SHSS Projects, Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this community

http://hdl.handle.net/11071/3890

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 95

An Assessment of the role of teaching and support staff in maintenance of resources: a case of Majengo secondary school, Bondo district, Nyanza province in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2007) Othieno, Indira Ogonjo
Provision of appropriate resources is essential in running a successful school. These resources are important for the implementation of the school curriculum. There is need to have them maintained for continuous use. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the role of the teaching and support staff in the process of maintaining the resources that they use. The assessment was done by use of questionnaires for the staff and interview schedule for the staff and interview schedule for the head teacher. The study targeted Majengo Secondary School in Bondo District of Nyanza Province.The sampling technique used m this study was purposive sampling. The data were analysed by developing frequency distribution and tabulating responses and percentages were used in drawing conclusions from data. From the study, it was clear that the staff participated slightly in maintaining the resources. It also came out clearly that they are not satisfied with role they are allowed to play. The study further recommended that the staff could be more involved in the process by being given enough resources to use. Their views should also be considered when making changes. They also suggested the use of a maintenance form. The study finally made suggestions for further research based on the findings.
An Investigation of the factors that influence Staffroom culture and its impact on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Performance: a case study of Kianda School
(Strathmore University, 2008) Mikui, Josephine
Teachers play a key role in the development of a country. Teaching is the essential profession, the one that makes all other professions possible. Well qualified, caring and committed teachers are needed in order to ensure that our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in future.The role of the teaching staff is emphasized by Karugu (1986:7) who notes:'Reformers may build schools, make changes in structure and the curricular, recommend and prescribe methods or aids but in the end, everything will depend on the teachers who will be responsible for applying them. ' The morale and effectiveness of a teacher is influenced by the kind of culture he/she finds in the staffroom. This encompasses the way of carrying out teaching and non-teaching duties, the way of relating with one another, attitude towards administration and also the manner in which students are handled. Ultimately all these is likely to impact on students' performance.The performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in Kianda School has been on the decline for the last three years. The mean score has been going down as a result of poor performance in some of the subjects. It has been noted that working relations and teamwork between teachers within some subject panels such as Science and Mathematics has also been deteriorating. A negative culture among the staff had begun to develop.The purpose of this study was to assess the culture in terms of the relationship the teachers have among themselves and how they perceive the school administration.The study sought to establish if the leadership style contributed to the staffroom culture and also to verify if there was a connection between the staffroom culture and students' performance.
An Evaluation of the administration of continuous tests and examinations: a case study of the Victor's school Nairobi
(Strathmore University, 2008) Omondi, Sarah Anzazi
This research project is a descriptive case study that takes an in-depth analysis of the administration of continuous tests and examinations at The Victor's School, a private primary school situated in South 'C' in Langata Division in Nairobi. The purpose of this study was be to evaluate the manner in which continuous tests and examinations are administered at The Victor's School and point out the issues arising out of the current system in place in order to form a basis for formulation of a comprehensive regulations and policy guideline document for the administration of continuous tests and examinations at the school,and to inform teachers of the expected standard.Administration of continuous tests and examinations is a very crucial issue in the Kenyan system of primary level education, the 8.4.4. Curriculum. Tests and measurement provide the teacher with data on the teaching-learning process , and especially on students' diagnosis of learning disabilities of past failures , of present weakness , the detection of mastery , of competence, of the acquisition and possession of the skills, knowledge and creativity.In this study, a complete enumeration of the subjects was done as the teaching staff was small. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a questionnaires and structured interviews to selected staff members. The data obtained was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, frequency tables and content analysis using Microsoft word.The results obtained showed that teachers felt the assessments were not given the seriousness they deserved. Various issues were raised such as arguments for and against subject teachers setting exams for their students verse out-sourcing for exams , regularization of tests to fortnightly , and the need for teachers to be more strict with pupils' adherence of exams rules.
An Assessment of maintenance of physical and environmental resource and strategies for improvement. a case of Rae girls school Nyando District
(Strathmore University, 2008) Olueya, George O.
