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Employee voice mechanisms, leadership styles, job satisfaction and academic staff turnover intentions in universities in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2021) Muguna, Andrew Thiuru
Globally, managers are concerned about employee turnover, which has been a major problem facing many organizations. Global average universities' academic staff turnover intentions stand at 45%, far above10-15% considered normal by Human Resource Management (HRM) researchers. African universities continued to be seriously affected by brain drain, worsening the experienced high employee turnover. In Kenya, 68% of organizations experience a high employees turnover. Even though calls have been made towards stemming the high academic staff turnover in universities, the situation has continued to be experienced. Employee voice mechanisms can be considered a relevant intervention for addressing turnover. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between employee voice mechanisms and academic staff turnover intentions and the moderating effect of leadership style and job satisfaction on this relationship. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of employee voice mechanisms on academic staff turnover intentions; examine the effect of leadership styles on academic staff turnover intentions; examine the effect of employee job satisfaction on academic staff turnover intentions; assess the moderating effect of leadership styles on the relationship between employee voice mechanisms and academic staff turnover intentions; assess the moderating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between employee voice mechanisms and academic staff turnover intentions and finally to analyse the joint of employee voice mechanisms, leadership style and job satisfaction on academic staff turnover intentions. The study hypotheses were derived from the stated objectives. The study was anchored on the Universalistic theory, Resource-based theory, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, Kaizen theory, Harvard model of HRM, Kurt Lewin model of leadership styles, and Unfolding model of voluntary turnover. The study was guided by positivism research philosophy and a descriptive crosssectional survey research design was used. The study population consisted of 17210 academic staff in Kenya universities from whom a sample of 364 was drawn. The study adopted a multistage sampling technique. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered through the drop and pick later method. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data into means and standard deviations. Inferential statistics employed regression analysis to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. The data was presented using tables, charts, and graphs. A pilot study was carried out amongst 37 respondents from Meru University. Reliability was established by the use of Cronbachs' Alpha coefficient. The study's findings established that employee voice mechanisms had a significantly negative influence on academic staff turnover intentions. Secondly, autocratic leadership style positively influences academic staff turnover intentions while democratic and laissez-faire leadership style negatively influences turnover intentions. Thirdly, employee job satisfaction had a significantly negative influence on academic staff turnover. Fourthly, autocratic leadership style moderated employee attitude surveys and academic staff turnover intentions only, and democratic leadership style moderated the relationship between employee representations and academic staff turnover intentions. Fifthly, supervision moderated employee representation and academic staff turnover intentions only, and pay and benefits moderated the relationship between employee representations and academic staff turnover intentions. Finally, the joint effect of employee voice mechanisms, leadership styles, and job satisfaction changed from negative to positive. The findings of the study offer insight into the situational vi positioning of employee voice mechanisms, leadership styles, and employee job satisfaction in Kenyan universities, as well as managerial and epistemological insights for scholars in HRM. The findings further contribute to theory, policy development and HRM practices. The research had a few limitations. The selection of the study variables was not exhaustive as it did not cover different psychological traits and personalities possessed by an employee that leads to varying job satisfaction. The use of a descriptive cross-sectional research design and single key-informant approach and linear regression statistical models put constraints on the generalizability of the results. Future research should address these limitations by including additional psychological traits, personalities, soft and hard HRM approaches using a longitudinal research design, and more robust statistical techniques such as structural equation modelling.
