United States International University Research Articles

Factors Affecting Employee’s Perception on Job Satisfaction: Case of United States International University (USIU)

Purpose: This study sought to establish the factors that affect employee’s perception on job satisfaction in USIU. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of employee’s perception of personal factors, social factors, and organizational factors on job satisfaction.
 Methodology: The research design was descriptive in nature, across-sectional survey based on selection of elements regarding the population of interest and presented in frequency and percentage distributions. The population in this study comprised 365 full time employees (both academic and administrative). A sample of 79 full time employees was targeted to represent the population of interest. The sampling technique used consisted of a non-probability sampling technique that was purposive sampling based on the population of interest. Questionnaires were tested through a pilot testing process and thereafter were distributed to 79 full time employees. The data was coded and entered in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and analyzed via descriptive statistics then presented in tables for clarity and ease of understanding.
 Results: With respect to personal factors and job satisfaction, this study concluded that employees with strategic management styles were more characterized by conscientiousness and openness to experience, while those with strong interpersonal management styles were most characterized by extraversion, agreeableness, and high emotional stability. Thus, all Big Five traits should be given attention in the study and application of organizational behavior. In addition, social factors and job satisfaction, the study concluded that job satisfaction is affected by the demographic similarity between supervisors and subordinates by the way in which supervisors assign tasks, the extent to which subordinates and supervisors like and respect each other, and the role of fairness in the workplace. And final, in regard to the organizational factors and its effect on job satisfaction, the research study concluded that organizational reward system must be as objective and as fair as possible and be administered contingently on the employee’s exhibiting critical performance behaviors. Thus, employees should be rewarded in accordance to their contribution in the achievement of organization goal and observation.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study made several recommendations among them that employer (USIU) ought to give attention to all Big Five traits in the study and application of organizational behavior. It also recommended that USIU human resource department should propose organizational restructuring that influences the natures of interactions at work which affect coworker relationships and which in turn affect job satisfaction. It further recommended that USIU should go through a trial-and-error approach before they settle into unique reward systems that works best for their full-time employees.

Awareness of Policy Frameworks that Affect the Provision and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among University Students in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Purpose: the study sought to determine awareness of SRH policy frameworks that impact on the provision and utilization of SRH services among university students.
 Methodology: The study used a cross sectional research design complemented by exploratory research design. The study was conducted in the main campuses of two public universities namely Kenyatta University and Multimedia University and two private universities, United States International University- Africa, KCA-University in Nairobi County in Kenya. The target population were students aged between 18-25 years studying in universities with main campuses in Nairobi County. The total study population was approximately 192,193 students. The study applied stratified random sampling to identify the 370 students who completed the study questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select the students and staff who participated in in-depth interviews. The students who participated in focus group discussions were randomly selected. 
 Findings: The study found out that most students, 95 (25.7%) reported to be aware of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) followed by 74 (20%) students who reported to be aware of the National Reproductive Health Policy (2007). When looking at the university level policy frameworks, most students, 229 (61.9%) split in almost equal numbers, male, 120 (32.4%) and female, 109 (29.5%) are aware of the university HIV/AIDS policy. The surveyed students who said they were not aware of any university SRH policies were 94 (25.4%), split in equal numbers between male and female students. The findings indicate low awareness of SRH policy frameworks by either gender which can be interpreted to mean that participation of the students in the development of the policy frameworks and dissemination of the developed policies is poor.
 Recommendations: The study’s recommendation to universities is to regularly disseminate national and university level SRH policy frameworks to the students. This can be done during orientation, as part of their studies and on special days convened to sensitize the students on their health.