The main problem of this study is that despite the crucial role of maintenance in enhancing durability and use or physical; and environmental resources, performance of maintenance in schools has been quite dismal. Overriding factors resulting to this dismal performance of physical and environmental resources have not been adequately investigated and clearly understood therefore inhibiting an elaborate and continuous maintenance plan for schools. In this regard the purpose or this study was to understand and assess the current state of maintenance or physical and environmental resources and to detail action strategies for improvement in a selected secondary school, Rae Girls Secondary, lower Nyakach division, Nyando District,Nyanza province. This is an action research ·focusing of Rae Girls Secondary School, the researcher’s station of work. Another neighboring school was also studied for purposes of comparison. Views on further improvement of maintenance were also sought. Prom the sample school about 140 students \ivcrc selected from form I - IV. Data was collected using a questionnaire fi·om the head teacher, teachers and students. A questionnaire was also administered on the 'head teacher of a neighboring school to provide information that can be used for comparison. Semi-structured interview schedules were administered on the bursar, maintenance staffs and the driver as well as the storekeeper. Focused group discussion was used ;md involved the researcher and first group and second groups. In the group discussion views on maintenance of physical and environmental resources was sought and they contributed immensely on what improvement should be made. An observation checklist was also used to investigate and assess the current state and type of maintenance carried out. The researcher also used unwritten evidence by focusing on the appearance of building classrooms, furniture, textbooks and other vital facilities. Also the researcher used existing clues, carried out investigation and inspected the classes, desks, chairs, floors and walls by looking for signs or breakage of glass windows, furniture, graffiti or writings on the walls. Data was collected and analyzed using a descriptive case study approach in accordance with the research questions and objectives. The current state of maintenance was ar1alyzed and examined vis-a-vis the financial and human resources available. Plans for improvements have also been highlighted alongside the available maintenance resources and plans.
Effective utilization of physical resources in relation to academic performance. a case study on Kimathi Primary School
(Strathmore University, 2008-04) Angila, Grace A.
The primary stage of education is the most important for every child since it is here that basic knowledge is given to the child and a firm foundation for an economically productive and fulfilling life are laid. For this to be realized, there is a need to provide essential educational resources effectively and equitably to all pupils in order to facilitate effective teaching and learning. The quantity and quality of physical facilities and instructional materials that are available in the school determines partly the quality of education that the children experience through relevant curriculum coverage. The study endeavored to investigate the effect of the availability and the utilization of physical resources and their impact on pupil's performance in Kimathi Primary School. Using a case study approach, the process, organizational mechanisms and practices that are aimed at effective management of resources for improved performance were viewed. Classroom observation, interviews, questionnaires and literature review were used, focusing on availability, adequacy and utilization of these physical facilities within the school. The study was guided by the research questions, which were set to establish effectiveness and efficiency in the usage of the physical resources and the instructional materials and whether these have an effect on performance. The target population was all the pupils at the school with a total current population of 1420 pupils. The sampled population comprised I 0% of the whole population; hence 142 class eight pupils, who were randomly sampled in strata to get a figure of 48. The head teacher and fifteen teaching staff. The school management committee (SMC) and two support staff were reached through personal interviews. The study examined the adequacy of the Physical Resource such as classrooms, teaching and learning resources, sanitary facilities, computer facilities and sports field, how these resources are effectively utilized for the purpose of teaching and learning, which is the core business of a school. The selected design for the study was ex-post facto , where correlational method was specifically applied. The study assumed that the respondents would respond to the questions objectively. The collected data was then analyzed using statistical measures such as frequencies, percentages, averages and bar graphs. The research findings indicate a positive relationship between effective utilization of physical resources, and the pupils' performance. The findings were analyzed and discussed in light of the effect of the usage in promoting good performance. Recommendations given include initiation of income generating projects for extra money for repairs and school development, as shown in the sample five-year strategic plan for the school. Further research include replication of the study using a larger sample like a whole Division.
The use of different teaching strategies to improve classroom discipline in form 4 at Strathmore School
(Strathmore University, 2008-05) Owino, George
Strathmore School is a private, independent, boys' day school that prepares students for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. There are around 630 students in the school. The School's chief purpose is to develop the minds and consciences of its students so that they can become self-disciplined and resourceful, and therefore better able to serve society in a useful way. This in keeping with its overall mission of producing competent professionals, responsible citizens, loyal friends, responsible members of a family and God-loving people. Above all, the School emphasizes academic excellence and moral integrity. The School aims at creating an environment that is conducive to learning; both experienced teachers and well-motivated students strive to actualize this.
