https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/issue/feed International Journal of Innovative Research and Development 2020-09-24T08:33:12+00:00 Mr. S. Khemnath editor@ijird.com Open Journal Systems IJIRD is a Multidisciplinary international journal. Encouraging innovative &amp; quality research work.This multidisciplinary journal is deliberated on diverse elemental branches of the contemporary research school, namely Science, Management, Technology and Humanities with an equal concentration in each area. The above areas are just indicative. The editorial board also welcomes innovative articles that redefine any research field.<br /><br />Under the designate of "INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH &amp; DEVELOPMENT"(ISSN 2278 – 0211), we anchor a monthly electronic journal encompassing the diverse realms of educational research field. In a perfunctory world of stringent specialism, such a novel effort to combine the miscellaneous is remarkable. With compact and analytical narrative, accordingly aligned with newest research, our journal is interspersed with contemporary concerns, implemental economy and latest global transposition. https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203417 Exercise Reflective Listening and Nonverbal Communication 2020-09-24T08:29:32+00:00 Ningxin Li editor@ijird.com <p><em>People express their emotions every day and often communicate with their parents and friends frequently. Exchanging ideas and sharing conversation are essential when people interact with each other. When a person talks to others to present himself/ herself, this person might hope to impress others. The author will explain how to improve communication ability and illustrate why people need to practice their reflective listening ability. Regular emotional exchange and holding positive attitude during a conversation will help to stimulate people’s ability of maintaining a good relationship. The author will provide guidance for people and explain the importance of showing respect, building trust, and active cooperation. This paper will </em><em>provide an understanding of using body language, such as gestures, facial expressions, and voice paralanguage, as well as explaining nonverbal communication skills.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203418 INEC Improved Card Reader Machine and Credibility of the 2019 Gubernatorial Election in Rivers State, Nigeria 2020-09-24T08:29:38+00:00 Anthony Chinonso Ajah editor@ijird.com Tukura Nashuka Tino editor@ijird.com Merinoe Chukwudi Okiriaja editor@ijird.com <p><em>Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become an increasingly and indispensable aspect of living and working in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Based on the assumption that an automated system through ICT can aid human efficiency and eliminate bias, INEC in 2015 fully adopted the use of CRM in the Nigerian elections. However, in its debut season, the CRM witnessed a lot of hitches in terms of functionality. Data from INEC shows that the machine recorded an underwhelming average success rate of 42%nationwide during the presidential election. Therefore, to ensure a hitch-free election in 2019, INEC embarked on a massive repair and enhancement exercise to upgrade, fix, and improve all aspects of the CRM. Anchoring on the ‘Cybernetics Model of Communications Theory’, this paper examines the use of INEC improved CRM and the credibility of the 2019 gubernatorial election in Rivers State. Methodologically, a triangulation research design was utilized to facilitate the validation of data through qualitative and quantitative data collections. In the quantitative phase, 200 copies of questionnaires were randomly distributed in Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Oyigbo, and Eleme local governments. Data collected were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation for the research items. Thus, items that rated 2.50 and above were considered as required while items that rated below 2.50 were considered not required. The paper found that the CRM was not given a fair trial and was not used in several places where results were produced due to heavy militarization of the election, and the destruction and hijacking of sensitive materials by cult groups, military personnel and armed thugs working for politicians. On the strength of the findings, the paper strongly recommended the adoption of an electronic voters’ system where voters can log-in and vote using bank verification number (BVN) and personal identification number (PIN), and those with no such capacity can as well vote in an INEC designated area closer to them.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203419 Book Review: In Search of Respect 2020-09-24T08:29:43+00:00 Ningxin Li editor@ijird.com <p><em>In this paper, the author will analyze and critique the book: In Search of Respect. The author will explain how the author of the book successfully us</em><em>ed</em><em> the ethno graphic qualitative method to examine social and cultural influences on ethnic groups in East Harlem (El Barrio), New York (Bourgois, 2003). The author will illustrate how Bourgo is </em><em>built </em><em>close relations with participants including gang members and drug dealers and explain how Bourgois demonstrated social problems by observing participants’ activities and interviewing local residents (Bourgois, 2003)</em><em>. In addition, the author will analyze how </em><em>Bourgois</em><em> investigated</em><em> labor conflicts by living in the targeted area with Latino and African American immigrants. Moreover, the author of the book analyzed evidence for searching the dynamics of the social structure and power relations between different ethnic neighborhoods. The author will utilize Bourgois’s research as an example to demonstrate how to conduct interviews in qualitative research.</em></p> 2020-07-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203420 A Theoretical Analysis of the Divergence Factors That Affect Students Academic Performance in University of Jos, Nigeria 2020-09-24T08:29:48+00:00 Yusuf Izang Elijah editor@ijird.com Audu Garba Tanko editor@ijird.com Yusuf Izang Fatima editor@ijird.com <p><em>The paper examines theoretically the direct factors influencing academic failure among students in university of Jos, Jos Nigeria. The paper adopted the behaviour modification theory (social learning theory, theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behaviour) from social psychologies to bring to fore the systematic approach to the understanding of the changing nature of human behaviour in a given environment and at a given time and period. The main objective of this paper is to bring to light the salient but known fact on the factors that hinders’ students from attaining academic success. The findings reveal that social media, campus prostitution, cultism, social activities, substance abuse and laziness, are the factors affecting academic failure of Students in University of Jos. Key Informant Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussion were adopted as a major source of primary data, while secondary sources of data collection and participant observation were also adopted. The paper recommends that the Examination Malpractice Act 33 of 1999, be amended to incorporate that section of Degree 20 of 1984 which stated 21 years imprisonment without option of fine for any students caught in the act. This would help reduce, if not eliminate social ills and propel students to study hard.