For decades, developing countries have been making efforts to overcome the challenge of poverty. In this regard, Tanzania was among the countries that introduced the Conditional Cash Transfer project targeting households identified and verified as poor. Studies have evidenced the role of M&E in the performance of community programs in Tanzania, but no study was found on the mediating role of community capacity building in M&E and its influence on the performance of these programs. The limited evidence on the subject forms the foundation for the researcher’s aim to establish the extent to which mediating capacity building influenced the relationship between combined household involvement in monitoring and evaluation and the performance of the Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer Project.The study used two theories: the Theory of Change and the Ladder of Citizen Participation. The Theory of Change addressed capacitating households through the dissemination of training programs to community members on M&E, while the Ladder of Citizen Participation emphasized empowering households and ensuring they are capable of participating in the M&E of the Cash Transfer project. Through the choice of the pragmatic paradigm, the study employed cross-sectional and correlational research designs. The researcher used Yamane T. (1967) formula to obtain a sample of 400 respondents from the target population of 61,240 households. Data were collected using questionnaires, key in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions.The findings established a significant influence between combined household involvement in monitoring and evaluation and the performance of the Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer Project (t = 1.212, p-value => 0.05). However, the addition of capacity building had no significant influence on the performance of the Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer Project (t = 1.212, p > 0.05). Therefore, mediating capacity building had no significant influence on the relationship between household involvement in monitoring and evaluation and the performance of the Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer Project.The findings supported the Theory of Change regarding the importance of involving households in M&E to enable them to understand their programs and participate in follow-ups for the realization of intended impacts. The study findings were also consistent with the Ladder of Citizen Participation through empowering households and providing them with access to program performance trends and corrective decisions. Empirical evidence showed that despite its influence on project performance, households were neither capacitated nor engaged in M&E. Hence, they remained unaware of the progress of their programs and unmotivated to advocate for the project’s intended changes among themselves. Therefore, capacity building of households in M&E is regarded as one of the important factors influencing program performance because it creates community inclusivity and ownership. Thus, project implementers should improve the M&E plan by including community participation in M&E teams from the local to the national levels. This will ultimately influence the performance of the Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer Project.
Despite implementing CCT project for 10 years in the efforts to reduce poverty rate, previous studies revealed commonly that participatory M&E impacted on successful implementation of community projects in Tanzania, however, the beneficiaries were excluded. No prior findings existed that assessed the impact of households’ engagement in M&E decision making on performance of Conditional Cash Transfer project. Absence of evidence leaves the researchers uninformed. Therefore, the research aimed at addressing the knowledge gap through the assessment of households’ engagement in M&E decision making on the performance of Conditional Cash Transfer project. The study employed two theories namely the theory of change and a ladder of citizen participation. The theory of change emphasizes on capacitating the households on M&E decision making skills though training them on M&E while a ladder of citizen participation focuses on vesting the power to households for them to make decisions regarding the Conditional Cash Transfer project. The study applied pragmatic paradigm with a blended research design strategy. Both probability and non-probability sampling strategies were embraced. Yamane formula was used to obtain a sample size of 400 heads of households while eight Village Committees and eight Monitoring Officers were selected by using purposive sampling. Data were collected through administered questionnaires, key in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings established a significant influence between households’ involvement in Monitoring and Evaluation decision-making (t=4.970, p-value=0.000) on the performance of the of Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer Project. It was concluded that households’ involvement in Monitoring and Evaluation decision-making would play a significant role in the performance of the Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer project. The findings supported the theory of change on the importance of engaging the households in M&E for clearly understanding the path to performance. The study findings were consistent with empowering the beneficiaries and engaging them in M&E through Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E). Empirical evidence showed that hierarchical leadership paralyzed the actualization of many programs because of leaving the community aside during the implementation of N&E. PM&E is the catalyst for programs performance because of community ownership and ability to define the project performance on their local ways. Therefore, implementers of the project should review and improve M&E system by adding the component that incorporates the involvement of households at the decision levels for influencing the performance of the of Tanzania Conditional Cash Transfer project.