The principal's role in influencing student performance in mathematics: a study of Usigu division secondary schools
(Strathmore University, 2013) Indira, Othieno Ogonjo
Every country is interested in ensuring that its citizens make a good contribution to its development. This could be achieved through ensuring good academic performance in mathematics in learning institutions. Disparities in academic performance continue to be noticed as one of the many challenges facing education and have raised a lot of concern. The KCSE results in mathematics have been poor in the recent years and as a result many students who go through public secondary schools in Usigu division cannot compete favorably for national opportunities. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the school principal in Usigu division in teaching of mathematics in order to improve student academic performance. To achieve this purpose, the study was guided by the following objectives: To investigate the principals organisational skills, to identify the supervisory techniques that the principal uses and to investigate the extent to which teachers' instructional methods influence students' performance in mathematics in public secondary schools in Usigu division. This study was based on Instructional leadership which provides guidance aimed at the improvement of student learning. Instructional quality is the top priority of the leader. The principal encourages improvement in his team by defining his objectives, setting goals, providing resources, evaluating progress and creating learning opportunities. This type of leadership tends to be collaborative; teachers must cooperate with the leader and each other to accomplish the leader's goals. The study used descriptive research design that involved administration of questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews to a sample of 43 respondents drawn from a target population of 51. This included 37 mathematics teachers and 8 principals. Since only 8 public secondary schools were considered for the study, all principals were interviewed while the assistant teachers were randomly sampled for the study. The data collected was edited, coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the variables in the study. The analyzed data was presented in form of simple tables, bar graphs and pie charts where applicable. Study findings were discussed, conclusions drawn and finally recommendations made to deal with the challenges revealed by the study. The researcher found useful findings to the concerned stakeholders.
The effectiveness of school management strategies in the provision of quality and holistic education in church sponsored schools : a case of Kahuro area of Murang'a County
(Strathmore University, 2013) Kuria, Fr. Willian Kamau
The main purpose of this research was to find out the effectiveness of strategies employed by managers of the church sponsored schools in the provision of quality and holistic education in rural areas, specifically in Kahuro area of Murang'a County. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used for data collection. The simple random sampling procedures were used to arrive at the sample of the schools and teachers, while purposive sampling was used to select the head teachers. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers; the interview schedule was used with the head teachers. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using SPSS, version 17.5 for Windows and presented in frequencies and percentages in tables and graphs. The qualitative data was analyzed and categorized in themes in accordance with research objectives and was reported in a narrative form. The study found out that: The leadership of the church sponsored schools in Kahuro area of Murang'a County perceives holistic and quality education as that which builds the learner, intellectually, socially as well as spiritually by imparting the learners with widespread knowledge, Christian values, and skills and capabilities to excel in life; head teachers in church sponsored schools in Kahuro enhance quality and holistic education by provision of sufficient learning materials, timely payment of staff salaries, and offering of moral support to both learners and staff; strategies employed by head teachers in Kahuro to ensure effective implementation of holistic education are effective in that they have improved academic performance, discipline, and enrollment. This was found to be facilitated by increased pupils' retention, rich learning environment, and improved communication. The study recommended that: Teachers in church sponsored schools in Kahuro area should offer unlimited support to each and every strategy initiated by the school management in church sponsored schools; Head teachers in Kahuro area should adopt a positive perception of church's management initiatives in the schools; the government on the other hand should get to recognize the various ways in which the church has contributed to improvement of primary education standards and support these strategies; and now that the government is offering quite a number of incentives in terms of making education affordable and accessible through free primary education(FPE) program, the church should look for other ways of complimenting these efforts for it to remain relevant and be seen to be doing something especially in the provision of holistic education; not to be sponsors by name.
