Stratified Simple Random Sampling Research Articles

Relationship between parental income and financial literacy level among students

Financial literacy has become an important element in improving the quality of individual, familial, societal, and national well-being. This study aims to find the relationship between parental income and financial literacy level among students at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. The research employed a quantitative method using a closed-ended questionnaire to collect the data for the analysis. The research sample was selected using a stratified sampling technique and simple random sampling that consists of 366 undergraduate education students. The result indicates that parental income has a weak and significant positive relationship with financial literacy levels among students. Based on the regression analysis, the father’s income explains about 2.76% of the variance in financial literacy, while the mother’s income explains 10.8% of the variance in financial literacy. The results of this study show that parental income has a relationship with student’s financial literacy level. This finding of this study will help to understand more about the factor that can affect financial literacy.

Effect of risk management practices on project performance: A case of the Mafuru-Kimambira Water Supply Project in Mvomero District.

The study examined the effect of risk management practices on project performance using a case of Mafuru-Kimambira Water Supply Project. This study used quantitative research approach together with non-proportional stratified simple random sampling technique to obtain 98 project contractors. The data were collected using the questionnaire method and analyzed using both descriptive statistics and multiple regression model to analyze the effects of risk management practices on project performance. The findings revealed that risk prevention practice was found to be positive and significant, indicating that it has a direct effect on Mafuru-Kimambira water supply project performance, risk transfer was also found to be positive and significant, indicating that it has a direct impact on Mafuru-Kimambira water supply project performance and risk control was found to be positive and significant, indicating that it has a direct impact on project performance. The study emphasize how crucial risk management techniques are to improving the efficiency of water supply initiatives like the Mafuru-Kimambira Water Supply Project. The study recommends that policymakers should contemplate formulating and executing regulations that promote the application of risk prevention, risk transfer, and risk control techniques in project management. These policies might include directives requiring the application of these techniques in project planning and execution, incentives for projects that exhibit excellent risk management, and training courses for project managers on risk management techniques. By ensuring that water supply projects are carried out successfully, these policies may contribute to increased water security and socioeconomic growth.

An Empirical Study on Level of Legal Awareness among University Students of Kashmir

Legal awareness about the rights of youth can play a significant role in supporting them to obtain equality and strengthen their identity as an essential component of society. In many countries there is a concern about how well-informed youth are about the law, particularly students as frequently they are supposed to deal with a variety of legal issues in daily life. To handle these situations with success they must have a good understanding of the law. In present paper, we apply a well-designed validated questionnaire to collect the information from 400 students (200 male and 200 female) via online/offline mode using simple stratified random sampling technique. The data collected was analysed statistically using statistical software SPSS (Version 20). The results of our study revealed that majority of respondents were aware of legal rights, an important part of contemporary society. It was suggested that legal literacy may be promoted as it will make society more fair and equitable.

Self-esteem as a risk factor of anxiety in senior high school students

BackgroundAdolescence is a dynamic period of significant physical, emotional, and cognitive development, where individuals shape their identities and influence their mental health. Being vulnerable to various risk factors, including anxiety, adolescents often face mental disorders that can affect their overall well-being. With anxiety being a major concern in the global context as well as in Indonesia, this study aimed to determine self-esteem as a risk factor of developing anxiety among senior high school students. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 162 senior high school students, using proportionate stratified cluster simple random sampling. Data were collected through the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale questionnaires to measure self-esteem and anxiety levels, respectively. The full score for self-esteem was 10–40 points. The higher the score, the greater the self-esteem. Data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. ResultsThe research findings indicate that adolescents experiencing anxiety amount to 51.9% and most of them indicated high self-esteem (61.1%). Multiple logistic regression test showed that low self-esteem (OR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.15-4.24) was the most influential risk factor of anxiety. However, there were no significant associations between anxiety and demographic factors such as gender, grade level, major of study, and parental income. ConclusionMost senior high school students experience anxiety, and lower self-esteem was the most influential risk factor of anxiety. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to boost self-esteem as a preventive measure against anxiety among senior high school students.

