Verbatim Quotations Research Articles

The Contribution of Ward Education Officers Supervisory Roles on Teachers’ School Attendance in Longido District, Tanzania

The study aimed at investigating the contribution of Ward Education Officers supervisory roles on teachers’ school attendance in public secondary schools in Longido District, Tanzania. The study was guided by one research question aimed to find out the extent to which WEOs supervisory roles influence teacher’s school attendance in public secondary schools in Longido District, Tanzania. Administrative Theory of Management developed by Henri Fayol in 19th Century was used to guide this study. The study employed Convergent design under mixed method approach. The targeted population of this study include 9 heads of schools, 1 DEO, 9 ward education officers’ and 283 teachers from the 09 public secondary schools in Longido District, Tanzania that make a total number of 302 populations. The sample size of this study included 4 heads of schools, 4 ward education officers, 48 teachers from 4 public secondary schools and 1 DEO in Longido District to make the total number of 57 respondents. Questionnaires, interview guide and document analysis guide were used to collect data from the respondents. The reliability of quantitative data was established through Cronbach-Alpha where by (r=0.86 for teachers’ questionnaire) while qualitative data through triangulation and member checking methods. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive analysis to generate frequency, means and percentages. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in words by verbatim quotations. Research ethics such as anonymity, confidentiality and acknowledgement were adhered across the entire research process. The study found out that good communication between WEOs and heads of schools, inspection of teachers' attendance register books, frequently schools’ visits and provide advice to teachers who are not attending to schools contribute good attendance to teachers. The researcher concluded that WEOs supervisory roles contribute teachers school attendance positively whereby teachers adhered to code of conduct by coming and departure to school on time. The study recommends that; WEOs should encourage teachers attending to school daily and solve the conflicts and management to enhance their attendance at schools. The researcher concluded that Ward supervisory roles influence teachers school attendance positively

Expediency of School Board’s Warnings and Reprimands Strategies for Managing Students’ Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Longido District, Tanzania

This study assessed the expediency of school board warnings and reprimands strategies for managing students’ discipline in public secondary schools in Longido district. The study employed social control theory whereas convergent design under mixed research methods guided data collection and analysis. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to obtain the study sample of sixty-five (65) respondents that consisted of 5 school boards chairpersons, 20 school board members, 5 heads of schools, 5 discipline teachers and 30 teachers. Interview guides and questionnaires was validated using research’s experts from department of education planning and administration before data collection. The reliability of questionnaires instruments ensured through Cronbach-alpha and interview guide by triangulation methods. Percentages, means and standard deviation were generated from the analysed descriptive data. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in words inform of verbatim quotations. The study revealed that warnings and reprimands is used by the school boards and school management in managing students’ discipline guided by sets of laws, regulations and standards aiming to avoid the occurrence of indiscipline and improve academic performance. Moreover, the study also found out that parental involvement and guidance and counselling strategies were used by school boards and school management managing students discipline matters before administering of warnings and reprimands. The study concluded that warnings and reprimands strategies were used by school boards in managing students’ discipline in public secondary schools in Longido district. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education Science and Technology should create awareness among public secondary schools’ stakeholder including teachers and parents on the procedures used by school boards in administering warnings and reprimands.

Strategies Employed In Managing Inter-Ethnic Conflicts Occasioned By National Elections in Nakuru County between 1992 And 2017

Wars and conflicts decide political boundaries, move populations around the world, define political debates, and generally affect just about everything in our societies. Violence is widespread and can be tapped for a variety of reasons, including but not exclusively, election victory. Since the inception of multiparty system in 1992, there has been high volatile political environment in regions that have multiple ethnic composition. The study sought to evaluate the strategies employed in the management of inter-ethnic conflicts occasioned by national elections in Nakuru County, Kenya between 1992 and 2017. The study was anchored on Democratic theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. This study targeted the house hold heads of Kuresoi North and Molo sub-counties. The study population included government officials, security personnel, CSOs officials, opinion leaders, religious leaders and youth group representatives. A total sample of 427 was used. Data collection tools adopted were questionnaire, FGDs and interview guides. The study employed both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and results presented in form of charts, graphs, and tables for quantitative data and in narrative reports and verbatim quotations for qualitative data, the study concluded that the state which is the lead agency in conflict management has shifted from macro-level focus to micro-level intervention through local government institutions.