Factors affecting peer observation of teaching in School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Strathmore University
(Strathmore University, 2013-05) Mikui, Josephine
This study focused on Peer Observation of Teaching (POT) as a collaborative activity among lecturers that enhances self reflection. Peer observation involves colleagues observing each other's classroom teaching with the aim of sharing and developing good practice. In Strathmore University the Academic Development Unit (ADU), now known as Learning and Teaching Services (LTS), has been encouraging the teaching staff to work more collaboratively within departments with a view to improve their teaching. It is in this regard that POT was proposed as a means to achieve this objective. In the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), the Teaching and Learning committee has incorporated POT in its teaching strategy for the last four years. This was intended to foster a culture of lecturers evaluating their own teaching in order to improve it. It has however been noted that the practice of POT is yet to get fully embedded within the school but no studies had been done to evaluate the impact of POT in the school. The study therefore conducted an in-depth analysis of SHSS using a qualitative and quantitative approach. Data collection tools included questionnaires, interviews and observations of feedback meetings. Participants involved were both full time lecturers and part time lecturers. The study sought to explain the process of POT as it has been implemented in SHSS. Bearing in mind that POT can be used for summative or formative purposes, this study tried to find out how lecturers were using POT to improve their teaching. The study also investigated the challenges encountered in its implementation with a view to proposing suggestions to improve the process. Findings revealed that the implementation process needed to be improved as there were no clear guidelines in regard to frequency, selection of observers, the three stages ofPOT and model to be followed. However the study found out that most lecturers valued POT and were using it as a tool to reflect critically on their teaching. It was also clear that the lecturers preferred to be given freedom in some aspects of the process. They also preferred that it be used for self development (or formative) purposes and not for appraisal (or summative) purposes. The study found out that the major challenges encountered in POT implementation were constraint of time, lack of training and poor induction. In order to improve the process of POT and strengthen its effectiveness the study recommends that the school involves the lecturers in establishing a clear procedure on the implementation process. The collaborative model should be used and POT should not be made mandatory. Trainings and seminars should be organized for all the participants of POT.
Key ethical values of successful family-owned businesses in Lagos, Nigeria
(Strathmore University, 2014) Ogbechie, Rose Kambili
Family businesses are a common business model and constitute more than 70 percent of the overall businesses of many countries. They contribute to the economic values of nations in terms of growth in GDP and employment creations. Family businesses, especially those in the emerging markets such as Nigeria, have been affected by the challenges of growth and long term sustainability. While some of the family businesses in Nigeria have succeeded and are still growing strong, many others have not managed to survive beyond the first generation. Some scholars have attributed the collapse of some family owned firms to not practising ethical values that they claim negates the sustainability of family owned businesses. However, others have argued otherwise. Thus, this dissertation examines the fundamental ethical values of successful family-owned businesses in Lagos, Nigeria and the relationship between key ethical values and the success of family owned firms. Based on extant literature, a conceptual framework and a set of hypotheses were developed. The ethical values considered in the research include respect for the human person, integrity, commitment, prudence, courage, justice, transparency and industriousness. Furthermore, ethnicity (geographic zone) is presented as the intervening variable to establish if there is a relationship between ethnicity and business performance. Family business success for the purpose of this study is defined by longevity, the practise of ethical values and sales revenue. Performance was measured by sales revenue. Quantitative data sourced from questionnaires, administered to the owners or founders of 20 family businesses, was analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study in an attempt to enhance the validity complemented the outcome of the questionnaires with interviews of CEOs of 10 family-owned businesses. The results indicate that integrity is a key ethical value that mostly account for the success of family businesses in Nigeria. It further shows that integrity, as a key ethical value, is practiced by keeping organisational promises to customers and other stakeholders. Furthermore, the study establishes the fact that, integrity is positively and significantly related to the performance of family businesses in Nigeria. In addition, the study reveals that though ethical values such as commitment, prudence, respect, justice and transparency are positively related to the performance of family business, they are insignificant. Courage and industriousness were found to be inversely related to the performance of family businesses. The study concludes that family businesses that practice these ethical values are more likely to be successful and remain in business than those who do not, therefore, it recommends that family businesses should practice these ethical values with more emphasis on integrity, and entrench them in the code and ethics of family businesses.
An analysis of principals' instructional leadership role: a case of Gatundu District
(Strathmore University, 2014) Owenga, Sophia Nekesa
Leadership today deals with complex phenomena because of the complexity of industrial, social or political organization, globalization and technological advancement especially in information technology. Research on effective schools points to the crucial role leaders play in establishing and monitoring quality schools for all students. This study examined the various leadership roles of a school principal as an instructional leader. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the current instructional leadership skills practiced by the principals, to identify the influence of the principals' instructional leadership skills on the school performance, to identify the challenges that principals face in executing their leadership roles and to recommend strategies for improvement on the challenges. This study was a survey carried out in sixteen government and four private owned secondary schools in Gatundu District which now falls under Kiambu County. Some schools were sampled to represent the entire district and a descriptive survey research design was used. The data collection instruments included questionnaires, records and observation. The target population was a total of twenty secondary schools that were sampled through purposive sampling. The two research questions addressed by the study were answered using descriptive statistics. The results showed that principals in Gatundu District showed high level of instructional leadership responsibility but they missed out on some important skills like teamwork i.e. cultivating amicable relationships with stakeholders, sensitizing board of management and communities on the importance of supporting principals. The researcher recommended that principals should get a firm grip of their school curriculum in order to be able to offer useful advice/ assistance to the teachers, since one can only give what he/she has. In order to have teachers who can impart the right knowledge and also meet the challenges of being teachers at every point in time, they must be engaged in several staff development programmes to constantly update their knowledge hence funding should be given to principals to run the programmes. If the recommendations are well effected, ,it will be apparent that schools will have improved instructional leadership practices, improved academic performance, improved teacher performance, and reduce student truancy.
