Corporate Venture Capital on Sustainability-oriented Innovation: A Norwegian perspective

This master’s thesis investigates Norwegian Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) in terms of attaining sustainability and promoting innovation. The work's significance is maintained by the fact that, according to the literature, CVC plays a key role in assuring sustainability for both corporates and startups, and such research has not been undertaken in Norway. To investigate Norwegian CVC, we employed the ambidexterity analytical framework, as well as CVC and SOI models. We established a database to investigate the state of collaboration between corporations and startups around the country. To undertake case studies for the purpose to explore the practical aspect of the partnership more thoroughly, we conducted interviews with three active Norwegian CVCs and their startups. This is because, despite the fact that there are strategic objectives of partnership with startups in each of the three CVCs that we analyzed, they are not measured and evaluated. As a result, determining the efficacy of CVC from a non-financial standpoint is challenging. In terms of financial contribution, CVC's input pales in comparison to the head company's overall performance. Furthermore, there is no clear approach for dealing with startups. Based on this, we provide recommendations. To begin, there is an urgent need for the development of a measurement mechanism for evaluating the performance of CVC. Second, it is vital to develop a transparent and understandable strategy for interacting with startups. Taking these guidelines into consideration, firms will be able to maximize the benefits of such collaborations with startups, since companies are now losing most of their non-financial advantages. It will be able to contribute not only to their personal growth, but also to the development of the industry

Terahertz Radiation From Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The Terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum is the region between microwaves and infra-red, dubbed the terahertz \u27gap\u27 due to its relative underdevelopment in terms of technology. This region is marked by expensive and inconvenient sources that are bulky or that require cryogenic cooling for normal operation, therefore creating a need for cheap and easy to use terahertz sources. Carbon nanotubes have received considerable attention since their discovery due to their unique physical and electronic properties. Many applications have been proposed using especially Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs), and a number of commercial technologies exist. In this work, we have proposed to use SWCNTs as the basis for a cheap, compact and room temperature-operating Terahertz source. We have characterized the SWCNT source, and we present results on transport characteristics (I–V curves), radiation patterns, spectra, polarization as well as optical, SEM and AFM imaging. We show that the radiation spectrum is vi determined by integrated antennas coupled to the SWCNTs, and preliminary power calibration indicates that the radiated power exceeds the power predicated by the Nyquist formula

Modelling the Impact of National Development Strategies for the East African Rice Sector

The 2008 food crisis prompted many food importing nations to reconsider the need to be self-sufficient especially in their staple food needs. This awakening led to the launch of the Coalition for Africa Rice Development (CARD) initiative with a goal to double rice production in Africa. Under the CARD umbrella member countries drafted individual National Rice Development Strategies (NRDS). This study is a quantitative assessment of four East African countries’ NRDS: Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda within dynamic global rice economy models. The NRDS targets and strategies are not realistic and included under estimation of rice consumption for Kenya, an incorrect rice production area for Tanzania and overly ambitious production targets for Rwanda and Uganda. Under a business-as-usual scenario, based on historical baseline projections none of the four countries will attain rice self-sufficiency by 2018. Furthermore the area expansions and yield improvements required to attain self-sufficiency in these countries (with the exception of Tanzania) are unprecedented and highly unlikely to be achieved by the end of 2018. Imposing self-sufficiency through elimination of long grain rice imports would penalize the consumers extremely through high price increases and consequently rice consumption shrinkage in the four countries. In order to attain self-sufficiency without hurting consumers would require sizable improvements of production efficiency. Alternatively the governments could use output price subsidies to boost production, but the cost would be very large and unrealistic particularly for Kenya. This study concludes that attaining rice self-sufficiency in these countries in the intermediate time horizon is unrealistic. Very large changes in resource allocation, productivity, and consumption trends will be required. It is however important to note that the results obtained in this study may be extremely valued as they are generated within a partial equilibrium framework and may be less dramatic if a general equilibrium framework was used

The effect of the East African community integration process on informal cross-border trade (ICBT) : an analysis of the Customs Union Protocol