Involvement of Technological Growth on Policing Performance in Ghana

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvements of technological growths on performance of police officers and suggest the best ways to enhance technology use in the Ghana Police Service.
 Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design survey. The sampling techniques used were simple random sampling. Raw data from respondents was obtained using questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically and by looking for patterns. They were presented in the form of narrative and verbatim quotations. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics includes percentages and means. They were presented in tables, graphs and pie charts.
 Findings: The results of the study established that the performance of police officers has greatly improved due to growth of technology. The study established that there was use of technology in Ghana police service though not very much advanced.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that Globalization and new technologies have facilitated certain cyber-criminal operations, thereby placing an additional burden on law enforcement agencies.
 Recommendation: The study recommends the government of Ghana should increase the allocation of funds to the National Police Service for the acquisition of updated equipment, to provide training at appropriate levels in forensic techniques and in technological skills for policy makers and law enforcement and investigative personnel, introduce appropriate procedural and substantive laws to deal with crimes committed in an electronic environment and raise public awareness, on the appropriate use of the internet.

“Louder for the people in the back”

Racial segregation in publicly funded libraries in the United States was generally accepted until 1964 when the Civil Rights Act made it illegal. Today, public libraries continue to be beset by underrepresentation and discrimination. Current literature calls to improve the LIS landscape by integrating social justice and equity into research, education, and practice while also confronting systemic racism. In this paper, we posit to improve LIS research by diversifying representation through qualitative methods by including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) perspectives and participation to help address the persistent negative impacts of racial discrimination. We demonstrate how qualitative methods are vital to more fully elicit the stories, experiences, feelings, and perspectives of historically marginalized populations. We include advice through verbatim quotations from a BIPOC community leader with extensive experience with LIS research which promotes understanding and empathy as LIS continues to confront historical and contemporary racial discrimination.

Experience and Perception of Healthcare Workers on the Challenges of Follow-Up and Treatment of Tuberculosis Patients in Southern Ethiopia: An Exploratory-Descriptive Qualitative Study.

BackgroundThere is a scarcity of research evidence on TB follow-up and treatment challenges from a healthcare worker’s perspective in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and describe the experience and perception of healthcare workers on the challenges of follow-up and treatment of TB patients in Southern Ethiopia.Material and MethodsA qualitative exploratory-descriptive study was employed among 26 purposely selected Healthcare Workers (HCWs) from Wolaita Sodo University-Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Achura, Boloso Sore, and Tida Health Centers in December 2021 and January 2022. Initially, the maximum variation purposive sampling technique was employed, then based on the data requirement of the study it was enriched by a theoretical sampling method. The required data were collected through one-on-one face-to-face audio-taped in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted by using a qualitative data analysis framework for the applied research method. NVivo Software Version 11 was used to ease data organization and analysis. Detailed textual narration of subthemes, and themes was done using direct verbatim quotations in the respective headings and subheadings.ResultsIn the current study, three major themes and eleven sub-themes emerged from the data. The three major themes include the experience of healthcare workers, perceived challenges, and suggestions for improvement of TB patients’ follow-up and treatment. Healthcare worker’s experience, compliance with infection prevention protocols, fear of contracting and/or spreading TB, public awareness of TB, socio-economic burdens, providers-related problems, shortage of medical supplies, unconducive physical work environment, provision of holistic support for the patients, provision of in or out of service training, and supportive supervision were the sub-themes.ConclusionThis study explored the multidimensional challenges adjoining follow-up and treatment of TB patients. Regular monitoring and supportive supervision accompanied by appropriate and timely decisions and feedback are vital to ensure effective follow-up and treatment of TB patients in Ethiopia.

Evaluating the impact of maternal health care policy on stillbirth and perinatal mortality in Ghana; a mixed method approach using two rounds of Ghana demographic and health survey data sets and qualitative design technique.

