Nickel-Palladium-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Quantitative Detection of Formaldehyde

A journal article by Dr. Naumih M. Noah a lecturer at United States International University - Africa.Formaldehyde is asmall organic molecule that has awide range of uses in societydespite its toxicity.Formaldehyde is classified as a“known carcinogen”byInternational Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Formaldehyde electrooxidation has become asubject of major interest in the recent past due to its potentialapplication in fuel cell technologyand the need for its detection at trace levels because of its toxicity.Many studies have been conducted on formaldehyde electrooxidation, most of which suffer electrode passivation as aresult of adsorbed intermediates such as carbon monoxide adsorbed (COads) and formic acid adsorbed (H2COOads) formed from electrooxidation of formaldehyde. In this study aNickel Palladium nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (Ni@Pd/GCE) was fabricated for electrooxidation of formaldehyde. Palladium nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited onto abare Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE) from 2mMPdCl2 in 0.1 MH 2 SO4 supporting electrolyte, at acontrolled [email protected] Vfor 240 seconds. The Nickel nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited onto the PdGCE from 0.5 MNiSO4 in 0.1 MH 2 SO4 supporting electrolyte, at acontrolledpotential of @1.25 Vfor 40 seconds. The modified glassycarbon electrode (Ni@Pd/GCE) was conditionedin0.5 MNaOH for about 50 cycles or more to obtain a reproducible voltammogram. The fabricated electrode was characterized using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Chronoamperometry (CA). The resultsshowedthat the electrode had good electrocatalytic properties with respect to formaldehyde electrooxidation as aresult of the synergistic effect of Ni and Pd nanoparticles combined with the glassy carbontechnology.A sensitiveoxidation peak for 1mMformaldehyde was observed at about 0.43 Vv s. Ag/AgCl/KCl (3 M) in 0.5 MNaOH, with a current density of 17 mA/cm2.Ithad alinear detection range from 10 mMto1mM (R=0.9985) and adetectionlimit of 5.4 mM. The electrode showedsignificant electrocatalytic activity towardst he electrooxidation of formaldehyde in aqueous solution,was selective,reproducible and stable, hence can be used to detect formaldehyde at trace levels and can find application in fuel cells

Factors Affecting Micro Insurance Penetration in Kenya

A Research Project Report Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The general objective of this study was to determine the factors that affect Microinsurance penetration in Kenya. The study was guided by the following research questions: What factors contribute to low Microinsurance penetration in Kenya? What is the role of Microinsurance? Is there necessity for microinsurance regulatory framework? What strategies are being employed by microinsurance providers to increase penetration? This study adopted the descriptive research design since it allows use of the study findings as a general reflection of the larger population. The population of the study was the 55 registered insurance companies in Kenya out of which a sample size of 32 insurance companies was drawn. From the population sample 45 respondents comprising senior and mid-level managers in charge Microinsurance or business development were targeted achieving a response rate of 76%. Survey questionnaires were used to collect the data, both qualitative as well as quantitative. The questionnaires were semi structured, with both open and closed ended questions to allow collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. The cross sectional data collected from the questionnaires was edited, coded, processed and analyzed using excel and statistical package for social science computer programs (SPSS). The study also reviewed secondary data mainly from the Association of Kenya Insurers and the Insurance Regulatory Authority to supplement the arguments drawn from the primary data. The findings are presented using tables and charts including the reports of the inferential statistics showing the regression and coefficient correlations analysis to test the association between the factors. A comparison was made with the existing literature in order to establish areas of agreement and disagreements. The study established that the factors inhibiting the growth of Microinsurance include lack or inadequate research which lead to development of products that do not meet customer needs, uncompetitive pricing and inadequate distribution channels which limit the reach and low levels of publicity. Other causes external to insurance companies include low donor and government support in Microinsurance programs, lack of supportive Microinsurance legal framework, low income levels which relegate insurance to secondary needs, religious or cultural factors that are hostile towards insurance and low public trust of insurance companies. The study also established that the roles of Microinsurance such as alleviation financial burden on the poor in the event of disasters, protection of the wealth and health of the poor, poverty alleviation and increasing utilization of health facilities. Concerning law and regulations, the study findings showed that the existing legal framework is not conducive for Microinsurance growth and that new policy changes are needed to spur Microinsurance development. In terms of the strategies that are used the study established that unlike conventional insurance, Microinsurance is a mass market product that requires use of aggregators hence the need to enlist partners and strategic institutions like banks and microfinance in the sales strategy. Additional strategies to be deployed include product innovation, usage of efficient service delivery channels and simplification of the documentation, products and processes in order to build trust with the public. In conclusion, the study identified that a number of factors both internal and external to the insurance companies contribute to low Microinsurance penetration. These include lack of adequate research to develop products that match customer needs, pricing, income levels, distribution channels, publicity and cultural factors. From the findings it was noted that Microinsurance plays vital role in the society and more so to the low income segment. With regards to regulations, it was observed that the current regulatory framework inhibits growth of Microinsurance while on strategies, most of the companies are deploying similar strategies for conventional insurance to Microinsurance hence the slow growth. The study recommends that insurance companies should develop specific strategies for Microinsurance business outside conventional insurance due to difference in business models, that a new regulations be put in place to address the unique needs of Microinsurance and that the insurance companies, governments and donors should collaborate to deepen the growth and development of Microinsurance in Kenya. Further studies should be done based on views from outsiders such as customers, insurance agents and brokers to get a wholesome picture on impediments to Microinsurance growth. Related to this is need for further research study on persistency problem where high lapse rate of policies contribute to stagnation