Geothermal energy is a strategic resource in Kenya's energy strategy, but its development is constrained by intertwined technical, socio-political, and financial risks. Despite the increasing reliance on public private partnership (PPP) financing and procurement mechanisms for large-scale projects in Kenya, the execution and completion success of geothermal energy development remains highly variable, raising fundamental institutional, policy, and regulatory concerns. This presents a critical research void in understanding the effectiveness of government support in PPP frameworks within Sub-Saharan Africa, given the existing systemic governance and policy challenges. The study, therefore, aims to examine the extent to which government support measures moderate the relationship between PPP financing structures and project completion, drawing from Kenyan lessons and experience in geothermal energy development. To address this, the study employed a mixed-methods research design, integrating a cross-sectional survey of 48 licensed geothermal projects with key informant interviews involving policymakers, investors, financiers, and developers in Kenya. Structured questionnaires anchored on a Likert scale provided quantitative insights, while interview data supplied qualitative depth. Data analysis incorporated descriptive statistics, regression modelling, and moderation analysis to evaluate the interaction between PPP financing structures, government support measures, and project completion outcomes. The findings demonstrated that the Kenyan PPP financing structure, particularly comprising public equity and commercial debt, significantly influenced project completion. Furthermore, hybrid or mezzanine financing showed enhanced effectiveness when supported by complementary government support. Importantly, government support strongly influenced PPP financing structures through institutional mandates, feed-in-tariff policies, standardized power purchase agreement (PPA) frameworks, and regulatory guidelines in completing projects. The findings carry significant implications. From a policy perspective, they underscore the necessity of robust state support mechanisms, adaptive PPP frameworks, feed-in-tariff policies, and targeted regulatory reforms to improve project completion outcomes. Theoretically, the findings reinforce the position of Public Choice, Agency, and Systems theories in illustrating the interplay between state interventions, financing structures, and PPP project completion. Overall, these results advance scholarly and practical understanding of geothermal energy project management, offering guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to accelerate energy transitions in developing and emerging economies.
Word of mouth (WOM) is a credible promotional tool, particularly for credence-based services. Day care centers represent an emerging service in most developing nations and remain an under-researched area. This study proposes a seven-dimensional, 34-item, statistically valid and reliable model that captures the quality attributes influencing WOM promotion in day care centers. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results revealed that attributes such as ‘security’ and ‘staff credentials’ are top priorities for parents. Furthermore, significant differences between men and women regarding the degree of WOM promotion for day care centers were identified. The findings can guide both existing and prospective day care center owners in designing and modifying their service attributes to encourage positive WOM promotion by parents. Additionally, the outcomes of this study may assist the relevant ministry in preparing policy guidelines for the day care service industry in developing nations.
Bearing in mind the often negative impacts of voluntourism, it is worth exploring stakeholder involvement in participatory monitoring and evaluation as a predictor of the sustainability of voluntourism projects, representing a significant contribution to stakeholder theory. This research focused on how stakeholder involvement (SI) in participatory monitoring and evaluation (PME) influences the sustainability of voluntourism projects (SOP) in the Coastal region of Kenya. A pragmatic paradigm and a descriptive cross-sectional design were applied. The target population comprised 20 voluntourism projects, with 1,004 respondents, including 20 project managers, 452 employees, and 532 community representatives. All 20 project managers were interviewed, while 130 employees and 154 community representatives completed semi-structured questionnaires. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were incorporated in processing, analysing, and interpreting the data, with SPSS used to generate percentages, frequency distributions, and measures of central tendency. The combined influence was analysed using multiple regression tests. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables using means, percentages, frequencies, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics comprised simple regression, multiple regression, stepwise regression (R²), Pearson’s product-moment correlation (r), and hypothesis testing using the t-test. The findings indicated a positive relationship between stakeholder involvement and the sustainability of voluntourism projects, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The findings are expected to guide government policymakers and project practitioners in designing effective collaboration models between communities and voluntourists, enabling communities to achieve improved livelihoods aligned with stakeholders’ preferences and needs. As this gap has not been adequately addressed, the findings contribute to the existing literature, particularly in project management, participatory monitoring and evaluation, and the voluntourism industry. Future studies could explore alternative variables and dimensions of stakeholder involvement and PME implemented in other sectors, such as resource execution and utilisation, supply and demand dynamics, state agencies’ perceptions, and community protection. Additionally, comparative studies involving developed and efficient economies may yield further insights.
This study examines the extent to which utilisation of Monitoring and Evaluation information influence performance of Global Partnership for Education projects in Uganda. Uganda continues to grapple with systemic inefficiencies in primary education services such as low completion rates, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teacher capacity, and poor literacy and numeracy performance among pupils. Despite slight improvement from previous between 2008-2023, literature indicates that more than half of the students do not finish the primary education cycle. In response to these persistent challenges, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has played a critical role in supporting Uganda’s education reforms. Nonetheless, gaps in project performance persist, especially in non-donor-supported schools, where improvements remain marginal. These disparities point to the necessity of examining not only what inputs are provided, but how they are monitored, evaluated, and adapted over time to ensure sustained impact. Moreover, there is limited exploration into the organisational and contextual factors, such as institutional culture and leadership practices, that influence the effective use of M&E information. Consequently, there remains insufficient clarity regarding why considerable inputs from donor-supported initiatives like the GPE fail to consistently translate into sustained improvements in education project performance. Besides, there is limited literature on the practical use of M&E information, with notable gaps in explaining why project inputs fail to translate into proportional, sustained improvements in education outcomes across different school categories, which merits further research. While theories such as Systems Theory, Results-Based Management, and Organizational Learning Theory are proposed to underpin effective M&E utilisation, there is a scarcity of studies examining how these theoretical frameworks operate practically within low-resource, donor-supported education contexts like Uganda. This presents a critical gap in understanding how theoretical models inform actual decision-making and adaptation processes within educational interventions. This study adopted a pragmatic research paradigm, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was employed, targeting school staff, district officials, and ministry representatives. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including regression models, were used to evaluate correlations between study variables. Findings indicate that M&E data significantly informs decision-making, project scaling, and best practice adoption. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation (R =0.436), with 19% of project performance variability attributed to M&E data utilisation. The study’s findings indicate that M&E information utilisation significantly impacts GPE project performance. However, the model explains only 19% of the variance, suggesting other influencing factors. Methodological limitations include reliance on self-reported data, potential biases, the cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences and contextual constraints. Future research should explore additional determinants and broader geographical coverage for generalizability. The study confirms that effective use of M&E information enhances project efficiency and learning. The findings highlight the importance of data-driven approaches in improving education project outcomes. The study highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making in improving education project outcomes. Strengthening M&E utilisation fosters accountability, transparency, and informed policy-making, ultimately enhancing education service delivery. Improved project performance can lead to better learning environments, increased student success, and equitable access to quality education, contributing to overall community development and social empowerment. This study provides empirical evidence on how data-driven decision-making enhances project effectiveness, offering valuable insights for policymakers, education stakeholders, and development organizations seeking to improve education outcomes in similar contexts.
