Browsing by Author "Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben"
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- ItemA Framework to guide companies on adopting cloud computing technologiesBitta, Maurice Nyaoro; Marwanga (Dr.), ReubenCloud computing has emerged as a popular computing model in the Westem world. It is still not well understood by many companies in the developing world that may benefit from its pay-per-use models, and low hardware and software management costs. This dissertation aims at describing Cloud computing, discussing its benefits and barriers, and proposing a framework that small businesses could use to guide them with the adoption of this new computing paradigm. The dissertation deploys the case study as its research methodology. Three small businesses are studied. All three companies are small businesses as per the definition provided by the European Commission. One company is a non-profit, while the other two are for-profit organizations. One of the two for-profit companies operates in an IT intensive industry. The proposed framework is built on the premise that the quality of data collected through qualitative enquiry is sufficient for it to be used for evaluative purposes. Also, although three cases may not be a basis that is large enough for arriving at a scientific conclusion, the research uses Walsham (1993) argument that from an interpretive position, the validity from our extrapolation from these cases depends on the plausibility and cogency of the logical reasoning used in describing the results from the cases, and in drawing conclusions from them. From the research, we discover that businesses perceive Cloud computing to be useful and that they are prepared to face the challenges that hinder its adoption but that they lack a framework to guide them in adopting this technology. This dissertation's key contribution therefore is the proposal of a four-staged framework that could be used to guide small businesses in adopting Cloud computing technologies.
- ItemA Prototype of a virtual union catalogue for Kenya Library and Information Service Consortium (KLISC) member libraries.Gichiri, Peter Mwangi; Marwanga (Dr.), ReubenKenya lacks a national library union catalogue. As a result, researchers contend with overwhelming array of independent catalogues whenever they want to do inter-library research. Most libraries in Kenya are individually uploading their catalogues on the World Wide Web. Although this is a positive scenario, it does not address effectively role and nature of bibliographic information sharing. A fully functional national union remains the ultimate solution to inter-library research. This work involved gathering requirements, designing and developing a prototype for a Virtual Union Catalogue of Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium (KLISC) member libraries. We used online questionnaires generated using SurveyGizmo to gather data that informed the design of the virtual union catalogue gateway. The survey period covered 14th December 2010 at 7.00 am to 24th February 2011 at 12.00 pm. This work reveals the state and capacities of different KLISC member libraries to participate in the virtual union catalogue and suggestions on the design architecture of the virtual union catalogue. The Search/Retrieve via URL (SRU) query interface architecture was used to develop a functional virtual union catalogue prototype for KLISC member libraries. This data retrieval system model was adapted from Purdue University in Indiana United States of America. The prototype uses single query form to search individual libraries one at a time. Performing searches from a single portal provides a one-stop–shop for bibliographic data held by KLISC member libraries. This improves the records retrieval, enhances the inter-library loan services hence greatly reducing costs and effort incurred during inter-library loan operations. The achievement is notable in the realization of a union catalogue for the Kenya Library and Information services Consortium (KLISC).
- ItemA requirements elicitation process model for health management information systems: case of Kenyatta National HospitalGikura, Mary Wambui; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Orero, Joseph Onderi; Kiraka, RuthRequirements Elicitation (RE) is about learning and understanding the needs of users and stakeholders with the aim of communicating these needs to the system developers. Requirements Elicitation is an important stage in Information Systems development (ISD), and has substantial impact on software costs.RE has remained a key topic of interest for researchers and they have stated that a large number of Information Systems development (ISD) projects fail resulting in high costs to organizations. One of the reasons that these projects fail is the inability of the Information System to precisely satisfy user 's requirements which is a result of inaccurate and incomplete requirements collected in the Requirements Elicitation (RE) stage. Considering the importance of the RE stage in information systems development projects , this stage therefore becomes a critical area for IS research. This research focused on the process of RE in the development of the Heath Management Information Systems (HMIS) in Kenyatta National Hospital. Using data collected from the developers and users in the hospital the study presents a Requirements Elicitation Process model for Health Management Information systems. The results showed that the greatest challenge in the RE process was communication and the study suggests requirements prototyping to solve communication challenges. The implementation was conducted in Kenyatta national Hospital 's Comprehensive care centre. In conclusion the study elaborates a RE model that incorporates communication and requirements prototyping as key elements in the model.
