Service Oriented Grid Computing Model as a means of Cost Sharing in the Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya

The use of distributed systems by enterprises and academic institutions has increased exponentially in recent years, enabled by factors such as ready access to the Internet and the World-Wide Web, the maturity and ubiquity of the HTTP protocol, and the improvement in secure communication technology. In the early days, distributed applications communicated using proprietary protocols, and system administrators used adhoc (improvised) methods to manage systems that might be across town, on another continent, or anywhere in between. Numerous standards have been developed over the years to ease the costs of deployment and maintenance, with varying degrees of success. Today, the key technologies in distributed systems are service-oriented architecture (SOA), Web services, and grid computing, all of which are seeing significant investment in standardization and increasingly rapid adoption by organizations of all types and sizes. Academic organizations in Kenya have seen increase in the number of students admitted as well reduction in central government funding to these institutions to purchase more computer systems and procure management information systems .In this paper we offer a highlevel description of each of the technologies, and how they can be used to develop a cost effective co-funded dynamic system that can be used by the institutions

Influence of Staff Training on Performance of Public Universities in Kenya: A Case Study of Moi University, Nairobi Campus

Every organization exists to achieve certain goals. These goals are achieved through the efforts of employees. It is vital for every organization to know the factors that can possibly affect performance and work towards applying these factors so that performance is enhanced. This study sought to examine the influence of staff training on performance of public universities in Kenya, a case study of Moi University, Nairobi Campus. The Herzberg’s two factor theory anchored the variables of the study. The study used a descriptive case study research design and targeted the staff working in Moi University, Nairobi Campus. The study population was 200 staff from Moi University, Nairobi Campus representative sample of 70 staff was drawn from this population using stratified random sampling. The study used questionnaire as a tool to collect the required data which was administered by the researcher. The research used statistics package for social sciences (SPSS) computer package. The data was interpreted using descriptive statistics through frequencies, percentages and regression analysis. The findings revealed and established effect of staff training on organization performance show R = 0.788 indicating a strong positive correlation and R2 = 0.621 meaning 62.1% variation in organizational performance can be explained by a unit change in staff training. Staff training remains an investment for the organization. This comes once the employees provide the required services the right way hence service delivery increases the customer’s goodwill which in turn leads to better organization results in terms of achievement of targets and overall organization performance. Based on the findings of this study, it recommends that Moi University, Nairobi Campus and other public Universities needs to embark on continuous training programme for its new and old employees on the recent skills in the market

Service Oriented Grid Computing Model as a means of Cost Sharing in the Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya

The use of distributed systems by enterprises and academic institutions has increased exponentially in recent years, enabled by factors such as ready access to the Internet and the World-Wide Web, the maturity and ubiquity of the HTTP protocol, and the improvement in secure communication technology. In the early days, distributed applications communicated using proprietary protocols, and system administrators used adhoc (improvised) methods to manage systems that might be across town, on another continent, or anywhere in between. Numerous standards have been developed over the years to ease the costs of deployment and maintenance, with varying degrees of success. Today, the key technologies in distributed systems are service-oriented architecture (SOA), Web services, and grid computing, all of which are seeing significant investment in standardization and increasingly rapid adoption by organizations of all types and sizes. Academic organizations in Kenya have seen increase in the number of students admitted as well reduction in central government funding to these institutions to purchase more computer systems and procure management information systems .In this paper we offer a high-level description of each of the technologies, and how they can be used to develop a cost effective co-funded dynamic system that can be used by the institutions. Keywords:service-oriented architecture, Web services, grid computing

Organization Culture and Utilization of ICT in the Management of Internal Processes at Kenya Medical Training Colleges

The purpose of the study was to study the influence of organizational culture on the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) in the management of internal processes at Kenya Medical Training Colleges. The objective was to establish the influence of organizational culture on the utilization of ICT in the management of internal processes in Kenya Medical Training Colleges. The absorptive capacity theory anchored the variables of the present study. The researcher employed a descriptive research design. A systematic sampling procedure was used to settle on campuses. Purposive sampling was used to get the respondents who participated in the study. The study targeted all the staff who deals with the management of internal processes at Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC) like the Principal, ICT personnel, finance manager, human resource, procurement officer and librarian. SurveyMonkey sample size online calculator tool was used to calculate the sample size. A sample size of 170 was used in the study from a target population of 390. Data was gathered from the field by use of self-administered questionnaires. Consent was sought verbally. The Crobach’s index computed was 0.878 which indicated that the instrument was reliable. Collected data was verified. Results and findings of the study was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 then presented using tables and figures. The overall aggregate mean score for the objective was 3.97 and the standard deviation was 0.869. This on average affirmed that the respondents acknowledged that organizational culture was relevant and important to ensure that ICT is utilized in the management of internal processes at KMTC. The regression analysis results on the effect of organization culture on the utilization of ICT show R=0.646 indicating a positive correlation and R2=0.418 and there was a significant effect between organization culture and utilization of ICT (t=10.976, p<0.05). The study recommends that KMTC should establish systems for setting organizational culture as a tool to enhance the utilization of ICT. Furthermore, the utilization of ICT at the workplace ought to be promoted and daily management processes should be ICT based

