolution mechanism, mediation and negotiation.