- ItemAn Overview of the Faculty of Infomation Technology in 2009Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben
- ItemCost Effective News Gathering Technique in Kenya Using Terrestrial Broadband IP Links(2013-11-18) Njoroge, Benson W.; Sevilla, Joseph; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, RuthThis study aims to understand the methodologies and challenges of the current news gathering techniques used by broadcasters in Kenya and provide guidelines and methodology for development of an economical and cost-effective alternative technique. The research adopts both an analytic and applied approach. The analytic approach aims to review and analyze the existing methodologies and techniques and the challenges associated with them. The Applied approach aims to provide a guideline and methodology for a cost-effective alternative technique using locally available computer hardware (Video input and output cards), software (MPEG4 encoders and decoders) running over terrestrial broadband IP Links. The findings indicate that majority of the broadcasters in Kenya use the traditional satellite based news gathering technique (Digital Satellite News Gathering) which exhibit expensive and proprietary hardware systems and software. These techniques are always constrained by resources such as satellite bandwidth, hardware equipments and qualified manpower. The designed cost-effective alternative technique delivers the same video quality with significantly low capital expenditure and operation costs. The cost effective technique provides good foundation for future research and development of low cost commercial news gathering systems that run on broadband IP links. Additional research and experiments are recommended for development of similar but robust, versatile and automated systems that have the encoding software embedded in the operating systems code (such as Linux and UNIX) in a scenario where the encoder and decoder computers powers on without I/O devices and starts the services at boot time. The developed technique provide the broadcasters in Kenya and other developing countries with a cheaper alternative news gathering systems that can be used where reliable and fast terrestrial fibre, microwave, WiMax , 3 G or 4G links exists. For guaranteed service, the broadcasters should ensure they use robust computers suitable for outdoor use and the bandwidth available on the terrestrial links is over 2 Mbps for video and 128 Kbps for audio. This study shows that for the fist time, the terrestrial IP broadband networks in the region can be used for news gathering services by broadcasters using low cost equipments. The economic sense of using computers shows the news gathering service can be available to broadcasters regardless of cost and resource constraints.
- ItemEffects of business process automation in a revenue collection agency : a case study at Kenya Revenue Authority(Strathmore University, 2011-06) Mbugua, Irene N.; Ismail Lukandu; Kiraka, Ruth; Marwanga (Dr.), ReubenThe effects and contributions of adopting Information Communication Technology (ICT) by organizations have been on a rise in recent times. However, the anticipated end results are most often not realized due to automation challenges which include resistance from employees, lack of standards and policies that govern the automation process. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) embraced Information Technology (IT) as an enhancement of revenue collection strategy since the year 2005. The general research objective was to establish improved KRA operations as a result of the adoption of IT; other specific objectives were to find out the challenges faced and possible solutions during the process of automation. The research was also to come up with a conceptual model that can be used for Automation of business processes in revenue collection agencies and organizations. A descriptive survey design was adopted utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The approach aimed at getting information that describes a situation, behavior, attitudes of the individual and the community in revenue collection environment hence the target population of this study was the staff at KRA. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected for the four objectives. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to aid the analysis of quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic method by grouping the information provided by the respondents into similar themes. In terms of findings, about 71.1% of operations e.g. communication between KRA and CBK, tax collection, Vehicle registration, Filing of tax returns were recorded to have greatly improved. About 18.4% of processes have not improved and about 10.5% remaining the same. About 75.7% of the respondents felt that the adoption of ICT has had a remarkable change in the revenue collection efficiency. Some of the conclusions made from the findings of the study are that increased revenue collection was the highest by 22% translating to about Kenya shillings 12.53 billion in 2009110, followed by 20% in general authority's operations as a result of automation. There was also improved audit trail at 19% while staff efficiency 15%. Some improved factors were international trade and relations at 14% and 10% respectively. This research developed an effective automation model that described how best the automation can take place in a revenue collection environment.
