Browsing by Author "Kagaari, R.K. James."

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Children’s conceptions of peace in two Ugandan primary schools: insights for peace curriculum
(Research in Comparative and International Education : Sage Journals, 2017-03-28) Kagaari, R.K. James.; Nakasiita, Kirabo.; Ntare, Edward.; Atuhaire, Richard.; Baguwemu, Ali.; Ojok, Gerald.; Okumu, S. Auma.; Kaahwa, Goretti.; Byamugisha, Gastone.; Semakula, Paul.; Namusoke, Jane.; Mayengo, Nathan.; Dennis, Barbara.; Thompson, E.Chalmer.
Oppenheimer urged communities all over the world to study how children come to understand peace, conflict, and war. Set in various countries, their review of studies, as well as more recent examinations reveal trends in how children view these phenomena, often differing by gender, age, and extent to which they were exposed to highly dangerous and traumatizing situations, like being forced to be child soldiers or sex slaves. No such research has been published in the contemporary post-war Uganda context. Using focus group methodology, we asked: How might Ugandan primary school children’s stories about peace (traditional and otherwise) help them navigate conflict? What sorts of conflicts do these children observe in their home, school, and community, and how do they describe peace as being resolved by themselves or others? The purpose of our study was to contribute to the knowledge base on peace education in Uganda and to ultimately develop written materials that students can use as part of their learning in their respective schools. Local studies like this one are relevant to the global situation because racial and economic conditions are global phenomena. The local manifestations can speak to those racial and economic conditions as perspectives not often used to put the global situation in relief. This paper explores the findings related to the children’s overarching conceptions of peace and their ideas of peacebuilding, including activities that both hinder and encourage peace. The voices of the children speak strongly of the connection between peace and access to basic necessities in the community.
Ecologies of innovation among small and medium enterprises in Uganda as a mediator of entrepreneurial networking and opportunity exploitation
(Cogent Business & Management, 2019-07-10) Mayanja, Samuel.; Ntayi, Joseph Mpeera.; Munene, John C.; Kagaari, R.K. James.; Waswa, Balunywa.
This paper examines the mediating effect of ecologies of innovation on the relationship between entrepreneurial networking and opportunity exploitation among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. The study design was a cross-sectional survey, data were analysed using SPSS and Analysis of Moment Structure on a sample of 228 SMEs. The mediated model provides support for the hypothesis that ecologies of innovation partially mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial networking and opportunity exploitation. This confirms that the presence of ecologies of innovation significantly acts as a conduit in the association between entrepreneurial networking and opportunity exploitation. The practical implications are that opportunity exploitation can be understood and predicted through ecologies of innovation, entrepreneurial networking can also predict opportunity exploitation directly. Business owners and managers need to fully understand and utilise the ecologies of innovation to exploit opportunities effectively. Social implications, a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurial networking and ecologies of innovation affect employee relations will not be fully realised until employers create a platform for rational thinking, creativity and learning about this interaction. This study utilises social network theory to extend the existing research on opportunity exploitation.
Ecologies of innovation as a mediator between nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Uganda
(Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 2020-05-28) Mayanja, Samuel Ssekajja.; Ntayi, Joseph Mpeera.; Munene, J.C.; Waswa, Balunywa.; Kagaari, R.K. James.
This paper examines the mediating role of ecologies of innovation in the relationship between nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. A cross sectional survey design using quantitative approach was employed in this study. Data were collected with the help of self-administrated questionnaire from 228 SMEs. Systematic random sampling technique was used. Multiple regression data were analyzed with the help of SPSS software. The results indicated that ecologies of innovation fully mediates the relationship between nexus of generative and entrepreneurial networking. The data was cross sectional in nature, thus limiting monitoring changes in resources accessed from entrepreneurial networks by entrepreneurs over time. The implications are that, policy makers and managers of SMEs should pay more attention to the role of nexus of generative influence in creating ecologies of innovation, conducive environment for employees to interact with mutual influence to advance creativity and innovation that enhance increased access to resources from entrepreneurial networks. The study of nexus of generative influence, ecologies of innovation and entrepreneurial networking using complexity theory among SMEs in Uganda is a contribution to literature.
Evaluation of the effects of vocational choice and practical training on students’ employability
(Journal of European Industrial Training, 2007-07-31) Kagaari, R.K. James.
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the need for Kyambogo to pay special attention to students’ vocational choices, university based training and employability. Design/methodology/approach – The sample of 46 final year students, 90 graduates and 50 supervisors using cross sectional survey design was used to collect data. Findings – The paper reveals that factors such as government policies and regulations, people we interact and relate with for instance, parents, teachers, peers and other factors like our aspirations, interests, subjects studied at school have a significant bearing on our vocational choices. Practical training, curriculum followed in teaching and industrial training are relevant for electrical graduates in their preparation for employment challenges. Practical implications – This paper calls for involvement of stakeholders in design, implementation and evaluation of the university curriculum. That there should be vigorous and rigorous regular evaluation of training of electrical engineers to meet the ever-changing needs of employers. Originality/value – This paper presents a new approach to critical thinking young adulthood vocational choices, university based-training and employability of electrical engineering graduates.
Informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Kampala, Uganda: the mediating role of ecologies of innovation
(Cogent Business & Management, 2019-05-29) Mayanja, Samuel Ssekajja.; Ntayi, Joseph Mpeera.; Munene, John C.; Waswa, Balunywa.; Sserwanga, Arthur.; Kagaari, R.K. James.
