Children's homes in Nairobi County suffer recurrent issues, including financial insecurity, donor dependency, and insufficient accountability systems, all of which jeopardize their long-term viability. Project assessment has grown as a crucial strategic management strategy for nonprofit organizations, improving openness, accountability, and adaptation. Anchored on the Theory of Change, which emphasizes the logical link between project activities, outputs, and planned objectives, this study sought to determine the effect of project evaluation on the sustainability of children's homes in Nairobi County. The goal was to determine how systematic assessment practices, project timelines, reporting procedures, and feedback systems affect financial stability, service delivery, and institutional resilience. The study addressed all 200 registered children's homes in Nairobi County, with a sample size of 133 institutions based on Yamane's formula and a 95% confidence level. A simple random sampling technique was used to assure representativeness. Structured questionnaires were distributed to administrators and caregivers as primary data collection methods. The data were examined by descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The findings showed that sustainability outcomes were positively and statistically significantly impacted by project evaluation (β = 0.312, p < 0.05). Additionally, inferential results showed that project evaluation explained roughly 28.1% of the variation in sustainability metrics (R² = 0.281). Stronger financial responsibility, increased donor confidence, and better child welfare results were shown by homes that regularly recorded donations, documented initiatives, and took feedback into consideration.
The study recommends that children's homes implement both formative and summative assessments, incorporate beneficiary feedback into decision-making, and match reporting frameworks with donor criteria. These approaches will improve accountability, attract more diverse funding, and assure long-term viability.
Supplier-centric Mapping and Procurement Performance of Supermarkets in Nakuru County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Kenyan supermarkets depend on intricate supply chains to handle the flow of goods from suppliers. They are contending with undesirable procurement performance evident in rising operational costs and inefficiencies. Moreover, inventory management issues, such as frequent fluctuations, overstocking, and dead stock, result in both wasted resources and lost sales opportunities. Additionally, the insufficient real-time supply chain visibility and pressure to integrate sustainable practices complicate decision-making and further hinder the ability to adapt swiftly to market changes. It was against this challenge that the current research assessed the effect of supplier-centric mapping on the procurement performance of supermarkets in Nakuru County, Kenya. The research was anchored on absorptive capacity theory. A descriptive research design was utilized. The target population consisted of 19 supermarkets operating in Nakuru County. A questionnaire was employed in data collection. In data analysis, both descriptive and inferential data analysis methods were utilized. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with findings presented in tables. The results indicated a significant relationship between supplier-centric mapping and performance (r = .409**, p = 0.002). As per regression analysis results, the coefficient of determination was R2=0.167, hence 16.7% of the observed changes in procurement performance was contributed by supplier-centric mapping within supply chain adaptability. The study concludes that supplier-centric mapping enhance procurement performance by improving collaboration, aligning the activities with within supply chains with market changes and streamlining sourcing operations. These promote cost efficiency, timely deliveries, consistent inventory turnover, and operational resilience in supermarket procurement processes. It is recommended that supermarkets enhance supplier relationships through structured collaboration and leverage predictive insights to attain and maintain stable procurement performance.
Entrepreneurial Skills: A Vital Resource for the Performance of Micro and Small Enterprises in the North West Region of Cameroon Original Research Article Country Cameroon
The aim of this study is to investigate how entrepreneurial skills influence the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the North West Region of Cameroon. Specifically; opportunity recognition and innovation, financial literacy and management skills, resilience and adaptability were the skills under investigation. Methodology: The study employed a structured questionnaire for a sample of 383 MSEs located and operating within the North West Region of Cameroon. The data was analysed using the ordinary least square regression technique with the helped of Statistical Package for Social Science version 21. Findings: Findings reveal that; opportunity recognition and innovative skills, financial literacy and managerial skills, and resilience and adaptability skills all affect the performance of MSEs in the North West Region of Cameroon significantly at 1%, 5% and 1% respectively. Jointly, these skills account for 72.4 % of the performance of MSEs in that region. Implications for theory and practice: These findings support Schumpeter’s theory of innovation who reiterated that innovative skills is a key factor for entrepreneurship. The findings of adaptability support the social cognitive theory which establishes that environment causes behaviour and likewise behaviour causes the environment. The Human Capital Theory is supported in the findings by reiterating that humans possess skills, knowledge and abilities which can be enhanced. In this regard, we recommend that these skills should be nurtured from basic education and practice in the form of apprenticeship, mentorship and coaching before the entrepreneur ventures. Capacity building should be government oriented from national to local levels as well as private platforms like the church, social clubs, cooperatives, women groups, community groups. Originality and value: This study jointly examined these entrepreneurial skills which has been separately examined by earlier researchers in foreign countries. It focuses on MSEs which rely on one or two persons for decision making, as opposed to SMEs by previous studies. Additionally, targeting the skills that are most suitable in the context of the North West Region and Cameroon at large is extremely value adding.
