Recent orders
Design For Recycling
Design For Recycling
Selection of a product
The design of the product in respect to its recyclability in nearly all cases has typically had strategic implications for the prosperity along with the success of each organization; this is because the recycled product has an impact on the future activities (Eichner & Runkel, 2000). Presently, different organizations have identified several products that can be recycled to reduce the wastage of such products. These products include; plastic, metal cans, glass bottles, papers and many others. However, in this paper, a product (paper) will be used as a good example of those products that can be recycled to reduce a lot of wastage in the society. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the recycling of papers in the society reduces the emission of poisonous gases that comes from the greenhouse as well as conserving the energy and water. The research carried out showed that paper production more often than not depend on trees primarily for pulp; therefore recycling of paper will repeatedly helps in saving valuable trees. Hence this paper will assess the design of a selected product (paper) with respect to its recyclability as well as disassembling, studying and suggesting areas for the improvement. Recycling of paper takes different steps as shown below.
Paper taken to recycling plant and then separated into grades
Paper taken from the bin
The paper is left to dry, and then it is rolled up ready to be cut and sent back to the shops.
The separated paper is then washed with soapy water to remove inks
The slurry is spread using large rollers into large thin sheets.
By adding different materials to the slurry, different paper products can be created, such as cardboard, newsprints or office paper.
Recyclability
The product is divided in different parts that includes; toilet paper, paper towels, tissues soap pads, stationery, napkins. All these products can be recycled, though this is done mainly to the scraps. Conversely; the percentage of recyclability by weight, and texture turn out not to be a good idea after all, and in countries like the United States, more than a third or recyclables were collected in 2010. For example in the worst case scenario, a study published in Environmental Science & Technology presently showed that BPA and cousin chemical BPS used in “BPA free products” has high estrogenic in nature, and are pervasive in common and hence claims that BPA products are not better and may affect the hormones of those people using it. The results in most case have turned out to be what I expected. Given that the recycled products have a great significance to most organizations, however; the products that have been recycled are usually not a hundred percent the best. The chart below shows paper recycling in the year 2009 to 2012.
Improvements:
The critical areas identified when redesigning the product to improve the material recyclability from technical and financial perspective implicated the opportunities and threats factors that gave rise to the new markets competitor to the paper product. One of the most options that improved the product recyclability was the cost or availability, for example, availability of sufficient raw material to be recycled, the components and the labor. The legal factors on the other hand also played a great role in redesigning of the product given that, new rules regarding the government changes, the safety issues were all in place (Sarah, 2012).
What I have learnt
From this paper, I have learnt that, even though there are some problems associated with the recycled products, recycling of products is still the best way for the organizations to have a positive impact on the world that they live. Therefore, recycling is significant to both the natural environment as well as the people living around it (Harper, 2001).
References
Eichner, T., & Runkel, M. (2000). Efficient and sustainable management of product durability and recyclability. London: Univ., Fachbereich Wirtschaftswiss..
Harper, C. A. (2001). Handbook of materials for product design (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Sarah, S. (2012). Recycled Toilet Paper Not Such a Great Idea After All. The Healthy Home Economist Retrieved February 3, 2013, from http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/recycled-toilet-paper-not-such-a-great-idea-after
Crime Patterns and Reflection
Crime Patterns and Reflection
A.
I see crime patterns as a way of gaining more insight into the nature of a crime and helping the police and other agencies in the criminal justice system to predict and deter crime. Crime patterns, in my opinion, looks at a group of several cries discovered or reported by enforcement agencies such as the police that are unique in terms of satisfying the characteristics of a common factor, known relationship between offender and victim, distinctiveness form other forms of crime, limited duration, and may involve a set of related crimes.
B.
When I think of crime patterns, what comes to mind is a series of similar criminal incidents, such as a series of bank robberies along a predictable pattern. For example, I think of major hits in small banks or courier trucks using similar tactics and within a given period of time. I think of crime patterns in terms of crime sprees, hot prey, hot products, hot spots, hot places, and hot settings. In each of these terms, the common theme is that there is a victim and offender that can be characterized by frequency, similar characteristics on either offender or criminal, unique targeting of either victim or product, target locations, and setting. I understand that crime patterns do not mean crime trends, but a reflection of the basis of crime analysis that are not defined by statistics only. Crime patterns must be reported to authority bodies or discovered by the same and must be unique with regard to the issues aforementioned relating to frequency, similar characteristics on either offender or criminal, unique targeting of either victim or product, target locations, and setting.
