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An Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge Legislation and Policies in Kenya
(2016-08) Chepchirchir, Sally; Kwanya, Tom
Since the dawn of history, humanity has always sought more knowledge to feed families, stay healthy, argue with neighbours, and understand the immediate environment, among other issues. Before scientific approaches of knowledge discovery emerged, local ways of solving problems were already strongly established. These ways have persisted to date and comprise what is known as indigenous knowledge (IK). As society scientifically developed, IK became a neglected area whose potential as a resource in development was forgotten. This neglect has led to myriad socioeconomic challenges affecting food security, environmental conservation, health and social cohesion, among others. Therefore, the need to rediscover and mainstream IK in development is great. This need is anchored on the understanding that IK is the basis for local-level decision making in agriculture, healthcare, food preparation, education, natural-resource management, and a host of other activities. One of the perspectives of enhancing the creation, use and perpetuation of IK is enactment of facilitative policies and legislation. This chapter analyses the IK legislation and policies in Kenya and the extent to which they have been implemented and thereafter recommends strategies which can be used to enhance the impact of IK in socioeconomic development in Kenya. Data that informed the study leading to this chapter were collected through content analysis of the existing IK policies and legislation. Additional data were collected through key informant interviews with information science professionals and policy makers. The study revealed that several legislative and policy provisions on the regulation, preservation, management, use and development of indigenous knowledge exist in Kenya. However, there are many gaps in the content and implementation of these provisions which should be addressed to enhance their impact on the promotion, growth and perpetuation of indigenous knowledge in Kenya. The findings here may be used by information practitioners, policy makers and communities to enhance the creation, use and impact of IK.
Application of Knowledge Management Pillars in Enhancing Performance of Kenyan Universities
(research gate, 2011-01) Wakasa, Murumba, Joan
Data are simple, discrete facts and figures such as names, characteristics and amounts. Information is more complex, for it organizes data for a meaningful purpose. Data might be a table of circulation statistics, but once those statistics are arranged or organized in a meaningful way to describe trends in library use, they become information. According to Davenport and Prusak, knowledge is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual information and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experience and information. It originates and is applied in the minds of those who know. In organizations, it often becomes embedded not only in documents and repositories but also in organizational routines, processes, practices, and norms. While data and information are in a sense bound objects, knowledge is a process, a dynamic, or an ability to understand and to share understanding. There is need for institutions of higher learning to consider the creation of knowledge management (KM) departments which enhance the application of KM elements into the institutional processes. This paper endeavors to identify the need for application and integration of KM pillars for organizational success. Through non-probability sampling, the author observed issues relating to applicability of KM pillars in Kenyan universities, besides analyzing statements in journals, print and electronic documents on this subject. The discussions show the current KM status is still not exploited in Kenyan universities. The main aspects found include current proposals with regard to information and communication technology infrastructure, harnessing and preserving knowledge, knowledge and skills development in the context of KM. The author suggests ways of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of KM pillars in the performance of Kenyan universities.
Assessment of Reengineered Library Services and Spaces for Improved User Experience in Universities in Kenya
(Journal of Arts & Humanities, 2019-04) Musangi, Penninah S.; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom
Innovation and transformation have been synonymous with the library environment, as they strive to rethink the services they offer amidst the changing information landscape. This paper assesses the reengineered library services and spaces in universities. The paper demonstrates how university libraries in Kenya have reengineered their services and spaces variably in order to cope with the changes in the information landscape and for improved user experience. However, despite the strides made by libraries in responding to the changes in information landscape, there is reported mixed user experience on the reengineered services and spaces. A multiple case study approach of six purposively selected private and public university libraries in Kenya based on Webometric ranking as an indicator of reengineering was used. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 30 librarians and 25 focus groups of students. The study established that university libraries have reengineered their services to respond to the changes and nurture a competitive advantage, but users still associate libraries with the traditional services. Additionally, reengineering has not had an effect on the satisfaction levels and usage of the library. The authors conclude that reengineering library services and spaces in universities has not improved user experience. The study recommends continuous reviews of the reengineered services for improvements or redesign; involvement of library users in the redesign of the services, and promotion of the reengineered services.
Challenges facing Academic Libraries in Supporting Webometrics Ranking of Universities in Kenya
(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2019) Wamahiga, M. George; Kwanya, Tom; Ndegwa, Lucy
Webometrics refers to the study of the quantitative aspects of the creation and usage of information resources, structures and technologies on the web drawing on bibliometric and infometric approaches. Across the world, libraries are committed to providing equal and rightful access to information. Therefore, libraries play a major role in influencing Webometrics ranking of universities across the world. Academic libraries influence Webometrics ranking through generation of scientific publications and other scholarly resources. Despite the remarkable success in Academic libraries’ influence on Webometrics ranking, there are a number of setbacks facing these libraries in the effective facilitation of Webometrics ranking. This study examined the challenges facing academic libraries in supporting Webometrics ranking of universities in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed research design. The researcher collected data from a representative sample of 30 % of the entire target population in University of Nairobi, Chuka University and Kirinyaga University. The selection of the three universities was based on the most recent Webometrics rankings. The respondents were drawn from library, ICT and research Departments. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics that is frequency distribution tables to compute mean. The study established that Bureaucratic and connectivity barriers as well as substandard research and inadequate knowledge on Webometrics are the key challenges facing Kenyan academic libraries in supporting improved webometrics ranking. 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. The findings may also help policy makers and policy implementers to effectively understand the challenges facing academic libraries in supporting Webometrics ranking of universities in Kenya and hence improve opportunities for upscaling Webometrics in academic institutions.
