With the development of society and technology, in view of the increasingly serious environmental pollution and misclassification of garbage, this paper designs a voice intelligent trash can system developed by STM32 microcontroller, which combines voice broadcasting, motor drive, OLED screen display, voice recognition and button module to realize the functions of garbage delivery and automatic classification. The user activates the system through the wake-up word, speaks voice commands according to the type of garbage, and the system recognizes and opens the corresponding trash can, and broadcasts the garbage type. The button can also control the switch of the bucket, and the system has high stability, improving the efficiency and accuracy of garbage sorting management, and promoting a green and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Outsourcing Practices of Manufacturing Firms in A Developing Economy: Effects and Perspectives from Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 06-16
NYABUNDI, SHEILA ATIENO || DR. CAROLINE OLOO || DR. RENSON W. WANYONYI
In the current boisterous business environments, manufacturing firms are on the lookout for new means of creating value for their clients. Many organizations are turning to outsourcing to optimize their services, hedge into expert competence and reduce costs. Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS, 2024) report however indicate that manufacturing sector performance slumped to its lowest in the last 16 years to a low rate of 1.3% in 2024, partly due to increased costs, taxation policies, inability to adopt cost cutting measures such as outsourcing among others. While earlier works on outsourcing have been documented, empirical evidence mined employed descriptive designs in the public sector. The purpose of study was to determine effect of outsourcing practices on performance of manufacturing firms in the developing economy of Kenya. We achieved this through a primary quantitative approach embedded in positivism lens. A correlational design on a population of 596 manufacturing firms, where a sample of 234 was arrived at by Kreycie and Morgan sample table was employed. Data were collected sing a questionnaire from heads of procurement departments as units of analysis. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions guided analysis process. The results show that outsourcing practices of manufacturing firms has a positive significant effect and explains 61.4% change in performance (R2=.614, β=.783, p<.05), this implying unit implementation of the practices results in 0.783 units yield in performance. The perspectives on the practice is that its lowly adopted in the firms as evidenced by descriptive results. Findings back Brundtland (1987) sustainable development thought that practices can accomplish firm goals. We conclude that outsourcing practices improves performance in the manufacturing firms and offer recommendation that stakeholders to continually arouse polices meant to engrave outsourcing in their practice.
The Interplay of Cognitive Competence, Work Behavior, And Job Performance: A Framework for Academic Support Personnel Development Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 17-24
Monjo H. Viola || Catlyn O. Pongot || Christverly R. Caceres || Anna Rose A. Mendez || Jioniel O. Eneria
This study explores the influence of cognitive competence and work behavior on the job performance of academic support personnel in a private educational institution. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and Organizational Behavior Theory, the research highlights how cognitive attributes—specifically job knowledge, judgment, and creativity—serve as strong predictors of performance outcomes. Using a descriptive–correlational design and data from 111 performance evaluations, findings reveal that while both cognitive competence and work behavior were rated “very good,” only cognitive competence significantly predicted job performance. Work behavior, encompassing dependability, organization, initiative, and industry, contributed to a positive organizational climate but lacked statistical impact on performance metrics. The study underscores the need for institutions to prioritize cognitive skill development while continuing to foster behavioral traits that support collaboration and morale. Recommendations include targeted training programs, revised evaluation tools, and expanded research to deepen understanding of performance drivers in academic settings.
The Role of Innovation Strategies in the Globalization of Agribusinesses in Kiambu County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
This study investigated the impact of innovation strategies on the globalization of agribusinesses in Kiambu County, Kenya. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to owners and managers of 55 agribusinesses operating within the region. Stratified random sampling was used to select the sample. Descriptive statistics revealed a high level of agreement among respondents that their firms engage in innovation practices such as market research, adaptation to global trends, and adoption of new technologies. Inferential analysis using Pearson correlation (r = 0.403, p = 0.004) indicated a moderate and statistically significant positive relationship between innovation strategies and globalization. Regression analysis confirmed that innovation strategies significantly predict the globalization of agribusinesses (β = 0.374, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the strategic role of innovation in enhancing international market presence and export performance. The study contributes to the growing literature on innovation-led globalization in emerging markets and recommends policy and capacity-building initiatives to support agribusinesses in scaling their innovations for global competitiveness.
Project Risk Management and Implementation of Water and Sanitation Projects in Nyanza Region, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Water and sanitation projects are subject to various risks that hinder their timely implementation. Such vulnerabilities frequently result in delays, cost overruns, and unsustainable outcomes. This highlights the need for proper risk management for desirable outcomes. Nonetheless, there are challenges with the implementation of water and sanitation projects in Kenya. Nyanza Region in particular, the challenge is particularly acute: 85% of the population lacks access to clean water, while 76% is without sanitation facilities, exposing communities to serious health and environmental hazards. The projects are associated with frequent delays, cost overruns, and even premature termination. Against this problem, the current study examined the effect of project risk management on the implementation of water and sanitation initiatives in Nyanza Region, Kenya, drawing on Resilience Theory. A total of thirty-five respondents from seven projects were involved. Data was collected through closed-ended questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential methods with the aid of SPSS v.26. Results revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.415, significant at the 1% level. The R Square value of 0.172 indicated that project risk management accounted for 17.2% of the variation in implementation. These findings underscore that the implementation of water and sanitation projects is significantly affected by project risks management. The study concludes that proactive risk management through systematic identification, analysis, and mitigation strengthens project resilience, prevents disruptions, and ensures sustained implementation. It is recommended that water works development agencies adopt comprehensive risk management frameworks with regular contingency planning and a culture of accountability to enhance projects implementation.
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