Semi-arid areas of Kenya

Semi-arid areas of Kenya

Question 1

1. Basic research extends the prevailing pool of information by implementing new methods. Essentially, basic research is driven by curiosity to expand knowledge while asking questions like why what and how in order to increase knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles. On the other hand, applied research deals with topics with practical significance. Applied research tends to answer specific questions with the aim to solve practical problems.

The best research theory to be used in this case is applied research because the purpose of the research is to solve a real-world problem which in this case is whether school feeding programs have created an impact in the academic performance of primary school children in the semi-arid places in Kenya.

1. The research context of this study is a case study of primary school children in the semi-arid areas of Kenya and the impact that the school feeding programs are having on the academic performance of those children.

The four major ethical issues to be considered when conducting research includes; obtaining informed consent from the research participants. Secondly, deceptive practices or any forms of exaggeration in the aims and objectives should be avoided when planning and conducting the research. Thirdly, respect and dignity of the research participants should be of high priority. Fourth, it is important to ensure the privacy of the research participants is protected.

Question 2

1. A research proposal is important because it justifies the need to study a research problem. Additionally, it provides a practical way in which the research being proposed will be carried out.

The key factors to be considered when developing a research proposal include; first is the research goal and purpose—the research goal highlight what the eventual research will want to accomplish.  The second factor is the problem statement. This will highlight the problem(s) that exist currently and the way it will be addressed in the research. The third is the research background. This provides relevant information on why the topic chosen for the proposal is important and provides adequate information to support claims. The fourth is the methods and procedures to be used in the research proposal. The research design is an important factor because it will ensure smooth sailing when conducting the research.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The important role of employees cannot be fully quantified given they are the backbone of the companies they are employed in. Hence, highly motivated employees can lead to increased productivity. Essentially, while employees act as the engine of any company, motivation is the fuel that enhances the productivity of employees. One of the ways touted to increase employee motivation includes a reward system to encourage workers to increase their productivity. A well-intended and practical reward system is an efficient way to boost the motivation of employees.

A reward system can be an efficient tool that the management leaders of SMEs in Kenya can use to channel employee motivation in chosen ways. Essentially, rewards can help keep the best employees in the company, attract top talent in the job market and keep the workers’ performance at a high level given the anticipated reward they hope to get as a result of their good work. Nonetheless, there are two types of reward that can be dished out by the management of the SMEs. The first is the financial reward, and the second is the nonfinancial reward. Financial rewards are monetary incentives that workers in an organization will earn as a result of impressive performance. The nonfinancial reward is not non-monetary rewards that offer inspiration and engagement in employees in ways money can not—for instance, allowing an employee to join a mentorship program.

For an SME to meet its obligations to the society, shareholders and the employees, it is vital for the top management of the SME to a good working relationship with the employees. At the bare minimum employees expect a fair salary and good working condition. On the other hand, the management expects their employees to give their very best in their respective work stations. Nonetheless, the management of SMEs needs to provide some sort of reward for their employees if they are to expect high performance.

The purpose of the study is to assess the effects of both financial and nonfinancial rewards on the performance of employees among SMEs in Kenya.

Research questions;

1. What are the effects of both financial and nonfinancial rewards on employee productivity in SMEs?
2. Do efficient and effective rewards offer positive productivity in employees?

Significance of the study

The study is important because it provides the researcher with the necessary skills to conduct research in the business sector.

Scope of the study

The scope of the study is limited to SMEs in Kenya, and it was conducted in six months.

Question 3

1. The dependent variable investigated in the study is the job performance of the senior managers because it is the variable being tested. The independent variable in the study is the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation strategies because they can be changed or controlled by the researchers.

Research questions;

1. How does extrinsic motivation influence the job performance of senior managers in commercial banks in Kenya?
2. In what ways does intrinsic motivation impact the performance of senior managers in commercial banks in Kenya?
3. To conduct a critical literature review on the study, I will follow five important steps. The first is to search for the relevant literature on the topic. The second will be to evaluate the sources. The third will be to identify ongoing debates on the study and the research gaps. The fourth will be to outline the structure of the literature review and lastly, write the literature review after following the above steps.

The role of the literature review is to provide a foundation concerning the relevant knowledge on the research topic. Secondly, to give credit to previous studies on the topic while also identifying the research areas to prevent duplication of studies. Thirdly, to identify research gaps and conflicts by previous researchers. Fourth, to provide a justification for additional research.

Suitable sources of literature review include primary sources such as speeches, autobiographies, artefacts, interviews, court records and photographs. Secondary sources include textbooks, newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias and biographies.

To avoid plagiarism, it is important to quote works taken from another source or paper. The quotes should be exactly the way they appear in the source they are taken from. Secondly, it is important to cite other people’s works even after paraphrasing. It is also important to have a reference page that has been formatted with the appropriate guidelines.