Institute for Social Research(ISR)
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- ItemFlexible approach for user evaluation of biomedical ontologies(Makerere University, 2008) Maiga, Gilbert; Ddembe, WilliamThere has been an emergence of various ontologies describing data from either the clinical or biological domains. Associated with this are attempts to develop systems that integrate clinical and biological ontologies using various strategies to overcome issues of scope, differing levels of granularity and conflicting user needs. However, lack of knowledge about user needs for such integration systems, and absence of a general framework to assess their suitability for specific application remain obstacles to their reuse and wide adoption in distributed computing environments. This paper describes a study that aims to address this problem by proposing an evaluation framework for ontology integration to suit user needs. The framework draws on existing ontology evaluation approaches in relating user objectives to ontology characteristics. Systems theory is used to explain the dynamics of a biomedical environment. The framework therefore includes feedbacks from the evaluation process to the user characteristics of the integrated systems. This framework was validated by a study using structured interviews and questionnaires in a survey. The results indicate that it is sufficiently flexible for evaluating ontology based biomedical integrated systems, taking into account the conflicting needs of different users interested in accessing complex libraries of biomedical data.
- ItemReadiness of Kampala International University doctoral students for open and distance education.(Research Gate, 2010) Bakkabulindi, F.E.K.; Mulumba F.N.; Burani, Alan; Oketch, C.; Taibu, A.This study examined the readiness of Kampala International University Doctoral Students for open and distance education and related this readiness to gender, income and perceived user friendliness of ICT. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 43 of these students and analysed using means, t-test and correlation analyses. The findings were that there is relationship between each of gender, income and perceived user friendliness of ICT and readiness for open and distance learning. However, only the relationship between perceived user friendliness of ICT and the said readiness was found to be statistically significant. Therefore, it was concluded that, if they are to be ready for open and distance education, the students deserve equal encouragement, exposure and training with respect to the use of ICT, notwithstanding their gender and income differentials.
- ItemFinancial performance in the selected micro-finance institutions in Uganda(ESRSA Publications Pvt ltd, 2010) Sunday, Arthur; Turyahebwa, Abanis; Sumil, Novembrieta; Byamukama, EliabThis study was undertaken to examine the degree of financial performance in the selected Microfinance institutions central region, Uganda. The ex- post facto or retrospective, prospective designs and descriptive survey design, and specifically descriptive comparative and descriptive correlation strategies were employed. A minimum sample of 266 was used in data collection and analysis. Data was analysed using means and t-test. The findings revealed that the degree of financial performance in the microfinance institutions in central region Uganda is high with an overall average mean of 3.09 this implies that that most financial institutions in Uganda are financially sound. The contingency theory by Joan Wood wards (1958) as cited and explained by Simons‟ (1995) levers of management system control model was authenticated and validated. The conclusion was drawn that the degree of financial performance in the microfinance institutions in central region Uganda was generally high and it was recommended that Microfinance institutions should enhance financial reporting framework to improve on the liquidity position, improve assets value, market share, financial sustainability as well as portfolio quality.
- ItemMeasuring levels of end users acceptance and use of hybrid library services(2010) Tibenderana, Prisca; Ogao, Patrick J.; Ikojah, Odongo R.; Wokadala, JamesThis study concerns the adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) services in libraries. The study collected 445 usable data from university library end-users using a crosssectional survey instrument. It develops, applies and tests a research model of acceptance and use of such services based on an existing UTAUT model by Venkatesh, et al. (2003). Results show that ‘relevance’ and ‘social influence’ have significant effects on intentions to use e-library services. Results further show that university communities in Uganda are inclined to use electronic library services due to social demands, relevancy of services, available facilitating conditions and benefits they expect from the services. Most importantly, the Service Oriented Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (SOUTAUT) model explains 57% of variance towards acceptance and use of e-library services.
