Influence of individualized consideration on employee engagement in parastatals in the energy sector in Kenya

Employee engagement has become a critical business priority for senior executives. Engaged employees are inclined to contribute more to organizational output and sustain greater commitment toward their organizations. Individualized consideration is a component of transformational leadership that involves offering personalized support to employees, understanding their unique needs and aspirations, and fostering their career development through mentorship and coaching. This study aimed to examine the influence of individualized consideration on employee engagement. The article is guided by three objectives: the influence of supportive leadership on employee engagement, mentorship and coaching on employee engagement, and career development and training on employee engagement. This study targeted the 10 parastatals within the energy sector in Kenya, with a population of 315 middle-level managers. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy to examine the influence of individualized consideration on employee engagement, and data was collected using structured questionnaires. A correlational research design was conducted to determine the extent to which constructs of individualized consideration influence employee engagement. The findings showed that employee engagement has a statistically significant relationship with supportive leadership, r(161) = 0.413, p < 0.01; mentorship and coaching, r(161) = 0.480, p < 0.01; and career development and training, r(161) = 0.454, p < 0.01. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that supportive leadership, mentorship and coaching, and career development and training positively and significantly influence employee engagement, respectively, ? = 0.141, p < .01, ? = 0.252, p < .01, ? = 0.207, p < .01. The study concluded that supportive leadership, mentorship and coaching, and career development and training positively and significantly enhance employee engagement

Deconstructing dimensions of resilience in Small and Medium Enterprise in Eswatini: a literature analysis

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Eswatini play a crucial role in employment creation and economic development. However, research on their resilience is limited. The objective of this conceptual paper is to review extant literature to identify dimensions of resilience and propose a framework for SME resilience in Eswatini. In pursuit of this objective, extant models and frameworks of resilience were reviewed to identify key developments in the evolution of resilience and dimensions, revealing what constitutes resilience in different existing models in the scholarly work. First, the results reveal that while six dimensions of resilience are commonly identified in generic frameworks, seven others are less widely shared. The six dimensions are resilience capacity triangle, anticipation, coping or impact resistance, sense-making, planning, and learning and innovation. Seven constitutive dimensions not commonly shared in generic models of resilience are impact resistance, recovery, restoration, rapidity of recovery, cognitive resilience, and contextual resilience. Second, four constitutive dimensions identified in the SME context of resilience are strategic agility, culture of support, resource utilisation, and exploration of opportunities. Based on these findings, a framework of SME dynamic resilience is proposed, which owner-managers may adopt to foster organisational and entrepreneurial resilience and address the high SME mortality rate in Eswatini. The study shows that developing SME resilience requires building integrated resilience capabilities, improving processes, and adopting foresight with an entrepreneurial orientation. Future research is necessary to validate or refine this conceptual framework of SME resilience

Communication Management Strategies and Performance of Water Supply Projects

Effective communication is critical for project success, but challenges such as unclear goals, inadequate audience identification, poorly designed communication channels, and insufficient documentation have hindered project outcomes. Drawing from global and regional perspectives, this study emphasizes the role of communication in enhancing transparency, stakeholder alignment, and project sustainability. This study examines the influence of communication strategies of goals, audience identification, channels and documentation on performance of water supply projects in Musanze District, Rwanda. This study uses the theories of Communication and Diffusion of Innovations Theory. The study employs a descriptive survey and correlational research design with a target population of 416 respondents, resulting in a sample size of 204 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation review. A pilot study was conducted with 20 respondents and the instruments' validity was confirmed with a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.76, while reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79. Findings for four hypotheses reveal that; Communication Goals (P=0.000 < 0.05); Audience Identification (P=0.000 < 0.05); communication channels (P=0.000 < 0.05) and; Communication Documentation (P=0.000 < 0.05) does not significantly influence project performance were rejected, this confirm that Communication Documentation has a significant positive influence on project performance. Means that communication goals, audience identification, communication channels, and documentation all significantly contribute to the success of water supply projects. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including clearer communication goals, more inclusive stakeholder engagement, better accessibility of communication channels, and more systematic documentation practices. Based on these findings, recommendations are made for better budget planning, stakeholder engagement, and enhanced communication practices to improve the sustainability and success of future water supply projects in Musanze District and similar contexts. Further research should explore sustainable maintenance models, the impact of capacity-building programs, and the role of communication in budget management to improve stakeholder collaboration and long-term project viability

Optimizing Stakeholder Engagement for Electrification Success: Evaluating Performance Strategies of Universal Electricity Access Program