C.
Crime Patterns take different forms including factors and characteristics of: place, time, season, climate; gender & crime; race & crime; unemployment & crime; and age & crime. For example, crime patterns may focus on place where crime consistently occurs in rich or poor neighborhoods. It could also mean that crime is high at a given period of the year, for example during summer when people travel abroad, in a given season such as the Christmas period, and other characteristics that may help to define crime such as age, gender, race, and employment status (Siegel 48). In terms of place, metropolitan areas are more prone to crime compared to rural areas. Time shows that crime rates may be higher at night or during the first days of the month compared to any other times (Siegel 49). The climate also plays a huge role as people spend more time outdoors during the warmer days making themselves easier targets.
In terms of gender and crime, male crime rates are higher compared to those of females (Siegel 50). However, even with the reduced rates for women, the gap is closing. In race and crime, the controversial issues of ethnicity and crime makes it harder to issue crime patterns. Arrest data shows that minority groups are more likely to commit crime (Siegel 51). In terms of unemployment and crime, there is a positive relationship between tough economic times when work is rare and high crime rates (Siegel 53). Unemployment is linked to high crime rates (Siegel 54). For age and crime, younger people commit more crime than older people (Siegel 55).
Crime patterns become such as patterns emerge. This is to mean that where certain characteristics are established, then crime patterns can be seen. Time, place, season, gender, age, race, employment status, or climate can be used to interpret these crime patterns. The patterns that surprise me the most is that gender and crime patterns are slowly converging between males and women. As this gap closes in, it is likely that crimes committed by women will be more in the future compared to the males.
Works CitedSiegel, L. “Criminology: The core.” Cengage learning. (2019).
Design And Research Methodology
CHAPTER THREE Design And Research MethodologyContents
TOC o “1-3” h z u CHAPTER THREE PAGEREF _Toc377987763 h 1Design And Research Methodology PAGEREF _Toc377987764 h 13.1 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc377987765 h 13.2 Design of the Study PAGEREF _Toc377987766 h 13.3 Target Population PAGEREF _Toc377987767 h 13.4 Sample Design and sample size PAGEREF _Toc377987768 h 23.5 Data Collection Procedures PAGEREF _Toc377987769 h 23.5.1 Pilot Study PAGEREF _Toc377987770 h 23.5.2 Validity of the Data Collection Instruments PAGEREF _Toc377987771 h 33.5.3 Reliability of the Data Collection Instruments PAGEREF _Toc377987772 h 33.6 Data Analysis and presentation PAGEREF _Toc377987773 h 3APENDIX V: SAMPLE SIZE TABLE PAGEREF _Toc377987774 h 4CHAPTER THREE PAGEREF _Toc377987775 h 7METHODOLOGY PAGEREF _Toc377987776 h 73.0 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc377987777 h 73.2 Research design PAGEREF _Toc377987778 h 73.3 Study Area PAGEREF _Toc377987779 h 83.4 Population PAGEREF _Toc377987780 h 93.5 Sampling procedures and sample size PAGEREF _Toc377987781 h 9The group chosen for data collection is the upper primary as shown in the above table 3.1,as they have been in school for a longer time and they are capable to give a concrete information than lower primary. PAGEREF _Toc377987782 h 113.6 Instrument PAGEREF _Toc377987783 h 113.7 Validity of the Data Collection Instruments PAGEREF _Toc377987784 h 113.7 Pilot Study PAGEREF _Toc377987785 h 123.8 Data Collection Procedure PAGEREF _Toc377987786 h 123.9 Data Analysis Procedure PAGEREF _Toc377987787 h 133.10 Ethical Considerations PAGEREF _Toc377987788 h 133.10.1 Informed consent PAGEREF _Toc377987789 h 133.10.2 Confidentiality and anonymity PAGEREF _Toc377987790 h 143.10.4 Participants right to withdrawal PAGEREF _Toc377987791 h 14APPENDIX C: DRAFT QUESTIONNAIRE PAGEREF _Toc377987792 h 14CHAPTER THREE PAGEREF _Toc377987793 h 18METHODOLOGY PAGEREF _Toc377987794 h 18The Research design PAGEREF _Toc377987795 h 18Research population PAGEREF _Toc377987796 h 18Sample Size PAGEREF _Toc377987797 h 18Instrumentation PAGEREF _Toc377987798 h 19Pilot Study PAGEREF _Toc377987799 h 19Validity of the Data Collection Instruments PAGEREF _Toc377987800 h 19Reliability of the Data Collection Instruments PAGEREF _Toc377987801 h 20Data Collection Procedure PAGEREF _Toc377987802 h 20Data Analysis Procedure PAGEREF _Toc377987803 h 20Data presentation PAGEREF _Toc377987804 h 21Ethical considerations PAGEREF _Toc377987805 h 21APPENDICES PAGEREF _Toc377987806 h 21APPENDIX I: QUESTIONAIRE PAGEREF _Toc377987807 h 21
3.1 Introduction
This chapter provides a description of the research design, the target population, data collection instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis and presentation.