Stillbirth and perinatal mortality issues continue to receive inadequate policy attention in Ghana despite government efforts maternal health care policy intervention over the years. The development has raised concerns as to whether Ghana can achieve the World Health Organization target of 12 per 1000 live births by the year 2030. In this study, we compared stillbirth and perinatal mortality between two groups of women who registered and benefitted from Ghana's 'free' maternal health care policy and those who did not. We further explored the contextual factors of utilization of maternal health care under the 'free' policy to find explanation to the quantitative findings. The study adopted a mixed method approach, first using two rounds of Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data sets, 2008 and 2014 as baseline and end line respectively. We constructed outcome variables of stillbirth and perinatal mortality from the under 5 mortality variables (n = 487). We then analyzed for association using multiple logistics regression and checked for sensitivity and over dispersion using Poisson and negative binomial regression models, while adjusting for confounding. We also conducted 23 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions for doctors, midwives and pregnant women and analyzed the contents of the transcripts thematically with verbatim quotes. Stillbirth rate increased in 2014 by 2 per 1000 live births. On the other hand, perinatal mortality rate declined within the same period by 4 per 1000 live births. Newborns were 1.64 times more likely to be stillborn; aOR: 1.64; 95% [CI: 1.02, 2.65] and 2.04 times more likely to die before their 6th day of life; aOR: 2.04; 95% [CI: 1.28, 3.25] among the 'free' maternal health care policy group, compared to the no 'free' maternal health care policy group, and the differences were statistically significant, p< 0.041; p< 0.003, respectively. Routine medicines such as folic acid and multi-vitamins were intermittently in short supply forcing private purchase by pregnant women to augment their routine requirement. Also, pregnant women in labor took in local concoction as oxytocin, ostensibly to fast track the labor process and inadvertently leading to complications of uterine rapture thus, increasing the risk of stillbirths. Even though perinatal mortality rate declined overall in 2014, the proportion of stillbirth and perinatal death is declining slowly despite the 'free' policy intervention. Shortage of medicine commodities, inadequate monitoring of labor process coupled with pregnant women intake of traditional herbs, perhaps explains the current rate of stillbirth and perinatal death.

Veterans’ ambulatory care experience during COVID-19: veterans’ access to and satisfaction with primary care early in the pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread changes to healthcare, but few studies focus on ambulatory care during the early phase of the pandemic. We characterize veterans’ ambulatory care experience, specifically access and satisfaction, early in the pandemic.MethodsWe employed a semi-structured telephone interview to capture quantitative and qualitative data from patients scheduled with a primary care provider between March 1 – June 30, 2020. Forty veterans were randomly identified at a single large urban Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical center. The interview guide utilized 56 closed and open-ended questions to characterize veterans’ perceptions of access to and satisfaction with their primary care experience at VHA and non-VHA primary care sources. We also explored the context of veterans' daily lives during the pandemic. We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive statistics and verbatim quotes using a matrix analysis.ResultsVeterans reported completing more appointments (mean 2.6 (SD 2.2)) than scheduled (mean 2.3 (SD 2.2)) mostly due to same-day or urgent visits, with a shift to telephone (mean 2.1 (SD 2.2)) and video (mean 1.5 (SD 0.6)). Among those who reported decreased access to care early in the pandemic (n = 27 (67%)), 15 (56%) cited administrative barriers (“The phone would hang up on me”) and 9 (33%) reported a lack of provider availability (“They are not reaching out like they used to”). While most veterans (n = 31 (78%)) were highly satisfied with their VHA care (mean score 8.6 (SD 2.0 on a 0–10 scale), 9 (23%) reported a decrease in satisfaction since the pandemic. The six (15%) veterans who utilized non-VHA providers during the period of interest reported, on average, higher satisfaction ratings (mean 9.5 (SD 1.2)).Many veterans reported psychosocial effects such as the worsening of mental health (n = 6 (15%)), anxiety concerning the virus (n = 12 (30%)), and social isolation (n = 8 (20%), “I stay inside and away from people”).ConclusionsWhile the number of encounters reported suggest adequate access and satisfaction, the comments regarding barriers to care suggest that enhanced approaches may be warranted to improve and sustain veteran perceptions of adequate access to and satisfaction with primary care during times of crisis.

Telling a story or reporting the facts? Interpretation and description in the qualitative analysis of applied health research data: A documentary analysis of peer review reports

Interpretative analysis of qualitative data has been likened to a form of creative storytelling. However, analysis of qualitative health research data is often subject to concerns derived from quantitative empiricism such as replicability, bias and impartiality. In applied health research, it seems that qualitative portrayals have become dominated by descriptive reporting at the expense of interpretative accounts.I conducted a documentary analysis based on 32 peer reviewer reports (received 2014–2019) in connection with four interpretative qualitative health research manuscripts.Peer reviewers were mostly positive towards the manuscripts and the findings of the studies seemed to resonate with them. Yet, interpretive analysis was viewed negatively leading to a lack of trust in the findings. Three broad issues seemed to trouble reviewers. First, line by line coding of all data was thought to be paramount in order to assure replicability. Second, it was asserted that verbatim quotations from participants must be included in the findings section otherwise the findings could be considered erroneous. Third, data should be subjected to a comparative analysis based on similarities and differences, rather than an interpretive approach, as this was thought to be more systematic. I offer a reflexive account of my positionality and understandings of interpretative creativity.The art of storytelling through qualitative data seems to have been derided within applied health research, with a push towards reportage of basic facts. Peer reviewers are evaluating creative analyses against a quantitative paradigm. This methodological conservatism is encouraging an oversimplification of the complexity resident in many qualitative datasets.