</em></p><p><em> </em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203421 Ontology of Vernacular Interior and Exterior House Decorations in East Africa 2020-09-24T08:29:54+00:00 Omindi Sonia editor@ijird.com Maina Mwituria editor@ijird.com <p><em>Vernacular architecture evolves over time reflecting the characteristics of the local environment, climate, culture, natural materials, technology and the experience of centuries of community building. Mostly, men build the house and the women decorate the facades. All the figures have a symbolic meaning.</em><em> This paper studied east African vernacular wall decorations from an art and design point of view. The objective was to document the fast fading cultural practices for posterity and for academics. Conducted in Nairobi, the domain of interest was east African cultures. The study used desktop and field research methods. It formed part of the annual research output seminars and symposia of the school of the arts and design of the University Of Nairobi, Kenya.</em><em> The papers studied the following museums, heritages and contemporary spaces: King’s Palace Museum in Rwanda, the Nubian House, the Rabe family house, various huts decoration and design in Uganda, The church martyrs’ museum in Uganda and the Oasis Diani Villa in Kenya.</em></p><p><em> From the study, it emerged that East African vernacular building styles are culturally rich, and decorating the walls of their buildings is an important part of their cultural legacy. Wall decorating is always a community project done by the women and it’s a very ancient practice that dates from the sixteenth century AD.’ The study concluded that </em><em>Interior and exterior decorations in East Africa is one of the African heritage being practiced up to now. This is mainly done by women who pass their skill to their daughters from generation to generation. Although most of them are not being practiced today, there are those that have been turned to museum while others have contemporary influence. </em><em></em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203422 An Expert System for Rural Water Supply Management 2020-09-24T08:30:00+00:00 Ogunlela Ayodele Olanrewaju editor@ijird.com Awoniyi Gbenga Olabanjo editor@ijird.com <p><em>Most of the rural settlers are faced with the problem of potable water supply due to the high cost of water management (construction, installation and maintenance), thereby, the villagers are involved in taking unpurified water from streams and open wells which may eventually affect their health. This necessitated the need for a better system. An expert system was suggested which involves purification of stream water through a specially-designed reservoir and sedimentation tank. The system was a complete water supply chain network that made used of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) interactive phase through sensors and simulation; to diagnose and execute problems in the system setup. It also provided for irrigation and minor farm activities for the surrounding farm settlers to minimize water wastage.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203423 The Rites of Passage as a Social Obligation for Sustainable Cultural Development: A Case Study of the Importance of the Rites across Cultures 2020-09-24T08:30:07+00:00 Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh editor@ijird.com <p><em>Throughout a person’s life, there are stages of transitions that one passes through notably, birth, puberty (coming of age), marriage, and death. Significantly, each of these stages comes with various extensive rites and rituals that are performed and celebrated to usher the individual to his or her new status on the life ladder. Outdooring, naming, baptism are rites associated with birth whiles puberty and adolescent rite of varying nature (depending on the ethnic group), national service are ceremonies for people who come of age followed by marriage ceremonies including the payment of dowries, begging for hands, weddings ranging from indigenous (traditional), Christian marriage, Muslim marriage, etc., and  death rites that encompasses the preparation of corpse, laying in state, pre-burial rites, burial rites and post-burial (funeral) rites. These rites are upheld by society to accentuate the importance attached to the individual roles assigned to the stages that the person is ushered into and thereabout. The ceremonies and celebrations come with respect and dignity even in post-burial rites. An individual who does not go through the rites and rituals are captured in the lenses of disdain and disapproval by the society yet many are those who do not see the need for the rite of passage even though societies across the world associate the rites with personal and social developments. In view of the importance that societies attach to the rites of passage, observations were made on some selected ethnic groups across cultures. The descriptive approach has been used to sample and describe the types of rites of passage performed in the selected cultures. This is to bring the importance of the rights to the fore to enable up and coming generations of various societies to recognize the need to uphold the rites as an obligation,  safeguard the rites and rituals for their continuity and sustenance of the culture they have inherited from their ancestors to keep their culture alive.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203424 Time Management Competencies and Practices of Enugu State Primary School Head Teachers in Knowledge and Learning Management, Nigeria 2020-09-24T08:30:13+00:00 Obineme Patience O editor@ijird.com Ven. John Nweke editor@ijird.com Chime Gladys O editor@ijird.com Loveline B Ekweogu editor@ijird.com <p><em>This study is based on time competencies and practices of Enugu state primary school head teachers in knowledge and learning management. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The area of study for this research is Enugu state. 