Study Target Research Articles

Investigating the role of the principal's individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation in shaping the academic performance of students in the secondary schools of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

The study sought to investigate the principal's perceptions and actions regarding individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation and their implications for students' academic progress. The study was guided by the following research question: How do school principals' transformational leadership strategies improve students' academic progress in Ethiopia's Sidama region? The study used a convergent parallel mixed research design. The data collection strategy was sound, with a modified questionnaire based on the MLQ used in the quantitative phase and an open-ended semi-structured interview in the qualitative phase. The study's dependent variable was student academic performance, while the independent variable was transformational leadership's individualized consideration (IC) and intellectual stimulation (IS) behaviors. The study's target participants were 95 principals and 5956 teachers. The survey used an appropriate sample approach, with 362 teachers and 91 principals from 24 public secondary schools. The qualitative phase involved ten principals and twenty teachers. The acquired data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that principals comprehend and practice transformational leadership behaviors. The study also revealed that the principal's individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation practices significantly impacted students' academic progress. The principal's self-assessment was r =.760 (p<.01), whereas the teachers' perception was r =.583 (p<.01).

Moderating Effect of Corporate Governance on the Relationship between Social Sustainability Reporting and Firm Value: Evidence from the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effect of corporate governance on the relationship between social sustainability reporting and firm value among companies listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. Methodology: The study's target population include all 64 NSE-listed companies. The study employed secondary data collected by the use of the annual reports sourced from NSE and firms’ websites for eleven (11) years from 2012-2022. Content analysis technique was employed for the collection of secondary data using data collection sheets. This research used a longitudinal research approach and correlation research design. Results: The study found that social sustainability reporting had an insignificant effect on firm value among companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Additionally, corporate governance was shown to have no significant moderating influence on the relationship between social sustainability reporting and firm value. Conclusion/Implication: These findings suggest that companies should reconsider the relevance and quality of their social sustainability reports to better align with stakeholder expectations. Enhanced transparency and storytelling regarding social impacts are necessary to improve investor engagement

Contributions of emotional intelligence to social entrepreneurial intention: Evidence from an emerging nation

AbstractIn emerging economies, social entrepreneurship is becoming more widely recognized as a means of optimizing societal value. Examining the impact of emotional intelligence on students' intentions to pursue social entrepreneurship is the primary goal of this research project. The university students in Bangladesh were the study's target population. An online survey with self-administered questions was created to gather data from 334 Bangladeshi students. This study is exploratory and quantitative in nature. For this study purpose non-probability random sampling and convenience methods were applied to collect the data. Reliability was considered to be measured with a Cronbach's alpha (α) value of 0.70 or above. The study found the reliability of the constructs like self-awareness (α = 0.868), self-management (α = 0.895), social awareness (α = 0.867), relationship management (α = 0.948), and social entrepreneurial intention (0.864). The model was evaluated and the hypotheses were confirmed using SPSS v26.0 at the 5% significance level. Furthermore, this study's findings show 0.678 percent, or 67.8%, of the variance in Social Entrepreneurial Intention, which is valuable for the body of knowledge in this field of study. These findings could help academics, community organizations, non-governmental organizations, government, and civil society develop successful policies and initiatives to support students' plans to grow their social entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.

Customer Responsiveness Strategy and the Performance of Kenya Revenue Authority in Mombasa County, Kenya