Tea is a significant cash crop in the agricultural sector, particularly among smallholder tea farmers, for generating income. Smallholder tea farmers’ engagement in capacity building for monitoring and evaluation is crucial in promoting continuous development, enabling various organizations and communities to adapt and thrive. This leads to fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment. However, research indicates that smallholder tea farmers especially in developing countries are affected by inconsistency and inadequate involvement in capacity-building methods for monitoring and evaluation. As a result, the performance of smallholder tea farming projects has been adversely impacted. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of capacity building for monitoring and evaluation on the performance of smallholder tea farming projects. Drawing inspiration from the theory of constraints, this study employed purposive and simple random sampling techniques to achieve a non-biased sample of 379 respondents and 12 tea factory board members. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Quantitative and qualitative information were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The ANOVA results indicated that the F-statistic (1, 369) = 6.633 was significant at a p-value of 0.010 < 0.05, implying that the predictor coefficient is not equal to zero. Hence, the regression model provides a significantly better prediction of the performance of smallholders’ tea farming projects. The results revealed a significant relationship between capacity building for monitoring and evaluation and the performance of smallholder tea farming projects in Nyamira County.
The study aimed to investigate how the moderating effect of project environmental factors in financial risk management practices influences the performance of Real Estate Construction Housing Projects in Busia County. Guided by the objective; to assess the extent to which project environmental factors influence performance of Real Estate Construction Housing schemes in Busia County, Kenya. A descriptive survey research design with a sample size of 298 people drawn from a population of 1,832 was used. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, interview schedule, focus group discussion, and an observation checklist. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for data analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic interpretation of respondents' accounts. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses, along with Pearson Correlation Coefficient models, were employed to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The hypothesis was tested at an α = 0.05 level of significance, and the outcome was: H₀; There is no significant relationship between moderating project environmental factors in financial risk management practices and the performance of Real Estate Construction Housing Projects in Busia County was rejected, since P = 0.000 < 0.05. The study concluded that there is a significant moderating influence of project environmental factors in financial risk management practices on performance of real estate construction housing projects.
Development programs have undergone a paradigm shift, transitioning from a focus on processes to an emphasis on results. The heightened demand for accountability regarding resource utilization and demonstrable success within the development sector, particularly among NGOs, has markedly intensified the necessity for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Many studies have indicated that the utilization of M&E findings is lacking in the context of enhancing NGO performance. A theoretical perspective highlights that utilization-focused evaluation (UFE) is predicated on the notion that evaluations should be assessed based on their application and practical use. Furthermore, utilization is the primary criterion for expert evaluation requirements agreed upon globally. The dependent variable is the utilization of monitoring and evaluation findings, while partner engagement serves as the independent variable. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of partner engagement on the utilization of M&E findings. The research employed mixed-methods design. Multi-stage sampling was utilized, employing stratified random sampling to acquire a sample of 283 NGOs from a target population of 979. Structured questionnaires were employed to gather data, while interview guides were utilized to obtain Key Informant information for the purpose of result triangulation. Quantitative data were analyzed using bivariate regression, and qualitative data were examined through content analysis. The research indicated that partner engagement (r= 0.38; R²= 0.14; F= p<0.05) significantly affected the utilization of M&E findings. The research limitations included the NGOs' constrained timetables and their extensive distribution around Nairobi City. Moreover, respondents exhibited varying interpretations of the application of M&E results. The study advocates for sensitization workshops to empower partners with pertinent knowledge and skills, enabling them to be effective participants in processes. Boards of NGO management should mandate partner participation and urge leaders to promote such involvement to improve the utilization of monitoring and evaluation outcomes. The findings will be beneficial to funders, NGOs, M&E personnel, implementers, and researchers for policy development, citation, and financial guidance.