732 head teachers and 11, 782 primary school teachers in Enugu state formed the population of the study. Multi stage procedure, purposive and simple random sampling were adopted in selecting samples for the study. Instrument used for data collection was a 28 item questionnaire items with sections A and B. The instruments were divided into two, one for head teachers, and the other for teachers. The one for head teachers was tagged Time Management Competencies and Practice among Head teachers in Knowledge and Learning Management (TMCPHKLM); while the one for teachers tagged Extent Head teachers Practice Time Management Competencies for Knowledge and Management (EHPTMCKM). The instruments were validated by three experts. </em><em>The reliability coefficient was determined using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient technique which gave coefficient of 0.76, 0.74, for cluster A and B which gave a total value of 0.75 respectively. Analysis was done using arithmetic and standard deviation to answer the two research questions while t-test was used in testing the hypothesis on .05 degree.  Findings show that primary school head teachers in Enugu state practice time management by assigning roles to pupils and teachers to ensure that school programs are carried out on time. These programmes include environmental cleaning, morning devotion, sticking to time table, and extracurricular activities. Based on these findings, it was recommended among all that head teachers should be consistent in management of time in their schools as this will be emulated by teachers who will in-turn ensure that learning is effectively managed in the 21<sup>st</sup>century.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203425 Educational Leadership for Institutional Best Practices and Goal Achievement among Secondary Schools in Enugu State, Nigeria 2020-09-24T08:30:18+00:00 Obineme Patience O. editor@ijird.com Ven John Nweke editor@ijird.com Chime Gladys O editor@ijird.com Loveline B Ekweogu editor@ijird.com <p><em>The quest for better leadership in Nigerian secondary schools has also been the vision of stakeholders in education who have invested hugely for the success of our education system. This study therefore examines educational leadership for institutional best practices and goal achievement among secondary schools in Enugu state. The study adopted the descriptive survey design for the research. Area of study is Enugu state. The population consist of 6321 secondary school teachers in Enugu state. Multi stage, stratified proportionate and purposive sampling was employed in selecting samples for the study. The instrument used for the study was a 15-item questionnaire drafted by the researcher. The instruments which has three sections were validated by three experts. </em><em>The reliability coefficient was determined using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient technique which gave coefficient of 0.73. Arithmetic Mean and standard deviation were used as analysis tool. While t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Findings show that to a high extent, leaders among secondary schools in Enugu state were democratic. They share duties and involve their teachers on academic activities. It was also revealing that they were not autocratic, nor lazy in their primary responsibilities. Based on these findings, it was recommended that to a high extent, leaders and teachers in secondary schools should be constantly undergo re-training exercise on implementation of educational leaderships in schools to enhance best practices and achievement of goals in schools.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203426 The Effect of Money Markets on Development of Manufacturing Industry in Rwanda 2020-09-24T08:30:24+00:00 Dusingizimana Honoree editor@ijird.com Mulyungi Patrick editor@ijird.com <p><em>The purpose of the study was to assess the contribution of finance credit markets in the development of manufacturing industries. The study used descriptive research design to conduct a census on 22 employees of Sulfomanufacturing industry in Rwanda. Questionnaires were used to obtain primary data and documentary review for secondary data. The study concluded that money markets create trade opportunities through facilitating trade opportunities, by meeting short term capital needs and that that money markets facilitate company development through facilitating large investments. </em><em>The study thus recommends that</em><em>manufacturing industries should continue participating in finance and credit markets because it is important in development of manufacturing industries in Rwanda.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203427 Construction of Feminine Identity through Metaphor in Facebook Discourses 2020-09-24T08:30:29+00:00 Gerald Otieno Njura editor@ijird.com Pamela Anyango Oloo editor@ijird.com Eric Omondi Odero editor@ijird.com <p><em>One of the ways through which people construct their identities and others’ identities is through use of conceptual metaphors. Conceptual metaphors are not just elements of language but are elements of thought as well and as such they both reflect the inner feelings of language users and describe the world. The purpose of this study was to interpret how feminine identities are constructed through use of metaphors among Kenyan Facebook users. The study was premised on the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (Kovecses, 2008) a development of Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) work on metaphors. The study population comprised of sixty-five metaphors collected from 100 articles that were posted on Facebook between January, 20017 and May, 2018. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the texts with required metaphorical expressions and saturated sampling technique was employed to get adequate linguistic metaphors for analysis. The study reported that Kenyan females are mostly negatively constructed by the metaphors. They are portrayed as evil and dangerous beings who do not hesitant to cause harm to their male counterparts. They are represented as dangerous and exploitative.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203428 Equifinality of Flood Determinants in the Wetlands of Lagos State, Nigeria 2020-09-24T08:30:37+00:00 Ajijola Saudat O. editor@ijird.com John Bello editor@ijird.com Olatunde Arayela editor@ijird.com <p><em>Flooding is natural in wetland ecosystems and urbanization is sprawling into wetlands of Lagos city. Flood prevention and management strategies through structural interventions have not yielded the desired result.  The environmental determinist’s argument that nothing is free of the influence of the environment comes to fore. This study focuses on understanding ecosystem peculiarity and man’s influential role at intelligently and adaptively building with nature for eco-social sustainability. The research method employs a mixed method sequential explanatory design. In the first phase, a mailed survey collected the following data (n = 116) in June 2020 from ten residential communities within Kosofe local government area of Lagos state: the attributes of the flooding experienced, causes of flood occurrences, and factors influencing occurrence of floods. In the second phase, equifinality is used to explain the results of analysis of the quantitative data. Findings reveal that ‘flooding’ as an end state may occur from different initial states and in different ways, based on dynamic interaction in the environment. In conclusion, an objective approach to sustainability is one founded on acknowledging the importance of the ideologies of environmental determinism and possibilism. While it is common for the environment to set constraints, man has the choice to intelligently journey with sustainability towards a fulfilling and equitable future.  </em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203429 Innovation of Guidance and Counseling Method by Assimilating Local Indigenous: Case Study of Dwijendra’s Ethical-Spiritual Values Implementation 2020-09-24T08:31:14+00:00 Dwi Umi Badriyah editor@ijird.com DYP Sugiharto editor@ijird.com Rustono, M. Hum editor@ijird.com Ida Bagus Yudha Triguna editor@ijird.com <p><em>This study describes the Dwijendra’s ethical values and implementation method to change the student character and behavior. Dwijendra’s ethical-spiritual values was construct based on “Mokshartam Jagadhita ya ca iti Dharma” and combined with local wisdoms. The implementation process of Dwijendra's ethical-spiritual values includes: pawintenan saraswati, (2) dharma wacana, (3) dharma sadhana, (4) evaluation and reflection. It can give an insight and contribution to construct a model of guidance and counseling in school.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203430 Effect of Community Relations on Competitive Advantage of Telecommunication Industry in Rwanda 2020-09-24T08:31:19+00:00 Tumusiime Consolate editor@ijird.com Patrick Mulyungi editor@ijird.com <p><em>The competitive advantage of telecommunication companies depends on how well they are able to manage their relationship with stakeholders. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of community relations on competitive advantage of Airtel-Tigo. In this study; the researcher adopted a descriptive research design where quantitative approach was used. The target population of this study was 205 employees of Airtel-Tigo Rwanda. A sample size of 136 respondents was determined from total population of 205 employees by using Slovenes formula. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents. The study used close ended questionnaires</em><em>. </em><em>The data was analyzed for both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded a negative relationship between community relations and competitive advantage of Airtel-Tigo Rwanda because the results of correlation between them Was at the level of - 44.4% which suggest negative relationship between community relations and competitive advantage of Airtel-Tigo Rwanda. Based on the findings the study concludes that the current community relations strategies in the telecommunications sector in Rwanda drain the gains instead of adding value to the sector. Consequently, the study recommends for more innovative community relationship strategies that will go along enhancing the performance of the telecommunications sector in Rwanda.<strong></strong></em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203431 Existing Dairy Farming Technologies among Rural Women in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Kenya 2020-09-24T08:31:26+00:00 Maindi Lilian Janetrix editor@ijird.com Wanjiru P. Kinuva <p><em>Rural women play key roles in Kenyan dairy farming. In an effort to establish factors of adoption of dairy farming technologies by rural women in Kakamega County, the researcher sought to determine the already existing technologies among them. The descriptive survey collected both qualitative and quantitative data from Khwisero sub-county, Kakamega County in Kenya. The study targeted 720 female dairy farmers in the cooperative groups in Khwisero. Random sampling was used to sample location and sub-location and to select 72 respondents. The study found several existing technologies; a mixture of the traditional and exotics ones. The main ones however were cross bred cows, improved nappier grass, mullato and sweet potatoes vines implemented on small portion of land. Nevertheless, there was no observed farm household that practiced fodder conservation technologies. Although women in the household’s understudy provided more than 50% of the labour and were usually more present on the farm on a day-to- day basis, the study established that the existing technologies were mostly influenced by the men. Therefore, the study recommended that both women and men be empowerment on the best dairy technologies for their households. </em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203432 Enhancement Strategies for Effective Adoption of Dairy Farming Technologies by Rural Women in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Kenya 2020-09-24T08:31:31+00:00 Maindi Lilian Janetrix editor@ijird.com Wanjiru P. Kinuva editor@ijird.com <p><em>The use of appropriate technologies by rural women dairy farmers would help increase dairy production globally to meet the growing demand for milk and dairy products. This envisioned growth for the industry will not be realized without the adoption and appropriate use of dairy technologies by rural women dairy farmers. Yet the adoption rate has remained low. The study from which the article is based was conducted in Khwisero sub-county, Kakamega County in Kenya in 2017 with an aim to determining better strategies for the adoption of dairy technologies in the location of study.  Random sampling was used to sample location and sub-location and to select 72 respondents from the target of 720.The suggested strategies included improvement on frequency of trainings and methods used and the use of an integrated-multisectoral training approach with information packaged so as to promote gender equity and equality in adoption. In addition, a greater use of more women mentors and rewarding of women role model in dairy farming were recommended. Other proposals included strengthening the capacities of extension officers, understanding gender needs, motivating women to invest in dairy technologies as well as NGOs and the County Government developing a unified approach to disseminate of information on dairy technologies. In other words, the employment of integrated, multisectoral and multifaceted approaches that are inclusive of both men and women were strongly encouraged in the enhancement of dairy farming technologies adoption in the study area.