The customer is the primary growth determinant of an organization’s direction toward desirable performance. Proactive organizations that recognize the reality of customer focus contributions to business operations have significantly portrayed positive performance. This research aims to investigate how customer responsiveness influences the performance of an organization, with a specific focus on the Kenya Revenue Authority. To in aid establishing the foundational base of the study, theories such as the Resource Based View, Systems theory, Gap analysis Model and the Upper Echelon Theory were taken into account. The study employed the descriptive research design to comprehensively understand the current conditions and circumstances. The study's target population considered 445 KRA technical staff in Mombasa, including managers, supervisors, officers, and support staff. The study employed stratified sampling where 134 respondents were selected, who either had recently joined the company or altered their job roles according to duration of employment. To test the reliability of the study, the researcher employed Cronbach’s alpha coefficient which had a threshold of 0.7. The threshold of a coefficient should be between 0 to 1 to maintain an internal consistency indicating reliability. To accurately determine the validity of the data for factor analysis, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) Test and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity were conducted. The KMO test yielded a measure of sampling adequacy of 0.743, which indicates that the sample size was adequate for factor analysis. Data collection for the study was through the use of a close-ended questionnaire in the statement form. The data was analyzed through measures of central tendency such as mean, median, and mode. The analysis also included measures of dispersion such as variation, standard deviation, correlation analysis and regression analysis. It was observed that technology had the most substantial impact on KRA's performance. Indicating a strong positive relationship between technological implementation and performance outcomes. Service level agreements were found to be a significant predictor of performance suggesting that clear and well-structured SLAs contribute positively to the quality-of-service delivery, ensuring that customer expectations are met effectively. Top management support significance highlighted the importance of leadership and resource allocation in driving organizational success. Conversely, staff training indicated that while training is important, its direct influence on performance may be more nuanced or dependent on other mediating factors. Overall, the study found that customer responsiveness strategies significantly influence the performance of KRA in Mombasa County.

Strategic Collaborations and Performance of Oil Marketing Firms in Kenya

Purpose: Little attention has been paid to the effect of strategic collaboration on performance of oil marketing firms in Kenya. As a result, it is vital to investigate the effect of strategic collaboration on performance of oil marketing firms in Kenya. The study's particular aim was to investigate the impact of strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, franchising, and joint ventures on performance of oil marketing firms in Kenya. Four theoretical reviews are included in this research paper: Resource Based Theory, Transaction Cost Theory, Trust Theory and Dynamic Capability Theory. Methodology: Using descriptive research approaches, this study evaluated the data and offered findings. Over a certain time period, data was collected from oil marketing firms in Kenya. The research relied on primary data gathered via structured questionnaires as well as secondary data. The study's target population was Kenya's oil marketing firms in Kenya. The study also used stratified random sampling. The study's data was collected using Google forms and sent through email. The questionnaire data was sorted, classified, and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: finding demonstrate that savvy partnerships among Kenyan oil marketers improve performance. Businesses appreciate shared storage, cooperative networks, and specialized service sharing for increasing operational efficiency and competitiveness. Statistical analysis reveals that these partnerships influence company performance, accounting for 81.5% of the variance, with a strong correlation coefficient (R = 0.903) and a substantial ANOVA F-value. Unique contribution to theory, Policy and Publication: To obtain additional information and draw meaningful conclusions about the variables of interest, descriptive studies was conducted where survey was used to provide a snapshot of the population. Tables was used to display the data. This study will be useful to academics and researchers in finance and economics.

Parenting behaviour and student discipline in public boarding secondary schools in Western region of Kenya

Discipline in schools is an issue that especially concerns educators, parents, and other stakeholders. In an environment that lacks order and discipline, it is impossible for students to learn effectively. Thus, order and discipline are indispensable for achieving positive educational results. The family assumes a pivotal role in shaping the early years of an individual. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of parenting behaviour on student discipline in public boarding secondary schools in Western region of Kenya. Family composition and structural-functionalism theories served as guiding principles for the research. The investigation was conducted using an ex post facto design. The study's target population consisted of 5583 class teachers and 369 deputy principals (administrators-in-charge) from 369 public boarding secondary institutions. The sample included 123 deputy Principals and 558 class teachers from the 123 randomly selected schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 558 class teachers while purposive sampling was used to select 123 deputy Principals. For the purpose of data collection from the participants, a questionnaire and an interview schedule were employed. The assessment of the instruments' reliability was conducted using the test-retest method, results of the pilot study reveal that all scales were trustworthy because their reliability values were more than the required threshold of 0.7. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentages, weighted averages, correlations and multi-regression analysis. The study concluded that parenting behavior influence the discipline of students in public secondary schools. Therefore, it was recommended that school management boards should organize for the sensitization meetings on effective parenting behaviour, this will enable curb indiscipline among students.