Disguising Reddit sources and the efficacy of ethical research

Concerned researchers of online forums might implement what Bruckman (2002) referred to as disguise. Heavy disguise, for example, elides usernames and rewords quoted prose so that sources are difficult to locate via search engines. This can protect users (who might be members of vulnerable populations, including minors) from additional harms (such as harassment or additional identification). But does disguise work? I analyze 22 Reddit research reports: 3 of light disguise, using verbatim quotes, and 19 of heavier disguise, using reworded phrases. I test if their sources can be located via three different search services (i.e., Reddit, Google, and RedditSearch). I also interview 10 of the reports’ authors about their sourcing practices, influences, and experiences. Disguising sources is effective only if done and tested rigorously; I was able to locate all of the verbatim sources (3/3) and many of the reworded sources (11/19). There is a lack of understanding, among users and researchers, about how online messages can be located, especially after deletion. Researchers should conduct similar site-specific investigations and develop practical guidelines and tools for improving the ethical use of online sources.

Charting an Alternative Course for Mental Health-Related Anti-Stigma Social and Behaviour Change Programmes.

Mental health-related anti-stigma strategies are premised on the assumption that stigma is sustained by the public’s deficiencies in abstract professional knowledge. In this paper, we critically assess this proposition and suggest new directions for research. Our analysis draws on three data sets: news reports (N = 529); focus groups (N = 20); interviews (N = 19). In each social context, we explored representations of mental health and illness in relation to students’ shared living arrangements, a key group indicated for mental health-related anti-stigma efforts. We analysed the data using term-frequency inverse-document frequency (TF-IDF) models. Possible meanings indicated by TF-IDF modelling were interpreted using deep qualitative readings of verbatim quotations, as is standard in corpus-based research approaches to health and illness. These results evidence the flawed basis of dominant mental health-related anti-stigma campaigns. In contrast to deficiency models, we found that the public made sense of mental health and illness using dynamic and static epistemologies and often referenced professionalised understandings. Furthermore, rather than holding knowledge in the abstract, we also found public understanding to be functional to the social context. In addition, rather than being agnostic about mental health-related knowledge, we found public understandings are motivated by group-based identity-related concerns. We will argue that we need to develop alternative anti-stigma strategies rooted in the public’s multiple contextualised sense-making strategies and highlight the potential of engaging with ecological approaches to stigma.

Nature of Gender-Based Activities Toward Cross-Border Conflict Management Between Kisumu and Nandi Counties, Kenya

Conflict management has a gendered dimension whereby both men and women play an important role through various activities in cross-border conflict management programs. However, the potential of women's activities in influencing cross-border conflict management remains unrecognized. The study sought to discuss the contribution of gender-based activities toward conflict management along the border of Kisumu and Nandi Counties. The Feminist Conflict Resolution Theory guided the study. The study was conducted in Kisumu and Nandi counties; a Descriptive survey research design was utilized during the study. The target population included household heads, government officials and civil society organizations including community-based and faith-based organizations. Both primary and secondary data were used during the study. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The study had a sample size of 453 respondents selected through simple random, Convenience and purposive sampling. Qualitative data were analyzed by use of thematic analysis and the results presented in a narrative form and through verbatim quotations, while quantitative was analyzed by using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) to obtain both descriptive and the findings were then be presented in form of charts, graphs and Tables. The study found that there were several gender-based activities in the area that were key to social cohesion and conflict management along the borders of the two counties. These activities included micro-finance institutions at the community level, saving and lending groups, cash transfers, youth programmes, religious peace organizations, and intermarriages among other activities. The study concluded that there are a number of gender-based activities in the study area some of which escalated the conflicts while other were helpful in managing the conflicts.