- ItemHeavy metal assessment and water quality values in urban stream and rain water(IRSEN, CEERS, IAU, 2010) Sekabira, K; Oryem–Origa, H.; Basamba, T. A; Mutumba, G.; Kakudidi, EWater quality monitoring in developing countries is inadequate, especially in stream water affected by urban effluents and runoff. The purpose of this study was to investigate heavy metal contaminants in the Nakivubo Stream water in Kampala, Uganda. Water samples Nakivubo Channelized Stream, tributaries and industrial effluents that drain into the stream were collected and analysed for the total elemental concentration using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that: 1) the wastewater was highly enriched with lead and manganese above the maximum permissible limit; 2) the levels of dissolved oxygen were below the maximum permissible limit, while the biological oxygen demand was above the maximum permissible limit. All industrial effluents/wastewater were classified as strong (> 220 mg/L). Factor analysis results reveal two sources of pollutants; 1) mixed origin or chemical phenomena of industrial and vehicular emissions and 2) multiple origin of lead (vehicular, commercial establishment and industrial). In conclusion, Nakivubo Channelized Stream water is not enriched with heavy metals. These heavy metals (lead, cadmium and zinc) were rapidly removed by co-precipitation with manganese and iron hydroxides and total dissolved solids into stream sediments. This phenomena is controlled by pH in water.
- ItemNew biologically active compounds from 1, 3-Diketones(Res.J.Chem. Sc., 2011) Mulongo, George; Mbabazi, Jolocam; Odongkara, B; Twinomuhwezi, H; Mpango, G.BThe ready availability of cyclohexanones and the enhanced reactivity at their -positions render them starting materials of choice in the present study. The synthesis of new compounds of antimicrobial activity was undertaken by the coupling of aromatic amines with 5,5-dimethyl cyclohexan-1,3-dione (dimedone). The products were refluxed with N–benzyl-N-phenylhydrazine in acetic acid. The structures of the products were elucidated using micro- and IR-spectral analyses. They were confirmed using 1H NMR at 60MHz and TMS as internal standard. The diketone derivatives were tested for their biological activity against gram-positive Cocci and Bacilli, and gram-negative Bacilli. The study showed that the derivatives gave a wide range of activity from inactive to highly active, which proves it to be of fresh pharmaceutical interest.
- ItemHeavy metal phytoremediation by Commelina benghalensis (L) and Cynodon dactylon (L) growing in Urban stream sediments(Academic Journals, 2011) Sekabira, K.; Oryem–Origa, H.; Mutumba, G.B; Basamba, T.A.Urbanisation and industrialization lead to heavy metal pollution in the Nakivubo drainage ecosystem. The objectives of this study were to determine heavy metal concentrations and distribution in Commelina benghalensis (L.) and Cynodon dactylon (L.) that grows in different polluted sites along the urban stream sediments of the Nakivubo drainage ecosystem in Kampala, Uganda. To investigate the possibility of using these plant species in phytoextraction and phytostabilisation of heavy metal pollutants, assessment of heavy metals was done using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor values (BAF and TF > 1) for both plant species were greater than one for Cu at some sites suggesting efficient accumulation in the shoot. BAF > 1 and TF < 1 values for Pb, Cd and Zn suggest accumulation in roots and qualify these plants also as good candidates for phytostabilisation. In conclusion, the heavy metal sequestration from urban stream sediments by plant parts that are harvestable are characterized and recommended as good candidates for phytoremediation (phytoextraction and phytostabilisation) and can be used as indicators of heavy metal pollution for the urban stream ecosystem
- ItemA technique for strengthening weak passwords in electronic medical record systems(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2012) Maiga, Gilbert; Kalyango, Samuel TusubiraThe internet has accelerated access to and sharing of electronic medical records (EMR). EMRs are meant to be confidential and only accessed or shared with authorization from the owner. A combination of UserID and a Password is the most widely used mechanism to assure user authentication and access to EMRs. However, these mechanisms have been greatly compromised by guessing and hacking of weak passwords leading to increased cases of medical identity theft, cyber terrorism and information systems attacks. This has resulted in false financial claims, debts due to unauthorized disclosure of the private and confidential EMRs leading to huge losses for the victims. This study developed a technique to strengthen weak passwords that integrates UserIDs, weaker password, salts, challenge responses and random variables to derive a stronger password for authentication. A system prototype to test the technique was built, tested and validated by users.