CTW - 8 June 2018

A Campus Weekly Magazine by the Marketing and Communications Department of USIU- Afric

Effect of Knowledge Management on Competitive Advantage in the Real Estate Sector: The Case of Pam Golding Properties

A Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)This study’s impetus stems from the realization that the real estate industry in Kenya is currently rife with challenges, despite property pundits auguring its promising future. For real estate firms to remain relevant, research is necessary to investigate the use and management of Knowledge and its effect as a source of Competitive Advantage. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effect of knowledge management (KM) on the competitive advantage of real estate firms. This research was guided by four specific objectives: 1) to determine the dimensions of knowledge management employed by real estate firms in Kenya, 2) to determine the effect of information technology in KM on competitive advantage 3) to determine the effect of leadership style in KM employed on competitive advantage and 4) to determine the effect of organizational structure in the KM employed on competitive advantage in real estate firms. The research design selected for this study was a descriptive research to identify and explain association between variables. The target population for the study were all the fifty employees of Pam Golding Properties (PGP), Kenya. Fifty questionnaires were distributed and 46 responded obtaining a 92% response rate. The study employed Spearman’s correlation and multiple linear regressions for analysis. Data collected utilized SPSS (version 24) software and analysis done gave both descriptive and inferential statistics. Following analysis, results were presented in tabular and chart form and descriptions given. Analysis of the first objective which was to examine the dimensions of knowledge management applied in the firm, revealed that at PGP Kenya, there was a clearly defined system of KM that was widely understood and utilized by both employees and management. However, PGP does not share information with other RE industry players for better knowledge management. The second objective established that employees used technology tools to create, share and store knowledge. Critical to note was that IT in use contributed to enhanced knowledge and eased decision making. Analysis of the third objective seeking revealed that the organization’s leadership embraced an open-door policy and enhanced free knowledge sharing through dialogue and feedback. Many respondents however, strongly agreed that little if any awards or promotions were given for knowledge creation or enhancement. The fourth objective showed that PGP’s organizational structure facilitates task accomplishment according to KM services. This study concludes that PGP Kenya has acknowledged that they viewed KM to be a major strategic imperative for staying competitive in the industry. The firm’s investment in budgetary allocation, staff trainings and IT infrastructure has had impetus from this realization. The main motivator for PGP implementing KM was quality service delivery, competitive advantage sustenance and client acquisition and retention. PGP has enjoyed competitive advantages in innovation, quality service and employee efficiency because of investing in KM. However, it also concludes that PGP could stand to benefit more from KM if it incentivized knowledge creation among employees. From the study it can be inferred that KM has benefited the firm and not only enhances efficiency leading to competitive edge but also delivers expertise to the firm by giving the firm’s agents, the opportunity to focus on its key competencies. This study recommends that real estate firms invest more in KM systems; not only on internal information sharing but liaise with related and supporting industries e.g. banking, to capture and share knowledge that would be vital in alignment of knowledge to business strategy for both industries, ultimately contributing to profitability and performance. The study further recommends that RE firms should strike a balance between people and technology elements of KM. A good technology-based KM system need not be complicated or capital-intensive, in so far as it could serve the core business by providing internal information within a group and sharing customer-specific information with clients. It should further be noted that the best tools and processes alone cannot achieve a KM strategy. Ultimately, KM aims to free up professional ‟valuable” time to focus on creating thoughtful and innovative approaches. For further studies, there is a need to undertake a study to establish the barriers involved in KM implementation between related/supporting industries fundamentally in knowledge sharing in order to bridge the gap between industries