Microsoft announced that they have made a shift. They have dropped the measurement of Engagement in favor of employee Thriving. Since then, there has been a revived focus on Thriving at work. Recent surveys indicate both Thriving and Engagement to be low among employees. Each of these variables is known to have an impact on the individual's performance. Recent research has highlighted the need to study these constructs in the current landscape, shift in technology and changing environment. We advance the existing research further by studying these constructs along with two new variables which are relevant in today’s scenario and can impact the relationship between Thriving and Engagement significantly. We choose Mental Wellbeing as the first variable since the topic has gained significant attention and focus since the pandemic. It is known to influence the engagement of employees. Off late, Organizations have initiated using public social media to build a better connection with their employees and engage them. We introduce Organizational Social Media Support as the second variable to understand how this affects other variables. A cross-sectional empirical study with 390 respondents from the Indian IT Industry was conducted to understand this. This led us to build and validate a scale for “Organizational Social Media Support”. Data Analysis helped us to conclude that Thriving impacts Engagement significantly and the variable Organizational Social Media Support moderates this relationship. Further, Mental Well Being mediates between Employee thriving and Employee Engagement. Further, Organizational Social Media Support moderates this mediating effect of Mental Wellbeing. Our studies can help organizations to determine the areas they would like to concentrate on to ensure that their employees are thriving and remain engaged, which will lead to better outcomes
Despite extensive global efforts to promote sustainable development, the oil and gas industry continues to face significant environmental challenges. Numerous strategies and regulatory frameworks have been introduced over the years, yet their effectiveness in curbing environmental degradation remains limited, particularly in resource-rich but ecologically fragile regions. This study investigates the relationship between policy implementation and environmental sustainability within the upstream oil and gas sector in Turkana County, Kenya. Using a mixed-methods approach and empirical data analysis, the study reveals a statistically significant but modest positive correlation (r = 0.292**) between policy implementation and environmental sustainability. Regression analysis further indicates that a unit increase in policy implementation leads to a 0.228-unit increase in environmental sustainability (p < 0.001). The findings highlight the importance of translating sound policy into actionable implementation, especially in sectors with high environmental stakes. While many governments have demonstrated the capacity to formulate sound policies, the persistent gap lies in the translation of these policies into tangible environmental outcomes. The findings from Turkana County, Kenya, reveal a statistically significant relationship between policy implementation and environmental sustainability, affirming that successful implementation directly contributes to improved ecological outcomes. Conversely, the modest strength of the correlation suggests that policy implementation alone is not sufficient and must be reinforced by complementary institutional and operational mechanisms.
Tea has been a significant cash crop for farmers, particularly smallholders who generate income from the agricultural sector. Research however, indicates various challenges and unrealistic budgetary allocations for monitoring and evaluation unaddressed particularly in developing countries Kenya included. Consequently, this has frustrated the performance of smallholder tea farming projects. Therefore, this manuscript intends to review the existing literature in order to assess how much budgetary allocation for monitoring and evaluation influences the performance of smallholder tea farming projects in Nyamira County, Kenya. Budgeting and financial planning are critical for both large and smallholder tea farmers. Because of the resource constraints associated with smallholder tea farming projects, the dimensions of quality and time are critical to ensuring that waste levels are kept low and a high level of productivity performance is achieved. The investigation focused on smallholder tea farmers who are currently engaged in tea farming in Nyamira County. The study adopted the theory of constraints and used purposeful and simple random sampling to arrive at a non-biased sample of 379 smallholder tea farmers who participated in the study. The data was gathered using a questionnaire and an interview schedule as data collection tools. SPSS was used to analyze the data, and the results revealed that budgetary allocation statistically influenced the performance of smallholder tea farming projects in Kenya.
Highway construction projects in Kenya consistently encounter challenges such as delays, cost overruns, and suboptimal quality (Muchiri & Mose, 2022; Mugweru & Muchelule, 2022). These recurring issues underscore the critical need for enhanced decision-making and more effective stakeholder engagement (Ndurya and Bii, 2019). A crucial yet underexplored factor contributing to these challenges is the efficacy of evaluation results dissemination (Mutekhele et al., 2018). While evaluations are designed to foster improved project outcomes, prior research presents varied findings regarding the actual impact of dissemination strategies on project performance (Mutekhele et al., 2018). This study's objective was to investigate the influence of evaluation results dissemination strategy on the performance of highway construction projects in Kenya. This research was grounded in the Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE) theory (Patton, 1978). Adopting a pragmatist research philosophy, the study employed a correlational design. The target population comprised 69 Category A road construction projects completed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) between 2018 and 2022. The respondents for these projects were the project managers across all 69 highway construction projects in Kenya. A census approach was utilized, ensuring the inclusion of all projects in the study. The research incorporated both secondary and primary data. A data collection checklist was employed for gathering secondary data from KeNHA reports. Primary data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that evaluation results dissemination strategy exerts a positive and significant impact on the performance of highway construction projects in Kenya. Consequently, the study recommends that project managers implement effective dissemination strategies for evaluation findings to facilitate timely and accessible communication with all stakeholders.