EXAMINING COMMUNITY FINANCING OF SECONDARY EDUCATION LUNCH PROGRAMMES AND THEIR EFFECT ON PROVISION OF QUALITY EDUCATION IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA

The effectiveness of public financial support for secondary education is an issue of concern given the delay in submitting government grants, challenges of increased enrolment and inadequate resources to support quality teaching and learning. This study was based in Kenya; however, Kisumu County was chosen for its below-average KCSE mean score of 4.08 (D+) in 2017 compared to the average mean of 6 (C); low teacher-student ratio at 1:59 compared to the required 1:45 and absolute poverty index of 41% compared to the national poverty index of 35.6. The purpose of this study was to analyze community financing of public secondary schools and its effect on the quality of education in Kisumu County, Kenya. The specific objective of the study was to examine community financing of secondary school lunch programs and their effect on the provision of quality education in Kisumu County. A descriptive and correlation research design was used in the study. The target population for this study comprised 214 secondary schools in Kisumu County, 214 school principals, 214 BOM chairpersons, the CDE, 48 CBOs and 51,243 students. Questionnaires, document analysis and interview schedules for school principals, BOM chairpersons, the CDE, CBOs and students were used in this study. A stratified simple random sampling procedure was used to sample the 64 public secondary schools in Kisumu County from which 64 school principals, 64 BOM chairpersons, 16 CBOs and 387 purposively selected students were used for the study. The content and face validity of the instruments were determined by employing experts in the Department of Education Management and Foundations. The reliability of the instruments was calculated by using the test re-test and was calculated at Pearson r coefficient of 0.879. Qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed in emergent themes and sub-themes. The results showed that there was a positive correlation of 0.952 between Community financing, lunch programs and academic performance. The study concluded that community financing of adequate lunch programs significantly influences the academic performance of learners to a great extent. The study recommended that community financing of lunch programmes should be increased in order to achieve fully the objectives of the secondary education policy. The findings may be significant to policymakers, education planners and implementers on the requirement for the registration of institutions of higher learning.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0707/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Relationship between Principals’ Competencies in Procurement and Performance of Financial Management Roles in Public Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya

This study investigated the relationship between principals’ procurement competencies and effective performance of financial management roles in public secondary schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. Various education stakeholders had complained about principal’s ineffective performance of procurement roles in public secondary schools in Kajiado County, Kenya as shown through the literature reviewed. Frederick Taylor’s Scientific Management theory guided the study. The study adopted correlational research design. Data collection from principals and bursars was through administration of questionnaires and an interview schedule for school auditors. The target and accessible population was all 160 public secondary school principals, their bursars and 3 school auditors. The study used multi-stage sampling technique to sample 115 public secondary school principals and bursars and all the 3 school auditors. Stratified simple random sampling was used to get proportionate sample from each data stratum. The findings indicated that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between procurement competencies and principals’ performance of financial management roles (r=0.876**; p<0.01). The study concluded that some principals lacked the necessary procurement competencies to regularly carry out procurement risk management; ensure procurement rules are followed; carry out procurement contract management; enhance supply sustainability and continue use and re-use of vendors; improve supplier relationships; lead in identifying the best products in the market and in deploying technology in performance of procurement role. The study also concluded that some principals were not effective in timely preparation of procurement plans; in following laid down procurement rules and in regularly carrying out procurement risk management; in regularly managing procurement contracts; ensuring supply sustainability and in identifying the best products in the market. The study recommended training, mentoring and coaching of principals to improve their performance on the various identified procurement competency and skills gaps.