Supplier Integration and Performance of Commercial State Corporations Within the Energy Sector in Nairobi County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Commercial state corporations are central to national development as they provide essential services and create employment opportunities. Within the energy sector, their role is especially critical since they guarantee the steady supply, transmission, and distribution of energy, which is a key driver of economic growth and industrialization. Nevertheless, despite their significance, many commercial state corporations in Kenya’s energy sector continue to face recurring performance challenges that undermine their efficiency and long-term sustainability. The current study examined the effect of supplier integration on performance of commercial state corporations within the energy sector in Nairobi County, Kenya. It was grounded on knowledge-based view theory. The study used correlational research design. The unit of analysis was the 7 commercial state corporations in the energy sectors while the unit of observation was supply chain officers at the corporation’s headquarters. Since the target population was small the study adopted census technique to incorporate all the 63 targeted. Inferential and descriptive statistics was employed for analysis of quantitative data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicate a strong positive correlation (r = .756, p < .001) between supplier integration and performance of commercial state corporations in the energy sector. The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.572) shows that supplier integration explains 57.2% of the variation in performance. In conclusion, supplier integration serves as a critical driver of enhanced performance for commercial state corporations in the energy sector by improving operational efficiency, strengthening responsiveness, and fostering competitive advantage. It is recommended that the commercial state corporations in the energy sector adopt digital platforms that enable real-time collaboration with suppliers, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in supply processes. Additionally, they should invest in supplier development initiatives and establish long-term strategic partnerships that encourage innovation, cost-effectiveness, and continuous performance improvement.
Factors Affecting the Profitability of Commercial Banks in Vietnam Original Research Article Country Vietnam
Pages 40-47
Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam || Linh Le Thi Khanh || Diem Le Ngoc || Chuong Luu Hoang Thien || Hien Van Thi Thu
This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the Return on Assets (ROA) of commercial banks in Vietnam during the period 2019–2024. The research data is collected from the financial statements of banks and macroeconomic data sources. A panel data model is employed to examine the relationship between ROA and independent variables, including the Cost-to-Income Ratio (CIR), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR), Net Interest Margin (NIM), Total Operating Expenses (GTOE), Equity-to-Deposit Ratio (ETDR), and macroeconomic factors such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Inflation (INF). The findings provide empirical evidence on the extent to which each factor affects the banks' profitability, thereby proposing policy recommendations to enhance the operational efficiency of Vietnam’s commercial banking system.
Risk Avoidance Strategies and Performance of Building Construction Projects in Nakuru County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
The building construction sector in Kenya, especially in Nakuru County, has grown rapidly in the past decade. However, it still faces major challenges, including project delays, cost overruns, safety incidents, and poor quality. These problems largely arise from lack of or partial adherence to risk management framework for construction. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 exists, weak enforcement, low awareness, and inadequate safety training continue to compromise site safety standards. This necessitated the current research on effect of risk avoidance strategies on the performance of building construction projects in Nakuru County, Kenya. The research was guided by systems theory. A descriptive research design was employed, and data were collected from project managers and site safety officers engaged in ongoing construction projects within Nakuru Town East Sub-County. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain quantitative data, which were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis methods. The findings indicated that risk avoidance strategies showed a strong positive and significant relationship with project performance (r = 0.702**, p = 0.000), indicating that proactive measures like hazard elimination, safer substitutions, and PPE use greatly enhance project performance. As per the regression analysis, the relationship was statistically significant (t = 9.141, p = 0.000), confirming that risk avoidance strategies affect the performance of building construction projects. In conclusion, risk avoidance strategies improve building construction project performance by eliminating hazards and promoting safer methods. It is recommended that firms adopt safer alternatives, conduct regular safety training, and enforce safe work practices to reduce risks and enhance project performance.
