Comprehensive Assessment of Quality Index of Groundwater of Selected Government Schools in Patna District of Bihar, India

Purpose: This study assesses groundwater quality in Government Schools of Patna, Bihar, with a focus on its impact on student health and education. Groundwater, a critical resource for drinking and sanitation, is increasingly compromised by urbanization, industrialization, and inadequate waste management. Methodology: Utilizing the Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI), water samples from schools were analyzed for parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, conductivity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, nitrate, chloride, fluoride, and iron ion concentrations were analysed using standard devices. A correlation matrix of twelve parameters, among themselves and with water quality index (WQI) was constructed. Findings: The values of all parameters were within the permissible limits (BIS: 2012) except iron concentration was found to be exceeding the prescribed standard limit. WQI has revealed the suitability of most of water samples for drinking not in all samples collected from fourteen different Government Schools. As findings revealed significant contamination in few schools, posing health risks, these issues adversely affect student attendance and academic outcomes. Unique contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, aiming to ensure clean water access and underscores the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management in educational institutions. The results serve as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to prioritize water quality improvements, safeguarding children\u27s health and fostering a conducive learning environment

Profitability and Financial Growth of Cross Listed Firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange

Purpose: Cross listing plays a significant role in the development of emerging capital markets through improved access to foreign capital, improved stock liquidity, access to new markets, and enhanced brand visibility which collectively contribute to improved financial growth for cross listed firms. The purpose of the study was to establish the financial effect of cross listing event by examining whether the changes in profitability had a statistically significant effect on the financial growth of cross listed firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange. Methodology: The study adopted the event study methodology to undertake an impact analysis of the financial effect of cross listing focusing on a census survey of eight firms primarily listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange and cross listed in other East African Securities Exchanges. The scope of the study entailed cross listings that took place between 2000 and 2015. The study performed the classical tests of hypothesis using the paired t-test and variance-comparison test and inferential statistics using two-way fixed effects panel regression model. Findings: The study established that cross listing had a statistically significant effect on the financial performance of the firms primarily listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange. Further, the study findings indicate that the observed changes in liquidity, profitability, operational efficiency, leverage, and firm valuation had a statistically significant effect on the financial growth of the cross-listed firms that was sustained up to five years post cross listing. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study supplemented the static trade-off theory which posits that a firm’s optimal capital structure is attained by creating a trade-off between costs and benefits of debt or equity financing, hence providing a better understanding of a firm’s financing decisions. Further, the study augmented the pecking order theory which postulates that a firm maintains an optimal capital structure through establishing a hierarchical preference for cheaper sources of financing including retained earnings, debt, and equity. Consequently, the study complements the existing body of literature on maintaining an optimal capital structure and enhancing financial growth through regional cross listings

Working Capital Management Practices and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises: Case of Muhanga Food Processing Industries Limited, Rwanda

Purpose: The study sought to assess the effect of working capital management methods on the financial performance of small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on Muhanga Food Processing Industries Limited. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of cash management, creditors’ management, debtors’ management and inventory management on financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. Methodology: The study used descriptive design as it describes the working capital management practices ensured by Muhanga Food Processing Industry Ltd and its financial performance indicators. The research focused on 86 employees of Muhanga Food Processing Industry with relevant experience, utilizing a census inquiry approach due to the small population size. Findings: The model summary reveals a multiple correlation coefficient (R) of 0.908, indicating a strong positive correlation among inventory management, cash management, creditor management, and debtor management with the dependent variable, financial performance of Muhanga Food Processing Industry. The unstandardized coefficient for cash management is 0.160, suggesting that for each unit increase in cash management, financial performance is expected to increase by 0.160, with this relationship being statistically significant (B = 0.160, t = 3.062, Sig. = 0.003). Similarly, the unstandardized coefficient for creditor management is 0.237, indicating that a one-unit increase in creditor management correlates with a 0.237 increase in financial performance, which is also statistically significant (B = 0.237, t = 4.372, Sig. = 0.000). Additionally, the unstandardized coefficient for debtor management is 0.314, revealing that enhancements in debtor management can improve financial performance by 0.314 units, with a statistically significant impact (B = 0.314, t = 5.066, Sig. = 0.000). Finally, the unstandardized coefficient for inventory management is 0.278, suggesting that a one-unit increase in inventory management contributes to a 0.278 improvement in financial performance, also statistically significant (B = 0.278, t = 4.572, Sig. = 0.000). These results highlight the essential role of effective management practices in enhancing the financial performance of Muhanga Food Processing Industry. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that Muhanga Food Processing Industry adopt advanced cash forecasting tools and establish a formal cash reserve policy to enhance liquidity planning

