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Article
Publication date: 18 November 2024

Daniel Otieno, Jackline Nyerere, Christopher Shisanya, Wilson Mutuma, Damaris Kariuki, Hannah Bula, Shem Onsomo, John Macharia, Eldah Onsomu, Martha Muhwezi, Charles Ondieki and Jacqueline Onyango

This study evaluated a programme, CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAPYEI) that uses Basic Employability Skills Training (BEST) model to contribute the evidence and generate…

123

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluated a programme, CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAPYEI) that uses Basic Employability Skills Training (BEST) model to contribute the evidence and generate lessons on the type of skills needed to enhance women economic empowerment. The purpose of the study is to generate evidence of what works in women skill acquisition and employability in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed research design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to conduct an impact evaluation of the CAP YEI training programme on the employability and entrepreneurship of women and girls in Kenya. The design allows for the consideration of two groups: treatment and control groups thus allowing for a clear comparison of outcomes between those who received the training (treatment group) and those who did not (control group). Project evaluation data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Given that the study was conducted post evaluation, it did not have baseline survey data, therefore an ex post baseline evaluation using a retrospective approach was computed. In the absence of a true baseline, the questionnaire was tailored to allow beneficiary recall. A key design consideration of impact evaluation study was the identification of a valid control group that could generate a suitable counterfactual outcome.

Findings

The results indicate positive self-evaluation on most of the selected soft skills. For instance, over 80% of both the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries indicated that they possessed communication, teamwork, interpersonal, decision-making, prioritization, assertiveness and negotiation skills, whereas 58 % and 63 % of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, respectively, indicating that they possessed information and communication technology (ICT) skills. Results indicate that skills development improves chances of employment among the target group and especially women. The results indicate that addressing gender inequality requires targeted interventions. The targeted interventions could be aimed at ensuring that women and girls are empowered to compete favourable with men and boys in the labour market.

Research limitations/implications

This study was an evaluative study of the impact of an intervention in a single case study. This means while the findings of the study are relevant to policy and practice, they cannot be generalized to a broader populace. The absence of base-line data rendered the use of comparative data impossible. Data generated through self-reported assessment of intervention impacts are prone to responder biases, which may raise questions about the validity of the findings.

Practical implications

This study recommends integration of transferable skills training in teaching and training institutions to enhance competitiveness, employability and entrepreneurship chances of the graduates in the labour market. The study is significant in informing policy direction in Kenya.

Originality/value

This study evaluated a model of integrating transferable skills into a young women training programme and evaluated its impacts with a view of documenting what works for women employability. This case is a unique one in the country specific context.

Details

Quality Education for All, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2976-9310

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Article
Publication date: 2 September 2013

John Macharia, Ray Collins and Tim Sun

The final consumer has the exclusive right to define what constitutes value in a product or service. Under increasing pressures of globalization and urbanization, a…

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Abstract

Purpose

The final consumer has the exclusive right to define what constitutes value in a product or service. Under increasing pressures of globalization and urbanization, a consumer-focused approach to performance improvement in supply chains can lead to more satisfied consumers and improved returns to growers and retailers. This paper aims to demonstrate that such an orientation, though lacking in agri-food supply chains in developing countries, can mitigate threats to food safety, consumer health and environmental quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through random survey intercepts (n=418) at different retail outlets for fresh vegetables in Nairobi, Kenya in 2010. Multi-step cluster analysis (Ward Method, K-means) was used to classify fresh vegetable consumers, in terms of their product, production and marketing process preferences.

Findings

Four heterogeneous segments in terms of value preferences, behaviour and personal profiles (p<0.05) were derived. They were labelled Prestigious Shoppers (25 per cent), Market Enthusiasts (18 per cent), Ethics Crusaders (41 per cent) and Safety Sceptics (16 per cent). All segments expressed high or moderate preferences for product quality. In addition, the Prestigious Shoppers expressed a moderate preference for customer service. Market Enthusiasts attached the highest values to market conditions and customer service. Ethics Crusaders most highly preferred customer service, while Safety Sceptics most highly preferred safe production.

Research limitations/implications

Since it is difficult to predict consumer behaviour precisely, these findings may be contextual. Yet, the segments have unique value preferences despite actors treating them as homogeneous. Ignoring these differences can lead to unsustainable attempts to improve chain practice and policies.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind. It advocates for use of universal value profiles as a basis for development of consumer-focused strategies for sustainable performance improvement in agri-food chains in developing countries.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 115 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 4 April 2022

Shalini Menon and M. Suresh

The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, to identify and encapsulate the enablers that can facilitate technology integration in higher education and second, to understand and…

736

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, to identify and encapsulate the enablers that can facilitate technology integration in higher education and second, to understand and analyze the interplay between technology agility enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM) approach to construct a theoretical model of the technology agility enablers in higher education and MICMAC analysis for ranking and segregating the enablers based on their dependence power into four categories: Autonomous, Dependent, Linkage and Independent.