S Stakeholder engagement has been indicated as great driver for successful electrification projects in many countries, including settings similar to Rwanda. However, little is known about its influence on electrification projects in Rwanda. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how different strategies of stakeholder engagement influence performance of electrification project Musanze District, Rwanda, with a focus on RUEAP. Specific focus was on collaboration strategy, involvement strategy, empowerment strategy and consultation strategy. Stakeholder theory and Goal Setting Theory informed the study. The study used descriptive survey and correlational research designs. A structured questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect quantitative data from 452 participants who were selected using Stratified, random and purposive sampling from a target population of 4691. The questionnaire was piloted with 47 participants, representing 10% of the sample size. The Validity of instrument was done and the coefficient of 0.8 was obtained. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha test, and a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.899 was found. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Correlation and Regression were done at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 28 while thematic content analysis of qualitative data was done on qualitative data.  The findings for four hypotheses were tested at ?=.05 level of significance and the results were: stakeholder collaboration (P=0.011<0.05); stakeholder involvement (P=0.015<0.05); stakeholder empowerment (P=0.000<0.05) and; stakeholder consultation (P=0.007<0.05) does not significantly influence performance of electrification projects were rejected, confirming that they all had a significant influence on project performance. The study concludes that Stakeholders’ engagement in electrification project in Musanze have significantly influenced the electrification project performance. It is recommended that RUEAP project should continue to prioritize stakeholder engagement during the implementation of the project, but greater emphasis must be considered to begin engagement during the planning stage to ensure that the project aligns with public needs and expectation. Future research should involve a nationally representative sample of stakeholders would paint a picture of how engagement influence performance that is generalizable to other settings across Rwanda.

Transformer-Based Sentiment Analysis for classification of non-depressive and suicidal thought from Bangla Text

The growing prevalence of mental health issues, particularly depression and suicidal thoughts, points to the need to develop automated tools capable of detecting such sentiments from online communication. This study addresses some critical challenges by introducing a novel sentiment analysis framework for Bangla text, aimed at classifying content into non-depressive, depressive, and suicidal categories. We propose a hybrid deep learning model leveraging the strengths of transformer-based architectures, designed to manage long textual sequences effectively, a critical aspect in the context of natural language processing. Our model integrates RoBERTa (Robustly Optimised BERT Pre-Training Approach) with a Self-Attention Network (SAN), creating a synergistic framework for nuanced sentiment detection in Bangla social media posts, comments, and articles. This method addresses the scarcity of Bangla specific datasets by utilising a dataset curated for the study. The results demonstrate the superiority of our model, achieving an accuracy of 82.58%, alongside precision, recall, and F1-scores of 82%. Subsequently, it emphasises the potential for the proposed model to support early identification of mental health concerns, thereby enabling timely interventions and contributing to mental health awareness and prevention efforts. In the future, deploying the model as a real-time chatbot or browser extension could scan Bangla social media for depressive, non-depressive, and suicidal content and alert professionals to the risk factors

Audit Quality and Tax Avoidance in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Banking Sector in Bangladesh

This study examines the relationship between audit quality and tax avoidance practices among listed banking companies in Bangladesh. The investigation utilized secondary data from the published annual reports of 36 listed banks on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, covering the period from 2018 to 2022. Therefore, the final dataset consists of 170 firm-year observations. In this research, audit quality was measured using four different variables: audit fees, audit tenure, the presence of a Big4 audit firm, and the disclosure of Key Audit Matters (KAM). The findings indicate that both the audit fees and KAM disclosure have a statistically significant positive relationship with tax avoidance. Conversely, while the presence of a Big4 auditor and audit tenure also demonstrate a positive relationship with tax avoidance, but this relation is not statistically significant. These findings suggest that rigorous auditing practices are essential for maintaining tax compliance within financial systems. Conducting audits with integrity, thoroughness, and adherence to professional standards can significantly impact tax compliance. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for tax authorities to identify and close the tax loopholes that companies exploit for tax avoidance. Promoting collaboration between regulatory bodies, tax authorities, and auditing firms is necessary to reduce tax avoidance activities by the firms.

The ideal 4th Industrial Revolution lecturer in South African Universities

In this concept paper, the researcher argues that socio-economic and technological changes in the world today have severe implications for the type of lecturer who should be found in the lecture halls in the 21st Century and 4th Industrial Revolution. The 'ideal 4th Industrial Revolution lecturer' is not just a vision but a necessity for a technologically adept, adaptable, and innovative lecturer who can effectively navigate the rapidly changing educational landscape. This 'ideal 21st-Century modern-day lecturer' is a term used to describe a lecturer who is not only well-versed in their subject matter but also proficient in the use of technology, adaptable to change, and innovative in their teaching methods. Exposing students to lecturers who have not been trained to deal with changes in the outside world is tantamount to having the wrong men and women in charge of students in the ever-changing world. In the paper, the researcher interrogates the ideal 21st-century modern-day lecturer. The paper examines content, teaching approaches, the changes in the 21st-Century socio-political, economic, and technological environment and how they demand a responsive lecturer. The lecturer's role in responding to these changes is to adapt their teaching methods, incorporate new technologies, and foster innovation in their students. In the light of the issues raised in the discussions, recommendations are made. The researcher used desktop research. Desktop research is another name for secondary research. The researcher used two types of research activity: primary research (where the researcher goes out and discovers stuff) and secondary research (where the researcher reviews what other people have done). Desktop research is not about collecting data. Instead, the researcher’s role is to conduct desktop research to review previous research findings to gain a broad understanding of the field. The 21st Century is marked by rapid social, economic, political and technological changes. In order to ensure relevance, lecturers have to respond to these changes and possibly spearhead further changes