Strategic Leadership and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Leather Sector In Nairobi County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Strategic leadership within strategy implementation aligns organizational vision with operational activities, guiding decision-making, and fostering employee commitment toward achieving strategic goals. However, the Kenyan leather goods and footwear industry, SMEs face persistent performance challenges such as compliance with quality standards and production cost efficient. It was against this problem that the current research assessed the effect of strategic leadership on performance of small and medium enterprises in the leather sector in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was guided by Bourgeois and Brodwin’s five models of strategy implementation. A descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was the 47 small and medium enterprises registered under the Kenya Leather Development Council. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed for data analysis, which was aided by Statistical Packages from Social Sciences (SPSS). The research findings revealed a significant relationship between strategic leadership and the performance of small and medium enterprises in the leather sector (r = 0.518, p = .000). Regression results indicated that strategic leadership significantly predicts performance, explaining 26.8% of the variation (R² = 0.268). The study concludes that strategic leadership plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of Leather Goods and Footwear SMEs. It is recommended that leather goods and footwear SMEs should align managerial decisions with a clear mission and implement structured performance monitoring to enhance productivity and performance.
Effect of Disclosures on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 67-71
Francis Obware || Dr, Monica Nderitu || Dr.Dickson Kinyariro
Disclosure is the process of providing public access to the required piece of information. It forms an integral part of corporate governance practices which has a significant positive influence the financial performance of commercial banks. This study therefore investigated the effect of disclosures, (financial disclosures, liquidity disclosures, social disclosures and risk disclosures), on financial performance of commercial banks listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya. A descriptive survey research design was employed and a population of ten commercial banks listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange was investigated. A purposive sampling design was applied with 4 senior bank officials in each bank selected to provide the in-depth pieces of information that were required for this research study, this gave a total of 40 respondents questioned. The primary data was collected using questionnaire with each question addressing the specific objectives of the study. The collected data was analyzed using regression analysis which proved the existence of significant positive influence of disclosures on financial performance of the commercial banks. The financial performance was measured in terms of Return on Assets. It is imperative that the disclosures of information positively affect the financial performance of commercial banks (Kisembe, 2018).
Effect of Health Insurance Schemes on Financial Performance of Public Hospitals in Nakuru City in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
The means of financing health care has been identified as a barrier to access to health care and increases the likelihood of impoverishment of households. Moreover, health financing practices have a strong bearing on the financial performance of health facilities and conversely the effectiveness of service delivery. Therefore, this study sought to examine the effect of health insurance schemes on financial performance of public hospitals in Nakuru City Kenya. The study was anchored on systems theory. A descriptive research design was adopted in the study with a target population of all medical staff in health facilities in Nakuru city Kenya. Structured questionnaire constructed on a five point Likert scale was used for primary data collection. Collected data was coded and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software. The findings from the analysis established that health insurance schemes have a positive and statistically significant relationship with the financial performance of public hospitals. Therefore the study concluded that health financing practices play a significant role in determining the financial performance of public hospitals. The study recommended that the government both the national and county government enhance the issuance of health insurance schemes to citizens to enhance the uptake of health services and conversely enhance the financial performance of public hospitals.
Effect of Literacy in Mobile Money Services on Financial Performance of Women Owned Enterprises in Nakuru Town East Sub-County in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Women entrepreneurship is a key pillar to innovation and development of products that can contribute largely to social or environmental challenges that may result to economic competitiveness and growth. However, women face challenges which are cultural, social and economic in nature in their endeavors. Moreover, financial literacy gaps in women businesses is a challenge that has potentially impaired their ability to make sound and informed financial investment decisions. As such, this study was seeking to examine the effect of literacy in mobile money services on women group enterprises financial performance in Nakuru town east sub-county in Kenya. The study was anchored on financial literacy theory. A cross sectional research design was adopted with a target population of 298 women groups in Nakuru town East sub-county. A sample of 128 chairpersons of the women groups calculated using the Nassiuma’s formula was engaged in the study. Questionnaires were used as the primary data collection instruments. Collected data was analyzed with the aid statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. The study established strong positive significant relationship between literacy in mobile money services and the financial performance of women group enterprises. The study recommended that the women groups leadership should enhance their literacy in mobile money services to enhance their efficiency in their business which will spur improvement in the financial performance of their enterprises.