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203433 Typology of Tourist Accommodation in the Borobudur Area, Indonesia 2020-09-24T08:31:37+00:00 Aditha Agung Prakoso editor@ijird.com Eugenius Pradipto editor@ijird.com Muhammad Sani Roychansyah editor@ijird.com <p><em>The village residential area surrounding Borobudur temple has a rapid growth. The tourism activity in the Borobudur area which has been appointed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 gives significant impact for the growth of the surrounding area, especially for the residential area. One of the affected sectors is the dwelling houses. The increase of the tourists need in lodging availability pushes the dwelling houses in the Borobudur area to be developed as tourists’ accommodation. This research aims to explain and group the changes appear from the development of dwelling houses to be tourist accommodation. Therefore, this research is able to find out the tourist accommodation typology in the Borobudur area based on the change happened in the dwelling houses. The method used is rationalistic qualitative research by using multiple case study in 3 villages in the Borobudur area, they are; Borobudur village, Candirejo, and Wanurejo.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203434 Women Folk in Sokoto Caliphate: A Historical Overview on their Roles and Contributions in the 19th Century Islamic Movement in Hausaland 2020-09-24T08:31:42+00:00 Nabilah Lawal Bako editor@ijird.com <p><em>In most parts of the world, females are regarded and considered as inferior to their male counterparts in the development of a society. Certainly, the role of women in any society is very enormous. They are the mothers and thus, the backbone of any society. Yet, the most striking thing is that very little attention has actually been accorded to their contributions. In West Africa, research studies have been conducted on women in different societies within the sub region. However, the findings are not adequate and properly documented. Hence, serious attention needs to be given to the role of women in both old and contemporary societies, more especially in the Islamic West African Sub-region which has witnessed progressive societies in the 17<sup>th</sup> and 18<sup>th</sup> centuries. Among these societies include Sokoto Caliphate; where women left an indelible mark in the success of the Jihad movement. They contributed to the development of their various societies intellectually, morally, and economically. This necessitates the need to outline the contributions of women to the progress and prosperity of this great Caliphate.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203435 Effect of Innovation on Competitive Advantage of Manufacturing Firms in Rwanda: A Case of Africa’s Improved Food 2020-09-24T08:31:48+00:00 Uwase Grace editor@ijird.com Patrick Mulyungi editor@ijird.com <p><em>Competitive advantages are conditions that allow a company or country to produce a good or service of equal value at a lower price or in a more desirable fashion. </em><em>The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of competitive advantage for manufacturing firms in Rwanda. In this study; a descriptive research was adopted. The target population for this study was 64 senior staff; the researcher adopted a census since the population was quite small in numbers. P</em><em>rimary data was collected using questionnaires. </em><em>Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed to assess the determinants of competitive advantage for manufacturing firms in Rwanda. Statistical Package for Social Scientists was used to execute multiple linear regressions. According to the results of correlation between innovations and competitive advantage of Africa Improved Foods is at the level of 0.789 meaning that the practice of  making innovations which is measured in terms of  </em><em>developing new products to new markets, developing  new products </em><em>to existing markets, </em><em>spending money in Research and Development and developing new capabilities to compete at the market </em><em>influence the Return on investment, Market Share and Profitability of Africa Improved Food at the level of 78.9%. Therefore, the study concluded a strong relationship between innovations and competitive advantage of Africa Improved Foods. By considering the level of significance which is 0.05, there is a significant relationship innovations and competitive advantage of Africa Improved Foods as their p-value (0.007) is statistically significant at 5% level of significance.  The study makes the following recommendations. Manufacturing firms in Rwanda; especially Africa Improved Foods Ltd should take the innovative spirit to the high level by increase the efforts in new products development, markets development and increase the more money in Research and Development so as to outperform its competitors.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203436 The Impact of Internal Business Processes on Competitiveness of Hotel Accommodation Business in Rwanda 2020-09-24T08:32:00+00:00 Gabriel Opare Obuobisa editor@ijird.com Mulyungi J. Patrick editor@ijird.com <p><em>The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of internal business process on the competitiveness of hotel accommodation segment in Rwanda. The target population was 120 with a sample size of 92 workers of Serena Hotel in Kigali. The respondents were stratified into two classes to be specific officials accountable for execution contracting and heads of offices to be specific; ICT, Human Resource Management, Finance, and Customer administration. </em></p><p><em>A poll was utilized as primary instrument for information accumulation. The study utilized both essential and optional information, where surveys were utilized for information gathering. Information gathered was processed through Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Out of the 92 overviews offered out to the examined respondents, 72 examinations were done and returned. This response rate of 78.2% was viewed as high for appraisal. As shown by Baruch and Holtom (2008), 52.7% is the average level of response rate from a survey of several social science studies satisfactory for evaluation and hypothesis of the outcomes.</em></p><p><em>The study recommends that for an organization to have a significant impact in its industry and gain competitive edge over its competitors, it will have to be aggressive with its internal business processes. The hotel accommodation business mainly thrives on these alongside other variables for success and the capacity to reinforce these strategies with put the organization ahead. This is also practical as many clients are retained through positive experiences with all departments in the hotel.</em></p><p><em>Majority (84.6%) of the respondents indicated that their organization strives to improve quality as part of its internal business mechanisms to gain competitive advantage. Again, majority (90. 5%) of respondents indicated that the organizations certifications are trusted worldwide and as a result many customers are confident doing lodging with the hotel. Further, majority (84.3%) or respondents indicated that the organization provided quality service to its customers as part of its internal business drive to maintain its clients and gain a competitive advantage. While a lower proportion expressed confidence in the organization’s tendering process, overall, the respondents rated the organization’s internal business perspective very highly.