Resistance to the spotted stem borer and African maize stem borer in tropical maize
(Makerere University, 2014) Munyiri, Shelmith Wanja
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), maize (Zea mays L.) is the staple food for about 50% of the population. However, lepidoptera stem borer poses a major threat to sustained food sufficiency in SSA causing annual yield losses of 15% and particularly in Kenya where they cause losses estimated at 13.5%. The potential to manage insect pests using host-plant resistance exists, but has not been adequately exploited. The goal of this study was to determine the resistance levels in tropical maize to the African (Busseola fusca Fuller) and the spotted stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) to support breeding efforts for improved maize productivity. Specific objectives were; i) Determine the variability in resistance to spotted and African stem borers in tropical maize; ii) Investigate the mechanisms of resistance in CIMMYT tropical maize inbred lines and; iii) Map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to C. partellus and B. fusca stem borers using a tropical maize population. Two hundred and ninety five (295) germplasm which included 120 inbred lines, 75 landraces, 100 hybrids and open pollinated varieties (OPVs) were evaluated for two seasons at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)-Kiboko and KARI-Embu field stations. Data were recorded on leaf damage on a 1-9 scale, number of stem borer exit holes, stem tunnel length (cm) and grain yield. A selection index was computed using the damage traits leaf damage, number of stem borer exit holes and cumulative tunnel length to categorize genotypes into resistant and susceptible categories. Germplasm with selection index of below 0.8 were regarded as highly resistant, 0.8-1.00 as moderately resistant, 1.0-1.2 as moderately susceptible and above 1.2 as highly susceptible. Evaluations for mechanisms of resistance were carried out for two seasons at KARI-Kiboko on 120 inbred lines. Data were recorded on leaf toughness, stem penetrometer resistance, trichome density and pith sugar content. To map the QTL for stem borer resistance, a population of 203 F2:3 individuals were developed between 2009 and 2011. Field evaluations were carried out at six sites, three for each stem borer species. Data were recorded on leaf damage, number of stem borer exit holes and cumulative tunnel length as putative stem borer resistance traits. The mapping population was genotyped with 152 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers. Phenotypic data were subjected to ANOVA using PROC GLM of SAS 2007 and means separated using Fisher’s protected LSD (P<0.05). Variability for resistance to maize stem borers was identified in the genotypes evaluated. Top ten highly resistant landraces against C. partellus were GUAT 1050, GUAT 280, GUAT 1093, GUAT 1082, GUAT 1014, CHIS 114, GUAT 1034, GUAT 1038, CAQU 321 and GUAN 34. Topmost highly resistant commercial hybrids and OPVs to C. partellus were DH01, PH1, ECA-STRIGOFF-VL-102-#-, KDV1-1-#, KDV1-2-#, and PH3253 while, KDV1-3-#, EEQPM-8-EA-#, DH02, KDV1-2-#, DKC8053, POOL15QC, KDV1-1-#, WH403, EEQPM-9-EA-#, and PH4 were highly resistant to B. fusca among others. Open pollinated varieties KDV1-1-#, KDV1-2-#, KDV1-3-#, EEQPM-8-EA-#, POOL15QC and EEQPM-9-EA exhibited high resistance to both stem borer species. Most CIMMYT MBR lines exhibited high resistance levels, with CKSBL10008, CKSBL10005, CKSBL10025, CKSPL10273 and CKSBL10027 being the top five highly resistant lines to B. fusca and CKSBL10039, CKSBL10025, CKSBL10026, CKSBL10014 and CKSBL10004 the top five highly resistant to C. partellus. Dual and high resistance to both stem borer species was found in CIMMYT MBR lines CKSBL10025, CKSBL10026, CKSBL10027, CKSBL10034, CKSBL10014 and CKSBL10039 among other inbred lines. Trichome density was the best mechanism in discriminating genotypes into resistant and susceptible categories, followed by leaf toughness and stem sugar content in that order. Number of stem borer exit holes and cumulative tunnel length were the most consistent traits in assessing resistance. A linkage map spanning 1248.01 cM on 10 chromosomes with an average 8.21cM was constructed. Several QTL for putative resistance traits were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 based on data from both individual sites and different species. In the combined B. fusca sites analysis, one QTL for stem tunnelling was revealed on chromosome 4 (LOD 2.86) while in the C. partellus combined sites, one QTL for reduced stem tunnelling on chromosome 4 (LOD 2.81), and another QTL for reduced number of borer exit holes was revealed on chromosome 5 (LOD 2.53). Individual sites analyses revealed five QTL for reduced stem tunnelling, three for stem exit holes and two for leaf damage. Phenotypic variances explained by each QTL ranged from 6 to 10% suggesting a need to validate these QTL using a larger population and in different environments. Variability for resistance against maize stem borers was identified and germplasm identified as highly resistant are recommended as novel sources of resistance for stem borer resistance breeding in SSA. Information on resistant commercial hybrids and OPVs should to be disseminated to farmers in the relevant ecologies for adoption to curb grain yield losses. Trichome density, leaf toughness and stem sugar content could be adopted as satisfactory indicators of resistance mechanisms and used for pyramiding of resistance genes for high and durable resistance. Quantitative trait loci for the three putative resistance traits were detected in the CIMMYT tropical population studied. Overall, this study identified new sources of resistance to spotted and African stem borers in tropical maize germplasm that could be used as new varieties and/or used as sources of resistance in breeding for resistance to stem borers.
Repellence of cattle anal odor constituents and selected analogues against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus.
(Chuka University, 2015) Kariuki, M. W.; Ng’ang’a, M. M.; Hassanali, A.; Saini, R. K.