Which power techniques do you use to manage staff?

A Newspaper article by Scott Bellows, an Assistant Professor in the Chandaria School of Business at USIU-AfricaMammals crave power to dominate over others in their species. Fierce rivalries breakout between males in social groups amongst great apes, antelopes, lions or among females in elephant herds as salient examples. Power comes with real benefits to the leader including better food, access to mates, and psychological status. Humans also yearn for power. Sometimes people desire power because they feel that they best possess skills to help a population group, organisation, or community towards a better future. Other times humans seek power out of fear of others and want to protect themselves and their community. Unfortunately, on other occasions, people hanker for power for selfish gain. The loathed and selfish King Henry VIII of England infamously debated the pressing issue of his early 16th century era: is it better for a king to be loved or feared. Henry opted for the former before murderously shifting to the latter. He lived in the time of Niccolò Machiavelli whose then radical views on tough leadership emboldened princes and pirates alike. Power involves the ability to affect change or control other individuals and comes in five different forms. Henry and Machiavelli advocated for coercive power. Coercive leaders threaten their followers and cause fear in order to gain obedience. Coercion often can be seen in tyrannical CEOs and multi-decade dictators

Effect of Performance Appraisal on Organizational Performance: A Case Study of KPMG Kenya

A Research Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of the survey was to investigate the extent of performance appraisals in measuring performance of an organization. The study will be guided by the following research questions; how does the objective- based appraisal influence organizational performance? What is the effect of 360 degree appraisal on organizational performance? And how does the numerical rating scale influence organizational performance. A descriptive research was used and the research used questionnaires to collect data. The target population was 50 respondents from KPMG. 50 questionnaires were distributed and only 42 were filled and returned. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS and the results were presented in figures and tables. Staff agreed to a large extent that objectives set to achieve organisational goals are clearly understood and also to a large extent, objectives set are aligned to organisational goals. It was also revealed that the performance appraisal system also helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of the employee. The respondents also agreed that evidence of performance is well documented and available for reference if needed. A regression analysis done between variables of objective based appraisal on organizational performance revealed that 91.6% of the variation in performance was caused by variations in objective based appraisal. From the findings, respondents agreed that objective based appraisals contribute to organizational performance. Majority agree that 360-degree feedback is objective and that 360 degrees review are aligned to achievement of organisational goals. It was also agreed that areas of improvement identified in a 360 degrees evaluation are applied for self-development only and not to assign ratings. A regression analysis was done and it was revealed that 89.4% of the variation in performance was caused by variations in 360 degrees Appraisal. It was established that the performance manager is impartial when assigning ratings. Staff also agreed to a small extent that the numerical rating scale is fairly assigned. It was agreed to a large extent that performance ratings contribute to a motivation to achieve organisation goals and job satisfaction, respondents agreed that accurate and specific feedback is received from the performance manager on past performance and that the consequences for receiving each numerical rating are clear. A regression analysis was done and the findings v revealed that 87.8% of the variation in performance was caused by variations in numerical rating. The study concluded that at KPMG objectives set to achieve organisational goals are clearly understood and such objectives are aligned to organisational goals and involves employee participation in the process of setting objectives.Objective based appraisal greatly affect performance although employee getting involved in the process of setting objectives does not impact on organization performance. It was also concluded that there is a lack of clear understanding about differentiation of the numerical scale 1-5. At KPMG numerical ratings has offered an atmosphere to motivate high achievers and also acts as a motivation for improvement of performance for a member of staff. Numerical rating affect organizational performance. The members who take part in 360 feedbacks are representative of the organisational stakeholders and the firm has an existing mechanism of capturing and storing evidence for future use. 360 degrees has a great impact on organizational performance. The study recommended that KPMG needs to continue reviewing goals to reflect the dynamic business environment. There is a need proper documentation to ensure area of reference if needed. KPMG should ensure objectivity of 360 degree feedback and the reviews need to be better aligned to the firm achievement of its goals. While using 360 identifies areas of evaluation, they should ensure that required follow up is done and the mechanism of capturing and storing evidence for future should be fully understood by all. KPMG has to ensure performance manager continue impartiality when assigning ratings and while performance ratings contribute to a motivation to achieve organisation goals and job satisfaction staff need to be encouraged that other factors also come into place when analysing the firm’s performance

