Library and other Administrative Departments
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Item 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.Item 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.Item Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Mechanism: Awareness and Involvement of Staff and Students: A case of Marist International University College (MIUC).(The Agakhan University, 2019) Okello, Jacklyne AlariBetween October 2015 and April 2017, the School of Education, Kenyatta University in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) organized three capacity building workshops for its lecturers on Integration of ICT in teaching and learning. During the 3rd workshop held in March 2017 and whose focus was on online Assessment it was noted that despite the university’s investment in a Learning Management System (LMS) for online teaching and learning, lecturers had not utilized it for formative learner assessment. Consequently, even students enrolled in the distance learning mode would come to campus for their Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs). Therefore, it was agreed that after the training, the departments of Educational Psychology and Educational Management would play the role of trailblazers in giving online Continuous Assessments Tests (CATs) in the School of Education. In the 2nd semester of 2016/2017 academic year and the 1st semester of the 2017/2018 academic year, the two departments gave a total of four online CATS in four different units to over 9,000 undergraduate students. This innovation in assessment informed this study whose purpose was to document the views and experiences of both students and lecturers on online CATs. The objectives of the study were to: capture the views of students and lecturers about the online CATs; identify challenges hindering effectiveness of on-line CATs; document the lessons learnt from administering on-line CATs. The study embraced a mixed methods design that enabled collection and triangulation of quantitative data from students and qualitative data from lecturers. Quantitative data was collected from students through an online questionnaire while qualitative data was collected from lecturers through a Focus Group Discussion Guide. The results indicated that the students were initially apprehensive before the on-line CAT but after they were done a majority stated that they enjoyed the experience and would opt for such assessments in future. A majority of the students also praised the technical support given during the CAT, the immediate feedback and the sense of control of their marks. Results from the lecturers also showed that that they were at first skeptical about mounting an on-line CAT. However, after the on-line CATs were given, their perception changed and they appreciated there was less work afterwards in terms of marking and grading. Lecturers also noted that on-line CATs enhanced the objectivity of the scores as they reduced human error. Challenges that hindered effectiveness of the on-line CATs were identified, namely: missing students’ registration numbers in the LMS making it difficult for lecturers to collate marks, slow internet during on-line CAT, faulty passwords for students, interruption from other students in computer lab and strict marking in the short answer items. The key lesson learnt is that online assessment confers benefits to the university, lecturers and students. The study concludes that the university has the resources (technical and human) to conduct online formative assessment. However, there is need for more capacity building of staff and students on online formative assessment. The University also needs to review its examination policy to embrace online assessment so as to cover possible malpracticessuch as cheating.Item Teachers’ and students’ perceptions about form one placement of students in public secondary schools in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Kenya(General Studies, 2013) Okello, Jacklyne Alari; Migosi, j.; Evusa, Z.The study was geared towards establishing teachers and students perceptions about Form One placement of students in public secondary schools in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Kenya. The study targeted all teachers, students, guidance and counseling teachers and principals from public secondary schools in Mumias division. The literature revealed that quality student placement at all levels is very critical. The study employed a descriptive survey and phenomenological research designs and was conducted in 4 sampled public secondary schools in Mumias Division. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were used to select the schools. A sample of 170 Form One and Form Two students, 20 teachers, 4 guidance and counseling teachers and 4 principals from the 4 public secondary schools participated in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires for students and teachers and semi structured interview guides for guidance and counseling teachers and principals. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 and presented using frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed, discussed in accordance with research questions and reported in narrative form. The findings revealed that both teachers and students concurred that public secondary school placement of students is affected by other factors such as family background and parental involvement in education. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education (MoE) should review the new form one selection criteria so that the selection and admission of students should be fair and just based on merit in consideration of the students choices of schools. The study suggested that a comparative study be carried out on the student involvement in secondary school placement of students in private and public secondary schools.Item Training and Development of the Human Resource in Institutes of Consecrated Life: A Case of Tangaza University College (TUC) and Marist International University College (MIUC)(International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM), 2015) Okello, Jacklyne AlariThis study focuses on training and development of the human resource in institutes of consecrated life; a case of Tangaza University College (TUC) and Marist International University College (MIUC). Institutions and organizations exist to achieve certain goals and objectives. These goals and objectives can be successfully achieved through the human resource. However, the human resource must have the right skills and continuously polish their skills. The human resource that is the centre of interest in this study is the consecrated men and women who are members of the institutes of consecrated life in TUC and MIUC and their leadership. Njino (2009) strongly argues that the Church has enormous human resource but at times this resource is underutilized and its abilities and potential are unexploited or unrecognized. This was the motivation and driving factor for this study. The researcher carried out a survey. The specific method employed was descriptive survey design. The target population for the study was all professed members of institutes of consecrated life both men and women with their leadership. The study was developed by integrating interactive shared experiences of men and women religious. These are presented as cases within the different chapters. As a result the researcher only used questionnaires that contained both closed ended and open ended questions in data collection. A total of 242 individual members and 20 members of the different leadership categories of institutes of consecrated life participated in the study. The findings reveal that availability of training policies is dependent on the category of institutes of consecrated life. Majority of the respondents indicated that professional training of members was not a priority for the leadership of the institutes of consecrated life. Work allotment entirely depends on the needs of the individual institute of consecrated life. The researcher recommends that more emphasis is to be put in the training and development of the human resource in institutes of consecrated life. This is because it shall ensure sustainability of the institute. Key words: training, development, human resource, institutItem eResearch Support: An Exploratory Study of Private University Libraries in Nairobi County, Kenya(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2019-06) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mboneThis 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 permissionItem Networking as a new way of communication and sharing information(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2013-12-01) Anduvare, Everlyn MmboneAccording 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.Item 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, MabelThis 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 KMItem Developing a knowledge management strategy for the Marist International University College, Nairobi-Kenya(University of South Africa, 2015-02) Anduvare, Everlyn M'mboneMarist 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.Item 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, LucyWebometrics 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.
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