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    Research data management challenges in Kenya: the case of private universities in Nairobi County
    (2019-09) Anduvare, E. M.; Mutula, S. M.
    This research paper is a spinoff from a Doctoral degree study that was carried out at the University of KwaZulu-Natal between 2017-2019. The aim of the study was to establish the role private university libraries in Nairobi, Kenya play in supporting eResearch and the challenges thereof that librarians and researchers face in the process of managing data. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative epistemological approaches with semi structured interviews and survey questionnaires to collect data from a population consisting of university librarians, faculty members and doctoral students respectively. The population was sampled purposively. The qualitative and quantitative data sets were analysed using SPSS and content analysis respectively. The findings revealed several challenges, which included among others the lack of strategies and policies to guide research data management support, the lack of integrated RDM policies, a research process that was fragmented, and limited ICT policies and infrastructures. The institutionalisation of RDM in the private universities in Kenya is therefore urgent and imperative. The findings have policy, practical and theoretical implications for the effective RDM in Kenyan private universities in order to enhance scientific and scholarly communications. While the focus of the study limits generalisation of the findings, other universities may gain insights on RDM challenges within university settings.
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    Mechanisms Used by Academic Libraries in Kenya to Enhance Webometrics Ranking
    (2023-04) wamahiga, George M.
    Libraries essentially provide equal and fair access to information. Thus, they have a significant influence on the Webometrics ranking of universities across the world. Academic libraries affect Webometrics ranking through the generation of scientific publications and other scholarly resources. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms used by academic libraries in Kenya to enhance Webometrics ranking and to analyse the extent to which Webometrics ranking mechanisms in place in university libraries in Kenya have been successful. This study adopted a mixed research design. The target population included staff members of the University of Nairobi, Chuka University, and Kirinyaga University. A total of 73 staff members from the library, ICT, and research departments involved in Webometrics ranking were selected purposively. Semi-structured questionnaires were used as the data collection instruments. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study established that mechanisms put in place to enhance the participation of university libraries in Kenya in the Webometrics ranking include improved us and submission of e-resources as well as promotion of high-quality research in the institutions. Webometrics ranking mechanisms currently in place at the university libraries in Kenya have only been moderately successful. The findings of this study may be used by other institutions of higher learning on the mechanisms they can adopt to increase the capacities of their academic libraries so as to improve the contribution of these libraries to Webometrics and consequently to the overall ranking of the individual universities nationally and internationally.
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    The Quest for Quality in University Education in the Post COVID-19 Era: Do Anti-plagiarism Tools Still Matter?
    (KLISC, 2023-09-27) Kavulya, Joseph M.
    Plagiarism is a major global challenge to quality assurance in higher education. Various efforts have been made to overcome the menace including the use of anti-plagiarism tools. At the same time, many questions have been raised about the efficacy of the current generation of tools in detecting, preventing plagiarism, and guaranteeing the quality of education. This paper examines the limitations of plagiarism detection tools in enhancing the quality of academic outcomes and proposes measures for improvement. The paper argues that while anti-plagiarism software has a role in preventing plagiarism in academic writing and academic integrity, they are not the panacea to the plagiarism pandemic, especially in the COVID-19 era. It proposes that there is a need to reform methods of assessment and implement forward-looking policies to address the underlying causes of plagiarism, provide students with appropriate information literacy skills training, and above all cultivate a culture of academic integrity in higher education institutions (HEIs).
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    The Quest for Quality in University Education in the Post COVID-19 Era: Do Anti-plagiarism Tools Still Matter?
    (Research Gate, 2022-06) Kavulya, Joseph M.; Kiilu, Vincent Bob; Kyengo, Bernadetta N.
    Plagiarism is a major global challenge to quality assurance in higher education. Various efforts have been made to overcome the menace including the use of anti-plagiarism tools. At the same time, many questions have been raised about the efficacy of the current generation of tools in detecting, preventing plagiarism, and guaranteeing the quality of education. This paper examines the limitations of plagiarism detection tools in enhancing quality in academic outcomes and proposes measures for improvement. The paper argues that while anti plagiarism software has a role in preventing plagiarism in academic writing and academic integrity, they are not the panacea to the plagiarism pandemic, especially in the COVID-19 era. It proposes that there is a need to reform methods of assessment and implement forward looking policies to address the underlying causes of plagiarism, provide students with appropriate information literacy skills training, and above all cultivate a culture of academic integrity in higher education institutions (HEIs).