3.2 Design of the StudyThe research adopted a descriptive survey research design as it sort to find out the in-depth of the factors affecting the implementation of reward system in local authorities restricting its focus on the County Council of Samburu. The study used a survey to obtain descriptive data on a variety of variables. According to Kerlinger (2000) descriptive research design is appropriate when the main emphasis is for respondents to describe known issues related to the study. In this case the researcher expected the respondents to describe how goals, industrial competitiveness and remuneration plans affects implementation of the reward system in Samburu County Council.
3.3 Target Population
The target population comprised all the personnel in the departments of the council namely the Clerk’s department, the Treasurer’s department, the Wildlife department, the Education department, the Social Services department, the Works department, the Veterinary department, the Public Health department and the Markets department. The total number of employees is 201 (County Council of Samburu,. 2010).
3.4 Sample Design and sample sizeThe researcher made use of the table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) to determine the sample of employees needed to accurately represent the population. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) greatly simplified size decision by providing a table (See Appendix v) that ensures a good decision model. The table was developed based on the following equation:
n = X2NP (1-P)/d2 (N-1) + X2P(1-P)
n = Required sample size
X2 = The table value of chi-square for one degree of freedom at the desired confidence level
N = The population size
P = The population proportion (assumed to be 0.50 since this would provide the maximum sample size)
D = The degree of accuracy expressed as a proportion (0.05)
From the table, the sample size that closely matched a population of 201 employees is 132. This sample was picked proportionately from each department.
3.5 Data Collection ProceduresThe data was collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire had closed-ended questions for the purpose of ensuring that the data is relevant by maintaining the respondent on track and ease of analysis, as well as open-ended questions to allow the respondent to put along his/ her views and thus more information gotten. The questionnaires were distributed through the internal communication systems of the office and returned via the same.
3.5.1 Pilot StudyA pilot study was conducted at amongst selected five (5) potential respondents to pretest the instruments. This was aimed at enhancing reliability of the instrument by ensuring that the respondents were able to understand the questions and be able to respond with ease. Areas of difficulty in the instruments were identified and corrective measures taken in consultation with the supervisor.
3.5.2 Validity of the Data Collection Instruments
According to Sekaran (2006), content validity of an instrument is a matter of judgment by professionals; the researcher read extensively and intensively on the subject; engaged peers in discussions as well as consulted with the supervisor to ensure content validity of the items in the data collection instruments.
3.5.3 Reliability of the Data Collection Instruments
Reliability of the instruments was ascertained through piloting of the instruments. This was ascertained by using the test retest coefficient method.
3.6 Data Analysis and presentationData collected was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used in analyzing the data. Analyzed data was presented using frequencies and percentages. The data was presented in form of tables and graphical presentations such as pie charts and bar graphs. Content analysis was used to analyze narrative data obtained from interviews.
APENDIX V: SAMPLE SIZE TABLETable for Determining the Random Sample Size from a Determined Population. ( Krejcie & Morgan, 1970).