A study was conducted to determine repellence of anal odour constituents, blends and selected analogues against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus control. The odours were trapped, eluted and analyzed by gas chromatography-linked mass spectrometry. Constituents were identified by comparing their mass spectra with those in the National Institute of Standards and Technology libraries. Major constituents were o-xylene, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, ethyl benzene, 2,6,6-trimethyl-[1S(1α,β,5α)]bicycloheptanes, 5-ethoxydihydro-2(3H)-furanone, 3-methylene-2-pentanone, 5-methyl-2-phenyl-1H-indole, and 3-pentanone. Repellency of the odours, selected constituents and blends was evaluated using dual choice tick climbing assay. The 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol was most repellent (RD75 =0.56) and 3-pentanone least active (RD75 = 622.7). Two blends that were more repellent than the anal odour were: made up of 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 3-pentanone, 3-methyl-2-pentanone, and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, with RD75 of 0.032, and another without 3-pentanone, with RD75= 0.019; p≤0.05, SNK. Bioassays of analogues of 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol (4-Methylguaiacol) was done: guaiacol, eugenol, 3,4-methylenedioxytoluene and 2,4-dimethylphenol, where 3,4-Methylenedioxytoluene was inactive, while 2,4-dimethylphenol was most repellent (RD75= 0.0089) compared to all compounds and blends tested. The 2,4-dimethylphenol analogue of 4-methylguaiacol may represent a promising additional tool in the arsenal of techniques in East Coast Fever control.
Nutrient and anti-nutrient content of selected wild food plants from Ithanga division, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Mugera, D. K.; Kinyuru, J. N.; Mwaniki. M. W.; Njoroge, G. N.
Wild food plants play an important role in the diet of inhabitants of Ithanga Division as famine foods during lean seasons. The area is ASAL, receives unreliable rainfall and frequent drought followed by food insecurity, malnutrition, especially in children less than 5-years-old. Locals use wild food plants to meet nutritional requirements. However, there is lack of data on nutrients in these plants. This study determined nutritional potential of selected wild food plants to enhance utilization and management of moderate malnutrition and food insecurity. Ten samples were collected through random sampling, washed, dried in oven at 60oC, ground into powder and analyzed for proximate composition, nutrient, mineral and tannin contents. Proximate composition varied with moisture content, ranging from 48.33-90.77%, with Cyperus rotundus having lower value of 48.33±0.54 and Oxygonium sinuatum highest value of 90.77% ± 0.54. The crude fibre content on dry weight basis was moderately low, ranging from 6.29-20.73 mg/100 g. The crude protein ranged from 1.68-11.6 mg/100 g, with highest in O. sinuatum and lowest in Lantana camara. Vitamin C and betacarotene were higher in CUumis dipsaceus (50.24±5.13) and Amaranthus dubius (5.24±1.89), while lower in Commelina africana (7.60±0.84) and Lantana camara (0.02±0.01) mg/100g, respectively. Zn content on dwb in Oxygonium sinuatum was 28.15mg/100g) and comparable with or higher than cultivated counterparts. Tannin content ranged from 3169-678mg/100g and was higher in Grewia bicolor and lower in C. dipsaceus, respectively. Thus, the wild food plants are good sources of nutrients and can be utilized to mitigate micro and macronutrient malnutrition to improve food security.
Computer ergonomic issues in learning institutions in Kenya: Case study of Kirinyaga county
(Chuka University, 2015) Shikhuyu, J.; Mwangi, E. G.
Learning institutions are emphasizing computer hardware and software, while neglecting computer hardware compliance with ergonomics. Since non-compliance to good ergonomic practices is not a onetime effect, users are not usually aware of the negative impact on their being until too late. The question of ergonomics is very sensitive during this era when the government is championing use of ICT in all learning institutions. The health-risks that come with non-compliance cannot be underestimated. This study investigated computer ergonomic issues and problems that face students when using computers as tools of learning in selected primary, secondary and university institutions in Kirinyaga County. Purposive sampling was used to select the institutions. Stratified sampling was used to pick the sample size. In each stratum, random sampling was adopted. Total sample size was 350. Closed ended questionnaire was constructed and self-administered to collect information about computer related ergonomic issues and habits of students. Data were analyzed and presented using SPSS V20. Most of the institutions don’t have ergonomic furniture. Laboratories and computer screens were poorly lit. Most institutions used older machines that produced noise and emitted a lot of heat. Laboratories were poorly ventilated and respondents were not aware of ergonomic practices and habits and the risks that come as a result of non-compliance. Learning institutions lack knowledge on the importance of computer ergonomics. Thus stakeholders need to intensify campaigns on computer ergonomics in learning institutions.