Effects of a Total Rewards System on the Motivation and Quality of Working Life of Female Employees in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Case of the Catholic University of East Africa

The researchers undertook a study on the effects of a total rewards system on the motivation and quality of working life of female employees in institutions of higher learning: A case of the Catholic University of East Africa.  The research looked into the prevalent aspects of a total reward system in institutions of higher learning, the effects of these aspects on the motivation of the female employees, impact of these aspects have on their quality of working life and sought suggestions to improve the total reward system of institutions of higher learning. The population under study was the 127 female employees of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. A stratified sampling design was used with instruments used in data collection being questionnaires for everyone in the sample population and interviews with some selected individuals to verify the data filled in the questionnaires.   The data from this study was analyzed and presented using graphs, frequency tables and percentages to represent the data. The major findings of the study lead to the conclusion that the reward system in the institution’s reward system is perceived to be discriminative and not holistic in motivation though there is much room for improvement in meeting the gaps present. The research concludes by recommending review of the institution’s reward system and eliminating all aspects that don’t favor women and employing strategies that have holistic mechanisms of motivation of female employees. Key words: employee motivation, compensation, total reward system and quality of work lif

Effects of Quality of Working Life on Female Employees in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Case of the Catholic University of East Africa

The researchers undertook a study on the effects of a total rewards system on the motivation and quality of working life of female employees in institutions of higher learning: A case of the Catholic University of East Africa.  The research looked into the prevalent aspects of a total reward system in institutions of higher learning, the effects of these aspects on the motivation of the female employees, impact of these aspects have on their quality of working life and sought suggestions to improve the total reward system of institutions of higher learning. The population under study was the 127 female employees of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. A stratified sampling design was used with instruments used in data collection being questionnaires for everyone in the sample population and interviews with some selected individuals to verify the data filled in the questionnaires.   The data from this study was analyzed and presented using graphs, frequency tables and percentages to represent the data. The major findings of the study lead to the conclusion that the reward system in the institution’s reward system is perceived to be discriminative and not holistic in motivation though there is much room for improvement in meeting the gaps present. The research concludes by recommending review of the institution’s reward system and eliminating all aspects that don’t favor women and employing strategies that have holistic mechanisms of motivation of female employees. Keywords: employee compensation, total reward system and quality of work lif

Factors That Influence Consumer Preference For Retail Outlets In Kenya (A Case of Supermarkets in Kisii Town)

This study was about factors that influence the preference for retail outlets (supermarkets) by consumers in Kisii Town and the relative importance of such factors. The major objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence consumers' choice of the supermarket to patronize. Other specific objectives included, ranking the identified factors in order of their importance, to determine consumers' supermarket loyalty status and to find if demographic characteristics of consumers who patronized specific supermarkets was related to loyalty. To achieve this, a sample of 120 supermarket customers in all the eight supermarkets existing in Kisii town was selected using systematic sampling. The study utilized survey research and descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. From the research the following were ranked as eight most important factors in influencing patronage: Adequate number of cashiers to reduce queuing, reasonable prices of products, employees' courtesy and warmth with customers, knowledgeable employees, display and arrangement of merchandise, convenient operating hours, availability of all types of merchandise and channel for customer complaints. It was also found out that consumers in Kisii town were loyal to specific supermarkets, however there was no evidence to prove that consumers' demographics influenced loyalty. In conclusion retailers should gear their marketing efforts towards satisfying consumers in order to influence their patronage decisions. KEY WORDS: Patronage, consumer loyalty, super market

The Influence of Public University Regional Expansion Strategy on Service Delivery: A Case of Nairobi University Extra Mural Department, Kenya

The study addresses how public university regional expansion strategy influences its service delivery. During the past years the demand of education in many countries, regions has resulted to expansion which in turn is bringing out success and challenges, Africa is not exceptional, in Kenya; University of Nairobi through its Extra Mural Centers has been expanding regionally with the aim of meeting the rising demand of education. During the expansion process the university has been faced with a number of challenges for example lack of funding from government and other factors like administrative bureaucracies. In achieving the purpose, the study was guided by these objectives: to investigate the extent to which Regional expansion strategy influenced library service delivery at extra mural departments. To examine how Regional expansion strategy influenced support service delivery at extra mural departments and to establish the level at which Regional expansion strategy influenced teaching and learning services of the extra mural department. The study used descriptive survey research design which is useful in describing state of affairs. A total sample size of 379 was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan table, and was proportionally sampled divide among diploma, part time lecturers and supporting staff. Data collection instrument questionnaire after testing its validity and reliability was used to collect the data. Data was analyzed and correlated using statistical package for social sciences. The findings were then presented in a thematic form based on the research objectives using tables. The findings from the report indicated that University expansion strategy can exert a lot of pressure on library resources, secondly, it is noted that expansion strategy can greatly influence students enrolments which in nature can lead to insufficient services from available support staff. Lastly the university expansion strategy can significantly influence teaching and learning services. Key words: Quality Teaching and Learning, University Expansion strategy and Service Deliver

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CONSUMER RANKING OF RETAIL OUTLETS IN KENYA (A Case of Supermarkets in Kisii Town)