Population Sample size
10 10
15 14
20 19
25 24
30 28
35 32
40 36
45 40
50 44
55 48
60 52
65 56
70 59
75 63
80 66
85 70
90 73
95 76
100 80
110 86
120 92
130 97
140 103
150 108
160 113
170 118
180 123
190 127
200 132
210 136
220 140
230 144
240 148
250 152
260 155
270 159
280 162
290 165
300 169
320 175
340 181
360 186
380 191
400 196
420 201
440 205
460 210
480 214
500 217
550 226
600 234
650 242
700 248
750 254
800 260
850 265
900 269
950 274
1,000 278
1,100 285
1,200 291
1,300 297
1,400 302
1,500 306
1,600 310
1,700 313
1,800 317
1,900 320
2,000 322
2,200 327
2,400 331
2,600 335
2,800 338
3,000 341
3,500 346
4,000 351
4,500 354
5,000 357
6,000 361
7,000 364
8,000 367
9,000 368
10,000 370
15,000 375
20,000 377
30,000 379
40,000 380
50,000 381
100,000 384
2. GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVEMENT IN MEETING THE LEARNING NEEDS OF PHYSICALLY DISABLED CHILDREN: A CASE STUDY OF THIKA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
CHAPTER THREEMETHODOLOGY3.0 Introduction
This chapter provides a description of the research design, location of the study, target population, sample and sampling procedures, instrumentation, validity and reliability of research instruments, data collection and analysis procedures.
According to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), research is the process of carrying out a systematic, diligent inquiry of a given phenomena through exhaustive studies, investigations and experiments. It is also the process in which observable and verifiable data are systematically collected from the empirical world to describe, explain and predict events (seaman, 1982). Research is extremely essential in guiding action as it informs and accelerates the efficiency and effectiveness of action on study phenomena (CHRD, 1990).
3.2 Research designAccording to Seaman and Verhonick (1982), the research design refers to the way the researcher plans and structures the research process. It provides guide posts to keep the research headed in the right direction. If the purpose of the research is to observe, describe and assemble new knowledge and information, a descriptive design is preferred (Seaman, 1982). Case study design shall be adopted for this study. The design is considered a useful tool for investigating trends and specific situations in many scientific disciplines (Mugenda, 2003). Case studies are also suitable in gathering data whose intention is to describe the nature of the existing conditions by focusing in an area which is considered reflective of others. It will also enable the researcher to collect data in the actual context in which the phenomena occurs and has the advantage of getting responses to the same question from large number of respondents hence reliable conclusions can easily be drawn. According to Sekaran (2008), a case study descriptive survey is most appropriate for studying user’s attitudes, values and beliefs in this case, the level of involvement by the government in meeting learning need of children with disability
The qualitative method on the other hand provides an opportunity to analyze the content of the discussions with the respondents and providing an interpretation by examining the intensity with which certain words, points of view, and emotionally laden words are used (Orodho, 2005).
3.3 Study AreaThe study will be conducted in Thika High school for the blind. Thika high school for the blind is in Thika Municipality in Thika central district of Kiambu County. Thika is a cosmopolitan town just an hour’s drive from Nairobi city. This fast growing town has over 13 schools, but most notable are the primary and secondary school for the blind, reportedly Kenya’s first school for the visually impaired which was founded by the salvation army. It ministers to children who range from partially sight impaired to entirely blind. The children come to stay at the boarding school, but return to family during holiday.
Figure 3.1 Map of Kenya showing the location of Thika
3.4 PopulationPopulation refers to the entire group of individuals, events or objects having common observable characteristics. It is the aggregate of all that conforms to a specification (Mugenda, 2003). The target population will comprise of all teachers and pupils in Thika School for the blind. The school has a pupil population of 478 and teacher population of 38. (Thika School for the blind)
3.5 Sampling procedures and sample sizeThe main sampling techniques that will be utilized is the simple random sampling and stratified sampling in combination. The respondents will be stratified in to teachers and pupils then simple random sampling will be used to select the participating teachers and students. From the details available in the school register the sample population comprises of 38 teachers and 286 pupils (upper primary) giving a total sample population 324.(Thika school for the blind)
Slovens formula will be used to determine the sample size. Considering a population of 324 pupils and teachers. Sloven’s formula (Krejcie, Morgan, 1970) is stated as follows:
n = N__
1+NE²
Where: n = sample size
N = population size
E = margin of error
Considering an error margin of 5% and a population of 324 the sample size is computed as follows:
N= 324/ (1+324*0.052)
= 179
It will be obtained by using a class list of which will use sample size interval ,will be picking one student after every two, gender will be considered.