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.
Electronic Records Management Strategies by Government Agencies in Kenya
(Record and Library Journal, 2019-09-30) Limo, Jonathan; Kwanya, Tom; Chepchirchir, Sally
Background of the study: With the advancement in technology, government agencies generate, receive or use records in electronic formats. There is need to develop appropriate strategies to manage these electronic records effectively. An electronic records management strategy must be aligned to the agency’s legal mandate as well as reflect best records management practices and technological options. Purpose: This chapter explores the extent to which government agencies in Kenya apply electronic records management strategies in regard to legal framework, long-term preservation, metadata, file naming and file formats, and digital media storage. Method: Additional data was collected through a review of relevant literature. The data was analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. Findings: The findings indicate that the Government of Kenya recognises electronic records as valuable. The study leading to this chapter was conducted as an online survey through which data was collected from records managers working in 90 government agencies who are members of the Network of Library & Information Professionals in Kenya. The link to the online questionnaire, hosted on Google Forms, was circulated through the network’s administrator. 38 officers successfully filled the forms. Conclusion: It has developed and deployed several policies and legislation to enhance the management and use of electronic records for posterity. However, the government lacks facilitative structural and budgetary provisions to implement these effectively.
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
Information Commons: A Service Model for Academic Libraries in Kenya
(Digital Technologies for Information and Knowledge Management, 2019-05) Musangi, Penninah; Odero, Damaris; Kwanya, Tom
The changing information landscape in today’s library environment has compelled libraries to shift from the conventional library service models to new service models. One of the new service models is Information Commons which is being embraced to satisfy the changing needs and demands by the current generation for technology-oriented services and products. This chapter explores the concept of Information Commons, describes its features and assesses the extent to which academic libraries in Kenya have transformed their physical spaces to Information Commons. This study on which this chapter is based was exploratory and adopted a mixed-methods research design. Data was collected from 30 librarians in six universities using face-to-face interviews and observation. 73% of librarians are familiar with the concept of Information Commons; no university has established an Information Commons; and various aspects of the Information Commons model exist but in fragmented form. Information Commons model is a promising and tenable solution to the challenge of academic libraries offering relevant services and facilities. This study offers insights in the design and composition of an Information Commons in academic libraries. Information Commons is still a novel idea to libraries in Kenya and therefore the results of this study adds to the general knowledge on this model and contextualises its implementation to academic libraries in Kenya.
Information Organization Activities in the Knowledge Management Setting
(Journal of Digital Information Management, 2021) Masinde, Johnson Mulongo; Otuoma, Sanya
This study examines information organization activities in the knowledge management environment. The investigation commences with the long-drawn debate on the concept of Knowledge Management and the literature that has hitherto reviewed it. Furthermore, the study delves into how conventional bibliographic information retrieval techniques and expert search systems have heretofore been applied in the organization and retrieval of digital resources and if they can be employed in the Knowledge management setting. It is contended that though the procedures, tools, and techniques are effectual and productive, they cannot be utilized in a knowledge intensive environment. Accordingly, the study puts forth a generic knowledge management framework that can be applied in a knowledge management setting. In addition, it proposes novel research gaps in the context of information organization.
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.
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
Intellectual Property Rights in Digital Libraries: Status, Interventions, Challenges, and Opportunities for Academic Libraries in Kenya
(International Journal of Information Studies & Libraries, 2020) Chepchirchir, Sally; Limo, Jonathan; Kwanya, Tom
The management of intellectual property rights in digital contexts is increasingly becoming complex. In spite of its benefits, digitisationincreases the vulnerability of digital works, thereby exposing them to violation. This paper discusses the intellectual property rights regime in Kenya; examines intellectual property rights issues academic librarians encounter in the digital information universe; examines how librarians currently safeguard intellectual property rights; and analyses the challenges that hamper the librarians’ efforts to manage intellectual property rights effectively in digital contexts. Data for this paper was collected using the Delphi approach in which a group of 18 purposively-selected academic librarians participated by responding to an online questionnaire. The authors, acting as facilitators, analysed the responses and identified areas for further discussion or clarification, leading to another round of responses. Three rounds were held before consensus was reached. Additional data was obtained through documentary analysis. The findings of the study indicate that there are both local and international legal frameworks for handling intellectual property rights in Kenya. In spite of these, intellectual property violations in the form of plagiarism, piracy, freebooting, and parody are experienced in digital academic library contexts in Kenya. Librarians are making efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights through plagiarism testing; sensitisation of library users on intellectual property rights through comprehensive information literacy programmes; enforcement of citation and referencing styles; and tracking the use of protected information materials. However, these efforts are hampered by versatile technologies making intellectual property infringement easy, lack of landmark convictions in Kenya, inadequate intellectual property rights policies, presence of orphaned works, limitations of anti-plagiarism checkers, as well as lack of coordination and standardisation in violation of intellectual property rights. This is an original study which may contribute to the on-going discourse on how best to manage intellectual property rights while enhancing the access of digital content in libraries.
