1. School of Postgraduate Studies : Projects, Theses and Dissertations

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An action plan to foster adequate preparation for retirement for Seventh-Day Adventist employees of West Cameroon Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-03) Ndoumbe, Guillaume Calvin
Retirement is an inevitable stage in the lives of workers. It is a transition from the world of work into a world of less rigorous activity and more rest and recreation, especially if retirement is due to old age or long years of service. Adequate preparation for retirement is a great challenge for workers and management in organizations. Many persons in the world, including church workers, are dealing with this problem daily. This study assessed the preparations of current employees towards their future retirement and proposed an action plan that would promote adequate preparation for retirement in the West Cameroon Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist for employees. The research was conducted using simple descriptive statistics. The population in this study was 384 including pastors, teachers and medical personnel of Adventist West Cameroon conference. Data were gathered through questionnaires,which were administered to the latter by the researcher. The results are based on data collected from 105 respondents. The study findings revealed that most Adventist workers do not adequately prepare for retirement. In particular, the study indicates that the workers have not even really stopped to think about their retirement years. This is shown in the level of “undecided” answers through the survey. Most importantly, employees are not prepared financially. In relation to this, the workers do not seem to realize that their employers do have a role to play in that situation. They were vaguely aware of what should and could be done by their employing organization. The study recommends an action plan that Seventh-day Adventist organizations, especially West Cameroon Conference, can use to encourage workers to adequately prepare for a better retirement.
The application of the Leadership of Nehemiah in the rehabilitation of the mother Church to improve the performance of the Marovoay District
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-08-02) Rabenarivo, Jim Hervé
For a district pastor, the mission is to make his district more spiritually powerful. This is possible if the district manages to find the priority problem and then finds its resolution which will involves the resolution of all the other problems. It was a qualitative study at the Marovoay district level (Indian Ocean Union Missions), including the elders, members and non-Adventists. The study felt that the priority problem is the out datedness of the mother Church. The most relevant strategy to cure it is the extension and the rehabilitation of this Church with the participation of all the churches and all the members of the Marovoay district without waiting for assistance come from outside. Once established the project will run for 8 months with 6 months of preparation and 2 months of actual work of rehabilitation. One applied the leadership principles of Nehemiah. A study on evaluation will be conducted, comparing the spirituality of the members before and after the rehabilitation. Before starting the project, only 30% of the church members were satisfied with the worship. Four months later, the satisfaction of project significantly rose to 70% on the statistics. The impact could not be measured due to shortness of time; however from the direct results obtained the church elders justified the increase in tithe. Meanwhile, the non Adventist members were astonished and this caused them to become Seventh-day Adventist church members.
Assessing factors affecting marital satisfaction in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church: Case study of selected Churches in Mwanza, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-05) Mlozi, Beatus G
The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting marital satisfaction in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mwanza, Tanzania. This objective was achieved by using a survey research design with a questionnaire composed of 95 questions. The questionnaires were distributed to 270 people and 155 respondents filled and returned the forms. This makes a retrieval rate 62%. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20, to answer the three research objectives. The analytical tools were percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Coefficients. The findings indicated that the majority of marriages studied were in bad condition. The first objective shows the mean average of 4.5 which reveals that the respondents are concerned to have marital satisfaction. In the second objective which had thirteen factors, which had a mean score of 3.7, an indication that marriages need improvement as they seemed not to be sure of their satisfaction in spirituality, communication, and sex life, among other areas. The third objective results showed that the majority agreed there is a great need to improve the state of affairs in order for spouses to be satisfied in their marriage. The alternative hypothesis was accepted—there is a strong relationship between marital satisfaction and spirituality. In the end, it is recommended that families invest in spirituality as it directly relates to their marital satisfaction. Finally, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is advised to increase both pre-marital and marital seminars to remedy the current situation.
Assessment of exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among post-natal mothers attending Ashaiman Polyclinic in the greater Accra region of Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-04) Ofosuhene, Frank
It is expected that every country promotes, protects and supports breastfeeding program for infants and the mother’s health (WHO 1990). This study was designed to assess the knowledge and the extent to which breastfeeding was practiced among postnatal mothers who accessed Ashaiman Polyclinic in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study utilized a survey as a research design by employing structured questionnaire as data collection technique. A sample size of 422 breastfeeding mothers whose children were less than two years old was used for the study. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). The results were presented in frequency, percentages and inferences were made using a paired sample test. The significant values were computed to check for the relationship between the participants’ knowledge and the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and the P-value was set at 0.05.The exclusive breastfeeding rate according to WHOs recommendation was found to be 71%. Although there were considerably variations in the exclusive breastfeeding duration, the mothers generally had good knowledge (98%) and practices (96%) regarding exclusive breastfeeding.