Fernando Inciarte on Substance: His interpretation of Aristotle’s Theory
(Strathmore University, 2014-06) Byarugaba, Jennifer K.
Fernando Inciarte Armiñán (1929 – 2000 AD) was a contemporary Philosopher, cultured in an incomparably profound and ample manner not only in traditional and modern, but also in classical and actual Philosophy. Of interest to this study is his Aristotelian interpretation of substance as outlined in Aristotle’s Metaphysics, Books IV and VII-IX. What is primary substance and what is a subject? What may be predicated of a subject? Does this not categorise it as an accident? Can there be accidents of accidents? Regarding substance, he claims that it is because of a substance that a subject is what it is, both concretely and abstractly. He affirms that primary substance is the ultimate subject that has the fullness of the thing to be known. This ontological study regarding the theory of substance is of a hermeneutical nature. The researcher deals with Inciarte’s original works. The so-called “Substance Books” of the Metaphysics, Books VII to IX, are of primary interest because it is in these books that Aristotle concentrates on the meaning of substance and they therefore serve as a major and primary reference. Aristotle is of interest to this study on two counts. First, he provides the traditional, fundamental interpretation of substance as it is or should be. His work was greatly complemented by studies done by St. Thomas Aquinas and so reference to him is made for better comprehension purposes. And second, it is Aristotle that Inciarte interprets regarding the theory of substance. One of the most important results of this study is the attention that Inciarte draws once again to proper definition and understanding of terms in clearly defined boundaries. For example, he raises the important issue of knowing how to distinguish between being καθ’αὺτò (or just necessarily) and being essentially or by definition in order to avoid a kind of infinite regress that results from errors that have occurred due to wrong application, use and understanding of this term. Inciarte’s way of understanding of substance and his flexibility in metaphysical interpretation has not as yet been recorded nor has it been systematically studied. This therefore serves as a pioneer study. It intends to make his understanding of substance, be made known in a way that is accessible and understandable as well as provide an analysis of the origin of the epistemological differences that are associated with the different interpretations of substance. He himself said: You never have a ‘finished work’ in Philosophy but one can always propound philosophical truth in different ways without changing it.
Factors that students in Strathmore University consider in evaluating teaching effectiveness
(Strathmore University, 2014-06) Bett, Harry
This study aimed at investigating the factors that university students consider in evaluating teaching effectiveness in Strathmore University (SU). Though student evaluation of teaching is carried out in the institution, there is need to establish if the ratings that are awarded in this process are valid and reliable enough to be used for academic and personnel decision making. The general aim of this study was to examine the factors that students consider in evaluating teaching effectiveness in SU; the specific objectives were: to explore students understanding of the reason for evaluating teaching effectiveness; to examine the factors that students consider while evaluating teaching effectiveness, and lastly, to analyse students’ opinion about their evaluation of teaching effectiveness. More studies have been carried out in the field of Students Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SETE) than in any other area of evaluation of teaching. Several factors, such as instructor personality, grades awarded and students’ tastes and preferences, have been found to influence (albeit in varying degrees) the evaluation of teaching by students. This has therefore put the validity and reliability of scores from such evaluations into question. The study was carried out using the explorative descriptive design; and used the probability sampling technique to collect data. Stratified probability sampling was used as second and third year students provided feedback for the research study. The data was collected using questionnaires and processed using the SPSS statistical method then analysed in percentages. Findings from the study indicated that majority of the students (85.8%) understand the reason for evaluating teaching to be improvement of teaching and learning. On factors considered in SETE, instructor personality and extent of learning are considered the most important factors at 86.6% and 85.8% respectively. Majority of the students (87.2) are in favour of the use of the SETE process in the university to evaluate teaching effectiveness. This research study will be of immense contribution to the field of SETE, especially here in Strathmore University. It will help guide decision making with regard to improvement of instruction; as well as matters pertaining to staff appraisal. The findings from this study will also help other institutions of higher learning within the country and beyond.