A Longitudinal Assessment of Written Communication among Students at a Private University in Kenya

Regular assessment of program outcome is a fundamental part of efficient curriculum review and improvement. Accrediting commissions expect that by the time of graduation, each student should have achieved the expected program learning outcomes. All accredited programs undergo an assessment process to demonstrate program outcome achievement. This paper presents findings of a longitudinal assessment of students’ writing skills at United States International University (USIU-A). The main objective of this study was to assess the progress made by students in written communication competence right from entry to their final level of the English courses offered at the institution. This was aimed at providing instructionally relevant feedback to instructors which could be used to inform curriculum review and classroom instruction to improve students' writing skills. The study used an analytical rubric to assess students written scripts at different levels from entry to their final level of the English courses. Findings show general improvement in the students writing skills safe for syntax and grammar. A few recommendations are made from the findings including; providing students with a language intensive program before they begin their degree program, promoting writing across the curriculum (WAC) approach, and limiting language class sizes to 30 for effective teaching, evaluation, and feedback.

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Concerns, Needs and Priorities of University Students in Nairobi County, Kenya

Despite the efforts universities are putting in place to address the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns and needs of their students, the rate at which students are engaging in casual unprotected sex is reportedly high. This has resulted in increased rates of unsafe abortions and unintended pregnancies among the student population. It is against this background that this thesis sought to establish the SRH concerns, needs and priorities of university students in Nairobi County in Kenya. The Social Economic Model guided the study in understanding the problem while the Andersen and Newman Framework of Health Services Utilization guided the study in identifying possible solutions to the challenges identified. The targeted population was students studying in universities with main campuses in Nairobi County. Stratified random sampling was used to select the four public and private universities (Kenyatta University, Multimedia University of Kenya, United States International University - Africa and KCA University) which were part of the study. The study was guided by cross-sectional and exploratory research designs. The target population was 192,193 students. Stratified random sampling was used to select the three hundred and seventy (370) students who completed the study questionnaires. Sixteen key informants were purposefully selected to participate in-depth interviews while four focus group discussions (FGDs) of either gender were carried out. The study established that university students are most concerned about getting infected with HIV/AIDS followed by getting pregnant or impregnating someone. The study revealed that what the students need the most is access to condoms, pills and contraceptives for pregnancy prevention and youth friendly services. The study also revealed that university students prioritize confidentiality, the cost of SRH services and being attended by friendly healthcare providers in this order.

About The Author

About The Author

Augmenting small enterprise operations with technology: the case of kraft therapy foundation in a user-centred design

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to explore the challenges associated with Information System Project Management; to explore how to navigate certain Information System Project Management challenges and make recommendations on how to address them; and to evaluate the application of user-centred design. Case overview/synopsis This case looks at the small to medium enterprises (SMEs) Digitisation project that was initiated by Dr Ndiege, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, and a team of faculty at the School of Science and Technology, United States International University – Africa in Kenya. Dr Ndiege is considering the project in September 2020 and its future viability. The project called for computer science students to voluntarily assist in developing an online presence for local SMEs. The idea is to help cushion them against the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Ndiege looks at the details of the project through the eyes of team leader Sylvie Sarabwe and her encounters on the project. She leads a team of four students in a user-centered design to develop a website for social enterprise Kraft Therapy Foundation (KTF), located in Kibera slums within Nairobi County, Kenya. Sylvie must navigate the client relationship with KTF. But she soon starts to experience the difficulties involved with navigating this process. For Sylvie, it quickly dawns on her that a user-centred design project requires both hard and the soft skills to successfully deliver the final project. By the conclusion of the case, Dr Ndiege recognises the multitude of issues that this project ultimately faces. Complexity academic level The primary target audience for this teaching case is undergraduate information technology students, especially students in software application design and project management with little or no work experience. The case is clearly structured and the length of the case lends itself to the audience. It does not contain excessive or irrelevant information. Hence, learners have more time to focus on the application questions presented. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 7: Management Science.