Conceivable Challenges Heads of Schools Face in Managing School-Based Income-Generating Activities Among Public Secondary Schools in Kilimanjaro Region – Tanzania

This study explored and examined the conceivable challenges heads of schools face in managing School-Based Income-Generating Activities (SB-IGAs) in public secondary schools in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Guided by Resource Dependency Theory, the study adopted the embedded model of convergent design under a mixed research approach for concurrent data collection and analysis. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to obtain 36 Heads of Schools (HOSs), 360 Teachers, 432 Students, and 6 District Education Officers. The quantitative data were descriptively analyzed through frequencies and percentages, and presented in tables, whereas qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed in themes emerging, and explained in words supported by verbatim quotations. The study found that inadequate knowledge and shortage of funds as initial capital were stumbling blocks that prevented the advancement and stability of SB-IGAs. The study also revealed that there was the inadequacy of land set aside and insufficient water supply that was explicitly meant for SB-IGAs in public secondary schools. The study concluded that inadequacy of land, insufficient water supply, lack of transparency, lack of motivation and inadequate funds as initiation capital are the core challenges that prevent the advancement of SB-IGAs and thus hinder financial sustainability in public secondary schools in Kilimanjaro region. Therefore, the study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology should develop and adopt clear strategies for resolving challenges that HOSs face in managing SB-IGAs in public secondary schools in Tanzania.

“It is the future. Clinical pharmaceutical care simply has to be a matter of course.” - Community pharmacy clinical service providers' and service developers’ views on complex implementation factors

BackgroundWhile there is a lot of documented evidence about the clinical and cost effectiveness of pharmacists’ role extensions there is an inherent gap between service development and implementation.Objective(s): This study aims to better understand the complex factors that influence the implementation of clinical pharmacy services from both the perspective of the community pharmacy service providers and service developers. MethodsA prospective qualitative interview study using purposive sampling of twelve service developers and twelve community pharmacy service providers from across all nine Federal States of Austria. The validated and piloted interview guide contained questions and prompts on role perceptions, attitudes, experience, implementation barriers, training needs and measures identified to strengthen clinical pharmacy provision in community pharmacy. Verbatim quotes were independently mapped to the Framework for the Implementation of Services in Pharmacy (FISpH) by two researchers. Results24 Interviews were carried out. Data saturation was achieved. There is a great deal of enthusiasm to develop the remit of clinical pharmacy services. It is seen as important to ensure the future survival of the profession. Service developers are more positive and confident in the implementation success and pharmacists’ skills than providers. Clear mandates for politics, academia and individual pharmacists have been discussed to affect change. ConclusionsAustrian pharmacists are facing the same well documented challenges as many other healthcare systems only with more urgency. The development of a clinical pharmacy service framework; education accreditation standard and a well-supported continuous professional development system are considered key to bring about the necessary culture shift.

The influence of the psychological contract on employee engagement in a South African bank.

The workplace is characterised by numerous contracts of agreement that an employee and employer must sign to formalise their employment relationship. The informal agreement, known as the psychological contract, is often overlooked, although it is pivotal in determining the engagement of employees in an organisation. This study aimed to probe the perceptions line managers have of the influence of the psychological contract on employee engagement in a South African bank with a particular focus on how the integration of technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution may have impacted the workplace in the banking sector. The study was carried out using a qualitative research approach. A purposive random sampling strategy was used to select participants who were interviewed using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis, and verbatim quotes were used to support emergent themes. The findings of the study revealed that continuous change in the world, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, influences employee expectations. Thus, organisations must be able to quickly adapt and adjust their talent attraction and retention mechanisms. Talent management, the nature of the business, structure and operations, the nature of the work environment, and emotional needs are the themes that emerged from the study. With the constant change in the world of work, including industry disruptions continually imposed by the 4IR and other factors, employees’ expectations are ever-changing. Thus, organisations must keep adapting to attract and retain talent. This study adds value by addressing various aspects aligned with competitively adjusting to the current and future world of work.

Menstrual Knowledge Status among School Going Girls in Mulundi Sub-Location, Kitui County

Menstruation is part of female human health that signifies the transition from childhood to adulthood. Correct menstrual knowledge entails having accurate knowledge of physiological changes, which accompanies body changes. Knowledge extends to being well versed with the advantages of correct menstrual practices and the consequences of poor menstrual management. Menstrual hygiene knowledge was evaluated in four (4) primary and 3 secondary schools within Mulundi sub Location. Mulundi sub Location was chosen among many areas due to its economic status, which is similar to that of most sub-Locations within Kitui County. The sampled schools draw their learner's population within the location and the immediate locations thus a good representation of the area. The study adopted a mixed-method approach, which involved the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires administered to 140-school going girls aged between 10-19 years. The qualitative data was acquired through the use of focused group discussions and key informant interviews. The qualitative data reported as verbatim quotes suggest more campaigns are needed to enlighten girls on the menstrual subject. The study reveals that 68% of the girls could define menstruation correctly while 14% and 9% thought it was a disease and curse respectively. A percentage constituting 9% had no idea of menstruation. The parents were ranked as the highest source of menstrual information constituting a percentage of 39.1%. Based on the study findings, teachers contributed 33.2% of the menstrual knowledge by girls. Other sources of menstrual knowledge included individuals, peer educators and religious groups. Though over half of the sampled population were knowledgeable, the study recommends the inclusion of more sessions on the menstrual subject in the school’s curriculum.