Mentoring at Strathmore University: Towards Companion Friendship
(Strathmore University, 2014-06) Muigua, Thomas R.
This dissertation is concerned with mentoring at Strathmore University. The study developed and tested the hypothesis that mentoring at Strathmore University can be moved from status of hidden curriculum to status of official curriculum through the use of Professional Licensing and mentoring handbook. The study also looked at what exactly characterize Strathmore University’s institutional culture and the place of mentoring in that culture. The study used mixed research method where; survey research method was used to get students’ understanding and perception of both mentoring and Strathmore University institutional culture; philosophical method was used to offer analysis and contribution of Aristotle on friendship; while researcher’s personal experiences as mentor for four and half years at Strathmore University were used in the clarification of data. The population used for the study comprised of undergraduate students at Strathmore University. The study used three data sets arising from the foresaid research methods comprising of: student’s questionnaire, primary and secondary data on Aristotle’s treatise on friendship and researcher’s personal experiences as a mentor at Strathmore University. Friendship came out in the research findings as a major element of Strathmore University’s institutional culture and a benefit of mentoring by students and hence acting as a means that can be used to improve mentoring at Strathmore University. The study spelled out how Strathmore University’s institutional culture and mentoring can be enhanced by Aristotle’s concept of friendship. The discussion on friendship further offered a philosophical input into mentoring at Strathmore University proposing that mentors and mentees are meant to get to the level of perfect friends or companion friends for mentoring to be effective. The study concluded that the hypothesis that mentoring at Strathmore University can be moved from status of hidden curriculum to status of official curriculum through the use of Professional Licensing and mentoring handbook is a null hypothesis. The study opened a new area that can enhance mentoring and Strathmore University institutional culture namely, professional friendship.
Is the family a principle of the nation in the Kenyan constitution if examined from an Aristotelian perspective?
(Strathmore University, 2015) Mutura, Raymond
The current constitution (2010 Chapter) defines family as a natural and fundamental unit of society and the necessary basis of social order. The Marriage Act (2014), Matrimonial Property Act (2013), the Children Act (2002) and the Sessional Paper on National Values (2012) provide principles of the family in relation to marriage, matrimonial property, children and how national values emerge from the family. Despite having various studies on the family, there have been few scholarly inquiries on how to assess the core principles of the family from a sound theoretical analysis. The study investigates Aristotle’s principles on the family as illustrated in his book Politics and examine other foundational principles related to the family from his other books – Nichomachean Ethics and Metaphysics. The study’s objective is to demonstrate how the principles expressed in the different family governing laws of Kenya are informed or not by the principles of the family as illustrated by Aristotle in his book Politics. This study uses the qualitative method, involving desktop and documentary analysis. The findings can inform and establish sound principles for Kenya’s Family Policies and Laws and other African countries’ laws and policies as the results reveal sound and Aristotelian principles based on a very logical theoretical framework of the four causes that has been utilized in philosophy to affirm principles about things. The three causes utilized in the study include material, formal and final causes. The fourth case, the efficient cause was not interrogated due to the tendency of research moving towards the philosophy of God.
An analysis of the appreciation of the beautiful and its place in daily living as understood by university students in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2015) Kariuki, Esther Wangeci
This investigation has been an attempt to get to the root cause why many Kenyans appear to have little concern for a beautiful physical environment in terms of urban cleanliness, order, and courtesy in the transport sector. The experience in many parts of Kenya especially the capital city of Nairobi bespeak of chaos especially with regard to the apparent deficiency in the planning and construction of buildings, open gutters and display of sales, disposal of waste which more often than not mercilessly litter the city. In an effort to capture the mindset of the ordinary Kenyan in these matters, this researcher reached out to a portion of the urban population through a survey administered on university students in order to gauge their appreciation of the aesthetical and to find out if they associate aesthetics to ethics in their daily living. The survey was administered to 70 students in 6 private and public universities. The results of the survey were analyzed using library resources such as journals, books and research papers. The results revealed that there in an essential appreciation of beautiful things and beautiful environment among university students. However there are cultural, social and educational elements that undermine the concern for or the maintenance of good physical environment when one has to choose where to live and how to live there. The results also reveal that there is a dire need to foster a sense of harmony and order, cleanliness, maintenance and repair during the formative years of young people at the different educational levels to prepare them to appreciate and be responsible for the harmony and order in the urban environments. This study will be of immense benefit to the education department in curriculum planning and development, as well as in understanding an overlooked aspect of the human person which is just as important as science and technology. The study will also be of benefit to urban planners in order to make allowances for the absolute humanizing role of aesthetics and ethics underlying building and construction. Urban planners may find answers for the inclusion of facilities which humanize such as open green spaces, proper sewage systems, allowances of household laundry and storage facilities which lead to the appreciation of the beautiful in daily living.
