School of Education and Social Sciences
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Item Effect of Parental Involvement on Quality of Education in Public Day Secondary Schools in Igembe Central Sub County, Meru County-Kenya(KeMU, 2019-11) Thuba, EstherThis study aimed at determining the effect of parental involvement on quality of education in public day secondary schools. The relationship among the variables of the study was moderated by parents’ level of education and their occupations. Specifically, the study intended to establish the effect of school-based parental involvement, home–based parental involvement, and academic socialization by parents on quality of education in public day secondary schools. This study was guided by Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour and Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. A descriptive correlational study was carried out in public day secondary schools in Igembe Central Sub County in Meru - Kenya. The target population was 28 principals, 7,182 students and 144 parents’ representatives. This made a target population of 7,354 participants from the public day secondary schools of Igembe Central Sub County. This study was guided by logical positivism philosophy which greatly regards methods of scientific inquiry and logical analysis of philosophical problems. Qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from a sample of 352 students, 8 school principals and 32 parents selected through random sampling procedures. Questionnaires, an interview guide, and a focus group discussion guide were used for collection of data from students, principals, as well as parents, respectively. Document analysis guide was also used. A sample of two principals, 88 students and 8 parent from two schools in the neighbouring Igembe South Sub County were used for the purpose of pilot testing and refining the research instruments. The reliability coefficient for the indicators of school–based parental involvement, home–based parental involvement, academic socialization by parents and quality of education was 0.730, 0.951, 0.946 and 0.756 respectively. Data was collected from the respondents by the researcher. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 (SPSS 21.0) computer software programme. Descriptive statistics such as mean scores, variances, standard deviation; and inferential statistics namely correlation and multiple regression were used to analyse the data. The results provided statistical evidence that a positive and significant relationship exists between parental involvement and quality of education in public day secondary schools. All the predictors of parental involvement were found to have positive and significant effect on quality of education in public day secondary schools. The study also established that mothers’ characteristics (level of education and occupation) had partial moderating effect on the relationship between parental involvement and quality of education in public day secondary schools. Thematic analysis for qualitative data was done and data was summarized according to similarities and common themes and presented in narratives and relevant quotes to supplement and strengthen the quantitative data. The results obtained led to the conclusions that expanding the role of parents in education improves school attendance, learning behaviours, academic performance and transition to colleges and universities. Secondly, the study established that among all the predictors of quality of education in public day secondary schools, academic socialization by parents and home-based parental involvement are significant in affecting quality of education in a combined relationship. In addition, it was concluded that all parents can participate in the education of their children, regardless of their level of education and occupation so as to improve quality of education in public day secondary schools. This study, therefore, recommends that parents be sensitized by school management on the importance of their roles in education; and the need of their continuous involvement in education of their children.Item Analysis of Factors Influencing Career Choice among Public Secondary Schools Students in Meru County Kenya(KeMU, 2019-06) Njogu, Sarah WambetiCareer selection is one of the many important choices students make which have lifelong effects. This is because choosing a career that matches one’s interests, skills and values significantly increases their chances for social-economic success, personal fulfillment and happiness. However, whether or not a student is equipped with requisite career choice information to necessitate informed decisions is yet to be established. Although review of literature shows that students have numerous challenges when selecting careers, the factors that influence career choice among secondary school students and the extent of their impacts were still not clearly understood. This study sought to analyze factors influencing career choice in public secondary schools in Meru County, with a view to determining individual and combined influence of each factor on career choice. It was guided by four objectives; namely; to examine the influence of career guidance services provided to students on career choice, to assess the influence of parental aspirations on career choice, to investigate influence of mass media on career choice and to evaluate the influence of school policy on subject selection in career choice by secondary school students. The study was informed and guided by the Social Learning Theory of Career Decision Making by John Krumboltz and Contingency Theory of Management by Joan Woodward. It adopted mixed methods approach and used descriptive survey and correlational research designs in investigating the phenomena. The target population comprised 19,862 Form Four students, 364 principals, 364 career guidance teachers and 364 form four Parents Association representatives’ from all the 364 public secondary schools in the Meru County. Through stratified, systematic and purposive sampling respectively, 460 participants were selected from 364 schools. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were used to collect data from target population. A pre-test of the instruments was carried out to ensure reliability and validity. Data analysis was done with the help of SPSS (Version 24) and Microsoft excel. Overall response rate was 92.1%. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and percentages), and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analysis). The results were presented in frequency distribution tables, charts and in other cases, logical explanations and narratives were provided. Results show that career which students of public secondary schools in Meru County choose are statistically and significantly influenced by nature of career guidance services; parental aspirations, mass media, and school policy on selection of subjects. The findings revealed that mass media and parental aspirations as factors that exert greatest influence on career choices. The findings of this study have implications on career guidance practices and policy in secondary schools. The study recommends that principals, educationists, career guidance teachers to organize for capacity building and awareness campaigns to sensitize students, parents and the general public on the influence of the four factors on career choice and to underscore the role that should be played by each of these stakeholders.Item Influence of Information Communication Technologies on Quality of Distance Teaching and Learning in Kenya Universities(KeMU, 2018-08) Ngeera, Flora GacheriInformation Communication Technologies (ICTs) are varied. They include different types of network infrastructure that depend on internet connectivity which in turn allows access to various search engines. ICTs have transformed the way people live, work, do business and access education. With advent of ICTs, distance learning has become an alternative and supplement for face to face learning. This study investigated the influence of ICTs on quality of distance teaching and learning in Kenyan Universities. The study was guided by four objectives: to establish the influence of availability of ICTs infrastructure, to determine the influence of utilization of ICTs infrastructure, to investigate the influence of provision of institutional support on use of ICTs and to determine the influence of learner characteristics on use of ICTs. The study was based on Bruner's constructivist theory and Simonson's theory of equivalency. The study was guided by mixed methods research approach. Specifically, convergent parallel design was used. The target population was universities that offer programmes through open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) targeting ODeL directors, lecturers who taught ODeL students, ICT technical staff and ODeL students from the selected universities that offer programmes through this mode. A sample size comprised of (4) ODeL directors, (78) lecturers, ( 4) I CT technical staff and (15 6) 0 DeL students. Stratified, systematic and purposive sampling was used to sample the respondents. Among all the universities that offer ODeL programmes, four universities were purposively sampled for the study. Data was collected by use of document analysis guide, questionnaires and interview guide. Cronbach alpha correlation method was used to compute reliability co-efficient which was 0.8095 which was above 0.7 as expected in social sciences. To ensure reliability in qualitative data, interview guide with highly structured questions, with the same format and sequence of words was used for each participant. Descriptive statistics involving mainly frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyse the data. Logistics Regression, specifically Wald Test, was used to test the null hypotheses. Omnibus test of model coefficients and Hosmer and Lemeshow Tests were used to test the fitness of the models. Data was presented in graphs and tables. Analysis of quantitative data was done using Predictive Analytical Software (PAS) version 20.0. Qualitative data was coded and analysed in themes emerging from the narratives. From the findings, it was established that computers were the most available ICT hardware used in distance teaching and learning in the sampled universities. Despite availability of computers, it was established that video conferencing and audio-conferencing facilities were not available for distance teaching and learning. Universities use Learning Management Systems (LMS) and also online social networking tools to advance distance learning. The study revealed that the institutional support on use ofICTs was the most significant factor that influences quality of distance teaching and learning in selected Kenyan universities. It was concluded that availability of ICT infrastructure, utilization of ICT infrastructure, institutional support on the use of ICT and learner characteristics on the use of ICT were all significant when considered separately. However, when considered as a block, institutional support on use of JCT was the most significant. The study recommended that to enhance quality in ODeL, institutional support on use of ICTs in distance teaching and learning was very critical.Item Determinants of Sustainable Competitive Advantage Within Food and Beverage Firms in Kenya(2014-06) Stephen, Laititi MutungaUrbanization is proceeding at a high pace with urban dwellers expected to outnumber rural population in the near future. The demand for processed foods with shorter preparation periods that offer convenience for the urban population is high and is set to increase. This calls for higher processing capacity in the food and beverage industries. Stiff competition is already being experienced in this industry in Kenya which calls for firms to position themselves strategically to survive. Investment in competitive strategies by companies in this industry is critical for their survival and will determine their success or collapse in future. This study aimed at empirically analyzing the nature of competitive strategies companies in the food and beverage sector engaged in to acquire sustainable competitive advantage, and the drivers underlying that competitiveness. Purposive sampling of 95 food and beverage firms located in Nairobi and Mombasa and their environs and registered with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers was done. The study was designed as a survey of all the firms targeting the chief executive, the finance/marketing manager or the human resource manager as respondents. The study design was descriptive. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. The data was then coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From the 95 firms surveyed, 32 successfully participated giving a response rate of 33.7 percent. Statistical analysis revealed that cost leadership generic strategy was significant as a predictor of sustainable competitive advantage while differentiation was not. On effects of firm resources on sustainable competitive advantage, the study found that effects of organizational structure were statistically significant and critical to success of firms in this industry. The use of human capital in innovative adaptation was found statistically significant for owner/chairman and executive management. Dynamic operational efficiency was found to be driven mostly by efficiency of production processes which was statistically significant while effects of selected macroeconomic factors of inflation, exchange rates and interest rates were not statistically significant. The failure at significance tests of macroeconomic factors meant that the factors were not critical at influencing the business environment of the food and beverage firms in Kenya. The findings of this study are important in academia, industry, and government by adding to the body of knowledge and enlightening on the competitive nature of the food and beverage industry in Kenya. The findings are enriching in the developing areas of resource capability configurations (resource based view of the firm) and the linkage with generic strategies in the Kenyan environment. The findings will be useful to investors especially in the food and beverage sector which is the leading one in Kenya in the background of devolved governments and development of counties as well as rapidly growing urban centers which are the new frontiers for industrialization. Use of perceptual performance data for sustainable competitive advantage was found appropriate and longitudinal or time series studies as well as use of secondary data on performance is recommended for future research on this subject.Item The Influence of External Educational Environment on Wastage Reduction Strategies of the Boy Child Output in Kenyan Primary Schools(KeMU, 2014-06) Jacinta, Wanjiku MwauraThis is a study on 'The influence of external educational environment on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child output in Kenyan primary schools'. Every time The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of education releases national examinations there is an outcry of marginalization of the boy child after which nothing is changes begging the question is the boy child not as a critical human resource as the girl child. The systems theory was applied in the study. The objectives of the study were to: establish the status of the boy child educational process and wastage reduction strategies between 200 I and 2008; establish the influence of policy framework on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; establish the influence of. social cultural practices on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; establish the influence of boarding arrangements on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; determine the influence of teacher gender on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; establish the influence of family background on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; and to develop a model for wastage reduction strategies of the boy child. A descriptive survey research design was used in this research with a target population of public primary schools of more than one stream in 2001. The population comprised of 693 and a sample of was arrived at through stratified random sampling. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and hypotheses tested. Further, a regression analysis was run for the dependent variable against the independent variables. Hypotheses tests were carried out. The findings established the influence of external environment on wastage reduction strategies as having a good fit since all key statistical indices were above or below the recommended levels. The influence of external educational environment was indicated by regression model results (R2=0.587, p=0.00). The five independent variables had a significant influence on wastage reduction strategies as indicated by regression results (R2=0.62, p=0.02). Policy statements had a significant influence on wastage reduction strategies (R 2=0.59, p=O.O I), socio-cultural practices also had a significant influence on wastage reduction strategies (R 2=0.4 7, p=O.O I), boarding arrangements influence on wastage reduction strategies was at (R2=0.60, p=O.O 1 ), teacher gender influence on wastage reduction strategies was at (R2=0.3 l , p=0.03), while family background influence on wastage reduction strategies was at (R2=0.64, p=0.00). In conclusion policy statements, teacher gender, family background boarding arrangements and social cultural practices influenced wastage reduction Strategies. The findings concurred with Kibutu(2006), Kashu (2006), Omutako (2007) and De Corte (2003). The study recommended the development of policy statement for the boy child in particular among other recommendations. Areas for further research include further research to establish the age at which the boy child is most likely to drop out of school. The study established that the theory of production, retention and ansition theories are applicable to the specific case of the influence of wastage reduction strategies of the boy child output in Kenyan primary schools.Item Influence of Management Practices in the Training of Quality Graduates in the University in Kenya(KeMU, 2018-08) Kanyiri, Lucy IkiaraUniversities play a critical role in contributing to the economic development of any nation. They develop manpower which is a significant driver of economic growth. In view of this, effective management of universities is a concern of all the stakeholders. Management, practices are linked to the success of universities in nurturing holistic graduates who have the necessary knowledge, skills, competencies and values that are