Venture Capital and Financial Performance of E-Commerce-Driven Firms in Kenya

Purpose: Businesses that rely on e-commerce for growth frequently find that their ability to obtain sufficient capital is critical to their success. Funding from venture capital firms is essential in this context. Due to insufficient capital, e-commerce-driven businesses in Kenya have continuously underperformed financially. Numerous of these businesses, such as Rupu, OLX Kenya, and ePay, encountered financial difficulties and eventually lost the ability to continue operating. This study's main objectives were to evaluate the impact of capital management support, financing options, and cost of capital on the financial performance of Kenyan e-commerce businesses. Additionally, the study sought to fully evaluate the moderating impact of regulatory structure on venture capital funding and the financial performance of Kenyan e-commerce-driven firms. The trade-off, stakeholder, financial liberalization, and agency theories all lend credence to this research. The research philosophy of positivism, which emphasizes the use of empirical data to evaluate theories and hypotheses, was applied to perform this study.
 Methodology: The study examined a population of 45 e-commerce-driven businesses that obtained venture capital financing between 2017 and 2022 using a descriptive cross-sectional survey research approach. A stratified simple random sampling design technique was employed to choose 45 e-commerce-driven businesses as a sample. Surveys were distributed to collect primary data. Important stakeholders, including investors, executives, and founders, were among the participants in the study. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data, such as measures of central tendency (particularly the mean), variability (expressed by the standard deviation), and frequency distributions. Regression analysis, an inferential statistic, was also employed in the study to investigate the relationship between venture capital funding and financial success. The gathered data were coded before entering into the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program to make the analysis process easier. The analysis's final results were provided as tables.
 Findings: The findings showed that the cost of capital, financing strategies, and capital management support significantly impact Kenyan e-commerce enterprises' financial performance. The aggregate score of 3.73 in cost of capital indicated consensus among participants on the impact of venture capital on e-commerce companies' financial performance. Participants perceived a significant correlation, with a standard deviation of 1.15 reflecting varying opinions. Most agree that lower venture capital costs lead to better financial success, influencing organizations' financial decisions significantly. The study concluded that venture capital funding has a considerable impact on the financial performance of e-commerce-driven enterprises in Kenya. The report advised management to thoroughly understand the total cost of capital related to venture capital funding.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study on venture capital and financial performance of e-commerce-driven firms in Kenya has made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy. It has enhanced theoretical understanding by examining the relationship between venture capital investments and the financial performance of e-commerce firms, providing insights into the dynamics of these markets. In practice, the study has offered valuable guidance to e-commerce entrepreneurs and investors by identifying factors that influence financial performance and informing strategic decision-making. Additionally, the findings have implications for policy formulation, as they highlight the importance of fostering an enabling environment for venture capital investments in the e-commerce sector to spur economic growth and innovation in Kenya.

The Effect of Industry Extension Services Project on the Performance of Small and Micro Enterprises

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of industry extension service projects on the performance of micro and small enterprises. Thus, the study utilized an explanatory and descriptive research design to achieve the objectives of the research. The study targeted MSEs that had been in operation for more than two years at the time of the study. The research had a total population of 606 MSEs, out of which a sample size of 241 operators was realized using Taro Yamane’s formula. Thus, a stratified sampling technique and simple random sampling were employed to select representative samples. Beside, primary and secondary data were used in the study. The analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 on 223 fully responded questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In addition to this, correlation and regression models were used to analyze the variables of the study. The finding proved that IESP support provided by TVET trainers to MSEs was not adequate. Regression analysis indicated that entrepreneurship, technology, kaizen, and technical skill support had a positive and significant relationship with the performance of MSEs. Thus, it is recommended that the TVET College should provide regular industry extension service support to MSEs through four packages.

Novel imputation methods under stratified simple random sampling

This paper addresses some classes of combined and separate imputation methods (CSIMs) of the population mean under stratified simple random sampling (SSRS) along with their characteristics. To the best of our knowledge, these imputation methods (IMs) have yet not been studied by any author under SSRS, hence these IMs are called ‘novel’. In addition, the existing CSIMs are distinguished as the members of the suggested CSIMs, respectively. The theoretical conditions under which the proposed IMs perform better are obtained by comparing the proposed IMs with the existing IMs. To validate the theoretical findings, the numerical and simulation studies are conducted on real and artificial populations, respectively.

Effect of Bootstrapping dimensions moderated by Cost of Doing Business on Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in South-West, Nigeria