An assessment of internal control systems of selected Seventh - Day Adventist secondary schools in Zimbabwe
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-05) Sithole, Patience
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of internal control systems existing in selected Seventh-day Adventist secondary schools in Zimbabwe. The study was necessitated by the desire to have effective internal control systems in the institutions to prevent and reduce the occurrence of wrong practices, mismanagement of resources and accounting errors being experienced in the institutions despite the awareness to all institutions by the Zimbabwe Union Conference on the benefits of effective internal controls. Quantitative cross-sectional and causal study designs were used in collecting data from a sample of four Adventist schools in Zimbabwe selected using the conveniencesampling method due to their proximity and accessibility to the researcher. A sample size of 103 respondents from the schools was selected using the stratified random sampling to ensure representation of all the stakeholder groups targeted in the schools. Data was collected using a researcher-constructed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistical (multi regression and correlations) techniques computed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS 20). The findings of the study revealed that internal control systems exist in the Adventist schools but are not effective, thus leaving room for improvement in order to achieve the objectives. The results have also shown that the institutions are performing in the range of average, with fees collection shown as their greatest challenge. Furthermore, the findings revealed that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between internal control components and institution performance with control activities component being a strong predictor of institutional performance. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends that the school authorities strengthen their internal control components in order to achieve internal control effectiveness and enhance performance. This can be accomplished through the establishment of an effective control environment, establishment of committees responsible for risk assessment and monitoring committees, establishment of a whistle blowing policy, and internal control manuals for continuity in the event of the hiring of new employees. It was also recommended that management improve communication and information through clear lines of communications and regular reporting to stakeholders. To enhance performance, management should strengthen their fees collection policies.
Causes of marital conflict and divorce among Adventist couples in Cape Coast, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2015-01) Kusi-Acheampong, Solomon
Marital conflicts, separations and divorce are fast growing phenomena in the Cape coast district and its environments. It is an undisputable fact that a solution should be found for this problem in the society. This study therefore aimed at designing, implementing and evaluating an educational strategy to reduce these marital conflict that result in divorce to the barest minimum. After an intensive literature review which embodied the study of the bible, the Spirit of prophecy books and other relevant materials, a program was designed and implemented in the Cape Cost district which included: a weekly reading of marriage passages from the book Adventist Home by selected families. Furthermore, during Sunday bible studies program in the church, the book Encounter with Marriage Truth was read. Monthly meetings for a “Family Life Week of Prayer” for a period of six months were held, and an intensive Pastoral visitation to the selected respondents. It was based on these educational activities that the program was assessed.The implementation of the program attracted non Adventists, especially Adventist whose parents were non Adventist. Most local churches had their premises filled to the capacity during the program. Some of the participants gave their lives to Christ and got baptized. The confessions and pronouncements made by some attendees, and the reduction in conflicts, separations and divorce during and after the program indicated that the messages had deep impact on the participants. Moreover, the relationship between the district pastors and the church members was improved tremendously. It was observed after the program implementation that many church members were half baked in matters of marriage, hence the numerous marital problems. The researcher recommended that a bible study guide on marriage be prepared for the churches. It was also suggested that both the programs Christian Home marriage week and Family Togetherness week programs continue in the various churches.
Challenges affecting the growth of Seventh-day Adventist healthcare institutions in North-East Congo Union Mission
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-04) Habiyambere, Ngayaboshya Eraston
Healthcare service is one of the main methods of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to draw people to Jesus Christ as ultimate mission. To do so, a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) health facility must effectively and efficiently deliver healthcare through its operations. However, the Adventist healthcare institutions in North-East Congo Union Mission (NECUM) are confronted with several challenges that have affected their performance over many years. The purpose of this study was to identify major challenges affecting the growth of healthcare and to find solutions that could minimize that challenges. Based on research questions, descriptive study was used for describing the Adventist Healthcare Institutions (AHCIs) state. Descriptive survey strategy has been useful for data collection, analyzing data, and reporting results. Questionnaire method was developed to be the major instrument for data collection, with a supported interview method. Sixty-three (63) questionnaires from respondents were received out of sixty-eight (68) distributed to participants.Findings from the study revealed that leadership, workforce, and financial factors are all sources of challenges affecting the progressive growth of the health facilities. These challenges can affect quality healthcare service which is part of the SDA identity and strategy for evangelism. As solutions, the church leadership and healthcare institution managers should work on these discovered challenges in order to turn the situation around.