In teachers head teachers will be compulsory and the rest will get from subject headteachers,gender sensitive in consideration. See breakdown of the school population that will participate in the research.
Table 3.1 School population showing sample sizes
Sub grouping Target population Sample Size
Teachers 38 21
Pupils: Standard 1 70 Pupils: Standard 2 63 Pupils: Standard 3 59 Pupils: Standard 4 65 34
Pupils: Standard 5 55 30
Pupils: Standard 6 56 31
Pupils: Standard 7 64 35
Pupils: Standard 8 46 25
Total 516 179
The group chosen for data collection is the upper primary as shown in the above table 3.1,as they have been in school for a longer time and they are capable to give a concrete information than lower primary.3.6 InstrumentThe choice of a research instrument, according to Mwiria (1995) is determined by the nature of the study, the kind of data to be collected and the kind of target population. Questionnaires will be used. The Semi structured questionnaires will be designed for both teachers and the pupils. (See appendix 3).
3.7 Validity of the Data Collection Instruments
Validity is defined as the degree to which a test measure of what is supposed to measure (Mugenda, 2003) Following arguments by Orodho (2005), that content validity of an instrument is a matter of judgment by professionals, the researcher read extensively and intensively on the subject and engaged peers in discussions and consulted with the supervisor to ensure content validity of the items in the data collection instruments are well articulated.
3.7 Pilot StudyTo enhance validity of the instrument a pilot study will be conducted. Pre-testing helps to enhance reliability of the instruments so that the vague statements on the questionnaire can be refined or removed altogether. After seeking the permission from the school administration a pilot study will be conducted at the school by administering questionnaires to 5 students and three teachers randomly selected from the list of students, to pretest the instruments to ensure potential respondents understand it. Areas of difficulty in the instruments will be identified and corrective measures taken in consultation with the university supervisor as a way of ensuring the reliability of the instrument. The pilot respondents will eventually be excluded from the list of final sampled respondents as a further measure to ensure credibility of the methodology employed.
3.8 Data Collection ProcedureAfter the researcher has been given consent by Daystar University through the Department of Child Development to collect data, the researcher will secure permission from the office of the president through the Ministry of Education. The researcher will then alert the Thika School for the blind administrations on the intended study and the purpose of the study. Before the data collection commences, the researcher will conduct a sensitization exercise on the research purpose and the need for the study amongst the targeted respondents.
The researcher with the assistance of two research assistances will administer the data collection tool to the respondents which is expected to last not more that five working days.
3.9 Data Analysis ProcedureThe research will be both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Once the data has been collected, it will be edited to check on completeness, consistency and reliability by the researcher. Then coding of the open ended questions, developing the data base and entering the data in to the database (SPSS) is done.
Descriptive statistics techniques will be used to analyze the quantitative data and these will include frequencies, means, standard deviation and percentages. The data will be presented in form of tables and graphical presentations such as pie charts and bar graphs. The use of Microsoft Excel and the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) program will be used in analyzing the data.
3.10 Ethical Considerations
The research will be guided by ethical considerations so as to ensure that the study is carried out within the confines of the law. An attempt will be made to ensure that the following ethical guidelines are adhered to.
3.10.1 Informed consentThe research shall rely on voluntary participation of the respondents. They will be informed on the reason for the study and their consent sought. Further, respondents will be informed that there will be no further inquiry either by the researcher or any user of the research information at any stage.The researcher will seek permission from school authorities to collect data from the partipating respondents.
3.10.2 Confidentiality and anonymityThe researcher will ensure that there is confidentiality as regards the information provided by the respondents. There will be a restriction on access to raw data and care will be taken when reporting to ensure that respondents not willing to be mentioned are not identified.