Assessing Effects of Librarians’ Emotional Intelligence on Quality Service at the MOI University and United States International University Libraries

Assessing Effects of Librarians’ Emotional Intelligence on Quality Service at the MOI University and United States International University Libraries

The Team Using Video Games To Help Fight Climate Change

Extracts of the interview of Max Musau and Marc Rigaudis by Faustine Ngila Nation Newspaper Nairobi KENYA … Max Musau, former head of innovation at United States International University Africa (USIU) in Nairobi and Marc Rigaudis former Film Production director at the same university have teamed up to develop a video game to get the conversation of climate change and futurism active -- even among the young.Dubbed Jiwe Studios, the online game downloadable from the web is the meeting point of literature and technology, equipping children with digital skills as they play a game based on the current geo-political happenings, where Africa has become the battleground.… In Marc Rigaudis’s screenplay titled Usoni (Swahili for ‘the future’), he paints a picture of a Global North ravaged by the effects of climate change, forcing populations to seek refuge in the Global South – Africa.In his 160-page piece of art, Ophelia, the protagonist, initially from the El-Molo community in Kenya, runs away from her Paris home, and starts to trace her way back to her motherland...In an apocalyptic vision in 2063, Rigaudis foresees that Europe is covered by a black cloud and the sun has disappeared. Following a chain of catastrophes mainly caused by human abuse, Mother Nature reacts in a grand finale with all the volcanoes erupting, blocking the sun, blocking life. People from the North have to escape to the South, to Africa, where the sun still shines. A pure analogy with what is happening nowadays with many Africans trying to cross the Mediterranean sea and too often losing their life because the African sun which burns their skin is not shining for them! A replica of what is happening now but in complete reverse.

3 - The Turbulent 2010s: A Historical Draft


 
 
 The 2010s was an exceptionally turbulent decade characterised by complex and contradictory changes at local, regional and global levels. The changes encompassed all spheres from the political to the economic, as well as the social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of global society. This article identifies and analyses six key trends in the historical trajectory of the period. First, the decade was marked by intense political polarization in many countries; second, was the democratic recessions and resistance in some climes; third, was the rising economic inequalities and disequilibrium; fourth was the shift in global hierarchies and hegemonies; fifth, was the emergence of surveillance capitalism; and the final one was the rebellion of nature as evident in extreme weather conditions and global struggles over climate change. In analysing these key trends the article seeks to make sense of the messy complexities, mind boggling contradictions and massive changes of the various historical conjunctures of modernity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, Vice Chancellor, United States International University – Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. Email: pzeleza@gmail.com
 
 

Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Linguistics Research, Vol. 9, No. 4

English Linguistics Research (ELR) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether ELR publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 4 Bruna Gabriela Augusto Marçal Vieira, CEFET-MG, BrazilGiuseppe Maugeri, Ca' Foscari University, ItalyGraziano Serragiotto, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, ItalyInaad M Sayer, University of Human Development, IraqKazeem K. Olaniyan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, NigeriaNaom Nyarigoti, United States International University, KenyaVassiliki Pliogou, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Greece Best Regards,Camille SuEditorial Assistant, English Linguistics ResearchSciedu Press*************************************Add: 9140 Leslie St. Suite 110, Beaver Creek, Ontario, L4B 0A9, CanadaTel: 1-416-479-0028 ext. 210Fax: 1-416-642-8548E-mail 1: elr@sciedupress.com E-mail 2: elr@sciedupress.org Website: http://elr.sciedupress.com

Determining Users’ Perceptions of Librarians’ Emotional Intelligence at the MOI University and United States International University Libraries

Determining Users’ Perceptions of Librarians’ Emotional Intelligence at the MOI University and United States International University Libraries

Determining Users’ Perceptions of Librarians’ Quality Service at the Moi University and United States International University Libraries

Determining Users’ Perceptions of Librarians’ Quality Service at the Moi University and United States International University Libraries

Experiential Learning for Effective Knowledge Transfer and Mission Achievement

Traditional university mission statements are multifaceted. The majority focus on fundamentals: teaching, research, and service. Most core values are holistic learning, freedom of expression, and openness. However, recent trends appear to embrace a consumerist “transactional approach” emphasizing competitiveness, superiority, self-interest, and quantifiable quality with students as primary customers. At a time when students are demanding value for money, universities must endeavor to balance private interests with traditional universities' values. Hence, consideration of some form of experiential learning and knowledge transfer in universities' mission statements is expected to enrich student learning, add value to society, and also meet the transactional approach requirements. This paper explores theoretical and conceptual approaches to the learning process including theories, models, and perspectives. The United States International University's experience is used as a case study with reference to integrative learning experiences in the General Education (GE) courses, the Collaborative Active Learning Model (CALM) Approach to Learning, and the Global Executive MBA Program, and the knowledge transfer experiences in the GAME Center Living Lab, the Agent Net Work, and the Entrepreneurial Simulation.