An Analysis of the judicial code of conduct and ethics and the vetting process of judicial officers from a virtue ethics perspective
(Strathmore University, 2015) Andayi W. Francis
The Judicial Service Code of Conduct and Ethics (JSCCE) for the Kenyan judges and magistrates collectively referred to here as judicial officers, is an ethical guide for the successful delivery of their judicial duty. Judicial ethics as represented in the JSCCE appears to follow two main ethical approaches, deontology and consequentialism or utilitarianism. Questions abound on the success of these ethical approaches to positively influence the conduct of judicial officers and provide the requisite ethical guidance. Judicial officers continue to receive condemnation from varied qum1ers for failing to follow the path of rectitude within and outside of their judicial calling. The demand by Kenyans that under the new Constitution of Kenya 20 I 0 all serving judicial officers undergo a vetting process to determine their suitability to continue serving in the judiciary is testimony to the low level of test the public has in the judicial officers. To address this challenge this study explored how the virtue ethics approach, as an alternative to deontology and utilitarianism, can be utilized as a foundation for judicial ethics. The aim of this study therefore is to determine whether the vi11ue ethics approach, which is agent centered and opposed to deontology and consequentialism, which are action-focused, can be applied to the JSCCE and the vetting process to make better judicial ethics in Kenya. The vi11ue ethics approach is approp1iate for this study because of its recent resurgence in ethical theme as well as its appeal to beliefs, emotions, thoughts, and values instead of actions and consequences which are influenced by a system of rewards and punishment. The study applied a content analysis method to analyze the contents of the JSCCE and the vetting process, which are two areas of focus on judicial ethics in Kenya, to uncover the elements of virtue ethics espoused therein. The study found that there are some 20 elements of virtue ethics found in the JSCCE and the vetting process. These are justice, courage, independence, practical wisdom among others. However, the presence of the elements alone was found not sufficient to make virtue ethics the theoretical base for judicial ethics in Kenya for two reasons. First, the elements are limited in scope in the JSCCE. Second, the elements are not expressed in virtue ethics language but rather they are formulated as rules and principles in line with the deontological and consequentialist ethical frameworks. However, it also emerged that with proper articulation of the JSCCE and the vetting criteria, the principles and rules can be reformulated to take account of a virtue ethics approach and thereby embed it as a sound theoretical base for judicial ethics in Kenya. The study made suggestions and recommendations on the ways through which judicial ethics can take account of virtue ethics and how to align the .TSCCE and the vetting process to each other through the virtue ethics approach to improve on judicial ethics and ultimately the conduct of judicial officers in Kenya.
Public Procurement Oversight Authority : an assessment of its effectiveness in fighting corruption and promoting ethical practices in public procurement in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Gachoka, Paul M.