Informal cross border trade (ICBT) includes imports and exports that are traded across borders informally by escaping the normal border procedures like customs clearance. As a consequence of the said informality, ICBT is viewed as illegal cross border activities. Despite the fact that it is not possible to give the accurate extent of ICBT in the East African Community (EAC), it continues to grow by the day and has contributed significantly to economic and sustainable growth. It therefore has the potential to support the ongoing initiatives on poverty reduction and raise the standards of living for a majority of the people. In fact, if properly managed, it definitely has the effect of boosting the economies. The concept therefore that ICBT is illegal trade shows that legislators have not fully appreciated the benefits of this trade and the fact that they have downplayed it means overlooking a significant proportion of trade. The main aim of the study therefore is to give an overview of the nature and scope as well as the significance of ICBT in EAC. In this regard, the three major advantages are that it is a source of employment, assists in eradicating poverty and contributes immensely towards food security in the region. The study also analyzes the Customs Union Protocol and highlights opportunities that can be derived from specific articles for the benefit of the informal cross border traders and eventually comes up with policy recommendations to provide a regulatory environment that can accommodate both the formal and informal sector without harming either of the two. The research has also discussed the regional integration initiatives taken with the aim of promoting economic development in the Community and their effect on ICBT. The route taken by Africa as a whole is market integration which has not been without difficulties. As an alternative, regionalism from below could be the better way forward in the quest for regional economic integration considering ICBT has greatly supported the shrinking formal economy. This would mean tapping into this informal trade by building on those informal trade networks to create a robust economy bearing in mind that is where a substantial proportion of cross-border trade is conducted. This would ultimately lead to formalizing ICBT. While it may seem difficult, the study shows that formalizing ICBT and having its official recognition in the Customs Union Protocol would be a stepping stone to realizing economic integration within the Community. It is a kind of trade that is there to stay and as a result of the shrinking formal economy; EAC will with time have to deal with ICBT as a parallel and alternative source of employment in relation to the formal sector. Therefore, it is necessary that the Community deals with ICBT sooner rather than later considering it has become a social-economic lifestyle for a large number of EAC citizens

Role of Parents in the Education of Mentally Retarded Learners in Selected Schools in Madaraka Zone, Kiambu County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of parent’s involvement in education on the academic performance of the mentally retarded learners in primary schools of selected schools in Thika Municipality, Kiambu County. The objectives of the study was to determine whether cultural beliefs among the parents affects the enrolments of mentally retarded children in the area under study; determine whether the parents teach their mentally retarded children adaptive skills; establish whether the parents of mentally retarded children play their role effectively as far as the education of their children is concerned and to find out whether the parents understand and appreciate the importance of taking their mentally retarded children for assessment. The researcher used descriptive design to collect data. The target population was all parents and teachers of mentally retarded children in the selected schools under study. Purposive sampling was done to select fifty parent and fifty teachers as sample population. Data from the research instruments was sorted, coded and summarized data analyzed using computer software. The major findings of the study was that cultural beliefs, negligence, lack of sensitization and lack of technical skills among the parents and the teachers were the major causes of low enrolment of mentally retarded children in selected schools under study. The study recommended that parents and their siblings should appreciate their little achievement in order to boost their morale. That they should be allowed to interact and socialize with their peers; simulative home environment be provided and an opportunity to learn through special education be provided. Modified curriculum be used by teachers in order to accommodation all the needs of learners with intellectual challenges. Specialized training for teachers should be given by Ministry of Education. Keywords: Normalization, Identification, Mental retardation, Cultural belief

An analysis of the programming of local and foreign content in kenya’s tv programming

This study analysed the content programming on Kenyan TV and established the factors that inform TV managers\u27 preference for foreign content and the attendant effects such preferences have on the local filming/production industry. This research was guided by three objectives, to investigate: What is in the programming menu of Kenyan TV stations. The factors that inform TV programming managers preference for foreign TV content and the ways that programming of foreign content influence the local filming/production industry. This study was anchored on two theories that is the cultural imperialism theory and the political economy of mass media theory. This research employed a mixed methods approach in data collection whereby it used a code sheet, a survey questionnaire and in-depth interview guide as its data collection tools. Four Free to Air TV stations, TV programming managers and top local content producers were purposively sampled from the target population. The four TV stations had their programming menu analysed in a week with the use of a code sheet which had time blocks to guide the researcher while collecting data. The results revealed that foreign content was prevalent in all the four TV stations. Also, out of the the four TV stations, KTN Home had a significantly high amount of foreign content. Moreover, a survey questionnaire was administered online to the TV programming managers. The findings indicated that the major factors that influence the TV stations programming schedule were advertisers, cost, and media owners. Furthermore, the results from the in-depth interviews conducted on the local content producers revealed that the propagation of foreign content on Kenya’s TV programming had stifled and chocked the local filming/production industry. In conclusion, this study recommended that the programming code should be sternly implemented on Free to Air TV stations to promote more of local content. In addition, clearly define what local content is meant to consist of. It also advocated the collaboration between TV programming managers and local content producers to create a condusive and thriving creative economy where both parties benefit. Proper structures and systems should be established for this partnership to be a reality. This is through having favourable contracts and a clear understanding of the business aspect of content creation and broadcast

Analysis of Predictors of Behaviour Change among Children at Risk in Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya

The aim of this study was to analyse predictors of behaviour change among children at risk in juvenile rehabilitation centres within Nairobi County, Kenya. The target population was all the children and managers of Juvenile rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County. This consisted of 380 boys, 160 girls, 8 managers in Kabete and Getathuru and 4 managers in Dagorreti rehabilitation Centre, all adding up to 552 respondents.  Children at risk in Juvenile rehabilitation Centres within Nairobi County were sampled using probability and non-probability sampling techniques. To obtain a manageable sample from the target population, convenience, purposive, stratified random and systematic random sampling techniques were used respectively. Questionnaires, interview schedules and focus groups were used in the study as tools for data collection. Data collected was entered, coded and analyzed using inferential statistics and SPSS. The qualitative data was organized, analyzed and reported into emerging themes. The study found out that rehabilitation of children at risk in Juvenile rehabilitation Centres was not adequately addressed and it was only those children with severe and profound cases whose misbehaviours transformed to moderate levels. Educationists were left out during assessment, classification, referral and exit stages despite their rich expertise in rehabilitation. The analysis of determinants scored below average in terms of behaviour change. Among the predictors, Special needs intervention measures did not exist irrespective of the fact that more than ninety percent of children had special cases. Environment was not barrier free while majority of the staff were untrained in professional courses regarding behaviour change. The researcher recommended that all the staff of Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres to undergo training in Special Needs Education. That all the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres be moved from Ministry of Labour and Social Services and be placed under the Ministry of Education which has adequate personnel required to rehabilitate a child. Keywords: Behaviour, Children at risk, Juvenile, Rehabilitation, Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres, Delinquency and Predicto

Review of Characteristics of Behaviour Change among Children at Risk in Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya

The aim of this study was to review characteristics of behaviour change among children at risk in juvenile rehabilitation centres within Nairobi County, Kenya. The target population was all the children and managers of Juvenile rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County. It consisted of 380 boys, 160 girls, 8 managers in Kabete and Getathuru and 4 managers in Dagorreti rehabilitation Centre, making a total of 552 respondents.  Children at risk in Juvenile rehabilitation Centres within Nairobi County were sampled using probability and non-probability sampling methods. To obtain a practicable sample from the target population, convenience, purposive, stratified random and systematic random sampling methods were used respectively. Questionnaires, interview schedules and focus groups were used in the study as tools for data gathering. Data gathered was entered, coded and analyzed using inferential statistics and SPSS. The qualitative data was organized, analyzed and reported into emerging themes. The study established that rehabilitation of children at risk in Juvenile rehabilitation Centres was not sufficiently addressed and it was only those children with severe and profound cases whose misbehaviours transformed to moderate levels. Educationists were left out during assessment, classification and in general, the behaviour change process despite their rich expertise in rehabilitation. The researcher recommended a multidisciplinary approach in behaviour change process. That is in Educational Assessment and classification of children at risk to specifically cater for the Children’s special Needs in Education. That the government of Kenya moves all the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres from Ministry of Labour and Social Services and be placed under the Ministry of Education which has adequate personnel required to rehabilitate a child. Keywords: Behaviour, Children at risk, Juvenile, Rehabilitation, Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres and Delinquency

AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF THE TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ON MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT OF CLASS SIX PUPILS WITH DYSCALCULIA IN MBEERE SOUTH SUB COUNTY, KENYA

Previous studies have noted that 10 children in every class of 40 pupils do not acquire mathematical numeracy in the sub-county. Further, among these pupils, those in class six achieved between 15% -18% in Mathematics subject. In this regard, it is expected that for inclusive education; teacher competency is considered a key determinant for mathematics achievement among class six learners with dyscalculia in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of teacher qualifications on the Mathematics achievement of class six pupils with dyscalculia. The study adopted a mixed method research adopting a descriptive survey design. The research was guided by the social developmental theory. The target population consisted of 378 pupils, 97 teachers from 14 primary schools, and 1 QASO officer, giving a total of 476. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 38 pupils, and 30 teachers, whereas purposive sampling was used to select the QASO officer. The main tools of data collection were: questionnaires and interviews. Piloting was done in one of the schools in the study area, which was omitted in the final study. Quantitative data realized from questionnaires were tallied, coded, and analyzed descriptively (means, frequencies, and percentages), with the aid of SPSS software, version 26. The study findings were presented in tables and diagrams. Qualitative data from the interview was edited, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that established the majority (60%) of class six mathematics teachers were well trained and therefore knowledgeable to teach pupils with dyscalculia. However, the majority (53.3%) of the teachers disagreed that they were not able to cope with pupils with dyscalculia while a further 53.3% disagreed that they have a negative perception of learners with dyscalculia. With 60% positive cases being greater than 54.4% negative cases, teacher qualifications, experiences, and abilities are considered to determine to a great extent mathematics achievement by class six pupils with dyscalculia. The study concluded that the teacher competencies determined to a great extent the mathematics achievement of class six pupils in Mbeere South sub-county. The study recommended that the school administrative body should ensure that there are enough teaching and learning resources to ensure a persuasive learning process in schools. This can be done with cognizance that government support may not always be adequate.  Article visualizations