- ItemAn exploratory study on the usage of M-payments by small and medium business enterprises in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2011-09) Kimathi, Vella G. N; Lukandu, Ismail Ateya; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, RuthThe aim of this study was to identify the key aspects of the currently available m-Commerce systems, and, in particular, identify what the drivers were for a successful implementation. The study was to look at the technology, market & competition, regulatory and network load issues with a view to explore on the usage of m-payments by small and medium business enterprises in Kenya. This study has necessarily taken a high-level look at the emerging second hand clothing industry imitumba businesses) and in the process has identified the difficult issues that will impact the success of new implementations, such as m-commerce, in the African market(s). The rapid spread of mobile phones means that the number of mobile users may exceed the number of banked people in many low income countries. Mobile phones can also offer a communications channel for initiating and executing on-line financial transactions. This channel may not only reduce the cost of financial transactions for provider and customer, but also allow new entrants to the financial sector, and new relationships to be formed for distributing services. These changes hold the prospect of accelerating access to financial services on the back of the mobile infrastructure. This research investigates the extent to which the expansion of mobile telephony is likely to lead to the expansion of access to appropriate financial services in developing countries, especially Africa. The objectives of this study are to determine how the current m-payment habits are being perceived by entrepreneurs in Kenya, to establish whether reaching the small and medium business entrepreneurs through m-payments will be the ultimate driver towards an entrepreneurship boom in Kenya and to determine which business model can support m-payments for online transactions. The researcher of this paper acquired data for analysis in order to, firstly, find out how the current m-payments habits are being perceived by entrepreneurs in Kenya. Therefore, she conducted a survey through questionnaires to evaluate feasibility of the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) population doing transactions through m-payments. The study discovered that small businesses are using money transfer systems for transactions, and this has lead to the rapid growth of establishments and low cost of operations for small businesses. It was concluded that the usage of mobile payment systems shall lead to an explosion of small business set-ups in Kenya and Africa at large.
- ItemA Framework for a Sustainable ICT Implementation Solution for Public Primary Schools: Case of Nairobi West District(2013-11-15) Warui, Michael N.; Ateya, Ismail Lukandu; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, RuthDespite the emergence of ICT resources - such as computers, multimedia and the Internet, the proportion of public primary schools in Kenya making use of ICT is still very low. This research revealed that lack of technical support and access to educational software and econtent, and limited understanding on how to integrate ICTs into teaching were perceived by teachers as the key barriers to the further uptake of ICT in primary schools. Consequently, primary schools are unable to embrace an effective learning and quality pedagogy as they relate to ICT integration. Therefore, the dissertation undertook to develop a framework that would support, describe and promote good practice in the use of ICT in learning and teaching in public primary schools. To help schools introduce sustainable ICT into learning environments, a framework that has seven basic execution steps was developed. These steps are i) defining the educational objectives; ii) designing suitable e-school model; iii) selecting the specific technology platform along with the necessary content and applications; iv) deploying the ICT infrastructure; v) working out how much this technology will cost, not just initially but throughout the project life; vi) establishing user training, maintenance and technical support; and finally, vii) setting out framework implementation management, monitoring and reporting for continuous progress and improvement. In each of the steps, a school has to undertake several activities as the inputs in the execution of the framework. There is a resultant outcome after execution of each activity, which is measurable. A Likert scale of 5 has been provided to schools executing the framework in order to score or rate how they are able to attain the desired objectives. Implementation of the framework could help primary schools to introduce sustainable ICT into learning environments by identifying and assessing technology options, their benefits and feasibility.
- ItemImpact of Information and Communication Technology investment on organizational performance(2013-11-13) Gakuo, Robert K.; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, Ruth; Acosta, FreddieThe impact of information and communication technologies (lCT) investment on business performance has been a major research subject for long time. Until the mid 1990s there was little empirical evidence of a positive and statistically significant relation between lCT investment and business performance (lCT Productivity Paradox). Subsequent research, conducted mainly in a few highly developed countries, provided some empirical evidence of a statistically significant positive contribution of lCT investment to some measures of business performance, which increases if ICT investment is complemented by 'co-investments' that create some complementary 'intangible assets', such as new work practices, business processes, organizational structures and skills. This research examines the impact of information and communication technology (lCT) investment on performance at Nairobi Water Company. The research design that was adopted was descriptive research. The target population constituted lCT technical and management staff; Billing technical and Management staff; Engineering technical and Management and Finance management staff who are mainly rCT systems owners at NCWSC Nairobi. The research developed organizational performance survey indicators that were used to assess the impact of rCT on NCWSC performance. It was clear that majority agreed that rCT has enhanced the company revenue. The observations showed that investments in rCT substantially increased the average organizational performance of companies, since 2007 when NCWSC embarked on an rCT development strategy various milestones have been achieved and the company overall revenue improving. As far as recommendation are concerned staff need to be trained, this will address Change Readiness, Seeding of Change, Capacity Building, Monitoring and Review and Sustaining Change with regard to processes, roles, boundaries and structures, mind set/attitudes. Change management needs to be tied to staff appraisal. The process should include the change management program to cover programme selection, control and evaluation.