Role of Internet Banking in Customer Acquisition for Commercial Banks in Kenya: A Case of Commercial Banks in Nairobi, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to establish the role that internet banking has on customer acquisition for commercial banks in Kenya. The reason for this is that it is important to know the influence that internet banking has on how and why a commercial bank attracts a customer and retains its customers. It specifically assed, payment processing and account reporting as critical components that would demonstrate the relationship that exists between internet banking and the twin objectives of any progressive bank; acquisition of new clients and retention of the new and the older clients to assure future profitability and survival. Anchored on the customer service theory, the study employed a descriptive research design wherein the target population was 868 staff working in specific departments within the selected 9 banks as per the tiers. Stratified random sampling technique was used to come up with a sample of 269 respondents. Questionnaires was the data instrument used for collecting data which was then analysed using descriptive analysis in the forms of means and presenting the same in tables and graphs. Further, inferential statistics was used to assess the influence of internet banking in attracting and retaining customers by commercial banks in Kenya. Additionally, multiple regression was used to establish the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables in the study. The study is of great significant to commercial banks as it may help the banks to develop policies and strategies for attracting and retaining customers, to the CBK as it develops and deploys regulatory policies and to the research community in further development of customer acquisition and retention theories. The researcher conducted simple and multiple regression analysis in order to find out the relationship between internet banking characteristics and customer acquisition in the banking sector. The inferential results on influence of account reporting on customer acquisition in banking sector show R=0.673 indicating a strong positive correlation and R2=0.453 and there was a significant effect between account reporting on customer acquisition (t=2.548, p<0.05). The inferential results on influence of payment processing on customer acquisition R=.661 Indicating a strong positive correlation and R2=.437 and there was a significant effect between payment processing and customer acquisition (t=5.571, p<0.05). Banks need to structure their operation in order to fulfil a clients’ needs better. If possible, banks should come up with service delivery such as effective account reporting that add more value than existing customers and that are able to attract more customers. The study recommended that banks should strengthen their customer bonds. Improved customer bonds will enable both the firms and the customers to commit resources to the relationship built on high levels of trust and commitment. The study further suggest that a study be to be done on other factors (44.9%), as established in coefficient of determination) that contribution customers acquisition in the banking sector

EFFECTS OF E-RECRUITMENT AND E-TRAINING ON HUMAN RESOURCE PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF TELKOM KENYA

Abstract The role of Human Resource information system (HRIS) in business environment has evolved over time to become an integral part of its business operations in Kenya. This study aimed to establish the effects of erecruitment and e-training on human resource performance: a case study of Telkom Kenya. The study objectives were; E-recruitment on human resources performance, e-training on human resources performance. The study used descriptive research design targeting employees of Telkom Kenya comprising of managers, supervisors and general staff being 210 in total. The target population was sampled randomly from stratus and 50% of the population was sampled making 105 respondents that were obtained and used in the study. The study instruments that were used for data collection were questionnaires for easy administering and answering by the respondents. Data collected was content analyzed using SPSS and results presented on the tables, figures and charts for interpretation. It was clear from the study results that the company website enhances e-recruitment for the desired staff according to 71% while 29% did not agree to this and that use of e-recruitment ensure better applicant tracking during hiring process to employ the suitable person for the duties outlined according to 72% who agreed while the remaining 28% of the respondents did not agree. The study established that 64% of the respondents agreed that e-training provides reliable mentoring and couching necessary for acquisition of necessary skills while 36% did not agree to this. It was also found out that 42% agreed to e-training providing extra training to the employees than other platforms of training in the organization while 58% did not agree to this. the study conclusions were that company website enhances e-recruitment for the desired staff, also the conclusion noted that use of e-recruitment ensure better applicant tracking during hiring process to employ the suitable person for the duties outlined and that e-recruitment enhances hiring decisions by human resource management for effectiveness to a great extent. The study concluded that e-training provides reliable mentoring and couching necessary for acquisition of necessary skills and that that e-training does not necessarily provide extra training to the employees than other platforms of training in the organization. The conclusion also determined that determined that effective reference ensures e-communication being reliable than other forms of communication. The recommendations of the study were that organizations planning to recruit personnel should use the company website so as to get the desired staff for the work needed. Organizations should use erecruitment in the process to track and hire suitable individuals for work prescribed by the organization. Keywords: Human resource information systems, e-recruitment, e-training, human resource performanc