Challenges of change leadership in the central Malawi field of Seventh-day Adventist church: The case of Central Malawi Field dealings with Mlodza church
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-07) Matekenya, Dennis John Rabson
Between 2001 and 2003, the Central Malawi Field (CMF) of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church experienced some challenges with Mlodza Church concerning women preaching. Disagreements that followed between CMF and Mlodza Church prompted CMF to sever communication with Mlodza Church. A study was conducted in order to establish how the CMF handled the change process through personal interviews, review of archival document contents like minutes and letters of CMF and Mlodza Church and administering close-ended questionnaire to 100 respondents distributed equally between workers at CMF, Mlodza Church members, Lilongwe City pastors, church elders and women leaders. The data was analyzed using excel spreadsheet. The findings show that the CMF mishandled the change processes. It also revealed lack of change leadership skills on the part of CMF officers and that there was lack of effective change guidelines to assist the CMF in dealing with change processes. The LIFE change model was developed as a possible guideline for change leadership. The model has four components which form guidelines for change in the Church: learning, initiating, facilitating and entrenching. The study recommends that pastors and local leaders need to receive orientation in change management, that the training of pastors at Malawi Adventist University should include courses on leadership and change management to ensure that would-be pastors have knowledge of handling change processes in the church.
Classroom integration of faith and learning at selected Adventist Schools in Copperbelt, Midland and Luapula Conferences of Northern Zambia Union Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-04) Soko, Jonah
The study was on class Integration of Faith and Learning (IFL) practices at Mupapa Adventist Academy (MAA), Kabwe Adventist Secondary (KAS) and Chimpempe Adventist Mission Secondary Schools (CMSS) of the Northern Zambia Union Conference. It was observed that there was a weak emphasis on the Integration of Faith and Learning practice in the classes, but not much was known apart from that. The purpose of the study was therefore to explore the extent to which the IFL was being practiced in the classroom and the factors that are associated with the practice. The study used a descriptive design. Data was collected from 60 teachers from both the primary and secondary sectors. The instrument was a self-designed questionnaire that inquired, apart from the demographic variables (age, years of teaching, academic qualification, religious affiliation and sector of employment), about the level of IFL practice of the teachers, and whether they were trained in IFL teaching. The whole population was chosen for the three schools, that is, 65 teachers. The schools involved were MAA and KAS of the Copperbelt and Midlands Conference respectively and then CMSS of Luapula Conference in Northern Zambia Union Conference in the Luapula Province. Only 60 questionnaires were returned. The data was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics—frequency distribution, simple correlation and t-test for independent samples. The study showed that the majority of the respondents were male (58%), and are more than 30 years old (70 %). 82% of the respondents had between 0-15 years of teaching experience, 53% have an undergraduate degree or above and 47% have either a certificate or a diploma. Seventy-five percent of the participants were baptized Seventh-day Adventists, 53% teach in secondary schools and 47% teach in primary schools. A crosstab analysis revealed that 64% of the primary school teachers are females and 78% of the secondary school teachers are males. The latter also hold an undergraduate degree and above, whereas their female counterparts hold either a diploma or a certificate. The findings revealed that the respondents did practice Integration of Faith and Learning mainly in the form of praying, reading the Bible in class and using the Bible as a textbook for all subjects. “Praying” scored a slightly higher mean than the other three forms. Use of the Bible during the lesson presentation rated second and reading the Bible during class came in third position. The overall score indicated a mean of 3.3, with a standard deviation of 1.21. The analysis also examined if there was a significant difference in the practice of Integration of Faith and Learning based on the demographic variables. In order to answer this question, a mean comparison using t-test was done. The findings indicated that female teachers seem to practice more Integration of Faith and Learning than their male counterparts. For the demographic variable “age” the finding indicated no significant difference. Also there were no significant difference in the practice of IFL based on years of teaching, and religious affiliation. However, for the last two variables: academic qualifications and sector there was a significant difference. Those who have certificates and diplomas and who are in the primary school sector practice seem to practice more Integration of Faith and Learning than those who have first degrees and above and who work in the secondary school sector. Further analysis was done to find if there is a