Lexical reiteration as the English First Additional Language learners’ strategic approach to achieve cohesion in essay writing

The capacity of authors to generate coherent articles largely relies on their proficient use of cohesive devices.  This chapter examines the utilisation of reiteration by Grade 12 English First Additional Language (EFAL) learners in the Malamulele South Circuit to attain cohesiveness in their written English essays.  Cohesion is an essential characteristic employed by educators when evaluating students' essays.  Thus, a deficiency in consistency in writing may result in diminished grades or outright failure.  The appropriate use of cohesive devices improves the logical progression and interrelation of phrases, paragraphs, and entire writings.  This study employed a qualitative research methodology, sampling fifteen essays from a designated school in the Malamulele South Circuit.  These essays have been assessed, reviewed, and finalised.  Document analysis functioned as the principal method for data collecting.  The results indicated that Grade 12 EFAL students in the Malamulele South Circuit employed many forms of reiteration, including repetition, synonyms, and antonyms, to construct cohesive writings.  Nevertheless, the study emphasised that these learners frequently generated repetitive and redundant sentences due to their propensity to excessively repeat words and phrases for emphasis.  Furthermore, they faced challenges in the proficient use of synonyms and antonyms

A comparative analysis of interactive tools in higher education’s teaching and learning: The strengths and weaknesses of Mentimeter, Google forms, Socrative, and Kahoot for playful learning

This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of four popular educational technology tools Mentimeter, Google Forms, Socrative, and Kahoot within the context of higher education. The aim is to critically evaluate their respective strengths and weaknesses, focusing on their utility, functionality, and effectiveness in enhancing the learning experience and engagement among college and university students. Mentimeter is a dynamic presentation tool allowing real-time audience engagement through live polls, quizzes, and interactive presentations. Its strengths lie in its user-friendly interface, diverse question types, and real-time feedback capabilities, fostering active participation and knowledge retention. However, limitations include its potential dependency on stable internet connectivity and limited complex assessment features. Google Forms, a versatile survey tool integrated with the Google ecosystem, offers flexibility in creating surveys, quizzes, and assessments. Its strengths include ease of use, data management through Google Sheets, and customizable question formats. However, while suitable for basic assessments, it may lack some advanced features required for complex evaluations and interactive learning. Socrative provides a platform for formative assessment, enabling teachers to create quizzes, assessments, and exit tickets. Its strengths lie in its instant grading, diverse question types, and the ability to track individual student progress. However, its interface might be less intuitive for some users, and its interactive features may be limited compared to other tools. Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that gamifies quizzes and assessments, promoting engagement and motivation among students. Its strengths include its gamified approach, competitive atmosphere, and ease of use. However, its design might favor rote memorization over deeper learning, and it may not be suitable for all types of educational content or assessment formats. This comparative analysis highlights the distinct advantages and limitations of each tool, offering insights for educators and institutions seeking to leverage technology for effective teaching and learning strategies in higher education. Understanding these strengths and weaknesses can aid educators in making informed decisions about selecting and integrating appropriate educational technologies to enhance student engagement, participation, and learning outcomes. Further research and practical implementations can delve deeper into optimizing the use of these tools to cater to diverse educational needs and contexts in higher education

Building responsive local government in South Africa: Critical review of intergovernmental support and interventions in provincial contexts

As South Africa enters its fourth decades of democratic governance there is growing debate about the way intergovernmental support and intervention is understood from operational perspectives, particularly as pertains to the management of local government. It is not clear how national and provincial governments apply intergovernmental support, control and checking mechanisms before the mandatory interventions through Section 139 of the Constitution of South Africa (1996) becomes a necessity. This article aims to contribute to this contemporary discourse by providing a critical account of the role of intergovernmental support and intervention to local government in provincial contexts. The article follows qualitative approach. It argues that a capable local government is possible if there is enough intergovernmental support from provincial and national governments. It further argues mandatory interventions are not helpful, and that their parameters should be revisited and certainly, limit those to cases of ‘absolute’ impossibilities. In the end, the article recommended key ‘intergovernmental support’ channels and measures that provinces can use to aid municipalities facing crisis situations.  &nbsp