- ItemInformation sharing inventory management and customer satisfaction: the case of manufacturing firms in Kampala(2012) Namagembe, Sheila; Munene, J.C.; Muhwezi, Moses; Eyaa, SarahInformation sharing and inventory management have emerged as key factors for manufacturing firms wanting to meet their customer demand in the downstream chain. Downstream chains of manufacturing firms in Uganda face a number of challenges that affect customer satisfaction. Information sharing and poor inventory management are some of the challenges that affect customer satisfaction in the downstream chain. This study attempts to study the relationship between information sharing, inventory management and customer satisfaction in the downstream chain of manufacturing firms in Uganda. Customer satisfaction in the downstream chain is important because Manufacturing firms contribute a large percentage to the GDP of the country. The research was based on registered distributors and retailers who sell products of manufacturing firms in Uganda. A Sample of 523 was taken composed of registered retailers and distributors. A survey questionnaire was used which was adopted from those used by previous scholars and was modified to suit the local setting. A response rate of 69% was achieved. The study established that information sharing explained 47.1% of the variation in customer satisfaction and inventory management explained 39.4% of the variation in customer satisfaction. According to the results, information sharing affects customer satisfaction more than inventory management. This is consistent with what previous scholars have found out. These results raise implications to the owners manufacturing firms in Uganda and to the theory as well. This is the first study to document the effect of information sharing ,inventory management on customer satisfaction in the downstream chain of manufacturing firms in Uganda. Manufacturing firms in Uganda have neglected the issues of information sharing and inventory management which has affected their ability to meet customer needs. The results indicate that the firm’s ability to share information and ensure proper inventory management has implications on customer satisfaction. The fact that manufacturing firms are not willing to share information with their downstream chain partners also has important implications, demonstrating the practical value of information sharing and inventory management
- ItemGrowth and internationalization of small enterprises in Kampala district, Uganda(2012) Olutayo, Osunsan K; Sumil, NovembrietaThis study was undertaken at the end of 2011 to examine the levels of growth and internationalization in selected Small business enterprises (SBE) in Kampala district, Uganda. To test the null hypotheses of: (i) no significant difference in the level of growth and internationalization between age of SBE; (ii) no significant difference in the level of growth and internationalization between types industry/sector of SBE; (iii) no significant relationship between the level of growth and internationalization of selected SBE; To authenticate information within the context of the theory to which this study is based. Using a quantitative, ex post facto, descriptive correlational and cross-sectional survey design; the data was analyzed using t-test, Linear Regression, ANOVA and Pearson’s methods as were called for. The findings revealed there was a high level of growth and very low level of internationalization; (i) there was no significant difference in levels of growth between age of SBE, while there was a significant difference in level of internationalization between age of SBE;(ii) there was also a significant difference in the level of growth and internationalization between types of industry of SBE; (iii) there was a significant negative relationship between level of growth and internationalization. The Network Theory of Internationalization by Johanson and Mattsson (1988) was authenticated. Conclusion was drawn that level of internationalization was generally low and it was recommended that entrepreneurs should incorporate internationalization in their businesses plan and strategic goal/vision; and that policies and information should be facilitated by government and agencies to encourage internationalization and to reduced the perception of its complexity at least within the East African region and finally the global market.
- ItemWorkplace environment in selected multinational companies (MNCS) in Kampala, Uganda.(Society for Promoting International Research and Innovation (SPIRI), 2012) Ssekajugo, DerickThe study investigated the levels of workplace environment in selected MNCs operating in Central Uganda under the dimensions: (1) workplace arrangement; (2) attitudinal atmosphere; (3) work conditions and (4) manager’s/supervisor’s practices. The ex post facto/retrospective-prospective and descriptive strategies were employed. Data were analyzed using summary statistics (i.e. mean and rank by construct).The findings revealed that managers’/supervisors’ practices were ranked one while work conditions was ranked last from among the 4 constructs on level of workplace environment. The overall mean illustrated a satisfactory level of workplace environment although this was not the highest level. The null hypothesis of no significant differences in the level of workplace environment among MNCs was rejected. Inferences were made that MNCs in Central Uganda had differing workplace environment and that such environment had impact on the operations of MNCs thus authenticating the Contingency theory by Fiedler (1964). It was recommended that there was need to elevate the level of workplace environment.
- ItemAdoption of e–tax services in Uganda: a model of citizen–based factors(Inderscience Publishers, 2013) Maiga, Gilbert; Asianzu, ElizabethDiverse benefits of e–government services are linked to its adoption and usage. E–government adoption rates in economically transiting countries remain low and so its benefits are not fully realised. This is partly due to governments focusing largely on technical supply–side factors with little emphasis on the demand or citizens' perspective of e–government adoption. The result has been a gap between what is offered and what is consumed. This paper presents the results of a study that develops a model for e–tax service adoption as an attempt to bridge the gap for this segment of e–government. Requirements for the model elicited in a field study are used to extend the technology acceptance model (TAM) which emphasizes citizen–based factors for e–tax adoption. The extended model has dimensions of adoption benefits, trust, attitudes, education, compatibility, awareness, accessibility, training, user support and local language use. It is generic and reusable for other countries in similar context.