The debate on corruption and financial impropriety has been raging in Kenya for the past 20 years. Procurement processes by public institutions has been identified as the main conduit for loss of public funds in the various reports by both the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Public Procurement Oversight Authority. As part of the reform process to address this problem, the Public Procurement Oversight Authority was established. This study focused primarily on an in-depth assessment of the PPOA and its effectiveness in fighting corruption and promoting ethical practices in public procurement in Kenya. It makes recommendations aimed at strengthening the institution. This study adopted a descriptive study design. Purposive sampling was used to select the study subjects and a total of 84 respondents were interviewed. Descriptive statistics was used to generate data on study variables and inferences made on the performance of the PPOA.Content and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data on views and perceptions of the respondents. The findings show that the number of cases on corruption in Public procurement has increased since the establishment of PPOA.This may not necessarily mean that PPOA had failed with regard to promoting ethical practices. In fact,the study revealed that PPOA’s performance was good and had achieved majority of targets set for the year especially on conducting Audits and assessment. The increasing trend could be as a result of expanded democratic space in Kenya since the enactment of the Constitution 2010 and the growth of the media which has made dissemination of information easy and the effect of the economic growth within the same period, which may have translated to more procurement. In addition, the findings revealed a well-defined institutional framework and elaborate structures put in place by PPOA. The PPOA has the capacity and strategies to fight corruption and promote ethical behavior in the procurement process. However, there is need to strengthen it by increasing the human capacity and resources, improve communication, intensify follow-ups on audits done and enhance collaboration with other institutions like EACC and DPP for strict law enforcement. In addition, this research recommends collaboration with educational institutions to specifically incorporate ethics in the learning curriculum in order to mould individuals at an early stage. Also, further research should be done to assess the interaction of PPOA with the county governments and the impact on its capacity.
An Investigation into the Virtues of Airline Pilot Training
(Strathmore University, 2016) Arodi, Justus
That the world has become a global village can be seen in the exponential rise in air travel over the last few years and this trend is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Aviation industry has done a lot, especially in the realms of training and aircraft design to improve safety. The industry should not just maintain the current level of safety but improve it further. Besides enormous associated costs, accidents still occur. This study sought to show that ethics, particularly Aristotelian virtues in pilot training, can not only improve quality but also enhance efficiency and consequently minimize costs. The study set out to investigate if the people involved in pilot training consider virtues to be necessary for pilot training; which virtues they consider as most important; and how the virtues could be incorporated in a pilot training scheme. Descriptive survey design and naturalistic designs were used. Students and instructors/managers were randomly and purposively sampled using questionnaires and interview guides. Though scarce, the related literature was also reviewed. The findings of the literature review and questionnaires/interviews both confirmed that indeed virtues are needed in pilot training. All the cardinal virtues are preferred though in varying order of preference by the different categories of respondents. The study found that virtues can be incorporated in pilot training schemes through classroom training, through role models and reward and punishment for desirable and undesirable habits respectively, and through a dedicated code conspicuously displayed in training venues; but not through ruthless enforcement by punishment. The study recommended virtue training to be adopted by airlines as it enables pilots to easily observe regulations and comply with the tenets of Crew Resource Management among other benefits such as happiness and good working relationships which can enhance error management and greatly reduce accidents. Further research was recommended on how airlines and regulators can monitor compliance with virtues among pilots. Properly adopted, virtues can not only make training efficient but also help produce better pilots and consequently safer flight operations.
Impact of cultural diversity on the practice of dispute resolution and mediation in the Kenyan legal sector and a quest for professional and ethical stability
(Strathmore University, 2016) Gross, Anthony
In general terms, it may be said that dispute resolution among legal practitioners in Kenya relies heavily on cross cultural communication and negotiation practices and techniques. This cultural diversity poses unique challenges that may affect dispute resolution as well as jeopardise the attainment of justice. It seems essential to grasp a deeper understanding of the impact of this cultural diversity between African and European cultures commonly referred to as African and Western cultures of both genders in the daily practice of law whether within litigious or acrimonious disputes as well as in the alternative dispute resolution mechanism of mediation. Misunderstandings whether deliberate or by virtue of vocal or expressive communication or whether by tone of facial manifestation, occur as a result of a subjective perception by individuals of one culture of what is the truth and therefore the reality of any given circumstance, which often is not shared by a practitioner from another culture. Such subjectivism appears to be a by-product of the English legal system which propounds an adversarial system of legal practice aiming at a win-lose paradigm, and whose priority would seem to be win at all costs. However, it seems of paramount importance to understand and accept other people’s pints of view in the interest of peace and so as to avoid conflict. This approach may appear to be more acceptable inter-cultural way of behaving, practicing law and resolving disputes. It is in the pursuit of this objective that this study has analysed, differentiated and compared cross cultural trends and tested the perception of legal scholars on the premise that the cultural diversity impacts on the dispute resolution practice. The study arrives at the conclusion that it seems logical and acceptable to search for and espouse a tested moral standpoint of virtue ethics which is of universal acceptance and has cross cultural application and thus contribute to the search for justice in our society.

Browse

Browsing SHSS Projects, Theses and Dissertations by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options