3.10.4 Participants right to withdrawalRespondents will be informed of their right to withdrawal at any time without any implications. Participants will be informed of their right not to answer or respond to any questions they are not comfortable to.
3 An Investigation into the Perceptions of Service Quality for Life Insurance Companies in Kenya
APPENDIX C: DRAFT QUESTIONNAIRESECTION A: Customer Profile
Please mark with an[x]or [√] in the box with the appropriate response.
1. What is your age?
Below 30 years 30-40 years 41-50 years 51-60 years 61 years and over 2. What is your sex?
Male Female 3. What is your highest qualification?
Below primary level Certificate Diploma Undergraduate degree Masters PhD 5. Occupation
Unemployed Self employed Salaried Retired 6. Do you have an insurance policy?
Yes No SECTION B: Company Attributes
7. How long has your insurer been in business ……………………………………………..years
8. Use the tables provided below to rate the following aspects of your insurance provider
Overall Strongly disagree Disagree Don’t know Agree Strongly agree
I am satisfied with the services provided by my life insurance company Tangibles The physical appearance of the staff is professional The physical appearance and surrounding of the branch influences customers I am sure that my life insurance company uses the latest technology in providing services Information is easily available through leaflets, brochures and letters My life insurance company has a unique and memorable advertisement Reliability Staff provides error free services The staff is committed to fulfill promises in a timely manner Company has competitive pricing as compare to others Company performs the service right in the first instance Customer can fully depend and rely on the employee Company provides guarantee of the service performed Responsiveness Employees provide prompt service to customers Employees are willing to help their customers Assurance Employees are trustworthy and honest Employees are capable of solving customers problems The managers are helpful when complications arise Privacy of customer information is maintained Company is well known Company is well liked Empathy Customer gets individual attention The company has convenient business hours I trust the staff of my life insurance company Item I feel adequately covered in terms of life insurance policy
I get value for money for my insurance products I know many insurance companies I have considered going to other insurance companies I am conversant with claim processing of insurance in case of me I do my insurance directly I have information about insurance products 9. What are some of the shortcomings of your life insurer in terms of service quality?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. In your opinion, what do you think should be done to improve life insurance services in this country?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Thank you for your time and co-operation.
4. LOCAL AUTHORITY TRANSFER FUND (LATF) AND SERVICE DELIVERY
IN SAMBURU COUNTY COUNCIL RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE KENYA
CHAPTER THREEMETHODOLOGY
The Research design
This study employed a descriptive survey to assess the impact of LATF on service delivery on the county council of Samburu. A descriptive survey is most appropriate for studying user’s attitudes, values and beliefs (Orodho, 2005). The study used the survey design because the researcher wanted to get the precise information and make conclusive results regarding service delivery. According to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) the survey design is the best method available to social scientists who are interested in collecting original data for the purpose of describing a population which is too large to observe directly.
Research populationThe target population comprised of 280 employees and 34 councilors of the county council of Samburu. The employees and councilors were the main respondents since they are tasked with policy formulation and service delivery.
Sample SizeThe simple random sampling was used to the population to identify the respondents for this study.
Slovens formula was used to determine the sample size. Considering a population of 180 employees and 34 councilors, the total population becomes 214. Sloven’s formula is sated as follows:
n = N__
1+NE²
Where: n = sample size
N = population size
E = margin of error
Considering an error margin of 5% and a population of 214 the sample size was computed as follows:
N= 214/ (1+214*0.052)
=119
Source: (Krejcie, Morgan, 1970).
InstrumentationThe research instruments used was a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The questionnaires targeted the Employees of the Council while the interviews schedules mainly targeted at the Councilors.
Pilot StudyA pilot study was conducted at one of the county divisions to pretest the instruments to ensure potential respondents understood it. Areas of difficulty in the instruments were identified and corrective measures taken in consultation with the supervisor as a way of ensuring the reliability of the instrument.
Validity of the Data Collection Instruments
Following arguments by Orodho (2005), that content validity of an instrument is a matter of judgment by professionals, the researcher read extensively and intensively on the subject. He also engaged his peers in discussions and consulted with the supervisor to ensure content validity of the items in the data collection instruments.