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    Innovative use of Information Technology to Enhance Knowledge Management Practices at the Marist International University College, Nairobi - Kenya
    (University of Pretoria, 2016) Anduvare, Everlyn M.
    The study aims to identify and recommend to the Marist International University College (MIUC) technologies that enhance knowledge management, with a particular focus on collaborative and distributed learning. Design/methodology/approach Nine senior full-time academic staff members were purposively selected for the study. The study employed a qualitative research design that involved the use of Google forms to conduct an online survey to collect data from the target population, and it achieved a 100% response rate. Using content analysis, data were analysed, interpreted and presented in a mini-dissertation. Findings This research paper presents the findings relating to the innovative use of technologies to enhance collaborative and distributive learning. The findings confirm the existence of informal knowledge management practices at the MIUC and recommend technologies established through a review of the literature to expedite these practices. Practical implications The proposed technologies are thought to be useful in enhancing collaborative and distributed learning in academic institutions as technologies act as enablers in knowledge management within academia. Originality/value As technologies continue to emerge, there is a chance for universities to hit a stalemate in terms of identifying appropriate technologies to enable knowledge management. This paper contributes by identifying not only KM practices at the university under study but also specific multimedia, social media, media sharing and brainstorming technologies from the literature that would be ideal in enhancing collaborative and distributed learning.
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    eResearch Support: An Exploratory Study of Private University Libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya
    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2019-06) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone
    This exploratory study was carried out in Nairobi County, Kenya to investigate the role of private university libraries in supporting eResearch. The study used a multiple-case study design involving six private chartered universities that included Africa International University, Africa Nazarene University, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Daystar University, Pan Africa Christian University, and the United States International University. The following research questions were addressed: How do the organisation structures of the university libraries support eResearch? What positions in the organisation structure and competencies are available for coordinating eResearch? How is curation, analysis, and provenance (Metadata) of both basic data and information produced by research achieved? What problems of data management, organisation, dissemination, and preservation exist and how can they be addressed? What procedures, tools, and policies are used to promote eResearch? What is the inclination of library and academic staff towards eResearch? The study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks namely: The Purdue University Libraries (PUL) model and the eResearch Capability Model (eRCM) respectively. A pragmatic paradigm was adopted, which provided a basis for the use of mixed methods encompassing qualitative and quantitative approaches. The unit of analysis consisted of PhD students, Faculty, University Librarians, Reference Librarians, and Institutional Repository Managers. PhD students and Faculty are the most active group in research in the universities. Librarians on the other hand, are involved in providing eResearch support. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 306 PhD students, 462 Faculty members, 13 Reference Librarians, and 7 IR Managers, while interviews were used to collect data from the University Librarians. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 21 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Validity was enhanced through deriving questions from the set objectives, reviewing and adopting methodologies from previous studies and application of a multiple-case design to enhance generalisabilty of the results. Reliability was ascertained through pre-testing of the survey questionnaires and subjecting it to Cronbach’s Alpha where a coefficient Alpha of 0.895 was achieved indicating a high reliability. The study complied with research ethical protocols of the UKZN and permission
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    Networking as a new way of communication and sharing information
    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2013-12-01) Anduvare, Everlyn Mmbone
    According to whatis.com (2006) Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighbourhood subdivision. Social networking may take the form of bringing together people who share interests in the real world i.e. in person. In fact, social networking is said to have gone on almost as long as societies themselves have existed (whatis.com 2006). Despite the fact that social networking has existed through personal contacts over the years, it has increasingly become more popular online. This is due to the advent of internet connections through which millions of people can get in touch with one another just by a click of a mouse and share information. Whatis.com (2006) points out that social networking establishes interconnected Internet communities (sometimes known as personal networks) that help people make contacts that would be good for them to know, but that they would be unlikely to have met otherwise. In general, it works like this: you join one of the sites and invite people you know to join as well. Those people invite their contacts to join, who in turn invite their contact through anyone they have a connection to, to any of the people that person has a connection to, and so on. Web-based social networking has therefore quickly gained popularity because of its ease of use. All that one need is an internet connection and to know the website that will be of interest to him or her. Most web based social network sites are free of charge to access; one is only required to become a member. In this paper focus is placed on web based social networking and how it has improved communication.