MEDIATION EFFECT OF SYSTEM SUCCESS FEATURES ON OPEN SOURCE ERP ADOPTION-USE AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Organisations are shifting their attention towards flexibility, savings and efficiency in order to win or to survive in the market. The emergence of open source ERP for financial institutions can be viewed as one of the most important and constructive developments that has gained momentum in recent years. Consequently, it has become crucial for many organisations in their quest to improve and enhance their competitiveness through its adoption and use. The main objective of the study was to establish the mediation effect of system success features in the relationship between open source ERP adoption-use and organisational performance of Deposit-Taking SACCOs in Kenya. Target population was 168 Deposit-taking SACCOs with sample size of 378 respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. PLS-SEM using smartPLS 3.2.8 was used to analyse the data. The study concludes that adoption-use of open source ERP will have significant effect on organisational performance; learning and growth, internal process, customers and financial indicators. To maintain organisational performance and sustain long term viability of the open source ERP, the service quality has to be effective has it has the largest effective size among other mediating system success features (system and information) qualities combined. The service quality components include the support staff competences, reliability and speed of attending to complaints concerning the system

Factors Influencing Adoption-Use of Open Source ERP by Deposit-Taking Saccos in Kenya

The deposit taking saving and credit cooperative societies (Deposit-Taking SACCOs) are increasingly utilizing open source enterprise resource planning (open source ERP) to improve the efficiency with the least possible cost. Understanding the factors that influence the organisation and individuals to utilize this technology can assist managers and policy makers to implement strategies to increase and improve the update of the technology and improve the innovation adoption process. The main aim of the study was to establish the factors that influence open source ERP adoption- use by deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study specific objective was to identify the effect of open source ERP adoption factors on the adoption-usage of open source ERP by Deposit-Taking SACCOs in Kenya. Target population was 168 Deposit-taking SACCOs with sample size of 378 respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. SPSS and PLS-SEM using smart PLS was used to analyse the data. The study concludes that environment, attitude and normative structure adoption factors have significant influence on the adoption-use of the open source ERP. The findings indicate that, competition within the sector, internal facilitation through training and top management support can increase adoption and use. The findings reinforce the need to support new technologies from both managerial, technical and policy perspectives

Open Source ERP Adoption-Use and Organisational Performance of Deposit-Taking Saccos in Kenya

The cost and benefits of an ERP system are arguably the reason why Deposit-Taking SACCOs are opting for adoption-use of open source ERP in an effort to achieve organisation performance. Technology adoption is only important if it truly leads to performance improvements and, as such the proper criteria by which to judge whether an ERP investment has been successful rest not simply in determining whether an organization adopts a technology, but whether the technology application or use actually improves performance. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the influence open source ERP adoption-use on the organisational performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study-specific objective was to determine the influence of open source ERP adoption-use on the organisational performance of Deposit-Taking SACCOs in Kenya. The target population was 168 Deposit-taking SACCOs with a sample size of 378 respondents. The questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. PLS-SEM using smart pls was used to analyse the data. The study concludes that adoption-use of open source ERP will have a significant effect on organisational performance; learning and growth, internal process, customers, and financial indicators. Open source ERP by itself cannot contribute to significant performance improvement or sustainable competitive advantage if organizational resources and work processes are not improved or changed to enable open source ERP to promote organizational performance. The organisation management and regulatory authority should create an enabling environment and policies that will increase the adoption-use of open source ERP by deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. Keywords: open source ERP, adoption-use, learning and growth, internal process, customer finance, deposit-taking SACCOs

The Extent and Significance of the Drivers of Adoption-Use of Open Source ERP by Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya

Deposit taking credit and savings cooperatives in Kenya are increasingly utilizing open source enterprise resource planning to better manage resources and improve efficiency.The most successful adoption of technology results from understanding the target population and the factors influencing their rate of adoption. The aim of the study was to establish the extent and significance of the drivers of adoption-use of open source ERP by deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The accessed the extent of adoption using diffusion of innovation theory and the significance of the drivers of adoption –use were assessed using technology, organisation, environment framework and extended decomposed theory of perceived behaviour. The unit of analysis was the 164 deposit-taking SACCOs licensed by SACCO regulatory authority (SASRA) in 2016 and sample size of 378 respondents.Questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the data using SPSS. The study concludes that the extent of adoption is that 85.5% of the deposit taking SACCOs have adopted open source ERP with 14.5% not yet adopted and are categorised as laggards. The study concludes that technology, organisation, environment, attitude, normative structure and perceived behaviour adoption drivers have influence on the adoption-use of the open source ERP.The SACCO management and policy makers should put more effort on the high ranking factor components to attract the SACCOs which haven’t adopted (laggards) and increase the adoption-use of open source ERP by deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya