Research Korner: Free Research Proposals

Research Proposal on The Impact of the Food Supplement to the End Users in Selected Area in the Philippines

The Impact of the Food Supplement to the End Users in Selected Area in the Philippines Introduction The promotion of health and wellness is based on the asserted information of the health care professionals that people should take the ideal amount of food such as the “food pyramid” to achieve the healthy body. The target of the programs is particularly children but because of the growing health uncertainties, and the inability of the people to provide the nutrition, the food supplements are created. Food supplements may come from the syrup-based or in a form of tablet or capsule. Apparently, the food supplements became part of the nutrition source of the young and adult and might range into different brands. Background and Problem Statement A dietary supplement, also known as food supplement or nutritional supplement, is a preparation intended to supplement the diet and provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, or amino acids that are enclosed in a small capsule or tablet. People believed that the use of dietary supplements will help their body cope with stress from the work or studies, and help them increase or enhance the immune system to fight the simple diseases and virus that became more resistant in the antibiotics. Dietary supplements became famous in the busiest places in the Philippines like Manila and Quezon City. The people had an easy access in purchasing the food supplements that are widely available and sell. Unlike the antibiotics and other medicines, the food supplements can be easily purchased because there is no need of prescriptions coming from the doctor. However, people are often deceived by the food supplements because of the use of the pills without the proper assessment of the doctors. In this event, the result can be undesirable. Therefore, what is the impact of food supplements to the end users?  Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to investigate the impact of food supplements or dietary supplements to the end users. In order to facilitate the investigation, there are four objectives that should be considered. First is to identify the places where the food supplements are popular. Second is to identify the kind of supplements that are popular in the market. Third is to demonstrate the perceptions of the end-users regarding the food supplements and what factors that drives them in buying that product. And fourth is to recognize the impacts of food supplements on the human body based on the experience of the end-users.  Literature Review One common mistakes of purchasing the food supplements is the idea of marketing that might distort the fact regarding the product. The consumers had a high probability to be deceived due to the use of commercials and celebrity endorsers. In addition, taking food supplements as a replacement on the medicines are also evident in the market. Therefore, the manufacturers of supplements are bound to comply on the use of disclosure like the warning and disclaimer, and as well as product experience (heavy, light, and nonusers) on consumers' perceptions of dietary supplements. In general, the government-mandated disclaimer did not impact consumers' beliefs about either the efficacy or the safety of dietary supplements; for most consumers, the disclaimer is unlikely to achieve its intended results. However, when product experience was examined, analyses show that heavy product users responded differently to the disclosures than did light product users and nonusers. Results point to the importance of understanding the influence of individual differences on the interpretation of product disclosures by specific consumer segments. The information is important source to enhance the ability of the consumers to create valuable decisions and provide safe for consumption. One of the most popular food supplements is the Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) that is told to improve the resistance to carcinogenic diseases and to reduce the body fat. Methodology The method in the study is through the use of survey and interview. With the help of the survey, the participants will be chosen based on the population sample of 200 whom all are consumers or end-users. They will answer under the Likert Scale form of questionnaires which measures their satisfaction level. With that, the study can recognize the different perceptions of the buyers and the factors that might be the reason on why they chose the food supplements product/s. On the other hand, the use of interview will be effective among the five people who experienced the impact of food supplements in the matter of 1-2 weeks of using the said product. In that way, the researcher can determine if the food supplements are truly effective and advisable for the continuous consumption.   References: Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) as Food Supplement [Online] Available at: http://www.ourfood.com/Food_Supplements.html [Accessed 24 September 2010] Mason, M.J., Scammon, D.L., & Fang, X., (2007) The Impact of Warnings, Disclaimers and Product Experience on Consumers' Perceptions of Dietary Supplements, Journal of Consumer Affairs, 41(1):74+

Research Proposal on The Impact of the Food Supplement to the End Users in Selected Area in the Philippines

The Impact of the Food Supplement to the End Users in Selected Area in the Philippines Introduction The promotion of health and welln...