Profile Laboratory of Thalassemia in the General Hospital Dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh

Thalassemia refers to the globin gene abnormality that affects the a and b globin genes. A comprehensive peripheral blood laboratory examination, Mentzer index, blood morphology, and Hb analysis were all performed on every patient with thalassemia who attended treatment as part of this analytical observational study. This research aims to know the profile of laboratory examinations of thalassemia patients in the Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital (RSUZA) Banda Aceh. The study's target population was 547 individuals, with 278 males and 269 females making up the male and female split, respectively (50.7% and 49.3%). With a total of 197 subjects (36.4%), this study revealed that the subjects were most frequently found in the age range of 0–5 years. Only 8 subjects, or 1.5%, of the population in the over-65 age group, were detected. The typical value of the erythrocyte index further fell and was discovered in 469 participants with a value of 85.3%. A total of 504 patients, or 91.6%, had more elevated RDW features. Results for the Mentzer index with 432 subjects were determined to be 13 were 78.5%. In the 450-subject hypochromic microcytic group, subjects were most frequently observed (81.8%). Blood morphology features from 505 participants, or 91.8% of the total, showed no additional blood morphology characteristics in normoblasts, and from 361 subjects, or 65.6% of the total, showed no target cells. When a person has anemia or a family history of thalassemia, it is strongly advised that they get a full blood count (CBC). The proper laboratory testing is still necessary for the health issue of thalassemia.

The Role of Environmental Audits in Enhancing Sustainability in Industrial Property Management. Insights From Nairobi County

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is experiencing significant environmental challenges, with pollution levels reaching unprecedented heights. This issue is particularly evident in the Nairobi River Basin, which comprises the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare Rivers. The basin is a focal point of concern due to the widespread discharge of untreated industrial waste into its waters. The city's high population density, coupled with the concentration of industries, exacerbates the environmental impact, making Nairobi the most affected region in the country in terms of pollution. Among the various sources, industrial pollution emerges as a major contributor, prompting the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to intervene and hold accountable the industries responsible for these environmental violations. This study set out to analyze the role of environmental audits in the management of industrial properties, focusing on a case study of industrial properties in Nairobi. The research targeted three key industrial areas: Nairobi Industrial Area, Baba Ndogo, and the industries along Nairobi-Mombasa Road. The study's target population consisted of 487 respondents, comprising 440 property managers and 47 NEMA County directors. Using Yamane’s 1967 formula, the sample size was determined to be 211 respondents. The study employed a simple random sampling method for data collection, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather information. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 24, and interpretation was guided by a theoretical framework and previous research. The study found that environmental audits significantly enhance industrial performance by improving organizational effectiveness, ensuring regulatory compliance, and boosting competitive advantage. They also raise awareness of environmental impacts, enhance corporate reputation, and provide valuable data for investors. However, challenges such as corruption, regulatory bias, and high audit costs persist. The research underscores the importance of environmental management and recommends that property managers strategically implement audit systems to support sustainable industrial growth and regulatory compliance

Effect Of Funding Structure And Liquidity On The Financial Performance Of The Sugar Industry In Kenya

