Factors that affect the Outcome of Outside Catering in Kenya

Outside catering involves preparing and serving food at a location away from the business. The outcome of outside catering is important to caterers both as a marketing tool and in enhancing customer satisfaction. There are many factors that determine the outcome of outside catering which this study aimed to establish. The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of human, physical and natural factors on the outcome of outside catering as well as to identify the indicators that can be used to measure the outcome of outside catering. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The target population was 150 caterers in Nairobi in Kenya. The sample size comprised 120 outside caterers. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of frequency tables, percentages and graphs. The results showed that human, physical and natural factors all determine the outcome of outside catering. The findings may benefit outside caterers in understanding and hence being careful on factors that affect the outcome of outside catering. In addition caterers may use the indicators that measure outcome of outside catering to improve or know the status of their work. Keywords: Human factors, Natural factors, Outcome, Outside catering, Physical factor

Extent of Adoption of Quality Management Systems in the Hospitality and Catering Industry: A Study of Selected Establishments in Nairobi.

The aim of this research was to establish the extent of adoption of two quality management systems in selected hospitality and catering establishments in Nairobi Kenya. Survey design was used and the target population was managers in the establishments. A sample size of 120 was used. Purposive sampling was used to select the managers because adoption of the systems was assumed to be a managerial responsibility. Interview schedules and questionnaires were used to collect primary data which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. From the findings majority of the respondents had knowledge about the existence of quality management systems but had not adopted the systems because of high costs involved in its implementation and lack of information. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system (HACCP) was preferred than Assured Safe Catering (ASC). The establishments using Quality management systems highlighted the benefits of the systems that included success in production of quality products and increased profitability. However the systems had limitations such as demanding routine of maintenance of standards and involving intense documentation. Evidently, quality management systems are relevant to the hospitality industry and need to be adopted by operators in the food handling sector   Keywords: Adoption, Assured Safe Catering, Catering, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system, Keny

An Overview of Industrial Relations in Kenya

The development of labour law in Kenya evolved in the voluntary tradition to what is today arguably one of the best institutionalized labour market governance systems in Africa. However, the persistence of labour unrest in various sectors of the Kenyan economy points to the need for a reexamination of the existing labour code in a bid to address areas of weakness for sound economic development. This paper traces the development of labour relations in Kenya from the pre independence period. Key milestones are discussed and examined in the light of best practices elsewhere in the world. It is the expectations of the authors that this paper will provide useful insight to labour officials both in government and business organizations in Kenya and elsewhere. Key words: labour laws, industrial labour relations, collective bargaining, tripartis

History, Evolution and Development of Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Perspective

Various attempts have been made towards tracing the historical development of the discipline of Human Resource Management (HRM). However, these initiatives have largely been concentrated on certain specific periods of time and experiences of specific countries and regions such as Australia, the USA, the UK and Asia (Nankervis et.al, 2011; Kelly, 2003; Ogier, 2003). This paper attempts to document the entire history of the discipline of Human Resource Management from a holistic perspective. The evolution and development of HRM will be traced right from the pre-historic times through to the postmodern world. Major characteristics in the evolution and development of HRM will also be examined and documented. Key words: Human Resource Management (HRM), evolution, histor

Research Paradigms: Theory and Practice

This paper reflects on the ontological, epistemological and methodological underpinnings of the two major research approaches i.e the quantitative and the qualitative approaches. Their differences, occasioned by these philosophical foundations are discussed and practical implications examined. It is our view that this paper will have positive impact on the work of researchers and students undertaking courses in research studies. Key words: Research paradigms, ontology, epistemology, methodology, quantitative, qualitativ

Information Technology Innovation and Organizational Policy: Implications on Employee Privacy

Issues relating to workplace privacy and how organizations address privacy have sparked a lot of public debate in recent years. Research reveals that potential employers have exploited employees seeking job opportunities by asking information to do with: disclosure of confidential information about the past employer’s work, financial background, and family intimate issues not relevant to the job being sought among others. This paper establishes the implications of information technology innovation on organization policies with emphasis on employees’ privacy. The study was done in two organizations and it adapted a case study approach. Data was collected from 74 respondents using questionnaires. Respondents were sampled using purposive technique. Frequency distribution tables were used in data presentation followed by discussions. The findings of this study are critical in informing the policy makers in organizations on procedures and strategies of inclusive policy formulation and implementation as well as provide HR managers with insight on managing privacy issues in dynamic organizational setups. Key words: Employees’ Privacy policy, Information Technology, Surveillanc

Devolution and Governance Conflicts in Africa: Kenyan Scenario

The interests on devolved system of government have increased over time in Africa. This paper looks at devolution and governance conflicts in Africa. The paper makes an attempt in assessing the likely conflicts from this system and possibly so their mitigations with the Kenyan scenario. The study applies the underlined objectives in achieving its goals. Ultimately, the paper will attempt to answer questions such as; what is devolution? Why devolution? What is the rationale of devolution? What are the likely conflicts inherent in devolution and governance in Africa from the global experience? What are the mitigations available and its prospects and challenges? Confusions linger as to whether devolution is decentralization or federalism. In tackling the objectives, this study tries to make clarity to these dilemmas. Key words: Devolution/ Decentralization/ Conflicts/ Governanc

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT IN 21 ST CENTURY ORGANIZATIONS

ABSTRACT Given the complex nature and competitive environment under which organizations operate in, human capital management, performance management and change management initiatives can be very complex and challenging endeavours. This paper discusses transformational style of leadership and its contribution to management in modern organizations. In so doing, a brief comparison between transformational and transactional leadership is given. The paper goes ahead to suggest transformational leadership as the most appropriate leadership style to be adopted in the modern organizations and societies as it is most compatible with the uncertainties, challenges and perplexities of the 21 st century

A protracted cholera outbreak among residents in an urban setting, Nairobi county, Kenya, 2015

Introduction: in 2015, a cholera outbreak was confirmed in Nairobi county, Kenya, which we investigated to identify risk factors for infection and recommend control measures. Methods: we analyzed national cholera surveillance data to describe epidemiological patterns and carried out a case-control study to find reasons for the Nairobi county outbreak. Suspected cholera cases were Nairobi residents aged >2 years with acute watery diarrhea (>4 stools/≤12 hours) and illness onset 1-14 May 2015. Confirmed cases had Vibrio cholerae isolated from stool. Case-patients were frequency-matched to persons without diarrhea (1:2 by age group, residence), interviewed using standardized questionaires. Logistic regression identified factors associated with case status. Household water was analyzed for fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli. Results: during December 2014-June 2015, 4,218 cholera cases including 282 (6.7%) confirmed cases and 79 deaths (case-fatality rate [CFR] 1.9%) were reported from 14 of 47 Kenyan counties. Nairobi county reported 781 (19.0 %) cases (attack rate, 18/100,000 persons), including 607 (78%) hospitalisations, 20 deaths (CFR 2.6%) and 55 laboratory-confirmed cases (7.0%). Seven (70%) of 10 water samples from communal water points had coliforms; one had Escherichia coli. Factors associated with cholera in Nairobi were drinking untreated water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-18.8), lacking health education (aOR 2.4, CI 1.1-7.9) and eating food outside home (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-5.7). Conclusion: we recommend safe water, health education, avoiding eating foods prepared outside home and improved sanitation in Nairobi county. Adherence to these practices could have prevented this protacted cholera outbreak