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203437 Assessment of Teachers’ Ability to Use English Language in Giving Classroom Instructions in O-Level Public Secondary Schools in Moshi District, Tanzania 2020-09-24T08:32:06+00:00 Mwajuma Bakari Fadhili editor@ijird.com <p><em>This study assessed teachers’ ability to use English language in giving classroom instructions in Moshi district council. The study was guided by two research questions and one hypothesis. The study aimed at finding: How teachers’ use English language to give classroom instructions in secondary schools and extent to which teachers demonstrate ability to maintain using English language to give classroom instructions. The study was guided by social development theory. The sample comprised of 234 respondents whereby 120 were students, 108 teachers and 6 heads of school. Convergent parallel design under mixed approach was employed.  Stratified and simple random samplings were used to obtain respondents. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, observation guide and observation schedule. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically by using frequencies tables and percentages while qualitative data were Transcribed and summarized then narrated. The hypothesis was tested by Chi square at significant level of 0.05. Ethics in writing dissertation were strictly observed. The study found that teachers did not use English properly to give classroom instructions, teachers were not sensitive to note and correct student’s English language mistakes. The study concluded that students’ poor performance due to poor mastery of English language was due to teachers’ inability to note and correct student’s language mistakes, therefore the study recommended the government to ensure communication skills course offered in colleges and universities serve the need to equip teachers with English language skills.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203438 Road Pavement Failure and Exploratory Analysis of Requirements for Effective Management of Highway Maintenance Projects 2020-09-24T08:32:12+00:00 Moneke Uchenna Ugochi editor@ijird.com <p><em>Feedback information from investigating causes of Road Pavement Failure (RPF) will provide guidelines for requirements definition and management system for effective delivery of Highway Maintenance Projects (HMP) in Imo State Nigeria. This paper investigates the causes of RPF and explores the requirements needed for effective delivery of HMP to enhance sustainable thoroughfare assets. Expository field surveys with cluster sampling were adopted in the study. A sample size of five dilapidated highways with 78 target respondents and 6 factors in each of the 3 cluster groups of requirements formed the basis for primary data generation. The instrument of data collection and measurement was questionnaire designed in Likert five points scale. The methods of data analysis were the Relative severity index, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and Pearson correlation analysis. The results and findings from the analysis found that poor side drainage system, poor quality of construction design and materials are the severest causes of RPF. The coefficient of concordance W from three raters indicate significant agreement of the three cluster groups of technical, financial and institutional requirements with,W= 70.60%, 62.40% and 61.50% respectively. Similarly, the result of correlation analysis shows that technical and financial requirements correlate significantly with effectiveness of HMP delivery with coefficients of 69.20% and 52.40% respectively. However, institutional requirement through important, did not correlate very strongly in this study. The results suggest that RPF analysis mitigates complexities of figuring out HMP requirements definitions and management system and hence, ensures meeting up with the acceptance criteria, change control and user’s satisfaction. </em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203439 Performance Evaluation of Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) Among Stakeholders in Property Management in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria 2020-09-24T08:32:18+00:00 Adewole Alexander Adebayo editor@ijird.com Adewale, Peter Oluwatoyin editor@ijird.com Adebayo, Abimbola Adedayo editor@ijird.com <p><em>This paper examines the Performance evaluation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) among stakeholders in Property Management in Ibadan Metropolis. Primary data were collected with questionnaires administered on 100 Estate surveying and Valuation firms out of which 70 (70%) were retrieved and analysed with the use of frequency counts and means rating of both 3 and 5 points Likert scale. Data from court and ADR centre were collected as a source of secondary data. The study showed that 100% of respondents’ firms engage in property management activities and also claimed awareness of existence of ADR centres in the case study area but have not subscribed to their mediation services. Analysis of performance of ADR centres is very high in terms of cost efficiency, timely settlement of disputes, maintenance of privacy and mutual acceptance of decision outcome by the parties as these are most significant having means rating above 2.5 compare to Litigation with rating far below 2.5 hence the study concluded that performance of ADR centres outweigh Litigation, even though the latter is far more sought after.</em></p><p><em>The study recommended sensitization among estate practitioners; the need to subscribe to services of ADR centres in the interest of stakeholders in Property Management, enshrine in the tenancy agreement the use of ADR mediation in settlement of disputes failure which court can entertain such; and also to empower ADR centres for enforcement of settlement between parties.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203440 Talent Management and Entrepreneurial Sustainability in Organizations 2020-09-24T08:32:23+00:00 Obialor Donatus Chukwemeka editor@ijird.com <p><em>Given the current dynamic business environment, organizations need to adapt quickly to maintain competitive advantage and grow sustainably. The study investigated the effect of talent management on entrepreneurial sustainability of Inn son Motors Limited.  T-test Statistic was used in testing the hypotheses based on data sourced from 20 employees. The findings revealed that talent attraction and development have significant effect on organizational profit and given product development. The study concludes that for an organization to balance its economic health, social equity and environmental resilience and remain competitive, talent management become sacrosanct.