Findings

The study helped identify eight technology agility enablers, with the Covid-19 pandemic as the most significant enabler. The Covid-19 pandemic has catalyzed the diffusion of technology across the education sector in India, including tertiary higher education. The study revealed government initiatives and institutional commitment as other enablers that can promote technology agility in higher education.

Practical implications

The results of this study would assist the policymakers and management of universities and colleges in understanding the important enablers that can facilitate technology integration in higher education.

Originality/value

Research in the past on technology adoption in higher education has looked into each enabler in isolation. This research provides a comprehensive view of the enablers and has attempted to establish a multidirectional interplay between the enablers.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

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Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Kelvin Njuguna Karing'u, Hezron Nyarindo Isaboke and Samuel Njiri Ndirangu

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of transactional costs on smallholder avocado farmers’ participation in the export market and the extent of participation in…

543

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of transactional costs on smallholder avocado farmers’ participation in the export market and the extent of participation in Murang’a County, Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 384 avocado farmers in Murang’a County, following stratified sampling. The Heckman two-stage model was used for analysis.

Findings

Results showed that the cost of information search was an important variable that impedes smallholders’ participation in export marketing while harvesting costs inhibits the extent of participation in export marketing.

Research limitations/implications

This study used data at the farm level. Therefore, insights on transaction costs among other marketing agents in the export market value chain would be an issue for future studies.

Originality/value

Following the debate on transaction costs and market participation among farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa, this paper models transactional costs and export market participation among avocado smallholders and measures the extent of participation with the inclusion of harvesting costs, negotiation costs, monitoring costs and information search costs that are not common in previous studies, thus contributing to the development of literature.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

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Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 7 December 2021

Abstract

Details

New Student Literacies amid COVID-19: International Case Studies
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-466-3

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Book part
Publication date: 11 July 2022

Peter Mhando and Lindah Mhando

The chapter evaluates trust-based and emotional intelligence (EI) approaches in Tanzania’s informal sector entrepreneurs, from mali kwa mali (barter trade), mali kauli

Abstract

The chapter evaluates trust-based and emotional intelligence (EI) approaches in Tanzania’s informal sector entrepreneurs, from mali kwa mali (barter trade), mali kauli (trust-based credit) to collective or technology-based upatu (revolving credit). It analyses both vertical and horizontal trust, and the depth of linkage to growth and sustainability of entrepreneurship in the informal sector.

The chapter invokes experiences of informal sector entrepreneurs including itinerant hawkers (machinga), food vendors (mama lishe or mama ntilie) and motorcycle drivers (bodaboda). The unique trust-based approaches mali kwa mali and mali kauli in entrepreneurial undertakings extends from colonial times to post economic liberalisation and contemporary Tanzania. Mali kauli, a creative traditional credit practice, is a unique approach that facilitates and sustains micro-retail sub-sector and livelihoods in urban and rural Tanzania. Although the objective remains business profitability, sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures does not depend on it alone. Trust and EI are well invested in these approaches.

The chapter draws from past work on managing in the informal economy to derive theoretical and practical implications, and how trust and EI plays a role in the Tanzanian informal entrepreneurial circles.

Details

Responsible Management in Africa, Volume 2: Ethical Work and Sustainability
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-494-9

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Book part
Publication date: 19 September 2022

Abstract

Details

COVID-19 and the Media in Sub-Saharan Africa: Media Viability, Framing and Health Communication
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-272-3

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Article
Publication date: 3 December 2020

Emmanuel Kwame Nti, Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa, Nana Sampson E. Edusah, John-Eudes Andivi Bakang and Vasco Baffour Kyei

The purpose of this paper is to support the development of effective strategies that enhance community water supply systems. The study examined service constraints and willingness…

292

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to support the development of effective strategies that enhance community water supply systems. The study examined service constraints and willingness to pay for better services in community-managed water supply services using empirical evidence from beneficiaries of a small-town water supply system in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey design of both descriptive and exploratory research is adopted, the descriptive survey handles the quantitative aspect, while the exploratory survey handles the qualitative aspect. The authors collected data using a structured survey questionnaire from 387 beneficiaries who were public standpipe and domestic users. Descriptive statistics, Kendall's coefficient of concordance and Cragg's two-step model were the methods of analysis employed.