relationship between the level of spirituality of the respondents and their level of practice of Integration of Faith and Learning in the classroom. The study revealed that the teachers had a fairly high level of spirituality. The correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the level of spirituality and the level of practice in the classroom. Nevertheless it was found that in the secondary sector, even if the teachers seems to have a high level of spirituality, they do not practice IFL that much in the classroom. This finding seems to suggest that there are other factors that can affect the actual practice of IFL. Finally, an analysis was done to see if there was a significant difference in the practice of Integration of Faith and Learning based on the attendance to the training and orientation seminars on IFL. Using independent samples T-test, the results showed that there was a significant difference between the practices based on the training and orientation received by the participants. Those who have attended the seminar on IFL and obtained an orientation on how to integrate faith and learning during the lessons as well as during the social games tend to practice it more than those who had not obtained the training. Based on the findings four major recommendations were made. First, the teachers of the Primary schools who happen to the mostly female teachers should be encouraged to keep up IFL practices, while the secondary school teachers need to be encouraged to do so. Second, given the fact that those who got the training tend to practice it more in the classrooms, the school administrators need to ensure that all the teachers get an opportunity to attend training seminars on ILF. Third, the use of the Bible during lesson presentation be encouraged further. Fourth, the teachers should be encouraged to nurture their level of spirituality as this will drive them to practice their faith more in the classroom.
Coaching Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist church leaders and members for church planting
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2015-04) Sicelo, James Williams
The Emmanuel SDA Church in the Griqualand District of the Cape Conference in South Africa has not been active in church planting. They had experienced some challenges when they attempted to do it in the past. They could not point to one church or branch that they started themselves. To remedy the situation I employ coaching to assist the church in its mission of church planting. The first step in the program development was to conduct a workshop where church planting and the strategies of outreach were pointed out. This served as a basis from which the church was now going to proceed in its work of church planting. The following part was to assist the church in putting those outreach methods into practice. We requested the three cell groups that already existed to do Bible studies in Stock & Stock. These groups had leaders who had to make sure that they were functioning in the best way possible. The leaders were then taught some principles of coaching. These leaders were going to assist the groups to do the program outlined in the workshop at the targeted area where a church planting initiative was going to be implemented. We had a successful campaign at Stock & Stock. The coaching of the group members had a good success. Although there were challenges in the beginning, but the leaders were patient in coaching the members for success. At the same time they too were receiving coaching from me. As they were motivated to do more, so were the members in their groups. This had a positive impact on the work that was undertaken by the church. As a result of this venture the church was awoken to vibrancy and the people who were discouraged became revived. Most of the people became aware of their talents and the potential of the church in outreach was realised. In the end there was a church branch that was organized in Stock & Stock, and there was also a follow-up program after the campaign. This program serves as a model for church planting in Emmanuel SDA Church and elsewhere.
A compensatory approach to anti-virus shortfalls
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-05) Ongaro, Tom Ongaga
Computer systems security has become an increasingly important field. In the quest to provide the much-needed security many options exist. Systems have however continued to suffer attacks from malware despite the existing controls that have been put in place. One such control is the use of Anti-viruses which are widely used in many systems. Today malware exists that can bypass anti-viruses and cause harm to systems. Many controls exist to try to combat malware infiltration. Organizations and small businesses may not always be in a position to choose the best option for their environment when it comes to dealing with malware. They may not also be able to configure system security tools that may be available to deal with malware detection and prevention. One freely available tool is Sysmon. Sysmon logs critical events in a windows environment and can send them out for further analysis and classification. This research seeks to understand why some malware can bypass anti-viruses and seeks to close the gap by providing tangible recommendations. The end goal provides results that can be adopted by anyone to try to identify malicious activity in their systems by using freely available tools.