- ItemApplication of auditing standards among selected organizations(International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE), 2013) Turyahebwa, Abanis; Makanga, Christopher; Yahayah, Ibrahim; Byamukama, Arthur EliabThe study investigated the level of compliance with auditing standards in selected organizations in Kampala, Uganda.v The specific objective of the study was to determine the level of compliance with auditing standards. The study used a quantitative, ex-post facto, descriptive questionnaire, data was collected answering specific questions on a four point Likert scale. Data analysis by means of frequencies, percentages and means was done, using SPSS are University graduates, in the 20 to 39 years age bracket and most of them are men. There is a high level of compliance with auditing standards (general average mean = 3.54) in the selected orga recommended that auditors evaluate team members’ competence before deployment of teams for audit, conduct audits from clients’ premises and issue timely audit reports. There is also need to emphasize follow up of audit findings recommendations from previous audits by auditors or Audit Committees.
- ItemInstitutional capacity and local revenue generation in Nakasongola Town Council.(Global Institute for Research and Education, 2013) Kasozi, Strurninas M; Kayise, Chrysostom; Kirabo, Kyeyune Bounty JosephThis report presents the findings of the study that focused on an examination of how institutional capacity influences local revenue generation in Nakasongola Town Council. It analyzed how institutional capacity influences local revenue generation in the Town council. The study population of 500 people comprised of taxpayers, political leaders and civil servants from Nakasongola Town council. Its sample of 125 respondents was drawn from the three strata of taxpayers, political leaders and civil servants. Majority of the respondents 46.5% said there was institutional capacity to handle the varied revenue sources. The study recommended strengthening of institutional capacity by facilitating the human resource, broadening the local revenue base and improvement on infrastructure in order enhance total revenue generation. Tax payers be consulted regularly and should be involved through a bottom-top planning strategy by the central government.
- ItemChild labour: impact on academic performance and social implication: a case of northeast Uganda(TJPRC Pvt, 2013) Anumaka, Ijeoma BlessingThe article reports the constraint of implementating the child labor policy by education stakeholders in North-East Uganda. Child labor is believed has impact on the physical, social and intellectual development of a child. Despite government effort to combat child labor by enacting child labor law and policies, the rate of child labor is till prevalent in some districts in Uganda. Parents should be sensitized about the value of education to their children. Government should find ways of fighting poverty, and all the stakeholders should join hands in order to eradicate child labor.
- ItemE-Procurement and Performance of Service Organizations in Uganda(International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE), 2013) Zakari, Uba; Sharifai, Musa Gambo; Mubaraka, Conrad M; Agaba, LeticiaAiming at establishing the relationship between E-procurement on the performance of selected service organizations in Uganda; researchers used survey design on 202 employees and found that there is a significant relationship between E-procurement and performance of the organizations. This proposition comes as a result of penetration of IT in all aspects of life to the effect that today everything tends to rotate around use of technology. Also to note is that competition compels one to devise means to beat others and technology is the way to go. The researchers thus recommend: i) Government to support service organizations in regards to regulating cyber related vices; ii) Other organizations, other than service organization, should invest wisely in IT to reap its potential profitability; and iii) The whole procurement process should involve as many people as possible as a potential means to human resource planning in an effort to overcome future embarrassments of retrench and labor turn over
- ItemFinancial growth and bureaucratic structures of international businesses in banks of Uganda.(Global Institute for Research and Education, 2013) Kirabo, Kyeyune Bounty Joseph; Kabir, Haruna; Sumil, NovembrietaThis study investigated the levels of financial growth and bureaucratic structures of international business in some selected banks in Uganda. Specifically the study pursued to (i) determine the demographic profiles of the respondents in terms of gender, age, education qualifications, location of banks, position held in the bank and years of service;(ii) to determine the level of financial growth in the selected international banks.(iii) to determine the level of bureaucratic structures in the selected international banks in the study (iv) to establish whether there is a significant difference in the level of financial growth and the level of bureaucratic structures in the international banks and (v) to establish whether there is a significant relationship between financial growth and bureaucratic structures in international banks. Adopting descriptive, comparative, correlational and cross-sectional strategies, data were collected from 108 top corporate and middle managers using self-administered questionnaires (SAQs) as the main data collection instruments. Data were analyzed using frequency counts and summary statistics, student’s t-test, ANOVA, linear correlation co-efficient analysis and Regression Analysis. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents managers (95.4%) have offices in Kampala, (65.8%) serve banks whose existence is not beyond 20 years, (91.7%) are university graduates, 70.4% were in the early adulthood age, (52.8%) were males, (58.3%) were middle managers and (79.6%) had served their banks between 1-10 years. Financial growth had a mean of (2.70). There was a significant relationship between the level of financial growth and bureaucratic structures (Sig. = 0.000). There was no significant difference between male and female views on bureaucratic structures. It was found that financial growth had no significant influence on bureaucratic structures (Sig.=0.607). It was concluded that financial growth had a significant effect on bureaucratic structures. It is strongly recommended that banks should step up their trading of government securities and bonds. They should also advantageously utilize debt capital.