Addressing the Practical Gender Needs of Refugee Women for their Economic Empowerment: Perspectives from the Ampain and Egyeikrom Camps in Ghana

This paper looked at how the practical gender needs of refugee women are addressed to promote their economic empowerment. The study focused on the Ampain and Egyeikrom refugee camps in Ghana's Western and Central regions. A case study design was used to conduct the study, and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 104 refugee women. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide, focus group discussions guide and key informants interview guide. Data was analyzed and presented in descriptive statistics and verbatim quotations. The results revealed that refugee women’s practical gender roles had the potential to limit their full participation in the economic empowerment interventions. These included food provision, childcare, and other household chores such as cleaning and washing. However, planners identified these roles and duly addressed them to reduce the negative impact of refugee women's practical gender roles on their economic empowerment. Planners addressed these practical gender roles by working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that complementary and support services were provided. The education directorate provided a school and crèche where women could keep their children and attend their businesses. The study recommends continuous close collaboration with existing stakeholders and robbing more agencies for collaboration including the private sector.

Principal’s Characteristics: Key Driver to Information Technology Uptake in School Management in Public Secondary Schools in Machakos County, Kenya

This study sought to establish the influence of principals’ characteristics on the use of Information Technology in secondary school management in Machakos County. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The target population was the 58 principals and 868 teachers in Machakos County. The sample size was 194 including the 21 principals identified through purposive sampling, and 173 teachers identified through purposive sampling and simple random sampling. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data were collected using the questionnaire while qualitative data were collected using the interview schedule. Validity was established through expert judgement, while test-retest method was done to ensure reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics i.e. Mean and Standard deviation were used to analyze quantitative data. Inferential statistics i.e. correlation analysis was done to establish the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Content analysis was done for the qualitative data, and presented through narration and verbatim quotes. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to test the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables of the study at 95% confidence level or at 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that the principals’ personality, attitude, ICT skills and the social networks positively influenced the use of IT in school management in Machakos County.

Living a student-faculty partnership

Student and faculty collaborations are gaining recognition in higher education as an approach to optimise learning and the relationships embedded within education. However, existing hierarchies and power structures in academia often limit the nature of student-faculty partnerships. The student and faculty authors of this paper have an ongoing partnership within a project to address bullying in nursing education. The CRAB project (Cognitive Rehearsal to Address Bullying), is an initiative that is not only relevant for, and partnered with, students, but also initiated by them. The authors of this paper were interested in understanding what determined the success of the partnership. As a group, we reflect on the processes of collaboration, from creating innovative educational resources to co-authoring scholarly publications. Using verbatim quotes from the authors, we also explore the nature of the partnership along with the benefits and challenges from both student and faculty authors’ perspectives.

Economic Empowerment of Refugee Women in Ghana and its Influence on Household Decision Making

This study looked at the economic empowerment of refugee women in the Ampain and Egyeikrom camps and how this influence household decision making. Specifically, the study was concerned with refugee women in camps who have been economically empowered and live in male-headed households. At the same time, these male heads have not been economically empowered and hence have no stable source of income. A case study design was used to conduct the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 104 refugee women. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Focus group discussion guide was used to gather data from spouses of selected refugee women. Data was analyzed and presented in descriptive statistics and verbatim quotations. The results revealed that refugee women have been economically empowered and are mostly the breadwinners in their households. However, economic empowerment has not been reflected in their contributions to household decision making. Refugee men continue to have autocratic powers in household decision making. On the other hand, refugee women are pleased to allow men to hold on to this role in exchange for the companionship and security they require as refugees in another country. Refugee men who are angered by their spouse’s new role as the breadwinner use their decision-making authority to bring these women into submission. The paper recommends that refugee women's economic empowerment include components that allow refugee men to be empowered alongside women. Additionally, refugee men should be sensitized on the benefit of the women’s economic empowerment to the family and the society, as well as the need for women to equally participate in household decision making to enrich the outcomes and as an issue for promoting women’s welfare and human right in the household.&#x0D;