Influence of Contract Planning on Procurement Performance in Nyandarua County Government in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Contract administration plays a crucial role in the procurement process of government organizations, directly influencing overall procurement performance and effectiveness. This study was seeking to examine the influence of contract planning on procurement performance in Nyandarua county government in Kenya. The study was anchored on principal exchange theory. Further, a cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The target population for the study was all the 44 procurement and chief executive officers working in Nyandarua county government. A census was undertaken where all the 44 officers were taken as the study respondents. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire constructed on a 5-point likert scale. The collected data was coded and analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data was analysed in both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that contract planning a positive and significant relationship with procurement performance in county governments. As such, the study concluded that contract planning has a significant influence on the procurement performance of county governments in Kenya. The study recommended that the county leadership improve contract planning process and contract monitoring in order to enhance procurement performance. Conversely, the county should put measures to enhance the building of positive and collaborative relationships with its contractors and hence enhance their procurement functions.
Goal Setting in Appraisals and Employee Productivity Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 100-102
Marsella Chepkonga || Dr. Lucinda Mugaa || Dr. Argan Wekesa
Goal setting within performance appraisals is an important component of employee performance management. Drawing from Goal-Setting Theory (Locke & Latham, 2019), this study investigated the influence of goal setting during appraisals on employee productivity in Kenya. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting 385 respondents drawn from academic and administrative staff in public universities within the Nairobi metropolitan area, including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University (satellite campus), and Egerton University (satellite campus). Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis revealed that goal setting had a positive and statistically significant effect on employee productivity, where specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals were linked to increased motivation and improved work outcomes (Mutuku & Njoroge, 2022). The findings underscore the importance of integrating goal setting into performance appraisal systems to enhance employee productivity (Nyaga, 2023).
Employee Involvement System and Valorization of Academic Research in Chartered Universities in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 103-109
Peter Kiprotich Cheruiyot || Dr. Kabare Karanja || Dr. Daniel Wanyoike
This study examined the relationship between employee productivity and flexible work arrangements (FWAs), such as compressed workweeks, flextime, and telecommuting at Murang'a Level 5 Hospital, a Kenyan rural public healthcare facility dealing with a high patient load and staff shortage challenges. Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, and Social Exchange Theory were used. A mixed-methods approach was utilised, surveying 205 employees from a population of 421 selected through stratified sampling. SPSS was used to perform analysis for both qualitative and quantitative data, including thematic coding and multiple regression. Key findings from 186 respondents (90.7% response rate) showed that telecommuting (β = 0.176, p = 0.005), flextime (β = 0.421, p < 0.001), and compressed workweeks (β = 0.269, p < 0.001) had positive effects on employee productivity. The regression analysis yielded R² values of 0.046, 0.236, and 0.107, accounting for approximately 4.6%, 23.6% and 10.7% of the employee productivity variance, respectively. The findings informed hospital management, healthcare professionals, and policymakers on optimising hybrid FWAs to improved service delivery, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030, Murang’a County 2022-2027 objectives, and Sustainable Development Goal 3. The study extended existing literature by demonstrating variations in FWA effectiveness across staff categories, with flextime showing stronger impacts in non-clinical roles compared to clinical ones, where physical presence limited telecommuting. This addressed a gap in Kenyan public hospitals, where previous research primarily focused on urban and non-healthcare settings, and highlighted the significance of applying the findings to similar rural facilities while cautioning against direct generalization without considering local infrastructure.
Flexible Work Arrangements and Employee Productivity in Murang’a Level 5 Hospital, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
This study examined the relationship between employee productivity and flexible work arrangements (FWAs), such as compressed workweeks, flextime, and telecommuting at Murang'a Level 5 Hospital, a Kenyan rural public healthcare facility dealing with a high patient load and staff shortage challenges. Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, and Social Exchange Theory were used. A mixed-methods approach was utilised, surveying 205 employees from a population of 421 selected through stratified sampling. SPSS was used to perform analysis for both qualitative and quantitative data, including thematic coding and multiple regression. Key findings from 186 respondents (90.7% response rate) showed that telecommuting (β = 0.176, p = 0.005), flextime (β = 0.421, p < 0.001), and compressed workweeks (β = 0.269, p < 0.001) had positive effects on employee productivity. The regression analysis yielded R² values of 0.046, 0.236, and 0.107, accounting for approximately 4.6%, 23.6% and 10.7% of the employee productivity variance, respectively. The findings informed hospital management, healthcare professionals, and policymakers on optimising hybrid FWAs to improved service delivery, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030, Murang’a County 2022-2027 objectives, and Sustainable Development Goal 3. The study extended existing literature by demonstrating variations in FWA effectiveness across staff categories, with flextime showing stronger impacts in non-clinical roles compared to clinical ones, where physical presence limited telecommuting. This addressed a gap in Kenyan public hospitals, where previous research primarily focused on urban and non-healthcare settings, and highlighted the significance of applying the findings to similar rural facilities while cautioning against direct generalization without considering local infrastructure.
