Vol 5 Issue 4 October 2017-December 2017

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to argue that greater awareness of the connections between the traditions and conventions of visual art and the production and consumption of images lead to enhanced ability to understand branding as a strategic signifying practice. Global luxury brands seen as key symbols of quality and prestige also struggle to represent their brand cues in trendy and modern digital world. In the twenty-first century the symbiosis of fashion and web design as the interdependence of visual and audio constituents of time has found its development in the frame of marketing theory, which links the branding of luxury fashion branding.

Keywords: Semiotic interventions, luxury brands.

Title: Semiotic Interventions in Digital Communication of Luxury Brands in India

Author: Seema Bansal, Prof. Dr. Shalini Sud

International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)

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Abstract: Customarily, two forms of family have existed: the nuclear family made of a wife, a husband and children or without children, as well as the extended family, which includes all kith and kin. But nowadays, the number of single parent households, mainly maintained by women designated as female heads of family, has been increasing giving way to fatherless families. But I realize that besides that female headed families, there are other groupings of families today: male headed families, cohabiting families, heterosexual families, mixed families, childless families and homosexual families and among them there are some features of dysfunctional families. This situation is quite critical in Black American community and reveals that Black families have been threatened.   Since the family is the cell of the society, this paper aims to explore the problematic of family in some Terry McMillan’s fictional works and I will attempt redefining the family. This study draws on Psychoanalytical criticism for theoretical insight and orientation.

Keywords: Psychoanalytical criticism, Black Families, dysfunctional families, Terry McMillan’s fictional works.

Title: African American Family Disintegration and Terry McMillan

Author: A. N. AGUESSY

International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)

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Abstract: Ohemeng and Adusah-Karikari (2014) revealed women’s exclusion from both political power and the upper echelons of decision-making within the public service in recent times. This article enlightens on policies formulated to alleviate women participation in labour and employment. Women in administrative positions within the South African Public Service continue to increase however at the management level it does not increase at the same proportion. This article evaluates the fundamental relationship between employees’ perceptions of managerial and gender roles and the gender equity policy in selected public organisations. Data was collected through a survey administered to two hundred and sixty-five (265) middle and senior employees. Analysis revealed negative relationship between women’s managerial competency and women’s career advancement (t = -.475, p < .317); significant relationship between gender equity policy and women’s career advancement (t = 2.494, p < .146); and insignificant positive relation between gender role perceptions and women’s career advancement (t = 1.376, p < .605). The findings reveal women’s career advancement as being impaired by barriers with continual under representation at the managerial level within the South African Public Service.

Keywords: underrepresentation, career advancement, Progression, Career, Gender, Gender equity.

Title: Underrepresentation and Career Advancement of Women in the South African Public-Sector Setting

Author: Oladapo Olufemi Osituyo

International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)

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Abstract: A patient in pediatric who presented with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, after ruling out gastrointestinal origin should look for renal tubular acidosis (RTA).  This usually inherited protein defect of tubules that are needed in acid-base regulation. "According to pathophysiology, there are four types. Distal type 1 RTA, proximal type 2 RTA, mixed-type 3 RTA, and type 4 RTA based on family history. The pattern of genetic inheritance follows autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant. In western countries, the autosomal dominant form is the most common, while autosomal recessive is mostly in the eastern especially Arab nation due to consanguineous marriage. However, in the literature, there were some cases reported as a secondary form in children that mostly associated with autoimmune diseases but not exclusively as in glucose-galactose malabsorption. A defect of reabsorption, secretion or generations of some ions, are the main mechanism of RTA. The patient may present with various types of symptoms like recurrent stone formation, muscles weakness, failure to thrive, and dehydration and most prominent is hypokalemia, but hyperkalemia may present too as in type 4. There are some extrarenal symptoms associated with RTA like, early or late deafness, hemolytic anemia, ocular problems (cataract glaucoma), neurological (mental retardation), osteopetrosis and many others. The diagnostic approaches of RTA patient are the clinical manifestation in which the suspected patients undergo laboratory investigation and genetic analysis too. RTA treatments are depending on nature of the disease is it primary or secondary form. Primary manage with drugs usually according to the type and may need other intervention to manage the consequences. The secondary form is managed by treating the underlying disease.

Keywords: gastrointestinal origin, renal tubular acidosis (RTA).

Title: Renal Tubular Acidosis in Childhood

Author: Maitham Nasser M. Alrasasi, Tamás Szabó, György Balla

International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)

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Abstract: Financial management information systems are not a new phenomenon. On the contrary, the recording of financial information is the oldest known form of record keeping, dating back thousands of years. Yet financial information has long presented problems, particularly since the invention of money. Governments in developing countries are increasingly exploring methods and systems to modernize and improve public financial management. In Rwanda, majority of public ministries are faced by several obstacles in their managerial systems due to poor implementation of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) in their institutions. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect integrated financial management information system on the financial performance of government institutions in Rwanda. To achieve this the study was guided by the following specific objectives; to determine the effect of plans and budget formulation using IFMIS influence financial performance of government institutions in Rwanda, to determine the effect of expenditure using IFMIS on performance of government institutions in Rwanda, to determine the effect of reporting using IFMIS on financial performance government institutions in Rwanda, and to determine the effect of revenue collection using IFMIS on financial performance of government institutions in Rwanda. The issues discussed on the literature review included concept of financial performance, influence of components of IFMIS on financial performance, theoretical review, empirical review and conceptual framework. Descriptive survey was used to collect both primary and secondary data. The target population of the study was employees of Ministry of Finance. Questionnaires are the research instruments that were used. Secondary data included periodicals and administrative challenge decisions. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Summaries of data findings together with their possible interpretations was presented by tables, mean, percentages, frequencies, variances, and standard deviation. The study found that IFMIS has positive effects in financial performance. IFMIS ensures the timely provision of quality information, promotes empowerment of employees and long term goals, intervention aimed at improving entrepreneurship and self-employment, IFMIS has modernize the system of financial management in the county. It has led to economic growth, the country government has become more accountable, and IFMIS eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets. The study concluded that IFMIS improved financial performance.

Keywords: plans and budget formulation, expenditure, reporting, revenue collection, IFMIS on financial performance of government institutions in Rwanda.

Title: Influence of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems on Financial Performance of Government Institutions in Rwanda: A Case of Ministry of Finance

Author: INGABIRE NDAYISENGA DIANE, Dr. TOBIAS OLWENY, Dr. JAYA SHUKLA

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Abstract: Organizations are complex in nature, their operations and strategic focus could be greatly enhanced by well-focused application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support improvements in productivity, management effectiveness and ultimately, the quality of services offered. The issue of ICT failure can be analyzed by assuming that learning from IS failures will provide important lessons for formulating successful strategies for the planning, development, implementation and management of information systems. The general objective of this study was to investigate the factors affecting implementation of ICT projects in telecommunication industry of Rwanda using a case study of Airtel Rwanda. To achieve this the study covered the following specific objectives: To assess the influence of the technical team on  successful implementation of ICT projects in Airtel Rwanda, investigate the effect of project planning on successful implementation of ICT projects in Airtel Rwanda, assess the influence of management support on successful implementation of ICT projects in Airtel Rwanda and to establish the impact of Information Technology infrastructure on successful implementation of ICT projects in Airtel Rwanda. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 150 full time employees of Airtel Rwanda that included IT and Network staff, Heads of the following departments: Customer Care, business Market, Marketing and Finance department. A sample size of 110 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size from the departments of IT and Networking, whereas Census was applied for departments where only heads were considered. The study used both primary and secondary data. Structured questionnaires and interview were used for data collection. Data collected was analysed through SPSS version 21. Data analysis involved statistical computations for averages, percentages, and correlation and regression analysis. Results revealed that a strong relationship exist between the factors that influence implementation of ICT projects in Rwanda. The study found a positive relationship between Technical team, project planning, management support and IT infrastructure. A 1% increase in technical team leads to 41.8% change in implementation of ICT projects, while a 1% increase in project planning leads to a 58.9% change in implementation of ICT projects, a 1% increase management support leads to 22.8% change in implementation of ICT projects whereas 1% increase IT infrastructure leads to 61.2% change in implementation of ICT projects. The study concluded that firms should lean technical team and IT infrastructure to increase their implementation of ICT projects. This relationship is expected as firms improves positively on IT infrastructure and technical team implementation of projects is enhanced. The study recommends that the Airtel Rwanda should pay more attention to the factors influencing the implementation of ICT projects particularly the Business Case as it directly relates the justification and the potential significant business benefits and values to all stakeholders.

Keywords: Technical team, Project planning, Management support and Information technology infrastructure.

Title: Assessment of Factors Affecting Implementation of ICT Projects in Telecommunication Industry of Rwanda: A Case Study of Airtel Rwanda

Author: Umulisa Micheline, Dr. Noor Ishmael Hassan

International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)

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Abstract: Strategic alliance as a strategy for enhancing performance has become monumental as organizations scramble for survival to reduce costs and be stronger in order to compete (Ulijn, 2010). Strategic alliance is a variable that is very vital because it can improve business performance both directly and through the ability of innovation. The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of strategic alliance on financial performance of Postbank financial partners: The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the short term, medium term and long term effect of strategic alliance on revenue performance, cost efficiency and profitability of the Postbank financial partners. The Resource Based Theory, resource dependence theory anchored the study. Of concern to the study, was how the proportion of funds set aside for strategic alliances, financial leverage and size of Postbank financial partners influenced their financial performance which was measured by the rate of return on assets. The sample targeted financial statements for the one, three and five years prior to and after strategic partnering for the ten partners.  The study was descriptive design targeting Postbank’s ten financial partners. Document analysis was used to collect data from bank statement of financial performance and statements of comprehensive income during the period 2000-2016. Data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.Descriptive measures namely mean, median, standard deviation and range were used. In addition, inferential statistics F-test was used to check if there were significant differences in performance between the prior and the periods after strategic partnering. Correlation analysis was used to determine the nature and the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study found out that strategic alliances have a positive effect on revenue and profitability and no effect on cost efficiency of Postbank financial partners. Going by the findings, if Postbank financial partners are to enhance their financial performance, there is needed to increase their engagement into strategic alliances. Finally, the study recommended that Postbank financial partners should increase their network of branches countrywide to attract new customers to open new accounts and in so doing increase their deposits.

Keywords: Strategic alliances, financial performance, Postbank, financial partners, Kenya.

Title: EFFECT OF STRATEGIC ALLIANCES ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF POSTBANK FINANCIAL PARTNERS IN KENYA

Author: Dorcas Njoroge, Dr. Doris Mbugua

International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)

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Abstract: It has been argued variously that the retail petroleum prices in Kenya don’t closely reflect the true costs of product supply. In particular, petroleum prices do not seem to change in tandem with shocks in the international crude oil prices. The general objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of consumer oil prices in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought; to determine the effect of crude oil cost on consumer oil prices in Kenya; to examine the effect of oil distribution costs on consumer oil prices in Kenya; and to establish the effect of oil taxes on consumer oil prices in Kenya. The study was anchored on the cost push theory and demand pull theory, based on secondary data and applied a descriptive research design. Data was collected from 2007 to 2016 on monthly basis.  The data was analyzed using Eviews statistical software. The study tested for unit root and cointegration. The study used the Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Vector Error correction (VECM) models to correct the cointegration error. The short run VECM model found a positive and significant relationship between oil distribution costs and consumer oil prices with a one period lag. However, crude oil costs and oil taxes were found to be insignificant. In the long run, the study concluded that oil import prices have a significant pass-through effect into consumer oil prices. The study recommends the need to allow for competitive oil market where forces of demand and supply determine the oil prices without government intervention.

Keywords: Consumer Price Index (CPI), Crude Oil Costs, Oil Distribution Costs, Oil Taxes, Pass-Through Effect.

Title: Determinants of Consumer Oil Prices in Kenya

Author: Justus R. Barasa

International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)

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