Moderating Effect of Dividend Policy on the Relationship between Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Agricultural Companies Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Purpose: The objective of the study was to investigate the moderating effect of dividend policy on the relationship between capital structure and financial performance of agricultural firms listed at the NSE, Kenya. Methodology: A correlation research design was applied. A census survey on six agricultural firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange from the year 2013 to 2022. The study used secondary data collected from audited financial statements of listed agricultural companies at the NSE.  The empirical data was coded and analyzed using R-Studio, to establish the relationship between the variables of the study. The moderating effect of dividend policy was tested using the stepwise regression technique by employing a Three-step approach by Baron and Kenny (1986). Findings: The results of the study revealed that 21% and 23% of the changes in the dependent variable can be well explained by the predictor variables without moderating variable and with moderating variable respectively. From the study, Debt has a negative and not significant effect on ROE. Share Capital has a negative and significant effect on ROE and Retained Earnings has a positive and significant effect on ROE. The moderating variable (dividend decisions) had a negative a not significant effect on the relationship between capital structure and ROE. It was concluded that the moderating variable has no significant effect on the relationship between capital structure and financial performance of agricultural firms listed at the NSE. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study provides empirical evidence from the agricultural sector in Kenya, which is underrepresented in financial literature. It challenges the universality of some theoretical assumptions, especially regarding the role of dividend in capital structure-performance dynamics

Effect of Trade Liberalization on Tax Revenue of East Africa Community Member Countries

Purpose: This study sought to examine the effect of trade liberalization on tax revenue of East Africa community member countries. Methodology: The study used descriptive research design and collected secondary data from 6 east Africa community member countries for the period between 2000 and 2023. The data was analyzed by use of simple linear regression analysis. Findings: The study revealed that trade liberalization has a statistically positive relationship with tax revenue of east Africa community member countries. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study contributes to validation of Hecksher-Ohlin (H-O) model in supporting the need for countries to embrace trade liberalization as a developmental strategy for developing nations to benefit from global integration, skills transfer, knowledge transfer and productive capabilities from developed nations. The study also contributes to development of optimal tax policy and trading policies with a view of enabling developing countries to maximize their potential on tax revenue for funding their development programs while at the same time remaining globally competitive to be able to attract foreign direct investments. This study also contributes to knowledge advancement by providing a framework for understanding how developing countries can achieve global economic integration by embracing trade liberalization and its impacts on the overall tax revenue processes of countries within a given trading bloc such as EAC

Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Small-Scale Agribusiness Grain Farmers in North Rift, Kenya

Purpose: This study sought to determine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Further the study sought to determine the influence of entrepreneurial innovation, pro-activeness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy on the performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted the positivist research philosophy and descriptive survey research design was utilized. Target population included 497,737 small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Yamane’s Formula of sample size determination was applied to derive a sample size of 400 respondents. Questionnaire was used for data collection. SPSS version 25 was applied in analyzing the data collected. The quantitative data comprised of the descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics were summarized into percentages, mean and the standard deviation which was presented using figures, frequency tables and pie-charts. Inferential statistics were applied to test the hypothesis for the study. Findings: The findings showed that Innovation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers has a positive and significant relationship. Moreover, it was also established that pro-activeness, risk taking, competitive aggressiveness, and entrepreneurial autonomy significantly predicted the performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Entrepreneurial characteristics had a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of small-scale agribusiness grain farmers in North Rift, Kenya. Unique Contribution: The study recommended , small-scale grain farmers to embrace entrepreneurial orientation, research institutions to contact regular market research, government institution to enact policies that support   entrepreneurial orientation and training institutions to contact educational training, there is a need for educational institutions to integrate entrepreneurial innovativeness, risk management, pro-activeness, competitiveness, business autonomy and entrepreneurial characteristic into agricultural curricula to equip future farmers with the necessary skills