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants

RESEARCH PROPOSAL The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants   This paper discusses in detail the research proposal on the impact of P. juliflora (mesquite tree) on local desert plants. In particular, the research will focus on the allelopathic influence of mesquite trees. In this research proposal, the background, context and theme of the study are presented; the objectives of the study and the research statements are formulated. Here, vital concepts, questions and assumptions are stated. Finally, the scope and limitation of the study, methodology to be used and the significance of the research are discussed.   Introduction Mesquite pods are among the earliest known foods of prehistoric man in the new world (Duke, 1983). Pods are made into gruels, which are sometimes fermented to make a mesquite wine. The leaves can be used for forage. The wood is used for parquet floors, furniture, and turnery items, fencepost, pilings, as a substrate for producing single-cell protein, but most of all for fuel. Toasted seeds are added to coffee. The bark is rich in tannin, which is used for roofing. The gum forms an adhesive mucilage, used as an emulsifying agent. Gum is used in confectionary and mending pottery. Roots contain 6–7% tannin, which might discourage Rhizobia. Mesquite juice is cathartic, cyanogenetic, discutient, emetic, stomachic, and vulnerary; it is a folk remedy for catarrh, colds, diarrhea, dysentery, excrescences, eyes, flu, headcold, hoarseness, inflammation, itch, measles, pinkeye, stomachache, sore throat, and wounds (Duke & Wain, 1981). Mesquite flower contains (Per 100 g): 21.0 g protein, 3.2 g fat, 65.8 g total carbohydrate, 15.5 g fiber, 10.0 g ash, 1,310 mg Ca, and 400 mg P. The leaves contain 19.0 g protein, 2.9 g fat, 69.6 g total carbohydrate, total carbohydrate, 21.6 g fiber, 8.5 g ash, 2,080 mg Ca, and 220 g P. Fruits contain 13.9 g protein, 3.0 g fat, 78.3 g total carbohydrate, 27.7 g fiber, and 4.8 g ash. Seeds contain (ZMB) 65.2 g protein, 7.8 g fat, 21.8 g total carbohydrate, 2.8 g fiber, and 5.2 g ash. (FAO, 1981). Another analysis of the fruit shows 14.35% water (hygroscopic), 1.64% oil, 16.36% starch, 30.25% glucose, 0.85% nitrogenous material, 5.81% tannin-like material, 3.5% mineral salts, and 27.24% cellulose. Mesquite gum readily hydrolyses with dilute sulfuric acid to yield L-arabinose and D-galactose and 4-o-methyl-D-glucuronic acid at 4:2:1. Owing to the high content of arabinose, the gum is an excellent source of sugar. Roots contain 6.7% tannin, bark 3–8.4%, and dry wood 0.9%. The alkaloids 5-hydroxytryptamine and tryptamine are reported from this species (Simpson, 1977). P. juliflora have been introduced to Oman for shade, decorative, food for domestic animals and pasture. Vigorous growth, prolific seed production and effective seed dispersal enables P. juliflora to strongly compete with, and to some extent, eliminate native vegetation. P. juliflora may also change the fuel load in plant communities. The changed structure and fire regimes of the habitat is likely to adversely impact on both native vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. P. juliflora was introduced to Salalah in Oman in the mid-seventies. In 20 years, P. juliflora has spread just from a few trees and now occurs throughout the 1 million ha. Mesquite was spread by ruminants which ingest seeds and excrete them in manure. Manure is a common source of fertilizer for agriculture. With high content of hard seed, passage through the digestive system of ruminants acts to scarify seed. Mesquite was found to be well adapted to environment with high moisture such as drainage lines, irrigation canals, bridge inlets and outlets and irrigated farm lands. Mesquite causes many serious problems. It competes with native plants, eventually killing them; large quantities of pods are consumed and excreted in manure as only the pods are palatable to livestock and not the leaves; very high pods production occurs e.g. 3.34 kg per tree ensuring rapid spread, with seedling germination at very high densities forming thickets; and the seeds can be transported long distances by goat and sheep, and by water to favorable sites some distance away. The primary purpose of achievement of Directorate General of Nature Reserves at Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources is to protect not only the local wildlife and its components from human activities but also from other organisms including animals and plants. After habitat loss, invasive or exotic species are considered the greatest threat to the preservation of natural resources. Additionally, more than one million acres of Oman land are infested by exotic invasive plant species. Large numbers of exotic plants such as the Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) invade native plants; they compete with, and displace many native species. With this, the researcher finds the necessity to study the harmful impact of mesquite trees on other plants. In this study, P. juliflora’s  allelopathic effects on other plants’ rate of germination and growth in terms of root, shoot and seedling will be determined. Allelopathy in trees and forests is an important health care issue (Coder, 1999). Allelopathy is the chemical modification of the site by an individual to enhance interference effectiveness. Allelopathy also involves the ecological communications between species which can positively or negatively influence growth, behavior, reproduction, and survival of associated species. According to El Fadl (1997), in his investigation of the potential allelopathic effect of P. juliflora on agricultural crop seed germination and seedling growth, aqueous leaf extracts of the tree contain substances that inhibit sorghum, pearl millet and sesame seed germination and retard seedling development when applied at concentrations greater than 5%. However, the crop biomass production increased with increasing amounts of P. juliflora litter in the soil. Based on El fadl’s (1997) study, it is unlikely that P. juliflora produces harmful levels of potentially allelopathic substances, and hence it is suggested that this tree can be successfully intercropped in agroforestry systems. The study showed that the use of P. juliflora in agroforestry has a great potential for rural people in a region very vulnerable to drought and famine. Risk minimisation should not be viewed only through increasing the agricultural crop productivity; even more importantly, the pod production is of paramount importance especially during times of scarcity of fodder and food El Fadl (1997). The study will consider the many benefits of mesquite trees on the ecology. However, it will be necessary to present its other side. This research will be divided into five chapters. In Chapter 1, the nature of the problem, background of the study, research objectives and methodologies will be presented. Chapter 2 will review previous studies on P. juliflora. The third chapter will discuss the methodologies that will be utilized. The fourth chapter will present the result of the experiment. Finally, Chapter 5 will provide significant conclusions and insightful recommendations.  Research Statement General Purpose of the Study Generally, the purpose of the research is to conduct an experimental study on determining the effects of mesquite on local desert trees. The research will also conduct a gene-mapping of mesquite and determine the allelopathic effect of mesquite trees on local desert plants. Research Questions To support the aforementioned fundamental purpose, the research will specifically attempt to answer the following questions: 1.    In general, what are the effects of mesquite trees on local wild life? 2.    Specifically, what are the effects of mesquite trees on local desert trees? 3.    In what way do mesquite trees affect local desert trees? 4.    