The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of funding structure on the financial performance of the sugar industry in Kenya. The relationship between funding structure and financial performance is crucial within Kenya's sugar industry, as it directly impacts resource allocation, expense management, and overall profitability. Inadequate financial management can result in liquidity challenges, affecting the sector's competitiveness and sustainability. Conversely, a well-balanced funding structure, incorporating both debt and equity, has the potential to strengthen financial stability. Stockholder, Trade-offs, and Pecking order guided the study. The study employed a correlational research design. The study's target population consisted of 16 sugar companies operational in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select 9 sugar companies. A total of 324 secondary data points from 2014 to 2022 were collected, including the cost of equity, debt, retained earnings, and economic value added, derived from financial statements and cash flows. The results showed a significant positive relationship between funding structure and Economic value added (coeff=0.863126, p=0.000<0.005). This reveals that Companies that maintain an appropriate funding structure are more likely to achieve higher Economic Value Added (EVA) over the long run. Given the positive long-term correlation between funding structure and EVA, it can be inferred that Kenyan sugar companies should prioritize maintaining a balanced funding structure to improve financial performance. The study concludes that funding structure has a significant relationship with economic value added

Tuition Fees Reduction on Student Performance in Public Secondary Schools of Rwanda

The research investigated the contribution of tuition fee reductions to student performance in public secondary schools in Rwanda. Specifically, the research examines the specific factors that contribute to the effectiveness of tuition fee reduction in public secondary schools in Rwanda, assesses the level of academic performance of students in public secondary schools due to the reduction in tuition fees in Rwanda, and analyzes the relationship between tuition fee reduction and the students ‘academic performance in public secondary schools in Rwanda. This study's target population will consist of 415 respondents. The sample size will be 194 people. This study utilized primary sources like questionnaires, interviews, and observation to gather data. It employed purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling methods. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used for analysis. For the first objective, results indicate that the majority of teachers, with a total of 92.0%, strongly agreed or agreed that a rising percentage of students are enrolling; 96.0% either strongly agreed or agreed that class participation and engagement; and 90.7% strongly agreed or agreed that low completion rates show the specific factors that contribute to the effectiveness of tuition fee reduction. For the second objective, 94.0% strongly agreed or agreed that graduation rates were high, and 98.6% either strongly agreed or agreed that a high number of students attended. Additionally, 96.6% strongly agreed or agreed that higher national examinations resulted, and 72.0% strongly agreed or agreed that retention rates indicate the academic performance of students in public secondary schools due to the reduction of the reduction of tuition fees in Rwanda. Results on the relationship between tuition fee reduction and the students ‘academic performance in public secondary schools in Rwanda. The correlation matrix between independent variables (government funding, institutional budget, and program section) and dependent variables (increased number of graduates, high student attendance, and increased student retention rates) shows positive significance since the p-value was less than 0.05. Based on research findings It is recommended that A tiered tuition fee structure, scholarships, grants, increased government funding, a free education policy, private sector involvement, and cost-sharing programs can make education more accessible and affordable for students.

Determination of the interactions of a schiff base with different targets via molecular docking and cytotoxic activity studies

The pyrimidine nucleus is a vital pharmacophore that exhibits excellent pharmacological activity. A Schiff base containing a pyrimidine nucleus was obtained in two steps. This compound was assessed on the human prostate (PC3) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines using the MTT method. The prepared compound 3 was determined to have a high cytotoxic effect towards prostate cancer with an IC50 value of 9.32 μM. Since experimental prostate and liver cancer studies were examined, the molecular docking study's target structures were determined accordingly. In molecular docking studies, compound 3 interacted in silico with the crystal structure of the human HER2 kinase domain (PDB Id: 3PP0), the crystal structure of VEGFR-2 (PDB Id: 4ASD), and the crystal structure of EGFR tyrosine kinase (PDB Id: 4HJO), respectively. As a result of these interactions, binding energy values were calculated, and binding modes were determined. Additional in vitro and in vivo experiments targeting other cancer cell lines will provide deeper insight into the anticancer spectrum of this compound and new studies on this compound will be planned in the following years. Furthermore, optimizing and studying such pyrimidine-based Schiff base compounds for improved selectivity and potency against prostate cancer is also considered to be valuable as it may increase the potential to capture potential drug candidates.