The role Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) can never be overemphasised in the has economic drivers in either developed and developing countries of the world. However, contract to immense contribution of SMEs to nation economic growth, most SMEs in Nigeria struggle to survive beyond five years due to poor performance. The major challenge SMEs in Nigeria include developing creative ways of acquiring resources in non-traditional ways cum cost of doing business which to greater extent affect SMEs performance. Thus, this study investigated the effect of Bootstrapping dimension moderated by cost of doing business on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South-West, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design and the population of the study comprised 14, 527 owner/managers of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) enterprises in Lagos and Oyo States. The study utilized stratified simple random sampling technique with a sample size of 750 owner/managers of SMEs determined using Cochran’s (1977) formula and data were analyzed using regression analyses. The findings revealed that cost of doing business (β = 0.003, ΔR2 = 0.021, ΔF = 14.820, p < 0.05) significantly moderated the effect of bootstrapping measure by owner’s financing, subsidy financing, delayed payment, joint utilization, and social capital on the performance of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria. The study concluded that bootstrapping improved performance of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria, cost of doing business significantly moderated effect of bootstrapping on the performance of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria. It was recommended that management of small and medium scale enterprises in South-West, Nigeria should pay more attention on subsidy financing, delayed payment, social capital with less attention on joint utilization in order to improve their performance. Keywords: Cost of Doing Business, Delayed Payment, Joint Utilisation, Owner Financing SME Performance, Social Capital, Subsidy Financing

The Effect of the Implementation of Islamic Religious Education and Religious Character on Independence for Class XI Students of SMA Negeri 3 Boyolali for the 2021/2022 Academic Year

Islamic Religious Education (IRE) in schools plays a significant role in shaping individuals' religious values. A study was conducted to uncover the influence of IRE and religious character on the self-reliance of 11th-grade students at SMA Negeri 3 Boyolali in the academic year 2021/2022. A quantitative correlational method was employed with a population of 323 students. A sample of 20 individuals was selected using stratified simple random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive methods, Product Moment correlation, regression, t-test, F-test, and R2 test. The research findings indicate that the implementation of IRE has a positive and significant effect on student self-reliance. Similarly, religious character has an equally significant influence on student self-reliance. Both factors contribute significantly to student self-reliance simultaneously. In conclusion, higher implementation of IRE and stronger religious character lead to increased self-reliance among 11th-grade students at SMA Negeri 3 Boyolali in the academic year 2021/2022.

The Nature of Television and Radio Programs and Their Influence in the Growth of Kiswahili among University Students in Kenya

Purpose: This paper traces the place of the nature of programmes in Kenyan media and their influence on Kiswahili growth among university students studying journalism in Kenyan universities. Three fundamental concerns were on focus here; Length of programs; language in programs and the type of Programs.
 Methodology: The study used mixed method design to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. It targeted University students sampled from 4 public Universities in Nairobi County. A sample size of 327 students was used. Focus group discussions involving 32 participants were also involved. Four Swahili experts were interviewed to get expert opinion. Multi-stage sampling design was used to select the sample for the survey. This sampling technique was appropriate because the study sample was selected in stages using stratified random sampling and simple random sampling technique. Purposive sampling was used to collect qualitative data. The tools used to collect data were questionnaire for quantitative data, interview schedule for key informants and interview guide for focus group discussions. These were to help to assess the influence of the nature of programmes in media organizations on the growth of Kiswahili among university students in Kenya. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative data to give results shared in this paper. Data was then analyzed using SPSS (version 20) statistical program. Inferential statistics used were descriptive, correlation regression and ANOVA. Data was presented using tables.
 Findings: Findings show that nature of programmes has a significant effect on the growth of Kiswahili.For instance, majority of the respondents agreed that the length of Swahili programs in media have made them develop positive attitude toward Kiswahili. Additionally, they agreed that the nature of language used in presenting Swahili programmes makes them use correct grammar. The study also noted that the respondents agreed that the types of programs have significant influence on their Swahili vocabulary.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Learning Theory posits that learning takes place in a social context through observation or direct instruction. People learn the tenets of language through these various types of programmes which carry instructions and are observable. For the Behaviorist Theory of Language Development focus is on objectively observable behaviors where learning is acquired based on environmental conditions (McLeod, 2016). Language acquisition, use and growth has been as a result of emulating what is going on around the learner. The Cultivation theory that suggests television is responsible for shaping or cultivating viewer conceptions of social reality has it that TV viewing affects the language development of children through role modeling where children always want to behave like the characters they see and end up developing language aspects such as pronunciation, intonations and vocabulary like those of the TV and Radio presenter believing that that is the way the world is.For practice and policy media literacy to practitioners has been found to be a necessary educational tool for them to understand the type of media content to interact with if they have to grow their language capabilities. There is need to increase knowledge of risks involved in use of hybrid Kiswahili. While this is so language policy should encompass organizing workshops and seminars for the youth to sensitize them on proper language.