- ItemIntegration of E-commerce and M-commerce: infrastructure, framework and implementation(2013-11-13) Wambui, Mwangi J.; Lukandu, Ismail Ateya; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, RuthElectronic Commerce (e-Commerce) and Mobile Commerce (m-Commerce) are evolving at a pace that is revolutionizing how business is carried out. These two technologies can indeed open up markets beyond borders. The purpose of this research was to propose an integrated framework for e-Commerce and m-Commerce and to suggest a suitable implementation strategy. The objectives of the research were achieved through extensive review of vast literature on the subject matters. The research starts by looking at the various aspects of Electronic Commerce and Mobile Commerce, their barriers, benefits and possible future. Existing electronic payment modes were then discussed to identify common methods in which online transactions take place. It was found that there exists a formal framework for eCommerce, but frameworks for m-Commerce were organization specific. Extensive data collection and analysis was done to ensure that the proposed framework was as close to facts on the ground as possible. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Results of the analysis indicated that 51% of the population knew about e-Commerce. It also found that only 15% had used credit cards to pay for items bought online. The proposed generic framework can help provide a starting point for e-Commerce businesses in Kenya enabling them to operate on similar platform. This proposed theoretical framework borrows from the works of Turban et al., in 2006 and aside from additional components; it allows implementers focus on important aspects of eCommerce and m-Commerce that would otherwise not receive the attention that they deserve such as policy and infrastructure requirements. This framework can then be modified to meet specific business needs. Lastly, recommendations for further research in this area were made.
- ItemIntergration model for electronic documentation applications:a case of geothermal development company(Strathmore University, 2011) Oluoch, Patrick O; Lukandu, Ismail Ateya; Kiraka, Ruth; Marwanga (Dr.), ReubenOrganizations invest in ICT software with the aim of improving internal process efficiency. Many organizations use more than one application in the same or different phases of their documentation lifecycles to meet predefined ends. Since these applications are developed at different times, and in different settings to solve different problems, they are more often disjointed. In such a scenario, end users are required to integrate the functionality of several independent applications in line with predefined business processes. Manual integration requires extensive user input which can compromise the throughput and quality of documents. Application integration provides an opportunity to improve the efficiency of documentation processes through automation of repetitive manual user input and enforcement of documentation procedures using preprogrammed rules of use. This research aimed at determining applications used in documentation processes of Geothermal Development Company (GDC) Nakuru Office and identifying any gaps which arise due to separately implemented ones. The study then designed a model to abate challenges attributable to application disjointedness. Descriptive research methodology was used since no variables at play could be controlled by the researcher. Through stratified random sampling, a representative sample of respondents was selected to whom a questionnaire was administered. Analysis of responses determined that GDC uses two key categories of applications in predefined documentation processes – word processor and electronic mail client. Use of the aforementioned applications requires manual user input to align their combined functionality with predefined business rules. This in addition to lack of a web publishing application to centrally archive documents has lead to various challenges encountered by end users which include delays in documentation due to limited collaborative support, document version mix-up and difficulty in locating documents published in e-mail. Having identified the need to integrate three applications – word processors, electronic mail client and web publishing applications, this research went ahead to develop a model to guide in achieving the same using Business Modeling Language (BML). BML is useful to all levels of stakeholders from management to technical personnel. An implementation guideline to offer more information about how the applications should be integrated to maximize on the usefulness of the integration model was further highlighted. It is important for organizations using disjointed applications with internal process efficiency improvement needs to consider application integration as the next vital step forward before investing in new applications designed to achieve the same end. This will ensure that maximum return on investment is made on already implemented applications in a shorter time while avoiding the risk of minimal yields from investment in completely new applications.