required in a globally competitive society. However, universities in Africa and in Kenya in particular have continued to be ranked lowly in terms of the quality of graduates. The lagging behind is attributed to inadequate acquisition of critical skills and application of knowledge. This is further attributed to inadequate adoption of management practices that support training of quality graduates by the universities. In this regard, the study set out; to determine the extent to which management practices in curriculum leadership are applied in universities in training of quality graduates, to determine the extent to which management practices in teaching and learning are applied in universities in training of quality graduates, to determine the extent to which management practices in faculty management are applied in universities in training of quality graduates, and to determine the extent to which management practices in management support are applied in universities in training of quality graduates. The study was founded on system theory. However, CIPP model was used to show interrelationship between management practices and training of quality graduates. The study used descriptive survey research design. The target population was 66 universities. A sample of 7 universities was selected based on Webometric ranking of 2014. 3750 students and 1800 faculty staff were targeted. 375 students and 180 faculty were included in the study. Three instruments including questionnaires, interview guide and document analysis guide were used to collect data. Validity of the instruments was ensured through undertaking pilot study to appraise dependability of the questionnaires and interview items. Reliability of instruments was measured by use of Cronbach's coefficient alpha. The alpha for independent variable was 0.963 and 0.944 for dependent variable. Data analysis involved used of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 20. The major findings of the study indicated curriculum leadership, teaching and learning and management support had significant influence on training of quality graduates. There was a discrepancy in acquisition of knowledge and its application among graduates from different universities. Based on the findings it was concluded that management practices have a significant influence on training of quality graduates. The study recommends the need for universities to enhance management practices identified in this study.Item Effectiveness of Head Teacher-Parent Collaboration for the Improvement of Inclusive Education in Public Primary Schools in Meru County, Kenya(KeMU, 2017-04) Mwirichia, SeverinaHead teacher-parent collaboration plays a crucial role in the improvement of inclusive education. The study was set to analyse the effectiveness of the head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education in public primary schools, in Meru County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to analyse the use of head teacher-parent collaboration context for the improvement of inclusive education; to examine the efficiency of the nature of head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education and to explore the value of head teacher-parent collaboration inputs for the improvement of inclusive education. The study was guided by Bronfenbrenner's bio-ecological systems theory and Peters' input-process-outcome¬context framework of Inclusive Education. The study used mixed research approach methods. Descriptive survey and phenomenology research designs, under quantitative and qualitative research approach methods respectively, were used. Qualitative research approach method was predominantly used. The target population was 101,612 (772 head teachers, 6,840 teachers and 94,000 parents). Out of the target population, there was a unique target population of 218 (77 head teachers, 68 teachers and 73 parents) who were actively involved in inclusive education in 77 inclusive public primary schools in Meru County. Through purposive and proportionate stratified random sampling, a number of eight (8) regular public primary schools and a sample size of 24 participants were selected from the unique target population. The study instruments used included; questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussion guide, observations and documents' analysis schedules. The tools were piloted for reliability and validity in Isiolo County, Kenya. Data was collected by the researcher through meeting with the participants face-to-face, which ensured whole response return rates. Quantitative data was analysed with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, while qualitative data analysis was done with the help of computer package, ATLAS. ti. The study findings were presented using descriptive statistics and narratives within themes generated from the collected data. The findings indicated that head teacher-parent collaboration context (policies, leadership and its structure) enhanced the improvement of inclusive education. Most of the schools used informal policies. The nature (teamwork, communication and cooperation) of head teacher-parent collaboration was inadequate and ineffective for the improvement of inclusive education. Head teacher-parent collaboration inputs (resources and strategies) were useful but inadequate for the improvement of inclusive education. Head teacher-parent collaboration facilitated the improvement of inclusive education in a remote and insincere manner. Head teacher-¬parent collaboration made dismal improvement in inclusive education. It was concluded that, head teacher-parent collaboration is crucial to the improvement of all schools. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education should formulate appropriate inclusive education policies. All schools should practice democratic leadership and ensure that teamwork, communication and cooperation improve in schools. The government and all education stakeholders should provide more resources to improve the effectiveness of head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education. The Teachers Service Commission should appoint head teachers who are positive about inclusive education and with the ability to work together with all parents to improve inclusive education.