This paper examines the mediating role of ecologies of innovation in the relationship between informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kampala, Uganda. To empirically validate the conceptual model and test the hypothesised relationships, the authors collected data from a sample of 228 SMEs in Kampala district, Uganda purposefully selected for this study. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were analysed using SPSS/20 and AMOS version 23. The findings exhibit a full mediation of ecologies of innovation in the relationship between informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among SMEs. Besides, informational differences and entrepreneurial networking are insigniﬁcantly related. There were, however, some limitations: as the study was cross-sectional in nature, it was difficult to trace the process of interactions among employees especially, how they attach meaning to information and entrepreneurial networking patterns over time;—the study was conducted in Kampala district among trade, manufacturing, and services sectors only. The implication is that entrepreneurial networking can only be explained and predicted through ecologies of innovation. The study recommends that SME owners/managers need to fully understand and facilitate ecologies of innovation for employees to interact and attach meaning to information. This research contributes to the literature on mediation of ecologies of innovation between informational differences and entrepreneurial networking through its empirical findings of the hypothesised relationships. It theoretically contributes to existing knowledge by integrating complexity systems leadership theory.
Informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Uganda
(Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 2021-10-25) Mayanja, Samuel Ssekajja; Ntayi, Joseph Mpeera.; Munene, John C.; Waswa, Balunywa.; Kagaari, R.K. James.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) establish formal and informal relations to access required resources for business competitiveness in Uganda. The major challenge of acquiring the required resources is attributed to inadequate management of informational differences among employees. This paper examines the relationship between informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among SMEs in Uganda. A mixed research method was deployed. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 228 SMEs. An interview guide was used for key informants. Stratified random sampling was used in selecting SMEs from the Kampala district, business owners/managers were purposively selected as the respondents. Multiple regression was used, and data were analysed using SmartPLS and Nvivo software. Findings confirmed a significant positive relationship between informational differences and entrepreneurial networking. Specifically, both divergent opinions and new knowledge values are positively associated with entrepreneurial networking. The study recommends that SME owners/managers should establish policies and flat structures as an opportunity to address non-linear interchanges of information. Managers should create an enabling environment for employees with divergent opinions to interact with each other to become innovative with new methods of accessing resources from entrepreneurial networks. Future studies should use a longitudinal approach to study the trends over years. This study extends knowledge of entrepreneurial networking using complexity systems leadership theory.
Performance management practices and managed performance: the moderating influence of organisational culture and climate in public universities in Uganda
(Measuring Business Excellence, 2011-11-15) Kagaari, R.K. James.
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore and explain the existence and implementation of performance management practices in four public universities in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed-method study approach (qualitative and quantitative) was adopted. A sample of 900 employees was drawn using a disproportionate stratified purposive sampling approach that yielded a 53 per cent response rate. Of the participants, 12 were purposively selected from top management members and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Using Nvivo software and Miles and Huberman approaches, interview data were managed and analysed. Findings – Qualitative data results revealed that employees in public universities built relationships, utilised available resources, adapted to external environment, set goals and targets. This was made possible through planning, mobilising resources, problem solving, evaluating performance and adopting ICT to deliver cost-effective quality services/products. The hypotheses were tested and revealed a significant positive relationship between performance management practices and managed performance (r ¼ 0.25, p , 0.001). A moderating influence of organisational culture and climate on performance management practices and managed performance was also established and confirmed (DR 2 ¼ 0:012) significantly above zero (p ¼0.015). Research limitations/implications – Cross-sectional studies by their nature are subject to common method variances; further refinement of the instrument and a replication of the study using a longitudinal approach are recommended. Also, the additional studies should be supplemented with in-depth interviews or case studies where possible to tap salient issues from the respondents. Practical implications – Public universities should have visionary managers who should manage strategic barriers, attract and retain thinkers, and also create result-oriented relationships to make a dynamic contribution to the development process of Uganda. Originality/value – Mass university education in Uganda today calls for new approaches to managing employees in order to balance cost, quality and education access.
Performance management practices, information and communication technology (ICT) adoption and managed performance
(Quality Assurance in Education, 2010-04-27) Kagaari, R.K. James.; Munene, John C.; Ntayi, Joseph Mpeera.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the need for managers of public universities to pay attention to performance management practices and information communication technology (ICT) adoption in order to achieve successful managed performance. Design/methodology/approach – Using a disproportionate stratified purposive approach, a sample of 900 employees was drawn from four public universities in Uganda. Findings – The results revealed that performance management practices that are vested in agency relations and goal setting with ICT adoption are necessary in the achievement of managed performance in public universities. Practical implications – Building a positive employer-employee relationship and involving employees in setting goals and targets is crucial for successful management of organisations. ICT adoption will further facilitate service quality, service delivery and cost reduction. Originality/value – This paper calls for a new approach to managing employees in public universities in developing countries and Uganda in particular
Positive deviance, ecologies of innovation and entrepreneurial networking
(World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2019-09-20) Mayanja, Samuel Ssekajja.; Ntayi, Joseph Mpeera.; Munene, John C.; Kagaari, R.K. James.; Waswa, Balunywa.; Orobia, Laura.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of ecologies of innovation in the relationship between positive deviance (PD) and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design using quantitative approach was employed in this study. Data were collected with the help of self-administrated questionnaires from 228 SMEs. Systematic sampling technique was used. Multiple regression data were analysed with the help of SPSS software.