Despite significant investments in HIV/AIDS community health interventions across sub-Saharan Africa, many projects continue to struggle with sustainability, effectiveness, and community ownership. In Kenya’s Kisumu County where HIV prevalence remains well above the national average the performance of such projects demands urgent attention. This study examined the influence of Participatory Action Research (PAR) on the performance of HIV/AIDS community health projects in Kisumu County, Kenya. Focusing on projects implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), it investigated how PAR, along with participatory decision-making and participatory negotiations, impacted project outcomes. The research utilized a pragmatic paradigm, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with descriptive survey and correlational designs. The study targeted 30,118 individuals, including project managers, monitoring and evaluation officers, and beneficiaries, with a final sample size of 379. Data analysis involved thematic exploration of interviews and documents, combined with statistical models such as linear regression and Pearson’s correlation. The results indicated a significant relationship between PAR and project performance, with a p-value of < .001, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The findings suggested that PAR played a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS community health projects, providing actionable insights for project managers and stakeholders. The study also recommended further research in different counties to explore additional factors influencing project performance through participatory approaches.
The main objective of the study was to assess the joint effect of monitoring and evaluation tools, capacity building, and stakeholder participation on the performance of the Climate-Smart Agricultural Productivity Program in Kitui County, Kenya. Descriptive survey, cross-sectional, and correlational research designs were adopted for the study. The unit of analysis was five projects under the Climate-Smart Agricultural Productivity Program in Kitui County. The sample size was 260 respondents. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the overall regression model of the joint influence of monitoring and evaluation tools, capacity building, and stakeholder participation had high explanatory power. The coefficient of determination was R = 0.841, R² = 0.707, and adjusted R² = 0.704. That is, the joint effect of the study variables explained 70.4 percent of the changes in the performance of the Climate-Smart Agricultural Productivity Program in Kitui County; therefore, 29.6 percent of the changes in performance were explained by other variables not considered in this study.An ANOVA test was conducted, and the results indicated that the overall model was significant, since F = 195.076, p = 0.000 < 0.05. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, meaning that there was a significant joint effect of M&E tools, capacity building, and stakeholder participation on the performance of the Climate-Smart Agricultural Productivity Program in Kitui County, Kenya.Regarding individual significance, the constant (p = 0.811) and stakeholder participation (p = 0.603) were not significant, since their p-values were greater than the 0.05 significance level. In contrast, monitoring and evaluation tools and capacity building were significant, because their p-values (0.000) were less than the 0.05 level of significance. In conclusion, and using the standardized coefficients, it is more prudent to enhance capacity building, as a one-unit change in it has, on average, more impact on the performance of the Climate-Smart Agricultural Productivity Program in Kitui County.
Tea is one of Kenya’s most important cash crops, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 560,000 smallholder farmers who contribute significantly to the country’s agricultural economy. The Fairtrade certification system has emerged as a key mechanism to promote ethical production, ensure equitable compensation, and support sustainable development among these farmers by fostering fairness, social justice, and respect for human rights throughout global supply chains. Despite the documented benefits of Fairtrade practices in improving market access and income stability for smallholder tea producer organizations, recent research (2025) highlights persistent challenges, particularly regarding the limited adoption of market innovation. This limitation constrains producers’ ability to respond effectively to shifting consumer preferences, technological advances, and competitive pressures, thereby restricting organizational performance and long-term sustainability. This study addresses this critical gap by examining the moderating role of market innovation in the relationship between Fairtrade practices and the performance of certified small tea producer organizations in Kenya. The research is theoretically grounded in integrative social contract theory, which emphasizes ethical obligations within economic exchanges and the importance of mutually beneficial practices for sustainable development. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study collected data from 67 small tea producer organizations affiliated with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) across 17 tea-growing counties, representing a broad cross-section of the sector. Using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzing data through SPSS with descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA, the findings demonstrate that Fairtrade practices have a significant positive effect on organizational performance. Importantly, this positive relationship is substantially strengthened when market innovation such as product diversification, adoption of new marketing strategies, and technological improvements is effectively integrated into organizational operations. The statistically significant moderating effect of market innovation (p < 0.05) underscores its crucial role in enabling smallholder organizations to adapt to dynamic market conditions, enhance competitiveness, and achieve sustainable growth. By integrating ethical trade frameworks with innovative market approaches, this study contributes to existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence of how Fairtrade’s social objectives can be reinforced through innovation-driven strategies. The findings have practical implications for policymakers, development agencies, and tea producer organizations seeking to design interventions that balance social equity with market responsiveness. Ultimately, this research advances the discourse on sustainable agricultural development in Kenya and similar contexts by highlighting the necessity of combining social justice initiatives with market-oriented innovations to secure the future of smallholder tea farmers.
