Zachary B Awino.
This study was anchored on the proposition that proper utilization of competencies creates proficiencies that build a niche for the firm. The study sought to make a contribution by focusing on how competencies can be crafted by it to knowledge management in an integrated structure to improve performance of multinational firms. The broad objective of the study was to determine the how firm competencies and knowledge management integrated to enhance competitive advantage of MNC’s in Kenya. This study was anchored on the resource based view theory and knowledge based view theory. The study adopted positivism orientation and a descriptive cross sectional survey was used to find out whether there was a significant association among study variables at a specific point in time. The study population was 104 multinational corporations operating in Kenya. Primary data was collected on a semi- structured questionnaire comprising a five point likert-type scale. Data was analyzed using infernal statistics. Correlation and multiple regression evaluated the relationship between the variables. Regression analysis was used to predict the unknown value of variables from two or more variables. The study established a significant relationship between firm competencies and knowledge management of MNCs. A significant relationship between knowledge management and firm competencies was established. The study has made a unique theoretical contribution by linking the theoretical views into an integrated framework. The findings of this study were consistent with past studies and supported theoretical assertions that sustained competitive advantage cannot be explained by isolated factors. The study concluded that for multinational corporations to enhance their performance they must utilize the competencies that they have, make use of the knowledge they possess and create synchrony between the variables. The current study extends knowledge frontiers in international business arena to cover competencies as a mature discipline that affects multinationals performance. Theoretically, the study increases knowledge in relation to the firm competencies- performance relationship. Policy makers will utilize the study findings to facilitate multinational corporations align to policies that will lead to economic prosperity. The study has a major implication on managerial practice in that managers can realize their organizations full potential by crafting competencies and embracing knowledge management to upsurge improved performance. Firms can also be encouraged to develop strategies consistent with superior performance. The study also discussed concepts in a bid to explore policies that can strengthen linkages between international business research and national objectives. Future studies need to emphasize on other variables that may affect the performance of multinationals either directly or as moderating variables.
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Jane Achieng Achola, George K. King\\\\\\\'oriah, James Mwitari, Gabriel Kishoyian and George Orinda.
Background: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has become one of the driving forces in facilitation of learning in most colleges. The ability to effectively harness the technology varies from institution to institution globally. However, ICT has not been extensive in education systems worldwide as found in other fields, such as business and engineering. Reasons for the low adoption or absence of ICT in education systems also vary significantly depending on the prevailing circumstances. To improve on this, the study was aimed at investigating the extent to which lecturers’ personal and institutional attributes influence their utilization of information communication technology.
Method: The study was a descriptive cross sectional survey conducted at the Kenya Medical Training College. The study population includes all lecturers employed by KMTC Nairobi campus; on permanent basis, those on secondment by the Ministry of Medical Services and all the external lectures who are contracted in all the faculties totaling 295.A sample size of 155 lecturers was selected using a table of random numbers. A stratified sampling was followed so as to get equal proportions basing on gender and depending on the number of lecturers in each faculty. A self administered and coded questionnaire was given to the lecturers to fill. Data from questionnaires were analyzed in frequencies and percentages using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19, this was reliable tool for quantitative data analysis.
Results: Of the 155 respondents, 93 (60%) of the respondents were males while 62 (40%). The results obtained showed that institutional support by provision of resources for ICT related training such as internet, computers, laptops and projectors had moderate impact on use of ICT. Statistically significant associations were observed on the use of ICT (p=0.000), institutional attributes with ICT use (p=0.049) and use of ICT with its policies (p=0.013. However, there was no significant different on the use of ICT with individual attributes (p=0.661).
Conclusion: The study concluded that institutional attributes and ICT policy were keys to utilization of ICT to facilitate learning by the lecturers at KMTC. The study observed that institutional support especially in provision of resources to fast track ICT utilization was critical in facilitating the use of ICT, need for a mandatory policy on use of ICT by lecturers to facilitate learning. However, in order to achieve ICT policies that support facilitation of learning in collages, a mechanism should be put in place to make the use of ICT in teaching and learning mandatory.
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Irum Qureshi
Nurses are health care professionals whose duty it is to protect patients from acquiring infections while hospitalized or while in a health care setup. By maintaining an infection-free environment, the patient’s recovery will be promoted and high-quality nursing care will be delivered.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses regarding infection prevention and control.
Material and Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Multan. Stratified random sampling was performed.
Result and Conclusion: A total of n= 196 nurses of all categories were recruited in the study. Most of the participants were female; 84.7% (n= 166) while 15.3 % (n= 30) were male. The majority of participants had good knowledge of infection prevention and control with the mean score of 83.21. The attitude towards infection prevention and control was good with a mean score of 81.37. The practice in infection prevention and control was poor with a mean score of 48.88. Based on the findings of the current study, it can be concluded that, despite performing well in knowledge and showing a positive attitude towards infection prevention and control, nurses had unsatisfactory practice levels regarding infection prevention and control, exposing the pat1ients to infection-related diseases.