Predictors of Altruistic Behaviour among a Sample of Emerging Adults at the United States International University in Africa

Background: Altruistic behaviour also known as helping behaviour is characterized by self-sacrificing actions done to benefit or contribute to the welfare of others. Behavioural trends related to altruism change throughout the developmental life span; following the development of more complex cognitive processes. The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of altruistic behaviour among a sample of emerging adults at the United States International University (USIU-A). Methods: This study was conducted among a sample size (n)=141: 51% of participants were female and 49% male. The instrument used in the current study was the Self- Reported Altruism scale (SRA). Multivariate regression analysis was carried out to assess predictors of altruism using SPSS® (Version 20). Findings: The research findings report that among emerging adults’ altruistic behavioural trends were predicted by majorly age, presences of religion, and group size. However, gender, number of siblings, year of study and participants school were not statistically significant predictors of altruism among emerging adults. Furthermore, 71% of emerging adults suggested that socialization can be used to create awareness of altruism and its significance in society. Conclusion: Altruism in emerging adulthood increases positively as individuals’ grow from age 18 years to 25 years. Gender related stereotypes on altruism should be diminished as they do not influence self-reported altruism among emerging adults. Creation of awareness through social agents or actors will contribute greatly to nurturing altruism among emerging adults. Keywords: Altruistic behaviour; Emerging adults; Young adults; Helping behavior; Prosocial behavior

Re-branding libraries to embrace open space and aesthetic reflections: a case of USIU-Africa as a benchmark of Kenyan libraries

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the strides taken by academic libraries in Kenya to match the standards of modern library buildings while highlighting ensuing impact on user satisfaction. It will give an insight and provide a comprehensive comparison between Kenyan modern libraries and other modern libraries in the world which are considered best library designs, to show progressive development of library design and equipment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a viewpoint approach after studying the history and development of the current library buildings in Kenya. This paper will answer the following questions: How far are Kenyan university libraries in embracing open space and aesthetic reflections? What is the impact of artistic modern library designs to user satisfaction? What are the effects of colorful interior design and décor on libraries? In addressing these and other related questions, the design of new academic libraries in Kenya over the past eight years is traced.FindingsLibraries in Kenya and other developing countries have stayed in the right path of revolution by adopting the modern library designs and giving library users more reasons to cherish their libraries as not only reading facilities but also destinations for relaxation, discussions and hangouts. The United States International University (USIU) Library has been touted as the pioneer modern library building, and its standards have been replicated and bettered by other libraries in Kenya today. This is a big stride for Kenyan libraries in the wake of dynamism in libraries.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is that it gives an insight on the development of library buildings in Kenya, providing a comprehensive comparison between Kenyan modern libraries and other modern libraries in the world which are considered best library designs, thereby showing progressive development of library design and equipment.

A critical view of pharmacy education and practice in Kenya

: Sir,The importance of the pharmacy practitioner to the healthcare team in general and to the patient in particular is under serious threat in Kenya. The perception that the exclusive role of the pharmacist is to dispense medication and manage the supply chain of drugs and related commodities underscores the dim view held by the public and other cadres of the healthcare system towards the pharmacy profession. While the rest of the world continues to actively make the practice of pharmacy dynamic, the situation in Kenya has for a good long time remained frustratingly static. Presently, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) is a 5-year program. It is offered in seven institutions namely the University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenyatta University (KU), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), Mount Kenya University (MKU) and United States International University (USIU). However, the curriculum is structured in such a way that clinical pharmacy accounts for a very small part of the program with a year or two being deemed sufficient contact time with this discipline of pharmacy. Moreover, the B. Pharm degree is the minimum pre-requisite for licensure as a pharmacist in the country. This is at a time when the rest of the developing world is embracing the Doctor of Pharmacy program (PharmD) in a bid to diversify the repertoire, skillset and role of the pharmacist. Read more. . .