The Moderating Effect of Project Environmental Factors in Financial Risk Management Practices and Performance of Real Estate Construction Projects in Busia County, Kenya ► Murunga Anthony Ekisa Amoo(Corresponding Author) murungaamoo@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5504-5455 ► Charles Mallans Rambo crambo@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0970-865X ► John Mwaura Mbugua john.mbugua@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4582-8840 Received: 12 March, 2025 Final Revision: 26 April, 2025 Accepted: 26 April, 2025 Published: 20 May 2025 10.52283/NSWRCA.AJBMR.20250902A05 Abstract The study aimed to investigate how the moderating effect of project environmental factors in financial risk management practices influences the performance of Real Estate Construction Housing Projects in Busia County. Guided by the objective; to assess the extent to which project environmental factors influence performance of Real Estate Construction Housing schemes in Busia County, Kenya. A descriptive survey research design with a sample size of 298 people drawn from a population of 1,832 was used. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, interview schedule, focus group discussion, and an observation checklist. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for data analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic interpretation of respondents' accounts. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses, along with Pearson Correlation Coefficient models, were employed to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The hypothesis was tested at an α = 0.05 level of significance, and the outcome was: H₀; There is no significant relationship between moderating project environmental factors in financial risk management practices and the performance of Real Estate Construction Housing Projects in Busia County was rejected, since P = 0.000 < 0.05. The study concluded that there is a significant moderating influence of project environmental factors in financial risk management practices on performance of real estate construction housing projects. Keywords: Project Environmental Factors, Real Estate Construction and Project Performance. Pages:01-16 . View Article Utilisation of Monitoring and Evaluation Information and Performance of Global Partnership for Education Projects: Ugandan Context Martha Christine Olwenyi, Dorothy Ndunge Kyalo, Raphael Nyonje, Reuben Wambua Kikwatha ► Martha Christine Olwenyi(Corresponding Author) molwenyi@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5699-9331 ► Dorothy Ndunge Kyalo dorothy.ndunge@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8789-9965 ► Raphael Nyonje raphael.nyonje@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5300-1547 ► Reuben Wambua Kikwatha kikwathar@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8064-2238 Received: 12 December, 2024 Final Revision: 10 March, 2025 Accepted: 29 March, 2025 Published: 8 June, 2025 10.52283/NSWRCA.AJBMR.20250902A06 Abstract This study examines the extent to which utilisation of Monitoring and Evaluation information influence performance of Global Partnership for Education projects in Uganda. Uganda continues to grapple with systemic inefficiencies in primary education services such as low completion rates, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teacher capacity, and poor literacy and numeracy performance among pupils. Despite slight improvement from previous between 2008-2023, literature indicates that more than half of the students do not finish the primary education cycle. In response to these persistent challenges, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has played a critical role in supporting Uganda’s education reforms. Nonetheless, gaps in project performance persist, especially in non-donor-supported schools, where improvements remain marginal. These disparities point to the necessity of examining not only what inputs are provided, but how they are monitored, evaluated, and adapted over time to ensure sustained impact. Moreover, there is limited exploration into the organisational and contextual factors, such as institutional culture and leadership practices, that influence the effective use of M&E information. Consequently, there remains insufficient clarity regarding why considerable inputs from donor-supported initiatives like the GPE fail to consistently translate into sustained improvements in education project performance. Besides, there is limited literature on the practical use of M&E information, with notable gaps in explaining why project inputs fail to translate into proportional, sustained improvements in education outcomes across different school categories, which merits further research. While theories such as Systems Theory, Results-Based Management, and Organizational Learning Theory are proposed to underpin effective M&E utilisation, there is a scarcity of studies examining how these theoretical frameworks operate practically within low-resource, donor-supported education contexts like Uganda. This presents a critical gap in understanding how theoretical models inform actual decision-making and adaptation processes within educational interventions. This study adopted a pragmatic research paradigm, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was employed, targeting school staff, district officials, and ministry representatives. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including regression models, were used to evaluate correlations between study variables. Findings indicate that M&E data significantly informs decision-making, project scaling, and best practice adoption. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation (R =0.436), with 19% of project performance variability attributed to M&E data utilisation. The study’s findings indicate that M&E information utilisation significantly impacts GPE project performance. However, the model explains only 19% of the variance, suggesting other influencing factors. Methodological limitations include reliance on self-reported data, potential biases, the cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences and contextual constraints. Future research should explore additional determinants and broader geographical coverage for generalizability. The study confirms that effective use of M&E information enhances project efficiency and learning. The findings highlight the importance of data-driven approaches in improving education project outcomes. The study highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making in improving education project outcomes. Strengthening M&E utilisation fosters accountability, transparency, and informed policy-making, ultimately enhancing education service delivery. Improved project performance can lead to better learning environments, increased student success, and equitable access to quality education, contributing to overall community development and social empowerment. This study provides empirical evidence on how data-driven decision-making enhances project effectiveness, offering valuable insights for policymakers, education stakeholders, and development organizations seeking to improve education outcomes in similar contexts. Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation, Information Utilisation, Project Performance, Global Partnership for Education, Data-Driven Decision Making, Education Projects Pages:17-31 . View Article Influence Of Capacity Building for Monitoring and Evaluation on Performance of Smallholder’s Tea Farming Project in Nyamira County, Kenya. ► Stephen Moseria Mesa Corresponding Author) stephenmesa9@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5504-5455 ► Charles Mallans Rambo crambo@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0970-865X ► Angeline Sabina Mulwa asabina@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1750-280X Received: 2 March, 2025 Final Revision: 24 May, 2025 Accepted: 4 June, 2025 Published: 9 June, 2025 10.52283/NSWRCA.AJBMR.20250902A07 Abstract Tea is a significant cash crop in the agricultural sector, particularly among smallholder tea farmers, for generating income. Smallholder tea farmers’ engagement in capacity building for monitoring and evaluation is crucial in promoting continuous development, enabling various organizations and communities to adapt and thrive. This leads to fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment. However, research indicates that smallholder tea farmers especially in developing countries are affected by inconsistency and inadequate involvement in capacity-building methods for monitoring and evaluation. As a result, the performance of smallholder tea farming projects has been adversely impacted. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of capacity building for monitoring and evaluation on the performance of smallholder tea farming projects. Drawing inspiration from the theory of constraints, this study employed purposive and simple random sampling techniques to achieve a non-biased sample of 379 respondents and 12 tea factory board members. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Quantitative and qualitative information were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The ANOVA results indicated that the F-statistic (1, 369) = 6.633 was significant at a p-value of 0.010 < 0.05, implying that the predictor coefficient is not equal to zero. Hence, the regression model provides a significantly better prediction of the performance of smallholders’ tea farming projects. The results revealed a significant relationship between capacity building for monitoring and evaluation and the performance of smallholder tea farming projects in Nyamira County. Keywords: Capacity Building, Monitoring and Evaluation, Smallholder tea Projects. Pages:32-45 . View Article Thriving At Work: Exploring Links Between Organizational Social Media Support, Mental Well Being and Employee Engagement ► Biji Varughese Corresponding Author) bijiv.isme2022@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1885-0767 ► Rameshkumar Murugesan ramesh.mariner05@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5382-0884 Received: 20 April, 2025 Final Revision: 4 June, 2025 Accepted: 6 June, 2025 Published: 25 June,2025 10.52283/NSWRCA.AJBMR.20250902A08 Abstract Microsoft announced that they have made a shift. They have dropped the measurement of Engagement in favor of employee Thriving. Since then, there has been a revived focus on Thriving at work. Recent surveys indicate both Thriving and Engagement to be low among employees. Each of these variables is known to have an impact on the individual's performance. Recent research has highlighted the need to study these constructs in the current landscape, shift in technology and changing environment. We advance the existing research further by studying these constructs along with two new variables which are relevant in today’s scenario and can impact the relationship between Thriving and Engagement significantly. We choose Mental Wellbeing as the first variable since the topic has gained significant attention and focus since the pandemic. It is known to influence the engagement of employees. Off late, Organizations have initiated using public social media to build a better connection with their employees and engage them. We introduce Organizational Social Media Support as the second variable to understand how this affects other variables. A cross-sectional empirical study with 390 respondents from the Indian IT Industry was conducted to understand this. This led us to build and validate a scale for “Organizational Social Media Support”. Data Analysis helped us to conclude that Thriving impacts Engagement significantly and the variable Organizational Social Media Support moderates this relationship. Further, Mental Well Being mediates between Employee thriving and Employee Engagement. Further, Organizational Social Media Support moderates this mediating effect of Mental Wellbeing. Our studies can help organizations to determine the areas they would like to concentrate on to ensure that their employees are thriving and remain engaged, which will lead to better outcomes. Keywords: Organizational Social Media Support, Thriving, Employee Engagement, Mental Wellbeing. Pages:46-61 . View Article Moderating Influence of Implementation of Policy Framework on the Relationship Between Financial Management Practices and Performance of the Real Estate Projects in Starehe Sub County, Nairobi County ► Henry Bundi Ndege (Corresponding Author) hbundiatpawekenya@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5940-9403 ► Charles Mallans Rambo crambo@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0970-865X ►Stephen Wanyonyi Luketero sluketero@uonbi.ac.ke https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2142-4588 Received: 14 January 2025 Final Revision:29 May 2025 Accepted: 17 June 2025 Published: 20 July 2025 10.52283/NSWRCA.AJBMR.20250902A09 Abstract This study examined the moderating influence of policy framework implementation on the relationship between financial management practices and the performance of real estate projects in Starehe Sub- County, Nairobi County. The research adopted a pragmatic paradigm utilizing both predictive correlational and descriptive research designs. Data was collected from two hundred and twelve respondents including finance managers, project managers, project engineers, and contractors, representing a response rate of eighty-three-point eight percent. The study employed moderated multiple linear regression analysis to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings revealed that policy framework implementation significantly moderates the relationship between financial management practices and project performance (beta equals zero point two eight nine, t equals four point three zero one, p is less than zero point zero zero one). The interaction effect explained an additional three-point six percent of variance in project performance beyond the main effects of financial management practices and policy framework implementation. While policy framework implementation showed no significant direct effect on project performance, its interaction with financial management practices demonstrated that the regulatory environment influences the effectiveness of financial management in driving project outcomes. The study recommends that real estate developers should closely monitor policy changes and develop adaptive financial management strategies to ensure project success within evolving regulatory frameworks. These findings contribute to the understanding of how regulatory environments shape the relationship between financial management practices and project performance in the real estate sector.