INFLUENCE OF TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF LEARNERS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

This study aimed to examine the influence of teacher-student relationships on the academic performance of learners with learning disabilities in Nairobi County. Systems theory and Social Cognitive theories were adopted. A descriptive correlational research design was employed using a mixed research approach. The target population comprised 4 head teachers, 62 teachers, and 1,923 learners with learning disabilities from 4 regular primary schools in Nairobi City County. Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling were applied to select the four schools and respondents from each school respectively. A purposive sampling technique was utilized to choose the head teachers and teachers from each school. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, interview guides, and screening tools were used to gather data. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques, whereas qualitative was transcribed and qualitatively analyzed in a thematic approach. A correlation test was done on the hypotheses to ascertain the relation between independent variables and dependent variables at a statistical significance of p≤0.05 (p=5%) using Chi-square. Pearson product-moment correlation was computed to measure the strength of the association between predictors and children’s academic performance variables. Qualitative data analysis involved transcription and analysis of open-ended questions from research tools using thematic analysis. Findings showed that all proxies for the teacher-student relationship except dependency level had a significant p-value (p<0.05) at 95% Confidential Interval. Statistical statistics from chi-square the correlation between teacher-student relationships and learners’ academic performance was statistically significant the null hypothesis was rejected. The study concluded that teacher-student relationships result in improvement in learners’ academic performance. School policies have no significant relationship with learners’ academic performance in primary school schools in Nairobi City County. The study recommended that teachers should deliberately express concerns both about students’ academic and non-academic life, as this makes the learners with learning disabilities feel accepted and motivated to improve their academic work.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/lit/0788/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Entrepreneurial Behaviour and the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South-West, Nigeria

In recent times, the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has generated increased interest because of their crucial contribution to the national and global economies. Against this back drop, this study empirically investigated the impact of entrepreneurial behaviour on the performance of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria. Specifically, this study evaluated the combined impact of entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competency, entrepreneurial mindset, and social network on the performance of SMEs. This study adopted a survey research design. The population of this study consisted of one hundred and forty-nine thousand, three hundred and seventeen (149,317) registered SMEs in operation with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) as at the end of December, 2021 in South West, Nigeria. This study adopted a tabular approach proposed by Gill et al. (2010) Gill et al. (2010), as cited in Taherdoost (2017), to arrive at a sample size of six hundred and fifty-nine (659) respondents. This study employed multi-stage sampling technique, involving stratified sampling, proportionate sampling, and simple random sampling. The primary data used for the analyses were collected from the respondents through the use of structured questionnaire, and responses were analysed using descriptive and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed entrepreneurial behaviours (entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competency, entrepreneurial mindset, and social network) had a significant and positive impact on the performance of SMEs (Adjusted R2 = 0.878, p< 0.05). This study concluded that entrepreneurial behaviours enhanced the performance of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria. The study recommended that SMEs’ owners and managers should adopt an entrepreneurial approach, including entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competency, entrepreneurial mindset, and social network strategies. By doing so, they can develop more innovative products and services, outperform competitors, improve output, and retain customers in their operating sector.

Exploring therapeutic communication in managing chronic non-communicable diseases: a mixed-method study in Ghana

BackgroundGlobally, the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases is increasing rapidly and approximately one in three of all adults suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Therapeutic communication plays a crucial role in achieving curative, preventive, and promotive goals regarding chronic disease management. We examined therapeutic communication between health professionals and patients with chronic non-communicable diseases at the Ho Teaching Hospital.MethodsWe adopted a concurrent mixed-methods approach. The quantitative aspect of the study was descriptive while the qualitative was explanatory. The quantitative study was conducted among 250 patients. The qualitative data was collected among eight health professionals. A stratified sampling and simple random sampling methods were used to recruit patients for the quantitative survey while purposive and convenient sampling was used for the qualitative aspect of the study. The quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire while the qualitative data was collected using an in-depth interview guide. The quantitative data were analyzed using STATA v17 and the qualitative data were analyzed thematically using Atlas ti. The major themes that emerged were, therapeutic communication practices, barriers to therapeutic communication and possible solutions to good therapeutic communication.ResultsWe found that 37% patients were 60 years and above with 53.2% being females. It was noted that 36.4% of patients have had tertiary-level education. We found that 59.2% of patients reported having good therapeutic communication with health professionals. We, however, noted that male participants were 92% less likely to practice good therapeutic communication compared with females (aOR = 0.92,95% Cl = 0.46–1.84). Health professionals’ activities to ensure good therapeutic practices included their capacity to listen, build rapport with their patients, and clarify information. We found that the major facilitators of good therapeutic communication included trust in the health professionals (90.4%), conducive environment (93.2%), using simple and plain language by health professionals (92.0%) We found that there are myriad of barriers that impede communication process. This included language, health professionals’ inability to break terminologies, and the unconscious state of patients.ConclusionsThe study revealed that there was good therapeutic communication between health professionals and patients with CNCDs. Nevertheless, it was also identified that ineffective therapeutic communication between health professionals and their patients due to barriers like language could lead to dissatisfaction with care, misdiagnosis, and noncompliance to treatment regimen. For Ghana as a country to achieve SDG target 3.4 by reducing mortality due to NCDs and improve wellbeing of patients by 2030, it will be imperative on Ghana Health Service to design communication strategy training for health professionals that could help improve therapeutic communication between patients and health professionals.

Application of Random Forest in Modeling the Prevalence of Depression among Murang’a University of Technology Students

Around the world, depression is a prevalent mental illness and it affects the way people think, feel, talk and conduct their daily activities. The associated stigma often leads to misdiagnosis, posing risks such as disability and suicide. The study employed random forest algorithm to model the prevalence of depression among Murang’a University of technology (MUT) students. A sample of 1448 students from the different schools at the university participated in the study by completing questionnaires on sociodemographic and other factors associated with depression. The questionnaires were administered through social media platforms. Participants were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling and simple random sampling to ensure that a representative sample was chosen from each school. The data gathered was examined using descriptive and inferential statistics. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire scale (PHQ-9). Using a cut-off point of 10, 25.97% students had depressive symptoms. This comprised of 19.61% moderate symptoms and 6.35% severe symptoms. The confusion matrix criteria were used to assess the performance of random forest in modeling depression prevalence among MUT students. Metrics for random forest included, accuracy (0.9868), sensitivity (0.95), specificity (1.00), positive predictive value (1.00), and negative predictive value (0.9824). Implementing targeted interventions founded on identified risk and protective factors and exploring the long-term outcomes of these interventions would contribute to the evolving field of mental health research within academic settings.

Development of Digital Literacy Skills among Learners in Public Primary Schools in Homabay County, Kenya

Digital literacy direct learners towards innovative, creative and transformational learning in the 21st century. It is one of the core competency in the Competency Based Curriculum. The objective of this study was to assess the availability of ICT infrastructure in public primary schools to develop learners’ digital skills. Constructivist learning theory guided the study. Concurrent embedded mixed method was used. A population of 5713 was targeted for study where a sample of 571 respondents composed of 8 head teachers, 78 teachers and 485 grade six learners were selected. Stratified random, simple random and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the study sample. Data collection instruments included interviews, questionnaires, focused group discussion and observation schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. Some of the key findings of the study were majority of public primary schools in Kasipul lack internet connectivity and only 32.1% have computer labs. The results further indicated that teachers have basic knowledge and skills in digital literacy. However, only 23.2% of teachers have been trained in digital literacy. The study recommends that Ministry of education in collaboration with Ministry of Information and Communication Technology enhance internet connectivity in all primary schools to support implementation of digital literacy to develop learners’ digital skills

Attitude towards Electronic Tax System and Value-Added Tax Compliance, the Mediating Effect of Adoption of the Electronic Tax System among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Fort Portal City, Western Uganda