- ItemProviding home-based care using text messagingMarwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Sowon, KarenThe increasing miniaturization of mobile devices marks an important opportunity for the next generation health care delivery. Mobile health (mHealth), existing at the nexus of health and technology provides a singular opportunity to take health where it is needed the most. Having had nearly mainstream adoption, may explain why the developed world is in tandem with health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). On the other hand, developing countries still lag behind in meeting the same health-related goals, yet they continue to report successful stories of mobile technology growth and adoption but no major usage of the same to deliver healthcare. This research sought to explore existing mHealth applications to establish their suitability for use in developing countries such as Kenya to provide home-based care. This was done by a survey of existing literature and mHealth models, and an architecture developed in light of local communication infrastructure and local mobile phone abilities. It was established that for developing countries to take advantage of this leapfrogging technology in health, they would have to take advantage of the Short Message Service (SMS) that is cheap and accessible to all. A relationship amongst mHealth stakeholders was considered as key to enhancing the adoption of mHealth in such countries.
- ItemA service improvement model for the information technology infrastructure library based on lean it(Strathmore University, 2013-06) Nganga, Njoroge Charles; Wekesa, Cyrus; Kiraka, Ruth; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, RuthThis thesis proposes a service improvement model for the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) based on Lean IT. It highlights service improvement from a service management platform by highlighting the common frameworks used for IT Service Management, ITIL and service improvement methodologies for comparison purpose and to prove the case for Lean IT. Lean IT is an extension to lean principles and is a methodology which shows how to reduce operational and procedural waste by identifying key value adding process or value streams, mapping these value streams and controlling the flow of production items in the value streams by ensuring that this flow is demand or pull driven. Lean IT is to be used in a complementary nature to ITIL. The objectives of this research are: to establish the functional processes based on ITIL as implemented by KRA, to identify the measurement metrics (KPls) used to evaluate how the processes are deployed, to collect the data related to the processes as per the given metrics over a certain period, to develop a Service Improvement Model for the Information Technology Infrastructure Library based on Lean IT and to validate this Model. The research follows an applied and formal approach and uses Kenya Revenue Authority as the focus of the study. Qualitative and quantitative data is collected on employee satisfaction and the implementation of a function of ITIL i.e. information security management. The proposed model suggest that to improve service delivery the IT processes have to be clearly identified and performance metrics well established, information on these metrics is to be obtained and analyzed for gaps or waste elements as identified by Lean IT, service delivery improvements are then identified and lean IT methodologies used to effect this improvements. The research reviewed identified functions and found several gaps to which suggestions of improvements were also made. The results were validated and recommended by experts and managers in the field and the work found commendable.
- ItemSoftware as a Service Application Evaluation Framework Addressing Configurability(Strathmore university, 2014-06) Owiti, Yvonne Mwajuma; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Orero, Joseph Onderi; Kiraka, RuthSoftware as a Service (SaaS) is a global technology trend to watch as adoption keeps soaring, yet configurability concerns linger. SaaS users may make uninformed decisions when choosing an application by failing to factor in configurability limitations. In view of the frameworks reviewed by the researcher, there is no framework for SaaS applications that can be used to evaluate a system that meets users' requirements with configurability limitations addressed. In an attempt to determine the specific configurability limitations currently experienced by SaaS users in Kenya, the study listed sixteen (16) configurability items. Fifty (50) percent of them were reported to have configurability limitations. These include; custom fields' definition, data export, in-house application integration, domain name modification, listing report pagination, custom fields' behavior modification, plug-in installation and dashboard customization. SaaS industry is yet to mature the processes and models of dealing with these configurability concerns. This means that configurability limitations will still linger. SaaS users therefore need to be armed with the knowledge of such weaknesses ill order to source wisely for a SaaS application. An evaluation framework was proposed by the researcher. This was validated by two IT managers. The feedback from the validation process (usefulness -100%, effectiveness - 100%, completeness- 90% and accuracy 95%) was used to further enhance the framework. This framework will help prospective SaaS users make the right choices during sourcing.
- ItemTechnology and business incubation for entrepreneurship in KenyaMarwanga (Dr.), ReubenPaper presented at Strathmore ICT Conference, 2009