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203441 Information Technology and Global Supply Chain Management 2020-09-24T08:32:30+00:00 Obialor Donatus Chukwemeka editor@ijird.com <p><em>The dynamic business environment today has continued to force business to rise beyond their localized business environment and go global, instigated by the fast-evolving Information Technology (IT) platforms. The study was conducted to examine the impact of the relationship between Information Technology and Global Supply Chain Management. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. With a population size of 190, the Taro Yammeh formula was used to determine a sample size of 150. The coefficient of determination was employed to test the reliability of the test instrument and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient statistical tool was used in testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that Information Technology have a significant impact on global Supply Chain Management with a correlation coefficient of -. 503 and p-value of .309. The researcher concluded the study conclude that IT is the major driver of GSCM, hence IT has remained crucial to the performance of GSCM and global businesses has been fueled and enabled by IT which has redefined all aspects of business today, hence enhances inter-organizational relationships.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203442 Ghanaian Senior High School Students’ Perception on the School Counsellor’s Role: the Case of Three Public Senior High Schools in the Offinso Municipality 2020-09-24T08:32:35+00:00 Samuel Dontoh editor@ijird.com <p><em>Guidance and counselling play a very important role in the school system and the role of the school counsellor is seen as a central concern of stakeholders in senior high schools (SHS). However, little attention has been paid to the preconceived conceptions of the roles of the SHS counsellors held by students. In this article the researcher shares the results of an assessment of 400 public senior high school students’ perceptions on the role of their counsellors in the Offinso Municipality. A descriptive survey design was used to collect data for this study. Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed in schools and students. A key finding was that, generally, students have positive perception on the role of the SHS counsellors. However, they considered the counsellors’ role of assessment and appraisal as not so important. The study concluded that counsellors may be lacking the needed repertoire in the use of assessment and appraisal tool and that some positive action may be needed to urge counsellors to make use of test instruments and other forms of appraisals in ascertaining the needs of students for proper remediation. It was recommended that counsellor educators should be made aware of the perception SHS students hold concerning the counsellor’s role on assessment and appraisal so as to enable him/her educate the counsellor trainees on their importance.</em></p><p><em> </em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203443 Comparison of Heat Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Mild Steel Used in Nigeria 2020-09-24T08:32:41+00:00 Umar Gidado editor@ijird.com Ibrahim Mohammed editor@ijird.com <p><em>The paper presents the study of carburization of two samples of mild steel from Nigerian Spanish Engineering Limited (NSE) and Top Steel Nigeria Limited (TL) in Ikorodu Lagos, there heat treatment, that consists of annealing, tempering, normalizing and hardening process and the mechanical properties. The paper was aimed at investigating the mechanical properties and the impact strength of the heat-treated mild steel samples after carburizing, the two samples undergoes carburization within a temperature range of 850-950°C, then quenching process of different quenching method. After quenching all the samples, they undergo mechanical test (Yield Strength, ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation) using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and impact strength. The heat treatment result shows a superior improvement on the mechanical properties of the two samples than As Received that shows more ductility toughness and strengths. From the observed result the mechanical properties of the two mild steels samples were found to be influenced by the carburization, whereby NSE present better result than TL with almost 15-20%. Conclusively, heat treatment process increases the mechanical properties of the mild steel, which gives a better construction when using the carburized mild steel.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203444 Design and Construction of a Multipurpose Device for Doming and Punching 2020-09-24T08:32:47+00:00 Isaac Kwabena Agyei editor@ijird.com Peggy Ama Fenning editor@ijird.com Kofi Adjei editor@ijird.com <p><em>Metal work comes along with a lot of techniques which doming is not an exception. Doming techniques use doming block and punches to create metal domes for production of unique artifacts. These doming blocks and punches come in a shape of half round. The challenge has always been getting different shapes of domes and their corresponding punches to give a variety and creativity in design of metal works and the energy one needs to give, a lot of hammer blows to be able to achieve the domed metal. This project or research seeks to design and construct a multipurpose portable device or machine for doming and punching. The portable device is going to be operated manually (mechanically), which means without electricity which is bedeviled by power fluctuations in most African countries, the device could still be operated with the needed efficiency and technique. The tip of the device is adjustable so it can be changed to get the desired shape the operator wants. There is a disc-like plate that corresponds to the tips or the punches. The device is designed to have a small cabinet of which the punches can be kept. It is designed to have a handle hanged by it side of which pressure or force is applied to create the impression or the punches desired. The material used for this device is iron the metal working technique used is welding. This study made use of quantitative research design by using descriptive and studio-based research. Findings revealed that it is possible to get domes of different shapes and sizes with their corresponding punches which can easily be used to achieve various domed designs to foster creativity in design and fabrication of metal art works. This device is designed and constructed to help metal students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science have variety of shapes as regards doming and punching as a technique of metal work. The study recommends that metal art students and practitioners alike should make use of this device to augment the technique of metal art. Again, it is recommended that apart from the device being operated mechanically, power options such as gas could be tried so that human effort could be minimized.