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between attitudes toward the electronic tax system and VAT compliance while assessing the mediating effect of the adoption of the electronic tax system among SMEs in Fort Portal City, Western Uganda.
 Materials and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design, adopting a quantitative approach. The study used a survey method with a structured self-administered questionnaire to collect data from the managers. The study population comprised 297 SMEs, generating a sample of 165 SMEs in the Central and North Divisions of Fort Portal City. SMEs were selected by stratified simple random sampling while respondents were purposively selected. Pearson correlation and Hierarchical multiple regression analysis techniques were employed using SPSS version 22.
 Findings: The study established that the adoption of the electronic tax system partially mediates the relationship between attitudes towards the electronic tax system and tax compliance among SMEs in Fort Portal City. It was established that whereas attitudes towards e-tax system predict tax compliance, the effect is better felt through the adoption of the e-tax system.
 Implications to Practice and Policy: Premised on the technological acceptance model, the study has brought out the inevitable role the adoption of the e-tax system plays in explaining the relationship between attitude toward the e-tax system and tax compliance among small and medium enterprises. SMEs are urged to ensure tax compliance and maintain a good reputation through online registration, filing of tax returns, and prompt settlement of tax obligations to limit tax avoidance and incidental consequences.

Inquiry into channels of health and safety knowledge communication across the boundaries of the construction industry

Purpose Effective safety communication facilitates the sharing of relevant knowledge that helps to improve safety behaviours, such as superior hazard identification and compliance. This study aims to explore channels by which construction companies can effectively communicate health and safety (H&S) among communities of their operations. Design/methodology/approach Based on a quantitative research approach, this study addressed the knowledge gap through a cross-sectional survey of 250 contractors (comprising 155 building and 95 road contractors) involved in various projects in the Ghanaian construction industry. These contractors were selected by using a stratified simple random sampling technique. Data obtained from the survey was analysed through descriptive (i.e. frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (i.e. exploratory factor analysis) statistical analyses. Findings The findings from the mean scores revealed that all the 12 communication channels identified in the literature, confirmed through piloting and examined by the respondents, were important channels through which construction companies can effectively communicate H&S amongst communities of their operations. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a clustering of the 12 channels of communication into 5 components: “safety demonstration in the community”; “social media”; “mass media”; “community engagement”; and “opinion leaders”. Research limitations/implications This study offers construction project managers the means of managing one of the major stakeholders of a construction project (the community). It provides an actionable opportunity that can be leveraged strategically to integrate community members into projects to promote synergy and local content inclusion while gaining a peaceful atmosphere to achieve their project goals. Practical implications Practically, this study provides construction project managers with a means of managing one of the major stakeholders of a construction project (the community) and also demonstrates the integration of community members into projects to promote synergy and local content inclusion. This would give construction organisations a peaceful atmosphere to accomplish their project objectives. Social implications The social implication of this study is that the study offers society a means of creating safer Ghanaian communities by offering them the knowledge of identifying hazards and avoiding risky behaviours, creating a good safety atmosphere in these communities. Originality/value This study presents construction organisations with a unique opportunity to transfer and share novel external knowledge within a different social system (the community). It contributes to the state-of-the-art knowledge in H&S communication by providing channels through which H&S can be communicated in a developing country such as Ghana.

Covid-19 Containment Measures and their Effect on Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Uasin Gishu County Government Staff, Kenya

COVID-19 was a major health emergency worldwide; countries were forced to adopt quarantine measures and other restrictions because of the highly infectiousness nature of COVID-19. It is in this context that the study sought to investigate the Effect of the containment measures on socio-economic wellbeing of Uasin Gishu County Government Staff, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the influence of implementation of COVID-19 behavioural protocols on socio-economic wellbeing of staff of Uasin Gishu County Government; to assess the impact of implementation of COVID-19 fiscal measures on socioeconomic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County Government; and to determine the influence of implementation of COVID-19 macro-financial measures on socioeconomic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County; The study adopted explanatory mixed method research design. The target population comprised 6,400 employees in Uasin Gishu County. The study employed stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques to select the respondents. The sample size consisted of 10 heads of departments and 198 employees of Uasin Gishu county government. The data collection tools were questionnaire and interview guide. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean, percentages and frequencies; chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. Inferential statistics was also used. Analysis by the implementation of COVID-19 behavioural protocols as a containment measure shows that the P-value = .000 was less than the Alpha level 0.05. Therefore, there was statistical significance relationship between behavioral COVID-19 containment measures and socio-economic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County Government. Behavioural measures such as lock down highly disrupted businesses’ sourcing and distribution functions, which in turn affected the socio-economic wellbeing of the local population. The study recommended that financial organizations should offer trainings to the masses to embrace saving and empower them to participate in multiple economic activities; this would ensure that in any of any occurrences such as COVID 19, the businesses would have the resilience to cope.