What are the measures done by Omani authorities in addressing the mesquite problem? Overall Research Aim             The project primarily aims to explore the nature of mesquite trees and to present their benefits as well their harm on the ecology. Objectives             To carry out the overall aim, the following aims will be realized: 1.    Assessment and evaluation of the benefits and harms of mesquite trees on the environment. 2.    Review of related literature on P. juliflora and its allelopathic influence on local desert trees and gene-mapping.  3.    Conducting a laboratory experiment to determine the allelopathic effects of mesquite trees on desert trees. 4.    Generation of significant conclusions and insightful recommendations   Overview of Methodology There are three kinds of research methods, correlational, descriptive and experimental (Walliman and Baiche, 2001). The correlational research refers to studies in which the purpose is to discover relationships between variables through the use of correlational statistics (r). The square of a correlation coefficient yields the explained variance (r-squared). The descriptive research method uses observation and surveys. In this method, it is possible that the study would be cheap and quick. Finally, the experimental method is the only method that can be used to establish cause-and-effect relationships. (Creswell, 1994) In this method, the subjects are split into two or more groups. One group, called the experimental group gets the treatment that the researcher believes will cause something to happen (this treatment is formally called the independent variable). The experimental and control groups are compared on some variable that is presumed to reflect the effects of the treatment, or outcome. This is formally referred to as the dependent variable. The primary source of data will come from the laboratory experiment that will be conducted by the researcher.  The secondary sources of data will come from published articles from science journals, books and related studies on allelopathic influences of P. juliflora and gene-mapping. For this research design, the researcher will gather data, collate published studies from different local and foreign universities and articles from science journals; and make an analysis of the result of the experiment and collected documentary and verbal material.  Afterwards, the researcher will summarize all the information, make a conclusion based on the null hypotheses posited and provide insightful recommendations on addressing the mesquite tree problem. In assessing and evaluating the overall benefits and harm of mesquite trees on Omani environment, the researcher will personally seek pertinent data from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources. Afterwards, in reviewing the literature, the researcher will gather all relevant literature from libraries and the Internet, organize them according to topic, identify the headings and subheadings, and synthesize the literature. Then, the researcher will identify issues and problems to be addressed in the research. For this study, a laboratory experiment will be conducted. The process will include the test of mesquite tree water extracts on some desert plants in terms of rate and germination percentage and growth rate of root, shoot, and seedling of some desert plants. The researcher will design the experiment processes with the help of the advisor. Finally, with the help of a statistician, the researcher will make the statistical analysis. After gathering the results, a preliminary analysis of the results of the experiment will be conducted. Then the advisor will check the preliminary analysis. Afterwards, the researcher  will conduct detailed analysis of the results.   Objectives for the Experiment 1-    To study the effects of water extracts on the rate and germination percentage of some desert plants. 2-     To study the effects of water extracts on the root growth of some desert plants. 3-    To study the effects of water extracts on the shoot growth of some desert plants. 4-    To study the effects of water extracts on the seedling growth of some desert plants.   Protocol: (Experiment 1) Extract preparation 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Root, stem, leaves, 	flowers, fruits, and seeds of Prosopis juliflora are collected.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Five to ten gram of 	plant material are weighted and soaked in 100ml of distilled water for 24h.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Then homogenized and 	filtered using Whatman No.1 filter paper. </li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Five to ten gram of soil 	sample are collected from under canopy of P.juliflora.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Soils samples are soaked 	in 100 ml distilled water for 24h and after shaking in an electric shaker 	for 30 min, are passed through Wharman No.1 filter paper.  </li> Extract bioassay 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Seeds of each test 	species are scarified.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Seeds are surface 	disinfected with 0.52% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) solution for 1 min and 	thoroughly washed in sterilized water and then soaked in test solution for 	4h.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Distilled water is used 	as control.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	The seeds are then 	germinated using sterilized test tube, 20mm in diameter and 180mm long, and 	line with 3.5 ×16 cm strips of Whatman No.1 filter paper folded to form 	channel and 1.5 ml of respective test solution is then added to each test 	tube.  </li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Each treatment is then 	replicated three times with five seeds each. </li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Germination of seeds is 	recorded upon emergence of radical every 24h for 3days.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	The rate of germination 	is estimated by using Khan & Unger (1984) index of germination velocity = 	∑G/t, where G = number of seeds germinated at 2-day intervals, t = total 	germination period. The data are subjected to statistical analysis.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"></li> Scope and Limitation             This study will only cover the allelopathic impact of P. juliflora on desert plants in Oman. The outcome of this study will be limited only to the data gathered from previous studies on mesquite trees and from the primary data gathered from the result of the laboratory experiment that will be conducted by the researcher. As the research was completed in a relatively short period of time other factors and variables are not considered. This might have an impact on the results of the study.   Significance of the Study             This study will be a significant endeavor in promoting awareness on the harmful side of mesquite trees. This study will be helpful to environmentalists for this will present significant findings on the impact of mesquite trees on local desert trees. Moreover, this study will be an important contribution to a body of research concerning allelopathic influences in plants.   References Coder, K. B. (1999) Allelopathy in trees and forests: A selected bibliography. Daniel B. Warnell School of Forest Resources, The University of Georgia. Available at [www.forestry.uga.edu]. Accessed [15/10/03].   Creswell, J.W. (1994) Research design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage. Duke, J. A. (1983) Handbook of Energy Crops. Unpublished El Fadl, M. A. (1997). Management of Prosopis juliflora for use in agroforestry systems in the Sudan. University of Helsinki Tropical Forestry Reports 16,  107. FAO (1980) Genetic resources of tree species in arid and semi-arid areas. Rome. Simpson, B. B., ed. (1977) Mesquite, its biology in two desert scrub ecosystems. Dowden, Hutchinson & Ross, Inc. Stroudsburg, PA.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants

RESEARCH PROPOSAL The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants This paper discusses in detail the research proposal on t...

Research Proposal on Performance Evaluation in Pharmaceutical Importer and Distributor

Performance Evaluation in Pharmaceutical Importer and Distributor Introduction The pharmaceutical sector is strict particularly in producing the product at its finest. The manufacturing involves a scientifically organized process and innovation. Pharmaceuticals are the only producer to answer the health problems and continuous discovery of the new formulas are just part of the everyday tasks. The main priority of the business is to provide solution and maintain or improve the effectiveness of the medicines. Indeed, the manufacturers and its importers and distributors are guided by their standard procedures and innovative processes to achieve their mission. In every industry, the organizations are seeking to find the best way to improve the performance of the personnel. With that idea, the performance monitoring, management, and evaluation has been develop. This is because of the aim to have a continuous improvement in the performance of the personnel. Background and Problem Statement People are the most important element in any pharmaceutical operation. Without the knowledge, skills and expertise of the personnel, the right approach in achieving the fabrication of medicines is impossible (Pike, 2009). The attitude and the right training of the personnel are the basic approach to produce a certain product. The revolving issue in pharmaceutical industry like the safeness of the medicine and the associated are few of many problems that a pharmaceutical company is facing. Moreover, the performance is the greatest concern in this type of industry to maintain the level of competency and the existing customers. As the pharmaceutical companies play along with the international competition, how can we measure the performance of the pharmaceutical importers and the distributors regarding in producing, handing, and selling the products? Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to give details on the performance of pharmaceutical companies and their allies. In order to achieve that aim, three objectives should be needed to satisfy. First is to describe the importance of the pharmaceutical supply and the associated management in healthcare systems. Second is to define the framework that is composed in the management and its performance. And third is to illustrate the options that can strengthen the performance and managerial approach of the pharmaceuticals in the healthcare system.   Literature Review Pharmaceutical sectors promote the competitiveness and access to medicines issues through the application of innovative approach. Certainly, maintaining the performance can be hard for the entire organization but it is possible because of the performance assessment and the evaluation (Stewart, 1993). The processes and intervention can help the continuous growth of the industry. The firms’ competitiveness in somehow measured to be associate with the exportation process. Importing the necessary ingredients and distributing the products are part of increasing the competencies. Pharmaceutical supply system (includes the importer and distributor) requires an understanding regarding the components and management of the system. It is identified that the inefficient supply comes with the lack of the system and specific health program or facility, poor procurement procedure and practices, ineffective drug management information system, and poor quality in terms of the performance. The evaluation on the performance is done to increase or improve the system using the adequate approach as possible.  In the action in redefining the roles of the pharmaceutical importers and distributors, it is emphasized that there should be a stewardship, regulation, service alignment, performance monitoring and ongoing evaluation (Lee, 2004). Basically, the pharmaceutical companies can use the other channels like the wholesaler and the tester. But they often use the importer and the distributor because of their wide range coverage and knowledge in different markets (Pike, 2009). The performance of the importers and distributors is the most desirable contributions that they can give in both pharmaceutical company and in industry. Methodology The research process is done through the survey and interviews. The survey questions are consisted of the questions with concern on the state of innovations, its role, and its performance in the pharmaceutical industry. Most of the participants are the pharmacists, manufacturers, and dealers. The survey will serve as an overview on the performance evaluation or assessment held within the company. Meanwhile, the interviews came from the doctors and other medical professionals, supervisors, and even the customers or the individuals who purchased the medicines. They will be asked on their perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the products as well as the distribution.  The performance is emphasized in the study to create the approach in measuring and enhancing the possible performance of both importer and distributor.      References: Lee, D., (2004) Framework for Analysis of Public Sector Pharmaceutical Supply Systems, Management Sciences for Health [Online] Available at: http://www.lachsr.org/documents/events/guatemala04/DavidLee_eng.pdf [Accessed 08 July 2010]. Pike, R.K., (2009) Canadian Pharmaceutical GMP, Regulations [Online] Available at: http://www.pda.org/MainMenuCategory/Chapters/Metro/Presentations/Canadian-Pharmaceutical-GMP-Richard-Pike-184-KB-.aspx [Accessed 08 July 2010]. Stewart, R., (1993) Environmental Regulation and International Competitiveness, Yale Law Journal, 102(8)

Research Proposal on Performance Evaluation in Pharmaceutical Importer and Distributor

Performance Evaluation in Pharmaceutical Importer and Distributor Introduction The pharmaceutical sector is strict particularly in pro...

Research proposal on Kenyan Politicians: A case study of the late Henry Pius Masinde Muliro

Kenyan Politicians: A case study of the late Henry Pius Masinde Muliro Kenya has a rich history of local governance, both from ethnic group traditions and the system set up during the British colonial era, when local governments were fairly autonomous and had significant revenue sources. However, after independence when Kenya's economy and population growth accelerated, demands were so heavy that some local governments could not deliver key services adequately. This situation, combined with the central government's desire for political consolidation to minimize ethnic power conflicts that increased in the postcolonial era, prompted the government to weaken local authorities (Jackson 2004). Key services were recentralized, and the local graduated personal tax (GPT) was taken over by the center. Grants were established to compensate local governments for their revenue losses, but they were gradually phased out. Control over local governments expanded, with few spending, revenue, or employment decisions permitted without scrutiny by the Ministry of Local Government (MLG). In spite of their generally diminished status during the past three decades, some local governments in Kenya have continued to provide basic services, such as water, local roads, solid-waste collection, preprimary schools, etc. They have also maintained significant sources of revenue, particularly property rates, and continue to be governed by largely elected local councils (Olowu & Wunsch 2004).    Kenya has long been among the most fiscally independent local government systems in Africa and, more generally, in the developing world. But the local governments have increasingly developed a reputation for corruption and poor service delivery. Kenya's dual economy persists, although its traditional economy is under greater stress. For example, many educated members of the more affluent formal sector owe their educations to their clans or communities, who anticipated recompense for their sacrifices when favored sons were in positions to dispense patronage. Because this kind of payback is often seen as corruption, policy reforms that seek to remove corruption often fail when they arise from a different cultural context (Phillips & Seck 2004). Efficiency reforms may be seen as removing the raison d'être of sacrifices that have enabled the poor to progress. Further, the abiding importance of social capital within a political constituency means that espousing such reforms may jeopardize a politician's career. The conflict between public and private costs and benefits is complicated by the fact that outcomes are measured differently and in non comparable ways by each grouping. While the responsiveness of local taxes to economic growth is limited by administrative factors, yields can also fall dramatically during downturns due to the nature of the local economy. This is evident in councils with heavy direct reliance on agricultural taxes, but even more stable taxes can also be affected where agriculture and subsistence lifestyles predominate and formal-sector savings are limited (Hansen & Vaa 2004). A politician that made an impact to Kenya is Henry Pius Masinde Muliro. Born in 1922 at Kimilili location in Elgon Nyanza, the son of a Mluyia peasant farmer, he was educated in Uganda and at the University of Cape Town, where he took degrees in History, Philosophy and Education (Ainslie, Hoskyns & Segal 2004).   Returning to Kenya in 1954 to teach at the African Girls School in Kikuyu and then at the Siriba Teacher Training College, in March 1957, he won the North Nyanza seat to the Kenya Legislative Council in the first African constituency elections. He became increasingly restless, however, and dissatisfied with the policies pursued by the African Elected Members. A Member of the delegation from the multi-racial Constituency Elected Members Organization which went in May 1959 to petition the Colonial Secretary, on his return to Kenya he took an active part in developing C.E.M.O. into the Kenya National Party (K.N.P.), which had the support initially of all the African and Asian Elected Members and of the European Member for the Coast. When the most influential African Members withdrew because of a disagreement over land policy and formed the more radical Kenya Independence Movement, Muliro became President of K.N.P. His moderate policies aroused no response; and in an attempt to win African support, he asked the Asian office-bearers of K.N.P. to resign their posts. In the end he abandoned the organization to form a common front with the other African Members for the Kenya Constitutional Conference in January 1960. After the Conference, however, he refused to join with other Members in the formation of a country-wide African party, later to be the Kenya African National Union  (K.A.N.U.), stating that it was essential for democracy that there should be two parties. Instead he helped to form the Kenya African Democratic Union (K.A.D.U.), as an alliance of the smaller tribes against what he claimed to be the domination of the Luo and the Kikuyu; and when the party was registered in August 1960, he became Deputy President. Elections in February 1961 provided for an African majority in the Legislative Council. Muliro was elected for Elgon Nyanza; K.A.D.U. won 11 seats to K.A.N.U.'s 18, showing support in the rural areas outside Luo and Kikuyu control. K.A.N.U. refused to help form a government unless Kenyatta was released, but K.A.D.U. agreed in April 1961; Muliro became Minister of Commerce, Industry and Communications (Ainslie, Hoskyns & Segal 2004).   References Ainslie, R, Hoskyns, C & Segal, R 2004, Political Africa: A Who's Who of personalities and parties, Frederick A. Praeger, New York.   Hansen, K & Vaa, M 2004, Reconsidering informality: Perspectives from urban Africa, Nordic African Institute, Uppsala   Jackson, T 2004, Management and change in Africa: A cross- cultural perspective, Routledge, New York   Olowu, D & Wunsch, JS (eds.) 2004, Local governance in Africa: The challenges of democratic decentralization, Lynne Rienner, Boulder, CO.   Phillips, L & Seck, D 2004, Fixing African economies: Policy research for development, Lynne Rienner, Boulder, CO.

Research proposal on Kenyan Politicians: A case study of the late Henry Pius Masinde Muliro

Kenyan Politicians: A case study of the late Henry Pius Masinde Muliro Kenya has a rich history of local governance, both from ethnic g...

Research proposal on Marketing audit in retail banks in Botswana

Research problem A marketing audit amounts to an evaluation and assessment of all factors which affect the firm’s marketing performance. The factors can be internal to the firm or can be part of the external environment. The internal audit comprises a detailed analysis by product/service of the market share and profitability of the various lines. In addition, strategies relating to marketing mix elements are reviewed and studied together with the use made of marketing research data (Lancaster & Reynolds 2001). At the same time, an examination is made of marketing budgets and how they were drawn up and related to previously set agreed objectives. The external audit examines the organization’s external environment. It commences with a review of the general economy and then makes an assessment of the prospects for the firm’s markets. The external audit attempts to estimate what should be the appropriate action taking into account economic and market indicators. The idea behind the marketing audit is to identify marketing strengths and resources that you can build on and use to advantage in the new product. The shrewd strategist always attacks from a position of strength. An essential step in the strategy-development process, therefore, is to understand what the strengths really are, and to identify and correct any weaknesses in the firm's marketing resources that could have a negative impact on the new product. A facet of the marketing audit is to look at the marketing performance over time at current products and, perhaps, at other recent launches. Consider market shares, margins, and marketing costs against the strategies employed (Proctor 2000). This paper is a proposal to create a study on the benefits of marketing audit to companies like retail banks in Botswana.   Aims and objectives <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Understand the concept of marketing audit.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify">Determine the benefits of marketing audit.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify">Know the current trends in banking.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify">Analyze retail banking in Botswana.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Understand the benefits of marketing audit to retail banking in Botswana.</li> Literature review The ranks of banking's competitors were further swelled when companies began selling deposits, insurance, and other services to households across the nation. At roughly the same time some industrial and service corporations launched credit card programs as a supplement to their main business lines, while insurance companies developed a full line of financial services for large corporations previously the mainstay of bank lending and leasing programs. Despite rapid ATM growth, full-service banking offices advanced from less than forty-six thousand to more than sixty thousand and may continue to grow for a time alongside computer networks and automated machines to benefit those customers who do not trust or understand the new information technologies and to serve as a necessary platform for the sale of an ever expanding range of bank services, from credit and savings to retirement planning and risk management (Ashdown 2002).  Sustained prosperity often seems to breed contempt for prudent and careful lending practices. Moreover, a nation's overall prosperity masked serious economic problems in selected regions of a country where the collapse of real estate and energy markets resulted in a glut of nonperforming loans that overwhelmed the capital of both large and small banking organizations. Anxious to find new capital in order to rescue troubled banks and thrift institutions, many states passed liberal interstate banking laws in an effort to encourage outside banking companies to enter and bring their expertise to bear upon the problems at hand The high-net-worth private banking client is likely to remain an important factor in international banking for the foreseeable future, although the pattern of wealth ownership will probably shift steadily from inherited wealth to that created by the current generation (Rose 1997).   Methodology   Sample collection To determine the number of respondents that will be asked to participate and give information regarding the study convenience sampling will be used. Convenience sampling means to collect or interview individuals who actually experience the phenomenon. Convenience sampling will focus on individuals that experienced diabetes mellitus or has someone in the family that experienced such disease.   Methodology/Data Collection Primary and secondary sources of data would be used for the study. Surveys will the primary method of data collection.  Internet surveys would be the primary source of data. Internet surveys have been both hyped for their capabilities and criticized for the security issues it brings. Internet surveys would also require less time for the researchers and the respondents.  Secondary source of data would involve the use of books and journals.   Data Analysis             In analyzing the collected data, the paper will be divided into the demographic profiles of the respondents and the ideas of respondents. The data that will be acquired will be put into graphs and tables.   References Ashdown, NH 2002, The impact of banking policy on trade and global stability, Quorum Books, Westport, CT.   Lancaster, G & Reynolds, P 2001, Marketing: The one-semester introduction, Butterworth-Heineman, Boston.   Proctor, T 2000, Strategic marketing: An introduction, Routledge, London.   Rose, PS 1997, Banking across state lines: Public and private consequences, Quorum Books, Westport, CT.

Research proposal on Marketing audit in retail banks in Botswana

Research problem A marketing audit amounts to an evaluation and assessment of all factors which affect the firm’s marketing performance. ...

Research Proposal on Consumer Disposition on Electronic Banking & its Impact on Nigerian Economy

Consumer Disposition on Electronic Banking & its Impact on Nigerian Economy Introduction Nigeria, and many other countries, has their banks and other financial institutions that play an important in the economy through serving the public and the transformation of financial products. In the generation where there is a significant innovation in terms of information and communication technologies, the financial institutions can utilize these innovations as a remarkable start in improving the efficiency and effectiveness in their products and services. The changes give rise to the establishment of effective risk management, infrastructure provision, monetary policy development and regulatory framework in the financial system. Background and Problem Statement The advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) have impacted positively on service delivery in the financial sector of the Nigerian economy. These developments have however not been matched with appropriate legislation/regulation to address the resultant changes in the relationships, responsibilities, liabilities and rights of the parties engaged in electronic banking (CBN, 2003a). The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recognized that electronic banking and payments services are still at the early stages of development in Nigeria. But the changes already creative a great impact in the economy. However, CBN anticipates that this movement will relatively affect the consumers’ perceptions and outlook regarding the movement of the bank in the electronic banking. The CBN recognize the policies and programs that should be prioritized in order to protect the consumers and their assets. Therefore, it is suggested that the issues should be addressed to properly design a policy which is in the scope of ICT, monetary policy, legality, regulatory, and supervisory policies that can be part of the system once implemented (CBN, 2003b). Despite this positive answer of CBN in the security of the consumers, what are the consumer dispositions in the electronic banking of the banks that can obviously create an impact in the Nigerian economy? Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to investigate the consumer outlook in the e-banking movement of the CBN and the other Nigerian banks. In order to achievement such aim, the objectives that need to be considered. First is to determine the implementation of the e-banking system in the country. Second is to recognize the effectiveness of the informal banking system based on the consumers’ perceptions. Third is to provide the necessary information regarding the security and other enhancement methods provided by the banks to their consumers. And fourth is to identify the economic impact of the e-banking in the country in the next coming years.   Literature Review Electronic banking or E-banking is a term applied in the banks which means that banking business is transacted using automated processes and electronic devices such as personal computers, telephones, fax machines, Internet, card payments and other electronic channels. Some banks practice electronic banking for informational purpose, some for simple transactions such as checking account balance as well as transmission of information, while others facilitate funds transfer and other financial transactions. This means that the transaction is not in personal basis and can be carried out just by facing a computer or through automated teller machines (ATMs) based on the comfort of the user (CBN, 2003a). In the continuous evolution in the Nigerian Banking, the economy observed that there is growth in the credit availability for the private sector. These growths were showed through the issuance of electronic payment systems including the issues of debit and credit cards. Furthermore, there is a recognizable improvement in the standard of living as seen in the financial products like loans, leasing, and increase in credit lines (Atuche, 2009).  While recognizing the benefits that the technological changes in banking system, the Nigerian Consumer Protection Council Act also provided necessary movement for the protection and rights of the consumers who are engaged in e-banking services (CBN, 2003b). Methodology The applied method in the study is the use of survey and interview. The survey will be applied on the consumers who are relying or using the e-banking system. In this way, the study can determine the idea or perceptions of the consumers in the innovative movement of the Nigerian Banks. On the other hand, the interview will be held on the management of certain Nigerian Bank and will be asked regarding the regulations and policies implemented by the bank to live up the security features they offered. In addition, the managers will be asked regarding the changes created by e-banking in terms of the flow of services they offer and number of customers they created transactions per day. The information gathered will aid the study in determining the perceptions of the consumers in electronic banking.     References: Atuche, F., (2009) The Nigerian Banking System and the Challenges of the Global Economic Crisis [Online] Available at: http://www.cenbank.org/fican/2009/Nigerian%20Banking%20System%20and%20Challenges%20of%20Global%20Economic%20Crisis.ppt [Accessed 07 September 2010] CBN, (2003a) Report of the Technical Committee on Electronic Banking, Central Bank of Nigeria [Online] Available at: http://www.cenbank.org/OUT/PUBLICATIONS/BSD/2003/E-BANKINGRPT.PDF [Accessed 07 September 2010]. CBN, (2003b) Central Bank of Nigeria Guidelines on Electronic Banking in Nigeria [Online] Available at: http://www.cenbank.org/OUT/PUBLICATIONS/BSD/2003/E-BANKING.PDF [Accessed 07 September 2010].

Research Proposal on Consumer Disposition on Electronic Banking & its Impact on Nigerian Economy

Consumer Disposition on Electronic Banking & its Impact on Nigerian Economy Introduction Nigeria, and many other countries, has t...

Research Proposal on Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People?

Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People? Introduction In the continuing efforts of the organizations to create a competitive advantage against their competitors and establish a strong relationship in the market, they tend to apply various motivational approaches that can increase the performance. People are considered as the most natural helpers or workers that maybe not perfect but can move according to what is being asked them to do. Based on the theories of motivation, there are many strategies that the leaders can use to satisfy the people’s needs for improvement. In addition, the quality of work is what being paid by the leaders. The continuous effort of the HR managers and organizational leaders in harnessing the professionalism out of the employees is one of then main targets of the business leaders.   Background of the Study and Problem Statement Although, there are many innovative ways that already established to improve the quality of performance that might contribute in the overall performance of the organization. Still, leaders are seeking to the most effective option that can be easily handled. Most of the actions being taken by the leaders are the motivational approach which increases the performance of an employee. However, the knowledge about the motivation is not enough unless it is proven effective by the organization.  The motivational approach suggests that employees should provide the expected effort from them according to what is being paid by the firm. On the other hand, what is the most effective way to increase the performance of an employee is through the use of payment.  Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to understand the motivational approach through the use of payment and as well as measuring its effectiveness in all the level of employees. There are three important objectives that can help the study achieve its aim. First is to have a deep understanding on the objectives or purpose of motivation. Second is to determine the various approaches being implemented by the leaders just to reach their expectancy on their employees. And last is to consult the perceptions of the employees regarding the payment as a motivational approach.  Literature Review Critically, the nature of motivation centers with the energy, direction, persistence and partial achievement in doing a certain work. There are different intention that portrays of each employee because of their uniqueness in terms of characteristics and bearing. Typically, a person enables to achieve their goals by fueling great enthusiasm towards it. Within the study of motivation, there is a wide concept which has been widely applied in both academics and professional world. The overall result of motivation is highly valued because of the positive implications that it promises within the organization. In a lighter way, motivation can be alike to the carrot and stick technique, wherein the leaders gives punishment and rewards to the people who are not focusing on their appropriate responsibilities. The organizational leaders embrace the truths that the people play their role within the workplace according to the factors that might affect them (Linnenbrink and Pintrich, 2002). Most of the previous studies pertaining to the motivational approach gave emphasized on the monetary rewards that can be the answer on the needs of an employee. The payment scenario is not entirely the total motivation for the employee but still proven effective to develop the potentials found among the individuals. The kind of payment being given by the organization is different among the compensation or standard payment the employees. In this matter, the organization should be prepared on the certain conditions that might be presented in the implementation of the monetary rewards. The challenge is now on the business and their ability to answer the stability of their financial matters because it is another expense that they must cover (Alexy and Leitner, 2007; Ghosh, 2007). Methodology The suggested method in the study is the use of the survey and interview within a typical workplace. Firstly, there should be a consultation in the population of the workforce regarding the existence of motivation and the influence that it created to increase their performance. The survey will be in a form of questionnaire using the Likert Scale to make it easier to the participants. The second phase of the method which is the interview will serve as a supporting documentary that will determine on how effective the motivational approach can be in the eyes of the managers. In addition, the use of payment as a motivational approach is not being set aside and which will be the center of the interview.    References: Alexy, O., & Leitner, M., (2007) “Norms, Rewards, and Their Effect on the Motivation of Open Source Software Developers”, Accessed 17 June 2010, from http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/Alexy_Leitner_-_Norms_Rewards_and_Their_Effect_on_the_Motivation_of_OSS_Developers.pdf Ghosh, R.A., (2007) “Study on the Economic Impact of Open Source Software on Innovation and the Competitiveness of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector in the EU”, Accessed 17 June 2010, from http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ict/policy/doc/2006-11-20-flossimpact.pdf Linnenbrink, E., & Pintrich, P., (2002) “Motivation as an Enabler for Academic Success”, School Psychology Review, Vol. 31, No. 3

Research Proposal on Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People?

Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People? Introduction In the continuing efforts of the organizations to create a competitive advan...

Research Proposal on Child Trafficking

Research Proposal : Child Trafficking introduction             The issue on child trafficking has long been part of worldwide society. Long before, child trafficking as a profession among both men and women has been accepted socially to a certain degree.  Various countries had then tried to combat this social concern by implementing different policies in the hope that child trafficking incidences would at least be lessened. Yet in spite of these policies, child trafficking still exists and even leads to related major problems such as violence and drug dependency. Policies appear to be insufficient to at least protect prostitutes and clients from different hazards. Thus, the question should child trafficking be legalized for a more effective system remain.                child trafficking to most perspectives would be viewed as illegal and should be stopped at all costs. However, it is interesting how others could propose on legalizing it. What are their objectives? How can this be beneficial? Being one of the major problems the world in facing, the awareness about this topic is crucial. How it all started and why individuals chose to be in whoredom are among the essential matters that one should understand regarding this issue. Hence, this essay aims to discuss the history of child trafficking, the reasons behind its massive growth, laws or policies that help in controlling it as well as the problems related to child trafficking.   Literature review ‘Trafficking in Bangladeshi Women and Girls’ (Hasnath & Paul, 2000) is a research on the increasing problem of human trafficking of women and children in Bangladesh to Middle Eastern countries. This research intends to identify the trafficking routes observed in the country and local government’s position in the issue. Through article collation, the research tracked how women and children are brought to other countries for prostitution and to which countries are they sent. ‘AIDS in Asia: Linking tragedy in Thailand and Myanmar’ (Neff-Smith, Spencer & Tavai, 2001) describes how the rise of AIDS infection among women had been observed primarily due to sex tourism and trade in Thailand and Myanmar. The research placed significant emphasis on the role of the government in implementing effective actions towards AIDS eradication and decreased rate of infection. Yea’s ‘When push comes to shove: sites of vulnerability, personal transformation, and trafficked women's migration decisions’ (2005) attempts to show the concept of prostitution using case studies of Filipino and Russian women prostitutes in South Korea. This research identifies the different factors that caused these women to migrate to foreign countries despite the possible risks of trafficking. ‘Prostitution a major industry in Southeast Asia’ (WIN News, 1999) is an article describing the recognition of prostitution as a major Asian business. Reports indicating the features of prostitution as an industry, specifically on its contribution to economic growth have been cited. Baker in, ‘Child Chattel Lure Tourists for Sex beneath the Palms’ (1995) describes one of the most severe problems on prostitution, which is child slavery. In this article, cases of young Asian boys and girls were cited. The author described how this aspect of prostitution has grown into a huge industry with tourists as the main customers. ‘Human rights sex trafficking and prostitution’ (Leuchtag, 2003) discusses several factors involved in prostitution, including its incidence, causes and effects. The article also points out the need for a global response to address the problem on prostitution. The governments should then implement stronger policies and legislation that will promote human rights protection.   Research Purpose             The purpose of this research is to explore the issue of child trafficking.  This study aimed to determine the specific government strategies that can increase the effectiveness as well as reduce child trafficking. This study was conducted in order to achieve the following objectives: ·         To evaluate the current practice of government to eliminate child trafficking ·         To identify and examine the problem found on child trafficking. ·         To make recommendations for a strategic plan for the government/   Methodology The descriptive method of research was used for this study. Creswell (1994) noted that the descriptive method of research is to gather information about the present existing condition. The emphasis is on describing rather than on judging or interpreting. The aim of descriptive research is to verify formulated hypotheses that refer to the present situation in order to elucidate it. The descriptive approach is quick and practical in terms of the financial aspect.  Moreover, this method allows a flexible approach, thus, when important new issues and questions arise during the duration of the study, further investigation may be conducted. Moreover, the descriptive method is also used for researches that aim to identify and explore the cause or causes of a certain situation. The researcher opted to use this research method considering the objective to obtain first hand data from the respondents   Reference   Creswell, JW 1994, Research design: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, Sage, California

Research Proposal on Child Trafficking

Research Proposal : Child Trafficking introduction The issue on child trafficking has long been part of worldwide society...

Research Proposal on Religion, Educational Level and Contraceptive Use among University Students

Religion, Educational Level and Contraceptive Use among University Students Introduction Puberty is one of the crucial stages that a youth might encounter. In this event, various changes happens as seen in their physical bearing and changes in emotions. Often, the teenagers became emotional. Aside from the obvious changes, the youth can be ready for the reproduction. Many similar studies are done that promotes the awareness on the early sex and child-bearing. And the two of them are:  (a) Cadmus & Owoaje (2010) with their study entitled: “Patterns of Contraceptive Use among Female Undergraduates in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria”; and (b) Cleveland & Graf (2005) with their study entitled: “Contraceptive Use Among Students at a Mid-Size University in the Southeastern Portion of the United States”. The two studies focused on the use of contraceptive among the universities – one in U.S. and the other Africa. The comparison between the developing and developed countries is a good source of information for the current research and for the future reference. In addition there is a five – year gap in the study which makes the studies to the comprehensive source of information. Surprisingly, in the modern society, the youths are aware about the sex and most of them experience the sexual intercourse. Due to this trend, the population grows in double and the living status (as seen in poor countries) became more depressed and lowered. In this study, the main focus is the University students. They will be also the same people who will be benefited. In the end of the study, the students will be helped regarding the issues of unprotected sexual intercourse, the acquisition of HIV/AIDS, early parenthood, and the global problem in population. Herewith, the study will tackle the issues of religions, education, and the use of contraceptives. Problem Statements The study derived into addressing the two problems that can be the entire focus of investigation. ·         What are the roles played by religions with the idea of sex education? ·         Is the time is right for the early prevention like the use of contraceptives? Literature Review In building the competencies of the individuals in globalization, it doesn’t mean that businesses are the only area that is bound to change. People should also change their view regarding the level of education and how to deal with everyday life. Through the guidance of the teachers, the quality education can be achieved. But the students should learn the various faces in the society and be part of the key people that will make a difference in the future. Most of the educators view that there is an important reason in teaching the sex education, most especially in youths and students of secondary schools. Even if there are many criticisms about the provisions of sex education, there are still several benefits that the type of education can deliver. Firstly, the schools should mobilize the various resources and consciously start to build the strong society by assuring the future of the students. The education is committed to the human survival and welfare. Aside from the innovative and interactive approach for the education, the introduction of the sex education will open the youth in the various problems revolving in the society (Delors, 1996). The sex education is purposely made to enlighten the students about the various consequences that they might face if they are engaged in a pre-marital sex. Following this teaching is the training of the education regarding the effective way to deliver the education with full confident. Also it is important that the young boys and girls should be aware that the change is indeed needed. Teenage sexuality is treated as a natural biological affair that might be tracked in their culture, moral understanding, and psychological dimensions. The strong program can be an effective approach to lessen the impact of the overpopulated society. This approach might cause confusion in the youth’s minds and might increase the psychological problems such as the sexual confusion. Certainly the focus of the sex education might link the positive relationships of the teenagers and create an attitude toward the better future. In addition, the greatest contribution that the sex education can give is to prevent the early parenthood and the avoidance of AIDS (Sam, 2007). The secondary schools provides the personal and social development for the students and therefore, the administrators should set the best practice and organize the service in educating the youth in a sensitive issues. The work under the sex education might improve the quality of the provisions in personal and social education within the schools. Ensuring the pupils to receive the information regarding the consequences involved in the early sex is a great plan for the educators to lead the way for the better future of the students (Johnson, 2004).   References: Delors, J., (1996) Learning: The Treasure Within, Report to UNESCO of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-First Century [Online] Available at:  http://www.unesco.org/education/pdf/15_62.pdf [Accessed 29 September 2010]. Johnson, A.E., (2004) Single-sex Classes in Public Secondary Schools: Maximizing the Value of a Public Education for the Nation's Students, Vanderbilt Law Review, 57(2) Sam, K., (2007) Education [Online] Available at: http://www.isidelhi.org.in/hrnews/HR_THEMATIC_ISSUES/Education/Education-2007.pdf [Accessed 29 September 2010]. Other Sources: Cadmus, E.O., & Owoaje, E., (2010) Patterns Of Contraceptive Use Among Female Undergraduates In The University Of Ibadan, Nigeria, The Internet Journal of Health, 10(2) [Online] Available at: http://www.ispub.com [Accessed 29 September 2010]. Cleveland, T., & Graf, H.M., (2005) Contraceptive Use Among Students at a Mid-Size University in the Southeastern Portion of the United States [Online] Available at: http://aahperd.confex.com/aahperd/2005/preliminaryprogram/abstract_6336.htm [Accessed 29 September 2010].

Research Proposal on Religion, Educational Level and Contraceptive Use among University Students

Religion, Educational Level and Contraceptive Use among University Students Introduction Puberty is one of the crucial stages that a...