Findings

The respondents ranked lack of capacity (managerial) as the topmost constraint of the community-managed water system. The findings indicate that 57% of the beneficiaries were not willing to pay, whiles 43% were willing to pay. Also, results from Cragg's two-step regression model indicate that different sets of factors affect willingness-to-pay and amount-to-pay decisions. The study revealed that while a willingness-to-pay decision is influenced by income, education, marital status and customer service, the estimated-amount-to-pay decision is more influenced by income and education.

Originality/value

Building on the empirical evidence, the findings indicated that the water and sanitation management team can increase the current fee of GH¢ 5.00/1 m3 (≈US$ 0.87) by increasing beneficiaries charge for a bucket of water from GH¢ 0.10p (≈US$ 0.017) to GH¢ 0.21p (≈US$ 0.036) for better services within the community. Importantly, the additional charge should take into consideration income and education which were noted to significantly influence the beneficiary's amount-to-pay decision for better services in the community-managed water supply system.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

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Article
Publication date: 28 January 2020

Aries Susanty, Agil Handoko and Nia Budi Puspitasari

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop a conceptual model using the push-pull-mooring (PPM) framework to understand the switching behavior of small- and…

2403

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop a conceptual model using the push-pull-mooring (PPM) framework to understand the switching behavior of small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) of batik from adopting traditional marketing to e-commerce; and, second, to test whether the PPM variables prevent or lead to the switching behavior of SMEs of batik to adopt e-commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a hypothesis which is drawn from related literature, quantifiable measures variables with a 1–5 Likert scale, hypothesis testing and draws the inference about a phenomenon of switching the behavior of SMEs from traditional marketing to e-commerce from the sample of 100 owners of batik SMEs, which are located in Yogyakarta, Solo and Pekalongan. The study used partial least square with the aid of the SmartPLS software program to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The result of hypothesis testing indicates that two factors significantly influence the switching behavior of batik SMEs from physical store retailing to e-commerce. The first factor is the desire of SMEs to support the information searching behavior of their customers, and the second factor is the perception that adopting e-commerce can provide value for the SMEs. However, this study fails to prove that the attractiveness of e-commerce can significantly pull the switching behavior of batik SMEs from physical store retailing to e-commerce. Moreover, related to mooring factors, the results show that the computer self-efficacy of the SME owners as a moderating effect is not supported.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. First, the samples were restricted to the SMEs of batik in three cities (Yogyakarta, Solo and Pekalongan). It is significant to conduct cross-sector, cross countries, cross-region or even cross-cultural investigations on this subject for better explanations of the results from a global perspective. Studies on cultural differences in switching behavior are supposed to accommodate to different individuals from the SME owner. Second, the study does not differentiate the sizes of enterprises; that is, no test was conducted for small-, medium- and large-size enterprises. The study only focuses on SMEs. Different empirical results may be obtained for different sizes because each enterprise size can have a different condition in e-commerce adoption. Second, this study pays more attention to the product categories of stamped batik and hand-drawn batik. Consumers can have dissimilar favorite channels to purchase other types of batik. Future research should also consider this issue.

Practical implications

Within all the opportunities available through e-commerce (support the information searching behavior, save the travel time and travel cost, better service quality to their customer, a lower price to their customer as well, and increase their sales), the SMEs need to enhance e-commerce activities and put it in their strategy for moving forward. On the other side, the government should have a strong interest in helping and supporting the SME through several activities.

Social implications

The research confirms that e-commerce adoption may benefit SMEs. It may encourage more SMEs to move from the traditional physical store retailing to e-commerce.

Originality/value

Although this study uses the conceptual model from the study of Chang et al. (2017), significant differences exist between the two studies. This study uses the PPM framework in the context of the seller migratory decision, whereas in most studies, the PPM framework is used in the context of the consumer migratory decision. Moreover, most studies about the adoption of e-commerce by owners of SMEs use the theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance model, technology, organization and environment, and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as the framework.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

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Article
Publication date: 11 May 2015

Ewan Sutherland

– This paper aims to examine how telecommunications in Kenya was affected by the absence of good governance and the presence of rent-seeking by ministers.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how telecommunications in Kenya was affected by the absence of good governance and the presence of rent-seeking by ministers.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-country case study combining approaches of anti-corruption and telecommunications methodologies using secondary and legal sources.

Findings

Corruption has been a significant factor, but has also led to distortions in the market which may have been more significant.

Research limitations/implications

Given the sensitivity of corrupt dealing, it is impracticable to interview the principals, some of whose identities are concealed behind front companies.

Practical implications

It is necessary to modify telecommunications practice to eliminate the use of front companies and those registered in opaque registries to identify conflicts of interests.

Originality/value

This is one of only four countries examined in terms of bribery and corruption in telecommunications.

Details

info, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6697

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