- ItemBusiness efficiency in Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) in selected districts in western Uganda.(IISTE, 2013) Turyahebwa, Abanis; Sunday, A. B.; Aluonzi, Eliab; Yahaya, B.; Sumil, NovembrietaThe study was undertaken to determine the level of business efficiency in Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) in selected districts in Western Uganda. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the level of business efficiency of SMEs in terms of, profitability, growth; The study employed ex-post facto or retrospective and prospective designs together with descriptive design and descriptive comparative as well as correlation design. 335 questionnaires were distributed to respondents and were collected and used for analysis. The study found out that majority of SMEs owners (52%) in western Uganda are female, more than 69% of the SMEs owners are in their early adult hood and majority of the SMEs owners are high school leavers (30.1%), over 50% of the SMEs are sole proprietorship businesses and majority of the SMEs (42.4%) have been in business between 1-4 years. The study found out that the level of profitability among SMEs was high (Average Mean = 2.67), the results also showed that the level of growth in SMEs is low (Average Mean=2.30). The overall findings showed that the level of business efficiency is low among SMEs (Average Mean = 2.48). The study employed the theory of Pecking Order (Myers 1984) which states that Management has a preference to choose internal financing before external financing, was proven in this study in the aspects of SMEs using internally generated funds as compared to borrowed funds. The recommendations from the study included; The SMEs owners should try to maximise and put to use their assets so as to obtain higher returns on assets. The government, more specifically the Ministry of East African Affairs, URA should sensitize the owners of SMEs on the opportunities that are available in the EAC and how the SMEs can be able to export their products to the neighbouring countries so as to boost their turnover. The owners of SMEs should have sales team in place so as to market the products and services of the business in order to increase sales. The SMEs owners should also make sure that business plans are prepared so as to act as a road map on how to take the business to the next level.
- ItemBlended learning resources in constrained bandwidth environment: considerations for network and multimedia optimization(ACSIJ .I, 2013) Maiga, Gilbert; Suhail, Nazir Ahmad; Lubega, JudeThe potential of multimedia teaching and learning approach at higher education is well recognized by researchers, as it is a powerful tool to increase the perceived level of user satisfaction, leading to enhance the blended learning process. However, the learning process can be improved significantly by delivering the content using visual media (video, audio, and graphics). On the other hand, such multimedia contents require larger bandwidth for transmission over the Internet, which is limited in developing environments where demand always exceeds the resource. This paper constructs a framework comprising of network optimization and multimedia optimization, as two main components, aimed to improve the multimedia performance in the context of constrained bandwidth environment.
- ItemSeft regulation and cultural orientation on the academic achievement of university students on distance education in Kampala, Uganda.(Institute for Research & Education, 2013) Sangaire, Eddie MorganCorrelated in this study were the variables of self regulation, cultural orientation and academic achievement of university students on distance education in Kampala, Uganda. To test the null hypotheses, the ex post facto, descriptive comparative and descriptive correlation designs were employed. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions, means, t-test, analysis of variance and Chi-Square. There was no significant difference in the extent of self regulation, degree of cultural orientation and level of academic achievement between gender, type of university and among nationalities thus the null hypotheses were accepted; there was a significant correlation between the extent of self regulation and degree of cultural orientation on the level of academic achievement, therefore the null hypothesis was rejected. In conclusion, the culture fit theory of Kanungo and Jaerger (1990) and its elaboration by Aisha (2007) were validated and proven true through the findings of this study while self regulation and cultural orientation were proven predictors to academic achievement. The recommendations based on the findings of this study addressed to the institutions understudy, to the distance learners and distance education facilitators were in these areas: proactive stance on gender sensitivity, managing cross cultural variations; enhancing learner’s autonomy, cultural orientation and academic achievement.