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    Technological capability of the Marist International University College to support a knowledge management initiative
    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2014-12-14) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone; Minishi-Majanja, Mabel
    This article is based on a Master’s degree study which aimed to conduct a knowledge management (KM) assessment at the Marist International University College (MIUC), Nairobi-Kenya. Adopting the technology aspect of the Arthur Andersen’s Knowledge Management Assessment Tool (KMAT) model, one objective focused on taking inventory of the technologies at the MIUC that support KM. The mixed method approach was employed to collect data from the MIUC staff using a questionnaire and interviews. A purposive sampling technique ensured that respondents included key role players in KM activities at the MIUC. Using data transformation analysis, qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews were quantified using content analysis. Quantitative data in the questionnaires were descriptively analysed using SPSS. The study found that the MIUC’s ICT infrastructure was inadequate in bandwidth and tools to support KM. The study recommends that the MIUC should invest in a systems upgrade of its ICT infrastructure to support KM adequately, and additionally develop policies and procedures to guide in the proper utilisation of ICT tools to enhance KM
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    Developing a knowledge management strategy for the Marist International University College, Nairobi-Kenya
    (University of South Africa, 2015-02) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone
    Marist International University College, Nairobi – Kenya is challenged with problems like duplication of work due to lack of a central repository for knowledge, loss of knowledge through expertise leaving the institution without knowledge being captured and over reliance on a few known subject experts as others have not been identified. This research thus set out to address these problems. The aim of the study was to conduct a knowledge management assessment at the Marist International University College (MIUC) in order to identify and recommend a suitable strategy for the institution. The study employed a concurrent triangulation mixed methodology approach which encompassed a questionnaire and an interview schedule to collect data from 33 academic staff and 9 members of the MIUC management respectively. These two groups were purposively selected as the target population for the study as they play the key role in knowledge creation at MIUC. All 33 copies of the questionnaires that were distributed to the teaching staff were returned by respondents and all the 9 MIUC members of management were successfully interviewed. Data transformation analysis was applied during which qualitative data from open-ended questions and interviews were quantified using content analysis. Quantitative data in the questionnaires was descriptively analysed using SPSS. The study revealed a variety of informal knowledge management structures and resources at MIUC and the challenges of managing knowledge at Marist. The main challenge was that there was no uniformity and consistency in the management of knowledge. The study hence, formulated a KM strategy for MIUC that would help leverage its knowledge assets.
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    Innovative use of technologies to enhance knowledge management
    (Emerald, 2020-06-03) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mbone; Holmner, Marlene
    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model to show how continuous joint learning of participant organisations improves project performance. Performance heterogeneity between collaborative infrastructure projects is typically examined by considering procurement systems and their governance mechanisms at static points in time. The literature neglects to consider the impact of dynamic learning capability, which is thought to reconfigure governance mechanisms over time in response to evolving market conditions. Design/methodology/approach – There are two stages of conceptual development. In the first stage, the management literature is analysed to explain the standard model of dynamic learning capability that emphasises three learning phases for organisations. This standard model is extended to derive a novel circular model of dynamic learning capability that shows a new feedback loop between performance and learning. In the second stage, the construction management literature is consulted, adding project lifecycle, stakeholder diversity and three organisational levels to the analysis to arrive at the collaborative model of dynamic learning capability. Findings – The collaborative model should enable construction organisations to successfully adapt and perform under changing market conditions. The complexity of learning cycles result in capabilities that are imperfectly imitable between organisations, explaining performance heterogeneity on projects. Originality/value – The collaborative model provides a theoretically substantiated description of project performance, driven by the evolution of procurement systems and governance mechanisms. The model’s empirical value will be tested in future research
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