Reliability of the Data Collection Instruments
Reliability, the consistency of an instrument to give the same results at different times, was ascertained through piloting of the instruments. This was done by using the Split half Alpha formula. The Split half Alpha method is a type of reliability based on the coefficient of internal consistency of a questionnaire as a research instrument. It divides the instrument into two equal halves in terms of even and odd numbers after it has been administered. Each half is scored independently of the other with the items of the two items matched on content and difficulty. If the test is reliable, the scores on the two halves have a high positive association coefficient (Orodho, 2005). This procedure was preferred because of its ability to measure the internal consistency of the instruments being tested.
Data Collection Procedure
Before the study, Permission to conduct research was secured from the Ministry of Local Government through the county Clerk, Samburu county council. The researcher then alerted the relevant ground authorities on the intended study. During the data collection process, councilors and council employees were briefed on the purpose of the visit, the intentions and objectives of the study, and the procedure for conducting the exercise. The respondents were assured that all information given will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The researcher then personally administered the questionnaires to the respondents. The councilors were summoned for interviews and each of them was interviewed by the researcher as he filled the interview questionnaire. After the administration of the research instrument, the respondents returned the questionnaires upon filling them. The returned questionnaires were numbered and confidentially stored awaiting the process of data analysis.
Data Analysis ProcedureData collected was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative was analyzed using descriptive statistics i.e. the mode, median, and mean as well as the chi square test.
Data presentationAnalyzed data was presented using frequencies, means, standard deviation and percentages. In addition, data was presented in form of tables and percentages. Microsoft Excel and the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) program were used in analyzing the data. Content analysis was used to analyze narrative data obtained from interviews
Ethical considerationsTo ensure that ethics is practiced in this study as well as utmost confidentiality for the respondents and the data provided by them, the following was done: (1) coding of all questionnaires; (2) the respondents were requested to sign the informed consent; (3) authors mentioned in this study were acknowledged within the text; (4) findings were presented in a general manner.
APPENDICESAPPENDIX I: QUESTIONAIREDear respondent,
This research is meant for academic purposes. It intends to assess the impact of LATF on service delivery in Samburu county council. Kindly provide answers to the questions as honestly as possible. Your responses will be kept confidential as possible. Please tick where appropriate or fill the spaces provided to the best of your knowledge.
SECTION A: BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Questionnaire
Age group:
Under 18 FORMCHECKBOX 18-25 FORMCHECKBOX 26-30 FORMCHECKBOX 31-35 FORMCHECKBOX 36-40 FORMCHECKBOX 41-50 FORMCHECKBOX Over 51 FORMCHECKBOX
Gender: Male FORMCHECKBOX Female FORMCHECKBOX Highest level of education: (Please mark the highest level reached)
None FORMCHECKBOX
Primary Level (KCPE) FORMCHECKBOX
Secondary School level (‘A’ or ‘O’ level) FORMCHECKBOX
Diploma or Certificate (Intermediate College) FORMCHECKBOX
Undergraduate Degree FORMCHECKBOX
Masters/PHD Degrees FORMCHECKBOX
How long (Years) have you been in the council?
Less than 1 FORMCHECKBOX
between 1-2 FORMCHECKBOX
between 2- 4 FORMCHECKBOX
Between 4-7 FORMCHECKBOX
Over 10 FORMCHECKBOX
What is your current position
Management FORMCHECKBOX
General staff FORMCHECKBOX
Subordinate FORMCHECKBOX
Monthly remuneration
Ksh0-Ksh30000 FORMCHECKBOX Ksh31000- Ksh40000 FORMCHECKBOX Ksh41000- Ksh50000 FORMCHECKBOX Above 50000 FORMCHECKBOX To what extent to you understand Local authority Transfer fund?
Very knowledgeable
Moderately knowledgeable
Unknowledgeable
Very unknowledgeable
Know nothing
Do you consider local government reforms to be effective measure in improving service delivery in local authorities?
Excellent FORMCHECKBOX
Very effective FORMCHECKBOX
Effective FORMCHECKBOX
Hardly effective FORMCHECKBOX
D). Not effective FORMCHECKBOX
List services which were offered by the council before LATF was introduced