Library 2.0 and the changing landscape of information services in academic libraries in Kenya
(International Journal of Library and Information Science, 2015-12) Musangi, Penninah Syombua
Traditional models of libraries offering information services are not working for current generation of students. The current generation of library users can be termed as‘digital natives’. These digital natives have grown up in an environment surrounded by rapidly evolving technologies. This means that today’s academic library users think about technology and information differently than previous generations, and expect instant access to information. They can also be called ‘netGen’ users. With this kind of environment and expectations, academic libraries need to evolve by changing to offer user-oriented services and following users into their social spaces by allowing users to participate in the creation of content, keeping the users constantly updated and building services based on their feedback. To achieve this, libraries need to incorporate web 2.0 tools in the way they provide services. Some of the tools to take advantage of include creation of blogs, wikis, flickr, youtube, facebook, RSS feeds, social bookmarks, microblogs, mashups and slideshare among others. Another obvious change noted today and especially in Kenya is the development of university campuses all over the country. For most of these campuses, one will find small rooms as libraries; with minimal resources and a few staff members. This is a challenge and library 2.0 being a combination of both physical and virtual spaces and services can offer solution to such campuses. In addition, many universities are offering distance learning and evening programmes to cater for the working class people who want to advance their careers. Do they have to come all the way to visit the library to get information for their studies? No. Library 2.0 is their way out and therefore academic libraries have to invest in these tools, in addition to off-campus access to e-resources. This paper will discuss library 2.0 as the new model of information provision to library users and especially in the academic world. The library 2.0 tools and technologies will be discussed and how they can be applied in an academic library.
Management of university research output in digital era: A case of Strathmore university library
(research gate, 2013-07) Musangi, Penninah S.; Sawe, Emily Cherono
Today scholarly information is being produced in digital format unlike few years ago when scholars used to present their work in a hard format.Kanyengo (2009) notes that creators of knowledge and publishers of knowledge and everyone who is involved in the production of knowledge prefer the electronic format.A lot of digital content is now being produced in the scholarly world and this has brought serious and pressing issues in the access, preservation an dissemination of the content. This paper will highlight Strathmore university’s experience in using institutional repository to manage their research output, the benefits and the challenges they faced.
Maximising the socioeconomic value of indigenous knowledge through policies and legislation in Kenya
(Emerald insight, 2018) Chepchirchir, Sally; Kwanya, Tom; Kamau, Alice
Purpose – Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the anchor of survival and stability for indigenous communities. The purpose of this study was to establish how the socioeconomic value of IK can be maximised in Kenya througheffectiveenactmentandimplementationofrelevantpoliciesandlegislation. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed methods research using a survey design. The target population comprised 104 top- and middle-level managers drawn from organisations implementing diverse IK policies and legislation. Primary data were collected from the target population using questionnaires.Additional data were collected using content analysis of IK policies and legislation.The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSSVersion22)software. Findings – The ﬁndings revealed a low awareness of the IK policies and legislation by the stakeholders. It also became evident that the policies and legislation relevant to IK are not implemented effectively. The authors conclude that policies and legislation do not maximise the socioeconomic value of IK in Kenya. Originality/value – This is an original study which has practical implications for the use of IK for socioeconomic purposes. The ﬁndings of the study may be used to inﬂuence policy formulation and implementation; theory on IK; and practices which mainstream IK in socioeconomic activities in Kenya and beyond.
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.
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.
Open access initiatives in Kenya: The role of the librarian
(research gate, 2017-07) Musangi, Penninah S.
Open access has brought a revolution in scientific publishing. It has brought about a new business model which allows everyone to read scientific publications free of charge. Open access has been touted as an answer to the high cost of subscriptions for scientific journals amidst reducing budgets. Historically, librarians play a key role to collect, store and disseminate scientific outputs. Nowadays librarians are central in disseminating research outputs by creating and managing institutional repositories. The technological transformations in publishing have put the librarians in the limelight in terms of professional knowledge and skills in the new scholarly communication systems. This calls for rethinking of the place of the librarian by universities as research and scientific publishing are central to any institution of higher learning. The objectives of the study were to examine the level of open access awareness among librarians, establish the existing open access initiatives in universities in Kenya, investigate the role played by librarians in supporting open access initiatives and determine the challenges faced by librarians in open access publishing. Data was collected from librarians in Kenya using a questionnaire and analyzed thematically guided by the objectives. It was found that librarians in Kenya are involved in creating awareness about open access, establishing institutional repositories, uploading content, and creating metadata, among others. However, it was also found that there are various challenges which continue to bedevil the uptake of open access. Some of these include lack of familiarity with the technical standards related to open archiving as well as a negative attitude by teaching faculty and doubts about the quality of open access content. The study recommends to libraries to establish open access advocacy programs; sign open access petitions and mandates; as well develop and implement open access policies.
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).
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).