Cooperative Learning Instructions and Student Skills Acquisition in Mathematics in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Bugesera District

The researcher investigated the effect of cooperative learning instructions on student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. Specifically, this study identified the influence of group problem solving on student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda, determined the influence of collaborative problem solving on student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda, and established the relationship between the effect of cooperative learning instructions and student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. The study's target population consisted of 5800 participants from the Bugesera district, with a total sample of 375 respondents from Bugesera district schools. The researcher selected headteachers using purposive sampling approaches while selecting teachers and students using simple random methods, while the findings were analysed through SPSS version 21, and interpretations were made based on results given by respondents. To the first objective, results indicate that 74.9% strongly agreed and 19.4% agreed that group problem solving indicated the cooperative learning instructions ; 66.5% strongly agreed and 19.2% agreed that peer teaching indicated the cooperative learning instructions ; 60.6% strongly agreed and 23.1% agreed that collaborative problem solving indicated the cooperative learning instructions ; and 68.5% strongly agreed and agreed. 22.5% agreed that Jigsaw learning indicated the cooperative learning instructions, and 80.3% strongly agreed. 19.7% agreed that peer coaching and classroom action research indicate the cooperative learning instructions. To the second objective, the study indicates that 59.4% strongly agreed and 24.2% said that it allows them and their colleagues’ students to share different approaches and solutions to problems, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. 65.6% strongly agreed and 20.0% agreed that encouraging group members to teach each other; 74.1% strongly agreed and 19.4% agreed that it helps them and their colleagues’ students to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios; and 75.5% strongly agreed and 20.3% agreed that different viewpoints lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. For the third objective The study found a strong positive relationship between group problem solving, critical thinking skills, and student participation in class discussions. Adjustments in group problem solving improved exam results in math, increased retention rates, and group problem solving. Peer teaching also positively impacted exam results in math, critical thinking skills, and group problem solving. Collaborative problem solving significantly impacted exam results in math, critical thinking skills, and attractiveness rates. The integration of homework over the internet has received less attention. Correlated since most of their level of significance was more than 0.05 in association with the student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. The study recommends that cooperative learning in Rwanda improves secondary school students' mathematical skills by dividing students into small groups, defining learning objectives, encouraging active participation, and using technology. Regular monitoring and recognition of successes can enhance understanding and create a supportive learning environment.

Social Media Addiction and It’s Impact on University of Cape Coast Distance Education Students’ Academic Achievement

The study examined the influence of social media usage on the academic performance of students at the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. The research work utilized a descriptive survey design with a quantitative methodology. The study's target population comprised students enrolled in the College of Distance Education at the University of Cape Coast. The research instrument employed was a questionnaire that assessed students' social media usage. A total of 267 participants were sampled using a multistage sampling technique, and data was collected through the self-developed questionnaire. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study disclosed that WhatsApp was the most frequently used social media site, with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter following closely behind. The study found that excessive use of social media can result in a lack of focus on studies and spending the majority of time online, which negatively affects academic performance. It is recommended that the management of the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast, should guide and educate students on the dangers of being addicted to social media usage since too much time spent on social media sites could affect students’ academic performance. Such stakeholders should counsel students on the judicious use of social media.

Assessment of the Differences in Juvenile Crime Based on Family set-up among Secondary School Students in Kisii County, Kenya

Juvenile crime is a huge concern across the world today. Young individuals engage in antisocial behaviors such as theft, robbery, rape, drug and substance misuse, drug trafficking, disdain for authority, and even murder. The purpose of the study was to assess the differences in juvenile crime according to family set-up among secondary school students in Kisii County, Kenya. A descriptive survey research approach was adopted. The study's target population comprised 6,357 students from selected secondary schools. The sample size included 610 students, 9 school officials (principals, deputy principals, and teacher counsellors, one from each school), and 9 parents. The sample only included pupils from grades two and three. Both probability and non-probability sampling approaches were utilized. The schools were chosen using the convenience sampling approach. In contrast, simple random sampling was used to pick student respondents from schools A and B, and purposive selection was used to select student respondents from school C and all school administrators. The parents were also picked using convenience sampling. Data was gathered through student and teacher surveys, principal interview schedules, and parent focus groups. Data was analyzed using correlation analysis with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings revealed that upper-class adolescents were more delinquent than lower-class adolescents and that the media impacts juvenile crime. The research advised that media be used appropriately to minimize crime and that upper-class parents limit the digital gadgets available to their children.