The Impact of Neo-Colonialism on Coffee Trading Activities in Kenya

A Thesis Report Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Master of Arts Degree in International RelationsThe general objective of this study was to determine how different aspects of Neo-colonialism has hindered growth of the coffee industry in Kenya( 1980-2008).The study sought Neo-colonialism effects on the coffee value chain specifically marketing, financing and production. This thesis investigated how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sponsored liberalization programs destabilized the coffee sector in Kenya and brought to light the unseen forces in coffee value chain disadvantaging the Kenyan farmer. The study adopted the Dependency and World System theories while a conceptual framework assessed the interdependence between Neo-colonial and the key variables: production, marketing and financing. On Coffee production the study found that the producers are faced with meeting quality challenges, high production costs, technology challenges and global market volatility highly favored to developed nations. On coffee marketing, the study found that multinationals coffee firms controlled the market through domestic brokers/agents who pursue their interests leaving farmers vulnerable to unbalanced economic practices. In terms of coffee financing the study found that the liberalization policies crippled the coffee industry by promoting unfair trade practices. By financing cooperatives at a vulnerable stage when the coffee prices were at record low resulted in indebtedness of coffee farmers, weakened cooperative institutions and loss of livelihood means. The study concluded that in order for the Kenyan coffee sector to break free from foreign influences and generate sustainable rates of growth by improving the quality of governance and developing a credible set of institutions to support and execute market-friendly economic policies

Treat staff like your customers

A Newspaper article by Scott Bellows, an Assistant Professor in the Chandaria School of Business at USIU-AfricaEver feel like just a number? When we call our banks, we must provide our account number. Call a supplier, we must verify our phone number. Go to a Government of Kenya office and we must produce our ID number. Humans are not robots. We do not base our emotions off a numeric world, yet we get treated calculatedly numeric in the modern era. Our workplaces should not be one of those locations where we feel like only a number. Unfortunately, offices usually look at employment in terms of transactional relationships rather than meaningful and sustained. A new line of thinking from Stefan Strohmeier of Saarland University in Germany details how organisations should view and handle employees considering customer relationship management techniques. Extensive research exists on handling clients and how to maximise such relationships. However, significantly less research has gone into longer term views on how to strengthen employment relationship management

Dear CEO, employees want you to consult

A Newspaper article by Scott Bellows, an Assistant Professor in the Chandaria School of Business at USIU-AfricaPeople crave the power to make decisions about their own lives. From political democracy to estate committees to family meetings, humans prefer not to give up control and instead have a say in decisions that affect their well-being. Employees within organisations feel the same way. No one wants a boss who makes all the choices without involving them. Business Talk in the Business Daily two weeks ago discussed the impact that participative leaders have on their employees. Interestingly, do leaders that involve their subordinates in verdicts also function the same way within member-based organisations? In Kenya, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives states that the country hosts 2,996 co-operatives where citizens come together to form legal entities that support them in some sort of specific industry. The sectors that co-operatives operate in range from bee keeping, tobacco farmers, dairy producers, coffee growers, housing co-operatives, and SACCOs, etc. The United States International University of Africa in collaboration with Durham University, Global Communities, and USAID, surveyed 19 agricultural co-operatives in 12 Kenyan counties in order to ascertain, among other goals, the impact that participative leaders have on advantageous organizational and community outcomes within member-based co-operatives. In continuation, participative leadership played a minimal direct role in the perceived success of the co-operative. However, when the members of co-operatives trusted the organisation and the leaders, then participative leadership became a powerful tool. When co-operative members did not trust their leaders, then the levels of participative leadership held no affect on most outcomes