Influence of Gender Roles on Career Choices in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of gender roles on career choices in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Traditional gender roles in Kenya steer men toward fields like engineering and leadership, while women gravitate toward caregiving roles such as teaching. Societal norms and limited access to education, especially in rural areas, reinforce these stereotypes. A 2021 study found 70% of participants felt gender expectations shaped their career paths. Efforts like STEM programs for girls are challenging these norms, but progress is slow. Achieving equitable career opportunities requires breaking these stereotypes and promoting choice based on ability and interest. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social role theory, gender schema theory & expectancy-value theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the influence of gender roles on career choices in Kenya. Practically, educational institutions must implement gender-neutral career counseling programs that provide all students with equal opportunities to explore a wide range of career options, irrespective of their gender. Policy interventions should focus on addressing systemic gender inequalities in the workforc

Relationship between Drought Frequency and Desertification Progress in Australia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between drought frequency and desertification progress in Australia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Frequent droughts in Australia accelerate desertification, particularly in arid regions like the Murray-Darling Basin. Rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and extreme weather events degrade soil, reduce vegetation, and threaten agriculture. ENSO-driven droughts worsen water scarcity, impacting ecosystems and farming. Satellite data show declining soil moisture and groundwater levels, increasing land degradation. Without sustainable land management, reforestation, and water conservation, desertification risks will rise, threatening biodiversity and food security. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of desertification, aridity index and climate variability theory & threshold theory of land degradation may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between drought frequency and desertification progress in Australia. Implementing drought-resistant crops, precision irrigation systems, and soil conservation techniques can significantly reduce the rate of desertification in agricultural regions. Governments should establish joint climate resilience frameworks, particularly in transboundary drylands and shared water basins, to prevent cross-border desertification effects

Management Innovativeness and Growth of Occupational Pension Schemes in Kenya

Purpose: Management innovation is critical for developing and sustaining occupational pension schemes. AI, blockchain, and machine learning present possibilities to improve efficiency and financial resilience and to strengthen members\u27 confidence. However, essential factors must be met fully for these innovations to thrive, including resistance to change, legal requirements, and technological factors. This review raises awareness of the need to nurture an innovative culture in pension fund management backed up by open policies and directed research. In that respect, adopting innovation will continue to be critical in dealing with these emergent issues and supporting the future viability of various communities worldwide. This study aimed to establish the influence of management innovativeness on the growth of occupational pension schemes in Nairobi City County, Kenya.  Methodology: This study used the Schumpeterian Innovation Theory. This study employed a hybrid research design that combined quantitative and qualitative methods. A longitudinal descriptive survey was used in this study. All 809 Nairobi City County occupational pension systems were targeted. In Nairobi City County, Kenya, this study sampled all the Kenya Retirement Benefits Authority occupational programs. 321 projects have fund values under 500 million Kenyan shillings, 275 between 500 million and 1 billion, 158 between 1 billion and 10 billion, and 55 over 10 billion. A biased stratified sampling procedure selected 267 of Nairobi City County\u27s 809 pension schemes. One manager, preferably the Finance and Investments Manager, from each of Nairobi\u27s 267. Findings: The study concluded that management innovativeness significantly influences entrepreneurial culture and the growth of occupational pension schemes in Nairobi. Therefore, management innovativeness is a key determinant in supporting the growth of Occupational Pension Schemes in Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the findings of this study, it is apparent that pension schemes need to adopt innovativeness in their business environment. The recommendation from the above study further reveals that only innovative pension schemes will be relevant in the market

Powering Change: A Methodology for Prioritizing Locations When Burying Power Lines to Minimize Wildfire Damage in Communities

Purpose: Overhead power lines can spark and cause extremely devastating wildfires. This has happened with power lines from utility companies such as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). One method of preventing widespread wildfires is to bury power lines underground. When planning to bury lines, utility companies must evaluate where power lines should be buried to minimize collateral damage from wildfires while enhancing infrastructure strength. This research paper advances a novel methodology for identifying and prioritizing the ideal locations for underground power lines. Methodology: Using California as a case study, I examine low, medium, and high wildfire risk locations in PG&E’s, SCE’s, and SDG&E’s jurisdictions. I determine which locations should be prioritized regarding the construction of underground lines by looking at the following factors in geographic information system (GIS) mapping: overhead power lines, critical infrastructure, past wildfire activity, population density, disadvantaged communities, and thermal hotspots. Findings: The results reveal the importance of considering variables like population and infrastructure density when mitigating wildfire risk with underground power lines, expanding the evaluation beyond typical factors like dry vegetation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: My methodology can be used by utility companies in order to conserve resources and time due to the structured approach. Doing so will also expedite the process of burying power lines which minimizes the impact of wildfires caused by overhead lines