Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Sustainability at the Heart of Business: Analysis of Electronic and Appliance Products Warranty Available to Buyers in Kenya

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:25:29 +0000

Sustainability at the Heart of Business: Analysis of Electronic and Appliance Products Warranty Available to Buyers in Kenya ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:25

Abstract:

This study analysis was to determine if manufacturers issued a standard warranty on the home appliance and electronic products they sell in Kenya and if the manufactures provided responsible recycling to minimize global e-waste dumping. This comparison is vital because the same products sold to customers in the USA have an existing standard warranty with an option to purchase additional extended warranty via third party companies, and availability of recycling drop-off centers within their respective neighborhoods. A comparison of products manuals specifications available to customers in USA and Kenya were reviewed to determine the offered manufacture warranty and sample participants in Kenya were surveyed to determine their perspective on standard manufacturer warranty, access to the extended warranty, and responsible recycling. The findings confirmed the existence of limitation on standard warranty; no guarantee for products workmanship; manufactures minimally stood behind the quality of their products; and sustainability efforts were minimal to none to combat e-waste dumping.

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3.2.01.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Dr. Jet Mboga

The Significance of Stylistic Evolution of Kamabeka on the Bukusu Culture from 1945 to 2015

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:23:35 +0000

The Significance of Stylistic Evolution of Kamabeka on the Bukusu Culture from 1945 to 2015 ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:23

Abstract

Technological, economic, social, religious, political and educational agencies have strongly impacted on the Babukusu lives and their music in particular. Their performances of kamabeka have shifted in time, venue and performance styles. Contrary to being performed during traditional marriages, circumcision ceremonies, funerals and beer parties, kamabeka is performed in bars, restaurants and nightclubs. This has led to the development of kamabeka in line with the demands of its consumers. New musical instruments have been introduced in the litungu ensemble, hence new styles of its performance. Kamabeka music compositions have been modernized to incorporate new scenarios and topics. The style of performing kamabeka is ever evolving compromising its original structure hence its function. It casts doubt as to whether the new styles of kamabeka can still convey values, beliefs and customs to the Babukusu. Therefore, the study examined the significance of stylistic evolution of kamabeka to the Bukusu culture in the use of texts for messages, lyrics for word formation and the structural forms of kamabeka from 1945 to 2015. The study took place within and outside the Bukusu territory where litungu musicians could be found. The study used a qualitative research methodology. The study attended to performances to collect data by observation and post-performance oral interviews. Primary sources included oral interviews from Kamabeka artists, dancers and listeners. Correctly designed structured questions were used to ensure validity of qualitative data obtained. In addition, data obtained was compared with that collected by the research assistant to avoid personal bias. For reliability, structured interview schedule was evaluated through Test-Retest method to determine the desired coefficient of 0.7 and above at the pilot stage. Secondary sources included newspapers, journals, dissertations and books related to the study. The study was guided by Social Re-constructionism theory by Guba & Lincolin (1989). The study used a descriptive data analysis method. An assessment of the study against data analysis was done. Conclusions were drawn and recommendation made.

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3.2.02.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Raphael Nashon Simiyu & Charles Nyakiti Orawo

The Implications of the Paris Climate Agreement for Malaysia

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:22:03 +0000

The Implications of the Paris Climate Agreement for Malaysia ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:22

Abstract

The current treaty that governs intergovernmental actions on climate change is the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol will come to an end in 2020 and be replaced by the Paris Climate Agreement. The Paris Agreement differs substantially from its predecessor, the Kyoto Protocol, because it removes the differentiation between the developing and developed countries on their climate actions. The major implications of the Paris Agreement for Malaysia are discussed.

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3.2.03.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Dr Lian Kok Fei

Learner self-efficacy and mobile learning adoption among community health trainees, Kenya

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:19:35 +0000

Learner self-efficacy and mobile learning adoption among community health trainees, Kenya ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:19

Abstract

There is a growing need for the usage of mobile learning (mLearning) technologies for teaching and learning in order to expand the possibilities of learning anytime anywhere for Open, distance and e-learning programmes. However, the full adoption of mLearning is largely dependent on end user factors such as learners’ self-efficacy. The design of a mobile learning system is as important as the end user efficacy. This study therefore, sought to establish the relationship between learner self-efficacy and adoption of mLearning among Community Health Trainees enrolled on the mHeath platform run by Amref Health Africa in Kenya. Four learner self-efficacy attributes were considered for this study; Self-Efficacy for Navigating the Learning Platform , Self-Efficacy for Peer Interaction , Self-Efficacy for Dependency and Self-Efficacy for Innovativeness . The study population was 3081 participants of the two phases of mHealth project. A sample size of 354 participants was obtained through simple random sampling procedures. A positive and significant relationship was found between learner self-efficacy and adoption of mLearning. It is therefore, concluded that, institutions offering mLearning content should ensure they design mLearning solutions that are interactive and easy to use in order to improve adoption of mLearning by the end user. The study recommends the need for orientation and continuous training in order to improve learner efficacy. The study also recommends 24hour learner supports system to enhance learner adoption of mobile learning.