Effect of E-Recruitment on Employee Performance: A Case of Kajiado County Government

Purpose: The widespread use of information systems in a variety of activities and departments for organizational competitive advantage and success has been aided by businesses' widespread acceptance of technology. Despite this, the Kajiado county government has been facing inadequate service delivery, which is exacerbated by personnel performance that falls short of deadlines or timeframes in reaching targets. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of e-recruitment on employee performance in Kenya's Kajiado County Government. The technological acceptability model supported the study. Methodology: This study utilized a descriptive research design. A total of 1689 employees, including supervisors and unionized workers, were part of the study's target demographic. A sample size of 313 was chosen by stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were used to compile data. Quantitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis, while qualitative data was analyzed using statistical analysis. The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Regression of coefficients showed that e-recruitment had a positive and significant effect on employee performance in Kajiado county (β=0.287, p=0.000). Conclusion: The study concluded that e-recruitment had a positive and significant effect on employee performance in Kajiado County. The government of Kenya should encourage all the counties to embrace the e-recruitment process. This is because e-recruitment minimizes paperwork recruitment and also minimizes costs. Counties should also use digital databases for their employees to minimize forgery and also for easier tracking of the applicants.

Family Structure and Student Discipline in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Western Region of Kenya

Discipline in schools is an issue that especially concerns educators, parents, and other stakeholders. In an environment that lacks order and discipline, it is impossible for students to learn effectively. Thus, order and discipline are indispensable for achieving positive educational results. The family assumes a pivotal role in shaping the early years of an individual. The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of family structure on student discipline in public boarding secondary schools in Western region of Kenya. Family composition and structural-functionalism theories served as guiding principles for the research. The investigation was conducted using an ex post facto design. The study's target population consisted of 5583 class teachers and 369 deputy principals (administrators-in-charge) from 369 public boarding secondary institutions. The sample included 123 deputy Principals and 558 class teachers from the 123 randomly selected schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 558 class teachers while purposive sampling was used to select 123 deputy Principals. For the purpose of data collection from the participants, a questionnaire and an interview schedule were employed. The assessment of the instruments' reliability was conducted using the test-retest method, results of the pilot study reveal that all scales were trustworthy because their reliability values were more than the required threshold of 0.7. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentages, weighted averages, correlations and multi-regression analysis. The study concluded that family structure influence the discipline of students in public secondary schools.

To study the knowledge, attitude, and practice about Pap smear among healthcare professionals.

Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has been found to be an effective, safe, economical, and time-sensitive tool for screening cervical cancer in various studies. We studied existing levels of awareness, attitude, and practices related to the Pap smear among healthcare workers. This was a cross-sectional study undertaken in different departments of Pt B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. The study's target group was all married female HCWs of varied experience levels posted in different departments. This study employed a meticulously crafted questionnaire in the English language. The survey included a total of 21 items covering different aspects related to the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the study topic. Subgroup analysis was conducted using the ANOVA and Pearson Chi-square test. A total of 424 participants were enrolled in the study. The majority of the participants were in the age group of 31-40 years (45%), followed by the age group of 20-30 years. On descriptive analysis, the mean knowledge score of the participants was 29.4575 (SD = 10.77661, minimum score = 0.00, maximum score = 55). The study highlights a moderate level of knowledge but a significant gap between the attitudes and actual practices related to Pap smear and cervical cancer screening among healthcare professionals.

HERDING BEHAVIOUR MARKET INFORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR DECISION-MAKING AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE

This paper examined the relationship between herding behaviour and individual investor decision-making at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. In addition, the study assessed the moderating effect of market information on the relationship between herding behaviour and individual investor decision-making at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was anchored on behavioural finance theory and was guided by a correlational research design. The study's target population was 2.03 million individual investors who traded at the Nairobi Securities Exchange through the 17 licensed brokerage firms in Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and Internal consistency of the instruments was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, where a coefficient of 0.865 was obtained. The obtained data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies, means, and standard deviation and inferentially by correlation and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that herding behaviour (r = 0.235; β =0.180 p<0.05) had a positive and significant relationship with individual investor decision-making. Jointly, the study established that herding behaviour explains a 59.6% change in individual investor decision-making. In addition, the study established that market information had a positive significant moderating effect on the relationship between herding behaviour and individual investor decision-making as the moderator increased the R2 from 59.6% to 61.0%, which is an R-square change of 1.4%. The study concluded that herding behaviour had a significant relationship with individual investor decision-making at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study recommended that investors understand market trends, financial statements, and economic indicators and continue seeking advice from financial experts. NSE should also provide regular market analysis, ensure transparency in market operations to build investor confidence and introduce investment products that cater to different risk profiles, such as low-risk mutual funds. The findings of the study could be of significance to policymakers, financial experts, academicians, scholars, and theoretical developments.

Effects of Inter-community Conflicts on Beef Cattle Production among Pastoral Communities of Marsabit County, Kenya

The focus of this research was to determine the effects of inter-pastoral communities conflicts on beef cattle production, to determine the effects of livestock diseases on beef cattle production among pastoral communities in Marsabit County. The study employed a descriptive survey research method. Our study's target population was made up of 1210 beef cattle keepers with a total population of 118,755 beef animals. Marsabit County was chosen at random using purposive sampling techniques. After stratification, 60 out of 200 registered farm groups was chosen at random. The researcher conducted a pilot study to determine the instrument's suitability. Data was statistically handled, manipulated and analyzed by Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher employed both descriptive and inferential statistics where correlation analysis, chi-square analysis and standard multiple regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the variables as well as for making generalizations about the data. Diagnostic tests was checked to ascertain violation of assumptions. The study found out that these conflicts not only directly reduced cattle numbers but also instilled an atmosphere of fear and instability, discouraging investment and effort in cattle rearing. Proactive measures to mitigate inter-community conflicts, such as conflict resolution initiatives and improved security measures, are essential for safeguarding both livestock and human lives. The study recommends investing in conflict resolution measures and programs.

Influence of Principals’ Participative Leadership Style on Tutors’ Support for Implementation of Performance Appraisal in Public Primary Teachers Training Colleges in Kenya

The study aimed at investigating the influence of principals’ participative leadership style on tutors’ implementation of the performance appraisal in teachers training colleges in Kenya. The study sought to test the following null hypothesis H01: There is no significant relationship between Principals’ participative leadership style and tutors’ support for the implementation of the performance appraisal in public primary teachers training colleges in Kenya. The study was guided by the Path-Goal Theory. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study's target population comprised 840 tutors and 21 principals in the 21 public teacher training colleges in Kenya in 2021. The sample size was determined using Yamane's formula. Therefore, the sample size for tutors was 271. Stratified random sampling was used to select tutors in teachers’ training colleges in Kenya. A census was used to select all the 21 principals of training colleges in Kenya. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire for tutors and an interview guide for the 21 Principals. It was established that principals’ participative leadership style had a positive significant (β=.431, p=0.00<0.05) relationship with the implementation of performance appraisal of tutors. The study concluded that principals’ participative leadership style had a significant influence on tutors’ implementation of performance appraisal. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education, Board of Management, Kenya Education Management Institute, teacher training colleges, universities, parents, and Quality Assurance and Standards officers collaborate in designing and implementing performance appraisal systems. This inclusive approach ensures diverse perspectives are considered, leading to a comprehensive and effective appraisal system aligned with the sector's needs