Industrial cooperatives are a unique organizational model that strikes a balance between economic objectives and social responsibility. As member-driven organizations, they uphold a distinct identity rooted in cooperative principles by relying on members’ dual roles as owners and workers, which help to shape their identity and operational success. However, despite their significance in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable business practices, the extent to which industrial cooperatives effectively uphold and fulfil their cooperative identity remains an underexplored area in the available literature. The situation at hand is that cooperative institutions are experiencing difficulties in putting their cooperative principles into effect in the real world. In this situation, the current study investigates how members' dual roles influence the fulfillment of cooperative identity articulated in cooperative principles. The study also sought to analyze the mediating effect of members’ trust on the relationship of members’ dual roles and fulfillment of cooperative identity by industrial cooperatives. To analyze these relationships a conceptual model has been formulated with the support of Social Identity Theory and Social Exchange Theory. The conceptual model formulated has been empirically tested by collecting primary data by conducting face-to-face interviews with members of industrial cooperative societies in Kerala. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis is used to examine how cooperative identity is influenced by members’ dual roles. The findings indicate that when members engage positively in their dual roles as owners and workers, it brings benefits to the cooperatives in terms of implementing cooperative identity. Members' trust is regarded as an intermediate variable that connects both their dual roles to favorable behavior towards the cooperatives. Thus, this study provides statistical evidence that the trust of members plays a crucial role in enhancing their involvement as both owners and workers towards establishing the cooperative identity of the industrial cooperative societies.
Industrial cooperatives are a unique organizational model that strikes a balance between economic objectives and social responsibility. As member-driven organizations, they uphold a distinct identity rooted in cooperative principles by relying on members’ dual roles as owners and workers, which help to shape their identity and operational success. However, despite their significance in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable business practices, the extent to which industrial cooperatives effectively uphold and fulfil their cooperative identity remains an underexplored area in the available literature. The situation at hand is that cooperative institutions are experiencing difficulties in putting their cooperative principles into effect in the real world. In this situation, the current study investigates how members' dual roles influence the fulfillment of cooperative identity articulated in cooperative principles. The study also sought to analyze the mediating effect of members’ trust on the relationship of members’ dual roles and fulfillment of cooperative identity by industrial cooperatives. To analyze these relationships a conceptual model has been formulated with the support of Social Identity Theory and Social Exchange Theory. The conceptual model formulated has been empirically tested by collecting primary data by conducting face-to-face interviews with members of industrial cooperative societies in Kerala. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis is used to examine how cooperative identity is influenced by members’ dual roles. The findings indicate that when members engage positively in their dual roles as owners and workers, it brings benefits to the cooperatives in terms of implementing cooperative identity. Members' trust is regarded as an intermediate variable that connects both their dual roles to favorable behavior towards the cooperatives. Thus, this study provides statistical evidence that the trust of members plays a crucial role in enhancing their involvement as both owners and workers towards establishing the cooperative identity of the industrial cooperative societies.
Inadequate resources hamper efficient and effective logistics capabilities and outsourcing implementations that are critical to the competitiveness of organizations. This study addresses the inadequate resources that bedevil the cement industry of Ghana by assessing the logistics capability and outsourcing performance of Ghana’s Cement industry. The study adopted the survey design and analyzed the data collected using a Variance-based Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM) statistical analytical tool. The result revealed that the capital asset, human resources, and flow of information for logistic capabilities, as well as cross-docking and product marking for logistic outsourcing, significantly influence either financial or non-financial performance or both. Thus, logistics capability and outsourcing positively relate to organizational performance. This suggests that practitioners and managers should improve the flow of information and human resources activities in manufacturing organizations, which would significantly increase both the financial and non-financial performance of the organizations. The implication of sharing suitable information fosters transparency, leading to strengthening ties with suppliers, distributors, and customers for wealth creation.