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203445 Building Collapse in Nigeria: A Review and Delivery of the Future Using Big Data & IOT 2020-09-24T08:32:53+00:00 Umbugala Muhammad Douglas editor@ijird.com Bala Muhammad editor@ijird.com <p><em>Building collapse in Nigeria is alarming and indeed has become a subject of great concern. Many iconic structures now popping all over the developed countries from skyscrapers to bridges are mostly design and built now using BIM (building information modeling) transforming the Architects, Engineers, builders and the construction industry at large. Delivery the future requires moving with the changing dynamics, establishing objective approach using big Data and IOT (Internet of Things) to provide services at its utmost quality. Regulatory bodies and agency can share real time 24/7 data evaluation on its facilities visualizing instant inspection results with gap easily ascertained and timely addressed. This indeed will bring a huge difference on how we deliver services, hence keeping pace with the ever-changing customer expectations and the evolving environmental concern. This research has attributed the incessant building collapsed to regulation, monitoring and enforcement inadequacy. This can be devastating if the right measures are not in place. The inflexibility can be enhanced using technology bringing ease of operational scaling and organization processes to optimize regulatory compliance, driven efficiency, automation and collaboration across board. This effort is a rare piece in this direction thus adding value to the research world.</em></p><p><strong><em> </em></strong></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203446 Analysis of Students’ Feedback on C++ Programming Assessment Using an Online Survey 2020-09-24T08:32:59+00:00 Mahmood Umar editor@ijird.com Umar Sani editor@ijird.com Anas Abdullahi editor@ijird.com Ahmad Rufai editor@ijird.com <p><em> Educational data mining can be used in mining student’s opinion for the enhancement of learning outcomes, instruction and learning effectiveness. Based on these reasons, this study investigated the opinions of 146 first-year student of School of Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. on learning C++ programming based on skilled-based test using an online survey. The study will also investigate some issues on the zero-score awarded to students for unsuccessfully compiled program for the skilled-based. An online survey was used to collect student opinions as data because it is simple, subject-based and easy access to the students with the help of WhatsApp groups commonly used by the students for social interaction among them and their course lecturers. The result of mining students’ opinions on learning C++ programming shows that both skill-based test 1 and 2 is found to difficult or complicated. Students’ emotions on both skill-based test 1 and 2 is found to be scary. In terms of performance, the result is slightly different with respect to program compilation. The number of students with successfully compiled programs regarding skilled-based test 1 is higher than those with otherwise. So also, the number of students with successfully compiled program regarding skilled-based test 2 is higher than those with uncompiled program. In both cases, the percentage pass is greater than 50% and failure is lower than 37%. The overall result shows that Skill-based test is difficult and it, therefore, gives scary emotions to the first-year undergraduate students of School of Computing, Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203447 Fire Disaster Preparedness in Accra Technical Universities (ATU), Ghana 2020-09-24T08:33:06+00:00 Isaac Aidoo editor@ijird.com Nana Benyi Ansah editor@ijird.com Tracy Densy editor@ijird.com <p><em>The incidence of fire outbreaks has become a common occurrence, in Ghana, there is no single day without news of a fire outbreak in some part of the country. Knowledge on fire outbreak preparedness can inform the disaster management process and lead to well-informed plans and decisions in case of fire outbreaks. </em></p><p><em>Purpose: This study was conducted to assess fire disaster preparedness in Accra Technical Universities (ATU).</em></p><p><em>Methodology: The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approach. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and on-site observations. A total of 140 respondents including students, Lecturers and administrative staff and data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.</em></p><p><em>Findings: It emerged from the study that the level of Knowledge on the use of the fire extinguishers is very low, level of preparedness towards using the fire extinguishers is also low, staff and students in ATU are not prepared for fire disasters and there are no frequent periodic training and drills for staff and students on fire safety preparedness. </em></p><p><em>Recommendations: The study recommends regular maintenance of firefighting equipment on all blocks and offices, provision of new and state of the art firefighting equipment in all buildings and lecture halls and regular training programs on fire safety preparedness to raise the level of preparedness and awareness of staff and students on fire disaster preparedness in technical universities.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 https://i-scholar.in/index.php/IJIRD/article/view/203448 Assisting Pupils to Solve Linear Equations Involving the Variable 2020-09-24T08:33:12+00:00 Dennis Offei Kwakye editor@ijird.com <p><em>This study was to assist pupils of Asafoakye M/A J.H.S one in the Enchi District of the Western North Region in Ghana to use the Flag Diagram, Least Common Multiple and the Balancing Method to solve Linear Equations Involving one variable. The pupils were 36 in the class and a sample size of 30 was selected using the purposive sampling technique. These pupils were selected after a pre-intervention test was conducted and 30 pupils who performed abysmally were used for the project. The research sought to find answers to two research questions: What is the level of pupils’ knowledge in solving Linear Equation involving on variable? To what extent can pupils solve Linear Equations involving one variable using the Flag diagram, the Least Common Multiple method and the Balancing method after the intervention? The instruments used in collecting the data were test and observation. The research design adopted by the researcher was an action research which involved pre-intervention, intervention and post – intervention. One of the major findings discovered was that pupils can confidently use Flag Diagram, Least Common Multiple Method and the Balancing Method to solve any kind of Linear Equations involving one variable. The recommendation put forward by the researcher was the use of different approaches and varied models and methods should be adopted by teachers in the teaching and learning of mathematics especially at the Basic School Level.</em></p> 2020-08-31T00:00:00+00:00