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3.2.04.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Gatotoh, Augustine Mwangi Ph.D; Gakuu Christopher. M. Ph.D & Keiyoro Peter. N, Ph.D

Influence of Parents’ Support on Pupils’ Transition From Pre-Primary Schools to Lower Primary Schools In Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:15:44 +0000

Influence of Parents’ Support on Pupils’ Transition From Pre-Primary Schools to Lower Primary Schools In Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:15

Abstract

The study focused on the influence of parents’ support for pupils’ transition from pre-primary schools to lower primary schools. The focus was on Jimeta, a major city that is located in Adamawa state, Nigeria. UNICEF views parents’ readiness and support as the extent to which parents understand the importance of education for their children. The article further states that parental support in areas such as direct participation in school activities academic encouragement and expectations for pupils’ attainment had helped pupils to experience the positive transition to school. The researchers used descriptive survey research design to gather information from selected respondents. Descriptive survey research design was considered appropriate for this study because facts, opinions and authentic information about the current study would be obtained. Parents’ Support was measured by actions parents undertake which included: feeding and emotional support such as playing with a child, parents helping with homework and siblings familiarizing children to the schools before their enrolment in primary one. The study revealed that parents who agreed that they fed their children before they go to school were 87.65%. Parents unanimously agreed that they provide the necessary school materials for their children (100%). However, some 12% of parents confessed that they do not provide food for their children to take to school. Besides, 55% of parents declared that they assist their children with their homework. Finally, 42% of the parents said they encourage their children to attend school. The study revealed that parents visited their children’s schools to find out about their performance. It also showed that parents assisted their children with their homework. Although the study revealed that quite a number of parents attended Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meetings, some never attended but send a representative. The study concluded that parents’ support had helped pupils to transit to formal schooling but it was not very smooth.

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3.2.05.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Esther Daniel Mshelbila, Rachel W. Kamau- Kang’ethe & Wanjohi Githinji

The multi-faceted meaning bound with the concept of elder among the Sinhalese

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:14:04 +0000

The multi-faceted meaning bound with the concept of elder among the Sinhalese ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:14

Abstract

Sri Lanka is unique in ageing experience both demographically and culturally. This research on Sinhalese old age is based on new paradigm anthropological assumption of a ‘human actor’ constructs the culture. The main objective is to capture the multi-faceted meaning bound with the concept elder. Twenty in-depth interviews clarified the meaning behind traits attributed to old age derived through the cultural domain analysis (n=100) followed by the techniques of free listing and pile sorting. Field work was carried out in Maharagama and Balangoda divisional secretariat divisions of Sri Lanka. Traits of elderly vary on the basis of age, gender, social class and living sector. Analysis proposed six not mutually exclusive elder types namely, Predominantly religious, Family centered, Socially integrated, Socially disintegrated, Disengaged sick and Life style oriented.

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3.2.06.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Akeleaya Thinguri

The effects of unguided use of the internet on undergraduates’ reading and writing skills in English

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:12:30 +0000

The effects of unguided use of the internet on undergraduates’ reading and writing skills in English ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:12

Abstract

This study investigated effects of unguided use of the internet on undergraduates’ reading and writing skills in English. The study premised on Krashen’s monitor theory that human beings learn language without instruction or feedback on error but with motivation. Aresearcher designed questionnaire was administered to ascertain undergraduates’ reasons for using the internet. Two hundred undergraduates of the faculty of arts were randomly selected from two private and two federal universities in South West Nigeria. Their research projects constituted the data for the study. The projects were subjected to Turnitin to assess originality. Results revealed that students plagiarised verbatim from the internet and other texts as shown by Turnitin. Responses to the questionnaire revealed that students used the internet mostly for social and not for learning purposes. It was recommended that teachers and students need proper orientation on the correct use and management of information from the internet for academic purposes.

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3.2.07.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Kariuki Samwel, PhD

THE IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS (MCS) ON THE NORMALIZED PROFITS OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN SRI LANKA

ijsac — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:10:55 +0000

THE IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS (MCS) ON THE NORMALIZED PROFITS OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN SRI LANKA ijsac Sun, 03/18/2018 - 18:10

ABSTRACT

Management Control Systems (MCS) are important tools supporting organization, organizational learning, and innovation, as the premise of management control is to ensure the attainment of organizational objectives. The Sri Lankan manufacturing sector is the largest contributor to the industry sector which in turn is the second largest contributor to the country’s GDP, has continuously shown improved financial results. This study focuses on the impact of MCS on the normalized profits of manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire was developed and sent to a sample population of 152 manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. 95% or 144 of the companies responded to the questionnaire. Structured interviews were conducted with selected personnel in these 144 organizations to ensure proper completion of questionnaire and to authenticate the information provided. Based on analysis of data it was found that there is a strong relationship between MCS and the normalized profits of manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka.

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3.2.08.pdf

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Vol. 3 No. 3 March, 2018

Author

Jariyaprasad K. Perera