The Role of Agricultural Cooperatives in Enhancing Smallholder Women Farmers' Access to Credit Facilities and Sustainable Livelihoods of Their Households, in Baringo County Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 144-148
Abishag Kangor || Dr. Wanjiku Musili || Prof. Lucy Kiganane
Smallholder women farmers are the backbone of agricultural production and household food security in rural Kenya, yet they remain marginalized in accessing credit facilities that are essential for improving productivity and sustaining livelihoods. Limited collateral, low financial literacy, and gender-biased lending practices have restricted their participation in formal financial systems. This paper examines the role of agricultural cooperatives in enhancing smallholder women farmers’ access to credit facilities and its influence on the sustainable livelihoods of their households in Baringo County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 271 cooperative members through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and regression analyses with SPSS version 28.0, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. The results revealed that cooperative-based credit access significantly improved household income, strengthened women’s decision-making power, and enhanced investment in productive agricultural ventures. However, limited collateral, high interest rates, and weak governance practices still constrained equitable access among women members. The study concludes that agricultural cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting women’s financial inclusion and household welfare. It recommends the adoption of gender-responsive credit frameworks, capacity-building on financial literacy, and policy reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability in cooperative lending systems for sustainable rural livelihoods.
E-Commerce Law in Saudi Arabia: An Analysis of Consumer Protection, Data Privacy, and Business Obligations Original Research Article Country Saudi Arabia
Consumer protection Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a digital economy, driven by Vision 2030, has led to major legal reforms aimed at regulating online commerce. Central to this effort are the E-Commerce Law (2019) and the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL, 2021), which together establish the legal foundation for consumer protection, data privacy, and business accountability in the Kingdom’s digital marketplace. This paper provides a critical analysis of these laws, examining their core provisions, practical implementation, and effectiveness in addressing the needs of both consumers and businesses. It explores how these regulations impact domestic and foreign e-commerce operators, highlights key enforcement mechanisms, and assesses the extent to which Saudi Arabia’s legal framework aligns with international best practices in digital regulation. The analysis aims to offer insights into the evolving legal landscape for e-commerce in the Kingdom and its implications for future growth and compliance.
Influence of Vendor Managed Inventory on Procurement Performance in Supermarket Outlets in Eldoret City in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Automated inventory management system contributes greatly to business digitalization, leading to increased system accuracy, the tuning of real-time tracking, early problem detection, and increased efficiency. Despite the advancements and inventory automation in organizations, some supermarkets have continued to experience challenges related to procurement processes. This study sought to establish the effect of Vendor managed Inventory (VMI) on procurement performance in supermarkets in Eldoret City in Kenya. The study was anchored on TAM theory. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted with a target population of 103 procurement and IT employees in the ten supermarkets in Eldoret city in Kenya. A sample of 51 respondents was selected. A questionnaire structured in a 5-point Likert scale was adopted for primary data collection. The collected data was analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study established that VMI had a strong positive and significant relationship with procurement performance of supermarkets in Eldoret city in Kenya. The study concluded that VMI have a statistically significant influence on procurement performance of supermarkets in Kenya. The study recommended that the management in supermarkets in Eldoret city should empower the vendors who supply inventory to the supermarkets to adopt the dynamics of inventory management.
The Influence of Leadership Styles on Conflict Resolution Strategies among Secondary School Principals in General Santos City: A Basis for Designing Targeted Training Programs Original Research Article Country Philippines
This study examined the relationship between leadership styles and conflict resolution strategies among public secondary school principals in General Santos City during the academic year 2024–2025. Specifically, it aimed to determine the leadership styles most commonly exhibited by principals, identify the prevailing conflict resolution strategies, assess the relationship between the two variables, and evaluate the influence of contextual factors such as school size, location, socio-economic status, and student-teacher ratio. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, utilizing a validated survey questionnaire distributed to all twenty-four (24) public secondary school principals in the city through total population sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis, while minimal qualitative insights were derived from open-ended responses and thematically analyzed to complement the statistical findings. Results revealed that transformational and democratic leadership styles were highly prevalent, while transactional leadership was also common. Laissez-faire and authoritative styles were only moderately evident. In terms of conflict resolution, collaboration, problem-solving, and compromise were very commonly used, while avoidance, accommodation, and competition were rarely employed. A statistically significant moderate positive relationship (r = 0.5178, p < 0.01) was found between leadership styles and conflict resolution strategies. However, no significant correlations were observed between leadership styles and the contextual moderating variables. Qualitative themes further highlighted principals’ training needs in leadership adaptability, conflict resolution, and staff development. Findings underscore the importance of fostering participatory and adaptive leadership in school settings and developing principals’ capacity to employ constructive conflict resolution approaches. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of school leadership practices within the Philippine public education system and provides insights for targeted professional development programs.
Procurement Management Practices and Performance of State Corporations in Nairobi City County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 198-239
MARY WANJIRU KIRUKI || WYCLIFFE ARANI || PETER KAMONI
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Procurement Management Practices on Performance of state corporations in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the influence of Procurement Planning, Contract Management and Procurement Audit Practices on Performance at the State Corporations in Kenya. The independent variables of the study included; Procurement planning, Contract management and Procurement Audit practices while the dependent variable is Performance of state corporations in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The theories that guided the study included; Transaction Cost Economics, Principal Agent Theory and Institutional Theory. The study adopted Survey research design. According to the State Corporations Act cap 446, there are 247 state corporations in Kenya. The target population was 168 state corporations in Nairobi City County, Kenya from which a sample size of 119 was drawn from using the Yamane formula. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from the respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and the regression model yielded an R² of 0.927, indicating that the combined independent and moderating variables explain 92.7 percent of the variation in the performance of service state corporations in Kenya. The analysis of the key coefficients, however, corrects the initial interpretation: Procurement Audit Practices (β = 1.147, p = 0.000) had the strongest significant influence, meaning a one-unit increase in audit practices leads to a 1.147-unit increase in performance, establishing it as the primary driver. This was followed by Contract Management Practices (β = 0.516, p = 0.000), indicating a substantial but secondary positive impact on performance. Conversely, Procurement Planning (β = 0.121, p = 0.346) was found to have a positive but statistically non-significant effect. Crucially, the moderating variable, Budget Allocation (β = -0.325, p = 0.003), demonstrated a significant negative moderating effect; this means that the relationship between the independent procurement variables and performance weakens as budgetary discipline increases, suggesting that the strict, institutionalized budget controls may inadvertently stifle operational flexibility and hinder the performance outcomes expected from good procurement practices. Based on the comprehensive regression analysis, the results definitively establish that systematic procurement audit practices (β = 1.147, p = 0.000) and robust contract management (β = 0.516, p = 0.000) are the paramount drivers of organizational performance, whereas procurement planning, despite its foundational role, demonstrates no statistically significant direct impact (β = 0.121, p = 0.346). A critical and counterintuitive finding is the significant negative moderating effect of Budget Allocation (β = -0.325, p = 0.003), which indicates that highly rigid budgetary controls can paradoxically weaken the positive relationship between other procurement functions and performance, likely by stifling operational flexibility. Therefore, the study concludes that the pathway to enhancing value for money, mitigating risk, and ensuring timely service delivery lies not merely in strengthening individual procurement functions in isolation, but in strategically integrating powerful audit and contract management mechanisms with a more adaptive and performance-oriented budgeting system. Consequently, it is recommended that state corporations and policymakers, such as the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, prioritize investments in audit capacity and contract management expertise while reforming budgetary protocols to shift from a rigid, input-focused model to a flexible, output-based framework that empowers rather than constrains procurement efficiency and overall organizational performance.
Factors Affecting Promotion and Work Culture on Employee Performance in Private Higher Educational Institutions in General Santos City Original Research Article Country Philippines
This study examined the factors of promotion and work culture that influence employee performance in private higher educational institutions (HEIs) in General Santos City. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered from 290 teaching and non-teaching personnel across twelve CHED-accredited private HEIs. A structured survey assessed perceptions of promotion (fairness, clarity of criteria, and impact on job satisfaction), work culture (values, organizational climate, and employee engagement), and employee performance (adaptive, contextual, task, and counterproductive behaviors). Statistical analysis employed descriptive measures and Spearman’s rho correlation.
Results showed that most respondents were young, female, and in the early stages of their careers. Promotion systems were generally perceived as fair and transparent, while institutional culture was viewed as positive. High ratings were observed in task and contextual performance, and adaptive performance received slightly lower but favorable scores. Findings indicated a moderate positive correlation between promotion factors and employee performance (rs = 0.51, p < 0.05), and a strong positive correlation between work culture and employee performance (rs = 0.71, p < 0.05). These results highlight that transparent promotion systems and supportive organizational cultures foster engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity, ultimately contributing to the development and success of private higher education institutions.
Strategic Policing Initiatives and Conflict Resolution in Baringo County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
The main objective of the study was to establish the influence of strategic policing initiatives on conflict resolution in Baringo County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Conflict Transformation Theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study comprised all 419 individuals comprising County Government Executive officers, Sub-County Administrators, County Security Committee member, County Peace Forum members, County Interfaith Forum members, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and Chairpersons of Nyumba Kumi Elders. Using statistical formula, a sample of 136 elements was obtained and which was allocated proportionately. Thereafter, simple random sampling technique was used. This study used questionnaires in collecting data from the respondents. The researcher undertook a pilot test on 14 respondents in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Before inferential analysis, the data was tested to ascertain if it met the various assumptions of regression. The study established that strategic policing initiatives [r=.363**, p=.000], had a weak and positive correlation with conflict resolution. The study concluded that strategic policing initiatives had statistically significant influence on conflict resolution. The study recommended the need for realignment and expansion of these initiatives with the active involvement of community members. It also recommends the need for security agencies to embrace proactive approaches and digital technologies in surveillance and prevention of conflicts.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Socioeconomic and Operational Factors Contributing to the High Rate of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Failures in Windhoek, Namibia Original Research Article Country Namibia
Pages 273-281
Dr Moses Waiganjo || Dr. Ottilie Saarty Uukule || Salmie L. Sakarias
This study provides a conceptual foundation for investigating the socioeconomic and operational factors contributing to the high rate of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) failures in Windhoek, Namibia. The research serves as a preliminary stage of a broader research project aimed at analysing the key determinants leading to SME failure. Drawing from an extensive literature review, the study identifies fundamental factors influencing SME performance, which can be broadly classified into two categories: personal attributes of entrepreneurs and external or structural characteristics of the enterprises.
A qualitative baseline model was developed by synthesizing findings from diverse scholarly sources to assess the most significant factors associated with SME failure. Based on this conceptual framework, an initial questionnaire was designed to capture the perspectives of entrepreneurs whose businesses have failed. The questionnaire will form the foundation for future quantitative research to empirically validate the qualitative model.
Ultimately, the purpose of this research is to develop a reliable measurement scale that can be used to evaluate the potential risk of failure among existing SMEs in Windhoek, based on key determinants identified through this study.
Bridging Mathematics, Research, and Environment Through STREAME Education: A New Pedagogical Framework Original Research Article Country Nepal
The 21st century demands a redefinition of education that integrates multiple disciplines into a single, sustainable vision. The STREAME education framework Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Environment offers a dynamic and holistic approach to learning. This paper explores the conceptual structure, interdependence, and educational significance of STREAME. It emphasizes how integrating Research and Environment into the established STEAM model builds a system that fosters creativity, critical inquiry, and ecological responsibility.
Financial Inclusion and cooperative performance nexus: pre-pandemic evidence in the Philippines Original Research Article Country Philippines
The study aims to determine the influence of financial inclusion on cooperative performance. The study utilized panel data from the 15 regions in the country and for the years 2014 to 2019. The study descriptive analysis for the regional and national level of financial inclusion and of cooperative performance. To analyze the influence, the study utilized correlation analysis. The results show that the financial inclusion of the regions is not similar with each other as to the movement of the indicators. This is also like the trend in cooperative performance. For the influence, all the financial inclusion indicators were found to have positive correlation with cooperative performance except for the unbanked LGUs. However, the relationship is not significant at .05 and at .1 confidence level. The study recommends further improving financial inclusion initiatives and improving the management of cooperatives to improve their profitability.