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Nankya Viola, Hilard Nuwasiima, Ndagire Nuruh and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu
In Uganda, newborn care remains poor since more than 75% of newborn deaths still results from preventable causes if appropriate newborn care practices are implemented. This study explored the knowledge and practices on newborn care among nurses in Kitagata hospital, Sheema Districts. A cross sectional study design was used to assess 40 nurses who were selected by simple random sampling and assessed by questionnaire, data was analyzed by SPSS and results presented by tables and figures. Results revealed that all 40(100%) nurses had ever heard of new born baby care, 40(100%) to identify preterm babies, 36(90%) had ever got extra training on baby care, 39(97.5%) knew hypothermia as a risk in new born babies while only a few 22(55%) knew that newborn babies are also at risk of hypoglycemia, 40(100%) nurses knew high temperatures as danger sign in newborns. 38(95%) of nurses had ever cared for new born baby during their professional nursing practice where 38(100%) suctioned newborn airway and did not touch newborn baby’s cord with bare hands to avoid infections, , 38(100%) of nurses-maintained warmth by attachment of babies to the mothers’ body, 30(78.9%) of nurses maintained premature glucose levels by maintenance fluids and 30(78.9%) ensured that newborn babies are also immunized yet only very few 2(5.3%) of nurses monitored for danger signs while they carried out newborn baby care. The nurse’s knowledge on newborn care were generally fair and so were their practices.
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Nankya Viola, Sharifah Nantongo, Ndagire Nuruh and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu
The study was focused on the knowledge, and practices of nurses towards preoperative care of surgical patients at KIU-TH Bushenyi districts.The purpose of the study wasto asses nurse’s knowledge and practices towards preoperative care of surgical patients at KIU -TH Bushenyi district. This study adopted a cross sectional study design using quantitative research approach to collect data and 35 respondents were involved, nurses on surgical, orthopaedic, and accident and emergency wards were involved in the study.According to the study, nurses have good quite good knowledge about preoperative care based on the fact that most of them clearly defined it well. The study found out that the majority of the respondents agreed that the aim of preoperative care is to prepare patients for surgery while the least strongly agreed. Response on whether there is need for nurses to establish good rapport with patients before they go for surgery in order to promote trust between the nurse and the patient showed that the majority of the patients strongly agreed while the least strongly disagreed. A big number of respondents disagreed on developing nursing care plans for the patients, while only a few strongly agreed with it.Few respondents strongly agreed that they alwaysmonitor vital observations prior to surgery while the majority strongly disagreed with it.
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Nankya Viola, Medius Katusiime, Ndagire Nuruh and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu
In Uganda, hospital acquired pneumonia is the leading infection acquired from hospitals accounting for 33.3% of all hospital acquired infections. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge and practices of nurses at Ishaka Adventist hospital on prevention of hospital acquired pneumonia. A quantitative cross sectional using a questionnaire assessed 44 nurses from Ishaka Adventist Hospital using convenient sampling method. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 ad presented in tables and figures. Results of the study found that 41(93%) of nurses had heard about prevention of HAP prevention, 8(44%) of nurses did not know that suctioning catheters for very sick patients are supposed to be used once to prevent HAP, 21(51.2%) of nurses knew recovery position as safer positions for nursing very sick patients in order to prevent developing HAP 30(73.2) of nurses knew cough as early warning sign HAP, 28(68.2%) of nurses knew prophylaxis for Hap prevention 40(97.6%) of nurses knew aseptic techniques as precautions necessary for HAP prevention. 30(75%) of nurses hand washed to patient to prevent HAP, 39(97.5%) never avoided giving their HAP high risk patients PPIs, 35(87.5%) sterilized all instruments used while caring for very sick and other HAP high risk patients to prevent HAP, 36(90%) did not do oral care using salt/chrolohexidine for HAP prevention and 40(100%) of nurses who never practices rotational therapy for very sick and bedridden patients for HAP prevention. In conclusion, the knowledge on HAP prevention was poor as well as HAP prevention practices.
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Esther Ugo Alum, Okechukwu P. C. Ugwu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Obasi Uche Orji, Nzubechukwu Edwin and Michael Ben Okon
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)during a baby\'s first six months of life is still a vital worldwide public health approach that UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) support. The numerous advantages of early brain feeding (EBF) include decreased rates of morbidity and mortality in children, healthcare cost savings, improved mother-child bonding, and decreased risks of a variety of childhood illnesses. Nevertheless, the global incidence of EBF is below desired levels, especially in East Africa, despite these well-established benefits. The present publication provides a complete review of exclusive breastfeeding practices in East Africa, focusing on mom knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Research indicates notable deficiencies in mothers\' comprehension and compliance with EBF guidelines within the area. While there are several obstacles to optimum breastfeeding practices, including cultural views, HIV worries, a lack of awareness, and societal influences, interventions such as counseling and educational campaigns have not demonstrated much success, especially when it comes to young moms. The article also investigates the possible function of religious authorities as powerful proponents of exclusive breastfeeding. Considering the significant impact that religious leaders have on East African communities, enlisting their support seems to be a viable way to improve EBF practices and close current gaps. Using the power of religious leaders in conjunction with current initiatives may be a crucial way to promote and maintain the best possible breastfeeding practices, which would eventually improve the health and well-being of infants in the area.
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