This study was about factors that influence the preference for retail outlets (supermarkets) by consumers in Kisii Town and the relative importance of such factors. The major objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence consumers' choice of the supermarket to patronize. Other specific objectives included, ranking the identified factors in order of their importance, to determine consumers' supermarket loyalty status and to find if demographic characteristics of consumers who patronized specific supermarkets was related to loyalty. To achieve this, a sample of 120 supermarket customers in all the eight supermarkets existing in Kisii town was selected using systematic sampling. The study utilized survey research and descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. From the research the following were ranked as eight most important factors in influencing patronage: Adequate number of cashiers to reduce queuing, reasonable prices of products, employees' courtesy and warmth with customers, knowledgeable employees, display and arrangement of merchandise, convenient operating hours, availability of all types of merchandise and channel for customer complaints. It was also found out that consumers in Kisii town were loyal to specific supermarkets, however there was no evidence to prove that consumers' demographics influenced loyalty. In conclusion retailers should gear their marketing efforts towards satisfying consumers in order to influence their patronage decisions. KEY WORDS: Patronage, consumer loyalty, super market

Effects of Free Primary Education on the Quality of Education in Public Primary Schools in Kanduyi Sub-County of Bungoma County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of free primary education on the quality of education in public primary schools in Kanduyi Sub-county, Bungoma County. While free primary education has increased participation, it is being viewed as having affected the quality of education in public primary schools. The study examined the effects of enrolment, facilities and human resources due to free primary education on quality of education. The research adopted a descriptive survey because it was concerned with describing the characteristics of a particular group. The research used stratified random sampling by dividing the population into a number of groups of strata, where the members of the group shared a particular characteristic or characteristics. The target population included 30 head teachers, 164 teachers, 270 pupils. The sample was based on 30% the number of members in each group. The researcher used questionnaires, interview schedule and documentary analysis to collect data.  The questionnaire was the main instrument of primary data collection. The researcher randomly picked 2 head teachers, 10 teachers and 20 pupils who participated in the pilot study. These subjects were however omitted from the final research. Both construct and content validity were applied in this study to ensure that the dimensions that were being measured by the instrument of data collection adequately covered what was intended. In order to test reliability, the researcher pre-tested the questionnaires before undertaking the actual research, and a 0.74 reliability coefficient was obtained. Primary data was collected using open ended and closed ended questionnaires and this data was supplemented by secondary data. The data was then analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively by first data coding, error checking and pre-analytical computer check. On a 5-point Likert scale, the relevant variables’ dimensions were processed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 computer software. This study found that education management should focus attention on strategies to increase enrolment of learners in each school in order to make FPE a success, communities need to be sensitized on the need to enroll children in FPE through offering support to ECDE to prepare the pupils going into primary level, and large numbers of pupils in classroom is responsible for the poor performance in Kanduyi Sub-County. It is there recommended that the government should take an active role in the implementation of the FPE program to ensure adequate enrollment. The government should review its policy on FPE so as to allow communities to supplement its effort in pursuit of effective impact and successful delivery FPE programme. It is therefore recommended that the government should take an active role in the provision of necessary funds, equipment and manpower if FPE programme has to succeed. The inferences drawn from this study will assist stakeholders in improving the quality of implementation of FPE by appropriately controlling the factors that affect quality of education. The data was analyzed using a descriptive statistical method, guided by the statistical packages of social science. Keywords: free primary education, quality of education, implementatio

Effects of Free Primary Education on the Quality of Education in Public Primary Schools in Kanduyi Sub-County of Bungoma County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of free primary education on the quality of education in public primary schools in Kanduyi Sub-county, Bungoma County. While free primary education has increased participation, it is being viewed as having affected the quality of education in public primary schools. The study examined the effects of enrolment, facilities and human resources due to free primary education on quality of education. The research adopted a descriptive survey because it was concerned with describing the characteristics of a particular group. The research used stratified random sampling by dividing the population into a number of groups of strata, where the members of the group shared a particular characteristic or characteristics. The target population included 30 head teachers, 164 teachers, 270 pupils. The sample was based on 30% the number of members in each group. The researcher used questionnaires, interview schedule and documentary analysis to collect data.  The questionnaire was the main instrument of primary data collection. The researcher randomly picked 2 head teachers, 10 teachers and 20 pupils who participated in the pilot study. These subjects were however omitted from the final research. Both construct and content validity were applied in this study to ensure that the dimensions that were being measured by the instrument of data collection adequately covered what was intended. In order to test reliability, the researcher pre-tested the questionnaires before undertaking the actual research, and a 0.74 reliability coefficient was obtained. Primary data was collected using open ended and closed ended questionnaires and this data was supplemented by secondary data. The data was then analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively by first data coding, error checking and pre-analytical computer check. On a 5-point Likert scale, the relevant variables’ dimensions were processed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 computer software. This study found that education management should focus attention on strategies to increase enrolment of learners in each school in order to make FPE a success, communities need to be sensitized on the need to enroll children in FPE through offering support to ECDE to prepare the pupils going into primary level, and large numbers of pupils in classroom is responsible for the poor performance in Kanduyi Sub-County. It is there recommended that the government should take an active role in the implementation of the FPE program to ensure adequate enrollment. The government should review its policy on FPE so as to allow communities to supplement its effort in pursuit of effective impact and successful delivery FPE programme. It is therefore recommended that the government should take an active role in the provision of necessary funds, equipment and manpower if FPE programme has to succeed. The inferences drawn from this study will assist stakeholders in improving the quality of implementation of FPE by appropriately controlling the factors that affect quality of education. The data was analyzed using a descriptive statistical method, guided by the statistical packages of social science. Keywords: free primary education, quality of education, implementatio