Gender Differences in Self-Concept Among a Sample of Students of the United States International University in Africa

Background: Self-concept is a multifaceted belief system where self-evaluation is carried out in relation to one’s environment. Various research studies have found that self-concept has an impact on the psychological, physical and social wellbeing of a person. There is a dearth of studies on the relationship between self-concept and gender among students in private universities in Kenya. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between gender and self-concept among a sample of United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) students. Methods: The study was conducted in a sample of students studying either the psychology of personality or abnormal psychology courses. The sample size (n) for the current study is 57: which is 0.87% of the student population in the USIU-A. The methodology used in this study is the Tennessee Self-concept Scale (TSCS) consisting of 82 statements. The regression analysis of the six dimensions of selfconcept and gender was done using SPSS® (Version 23). Results: The current study found that personal self-concept variables explained 46.8% of the variations of overall self-concept. A regression between overall selfconcept rating and gender revealed that overall self-concept increases by 6.381% as gender changes from female to male. Conclusion: Male participants were found to have a higher overall self-concept than female participants. Among the sexes the highly suggested ways of increasing self-concept were through socialization, reading and self-awareness.

Whither Private Higher Education in Africa?

T United States International University in Kenya convened the first private higher education conference in Africa in early September 2003. The majority of approximately 90 delegates were senior personnel of private higher education institutions from about 10 African states, but participants also included representatives of supranational organizations, governments, diplomatic missions, academics, and researchers. They deliberated on the theme: “Meeting the Challenges of Higher Education in Africa: The Role of Private Universities,” and they shared experiences and ways of setting up networks. This article highlights the conference’s key topical issues.

The Impact of Remedial English on the Improvement of English Proficiency: The Case of the United States International University-Africa

This study probes the effect of a remedial English course in raising the level of English proficiency of freshmen at the United States International University. Using a quasi-experimental design, it tracks 46 underprepared students, admitted to the USIU in the Summer Semester of 2011 who failed to make the threshold for university course in a placement test (pretest) and went through a remedial English course for 14 weeks. On completion of the course, they were given the same placement test (posttest). Comparisons between the scores in the pretest and those on the post-test are used to determine the significance of the change the treatment gives the students. Further comparisons are made between the scores in composition and in the grammar sections of the pretest and posttest and variation between the scores of students. T-tests establish a significant and positive difference at p value of p=0.00 between overall performance between the pretest and posttest and between grammar and composition aspects of the tests. The conclusion is therefore that the remedial class raises the English proficiency of the students.

USING OER AS A TOOL FOR AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR HARD TO REACH RURAL FARMER POPULATIONS

Agriculture is the mainstay of Kenya’s economy and contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP). A great majority of this comes from smallholder farmers. A major challenge is assisting these farmers to make improvements in their production ventures with an advantage that the devolved form of government in Kenya, inaugurated in 2010, has increased focus in the rural setups. United States International University (USIU) has been involved in the development of training materials for farmer organizations and specifically a course module based on several interdisciplinary field case studies was developed. This Farmers’ Agribusiness training course was developed on an Open Educational Resource (OER) platform to help both farmers (who had limited training in commercialization of agriculture) and farmer organizations. Its intention was to provide access to additional skills and knowledge to allow farmers to move from a 'farm' to a 'firm'. Five farmers were identified from various parts of the country and were then used in partnership to develop the modules for the course over a one year period. There was frequent follow up of the farmers in field trips. There was a positive feedback on the OER materials despite challenges that the farmers must be computer literate if they were to utilize the materials directly. Mobile learning presents an opportunity to address this shortcoming. Kenya has witnessed tremendous growth in the use of mobile phones in the rural population whose main occupation is agriculture. Although a few enlightened farmers were found to have been using mobile SMS service to seek help on best agriculture practice and marketing of farm produce, there is a need to establish whether mobile technologies can enhance farmers training and support in the rural area.