EFFECTIVENESS OF IN-HOUSE DISTRIBUTION IN MANUFACTURING SECTORS: A Case study of Kisii Bottlers Limited

The purpose of the study was to find out the effectiveness of in-house distribution in manufacturing sectors. The objective of the study was to establish the effect of in-house distribution on organizational productivity, to find out the mode of distribution used at Kisii Bottlers to send goods from manufacturing point to the point of selling and finally to find out in-house distribution challenges encountered while conducting in-house distribution. The study was carried out during the month of April to May 2013 at Kisii Bottlers. The study adopted a descriptive case study design. The target population for the study was all employees of Kisii Bottlers who were 119. A sample size of 36 presented the whole population. The researcher used researcher developed questionnaires to collect data from the 36 respondents. Pre-test with non-sampling group was conducted to determine the reliability of the instrument. The researcher will rely on expert judgment to determine the validity of the instrument. Quantitative data was analyzed and presented descriptively using tables of frequencies and percentage, while qualitative data was presented in narration form according to the study objectives. The study established that KBL did in-house distribution intensively, exclusively and selectively and the factors which influenced this were product type, control level of product, type of image to be created, company’s resources and marketing nature, and that there were challenges like financial problems, management problems, high initial cost, marketing nature, legal constraints and competition environment which were facing in-house distribution and the main reason for in-house distribution at KBL were to control the product to maximize products to reduces prices increased by middlemen, for reputation, for communication control and for convincing purposes. KBL used the following methods in evaluating performance which were: product and service output, cost level, error level, expanded and reduced distribution coverage and level of customer complaints. The study recommended that Kisii Bottlers should reconsider their distribution strategies so as to make in-house distribution effective, management of Kisii Bottlers should increase control of finances and even exercise management effectively to correct the situation of financial and management problems and management of Kisii bottlers should reconsider channel networks in-order reduce channel conflicts.

Evaluation of employee turnover among public secondary teachers in Kisii Central District, Kisii County, Kenya

Knowledge and expertise have become essential components of wealth growth and development that organizations continue to foster employee retention. Statistics show that over 800 teachers quit to pursue other opportunities, making delivering services in Kenyan schools hard. The study aimed to identify factors that influenced turnover among secondary school teachers. The Study's survey research design was cross-sectional. Three hundred seventy-six teachers from 47 public secondary schools attended. A sample of 188 teachers was recruited using a planned stratified random sample of 47 principals and 141 teachers. A self-administered questionnaire was used. The Chi-square test determined the impact the characteristics had on the turnover of trained teachers. The findings established that coming up with a professional path, developing attractive compensation, inspiring teachers to stick to their positions at work, boosting teacher evaluations, and finding ways to communicate, have a significant positive effect, for they helped reduce labour turnover. The study recommends that managers strengthen professional development programs, salary and benefits packages, a positive work environment, performance evaluations that work, communication channels, and leadership possibilities. The study is novel in identifying specific geographical dynamics important in turnover mitigation. It also analyzes interconnected elements contributing to labour turnover and suggests complicated mitigation approaches to assist policy development and resource

Effect of talent development on organizational performance

The proliferation of public universities has intensified competition for talent acquisition, accentuating talent development's significance as a pivotal determinant of organizational efficacy. Concurrently, fiscal constraints, imposed by the Kenyan government, have imposed financial strains on public universities, potentially diverting attention away from talent development imperatives. Against this backdrop, this study aims to scrutinize the influence of talent development initiatives on the performance of Maasai Mara University. A total of 86 respondents were engaged in structured interviews, facilitated by standardized questionnaires to gather data pertinent to the research objectives. Participants were selected to ensure representativeness across various organizational hierarchies and departments using a stratified simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistical methods, including mean and standard deviation calculations, were employed to summarize the data, while inferential analyses, such as Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression, were conducted to ascertain the relationship between talent development and organizational performance. The findings of the study underscore the salience of talent development endeavors in bolstering organizational performance. Notably, the statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between talent development and organizational performance, as evidenced by an R2 change of 0.204, signifying that talent development accounted for 20.4 % of the variance in organizational performance. Consequently, the study advocates for implementing robust talent development strategies within public universities, positing them as catalysts for enhancing organizational effectiveness. This study's implications extend beyond academia's confines, offering actionable insights for policymakers and organizational leaders, tasked with charting talent management strategies. By informing policy formulation and strategic planning processes, the findings of this study are poised to contribute to the enhancement of talent management practices within the higher education sector, thereby fostering institutional resilience and efficac