Conflict management in Seventh-day Adventist boarding schools in East Zimbabwe Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-08-02) Musara, Godfrey
The research dealt with the causes of conflict in Adventist boarding schools in East Zimbabwe Conference and how it could be managed. The data for the study were collected through a structured questionnaire on the causes of conflicts and conflict resolution methods as well as an interview schedule. The questionnaire which was of the five point Likert scale of Always to Never was used for data collection. The questionnaire was both face and content validated and a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.783 was obtained following a pilot study. The questionnaire was administered to 75 respondents made up of administrators and staff. The data collected were analyzed quantitative and the qualitative methods. The questionnaire was analysed using the quantitative method. The data collected were coded and analysed using the descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Graphical representation of data such as pie chart and bar graphs were also used. The descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used. The results were presented in tables and graphs. The study revealed that poor communication, leadership style and poor conditions of work were often causes of conflict in Adventist boarding schools while the conflict resolution methods often used were consultations and dialogue. As a way of addressing the problem, a fellowship program was carried out in one of the boarding schools. After the seminar presentation an evaluation form was issued out to assess the effectiveness of the program and the responses indicated that such a seminar on conflict management in Seventh-day Adventist boarding schools would reduce conflicts. Based on the findings it was recommended that workshops and seminars on conflict management be conducted periodically for administrators and staff in Seventh-day Adventist institutions.
Cultural practices that promote pre-marital sex among the youth of Seventh-day Adventist church, Lafia District, North East Nigeria Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-11) Zakiri, Ezekiel Luka
To some people virginity is viewed as sacred and honorable, while to others it is not and cannot be. There is little to doubt that culture has a role to play in the sexual behaviors of young people. The high percentage of pregnancy in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Lafia, due to premarital activities is quite disturbing. These cases of unwanted pregnancies constitute serious problems for the youth, the family, the church and the society at large. To make a proper investigation of the problem, 65 questionnaires were administered and personal interviews were conducted. All interviews were undertaken in a private environment and in the language of choice of the respondents. The interview guide had earlier been translated into Hausa, a language that dominates the Northern part of Nigeria.Findings revealed that the predominant sources of sexual knowledge that negatively influenced the youths were media and friends. Cultural matters, like very high bride price and the inclusion of prohibited items, such as alcohol and pig, as bride price, encouraged the youths to engage in sexual immorality. It is, therefore, recommended that the home school be strengthened. Parents that are members of the church should not succumb to the cultural and pagan practices of demanding forbidden items as bride price. The leadership of the church should lay emphasis on youth’s fellowship that puts a living relationship with God as top priority.
Designing a budgetary control system for the local churches of Kenya Lake Conference for optimum use of funds
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate studies, 2017-04) Agalo, Kilion Mingusa
The aim of this study was to design a budgetary control system for the local churches of Kenya Lake Conference to enable them to use the generated cash optimally for the achievement of the mission of the church. The study determined the budgetary process of the local churches in Kenya Lake Conference, the levels of budgetary controls, and the challenges affecting the budgetary control system of the local churches. A systematic probability random sampling method was used to select 255 participants to gather data. Findings indicate that the budgetary process in local churches in Kenya Lake conference begins with the departmental heads and that the church board has the sole responsibility to evaluate and monitor variances. The budgeting process faces different challenges which are addressed through the recommendations and propositions of a budget process and control manual. Based on the findings from the study, there is a need for regular seminars to be held to sensitize all the stake holders in the budget preparation and control in the local churches.
Determinants of breast cancer awareness and screening practices of women within Tamale, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-04) Adams, Patsy Ago
Breast cancer is now ranked the most common cancer worldwide, increasing from 1.7 million incident cases in 2005 to 2.4 million cases in 2015. Both early detection and treatment have been shown to be the most effective methods to address the impact of this devastating disease. This study assessed the determinants of breast cancer awareness and practice of breast cancer screening among women in the Tamale, Ghana. A cross-sectional survey of 396 adult women, chosen by stratified random sampling was undertaken using a questionnaire. Results showed that the majority of the respondents were below 40 years of age (75.5%). Almost all participants (99.0%) had heard of breast cancer (awareness). Interestingly, the majority (51.3%) knows the cause of breast cancer to be bacteria. The most practiced method of screening was breast self-examination (86.4%), clinical breast examination and mammogram had 77.3%. We found that 93.4% of the population respectively never practiced either. Age, religious affiliations and ethnicities were seen to have statistically significant relations to awareness and practice.
Determinants Of diarrhoea among under-five children in Umzingwane District, Zimbabwe: a case-control study
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate studies, 2018-03) Mkandla, Sifelani
Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children less than five years old in the developing world. The average annual incidence rate of diarrhoea in children less than five years of age (under-fives) is estimated to be 2.6 episodes in developing countries. It is also estimated that there are 100 million episodes and 3.3 million deaths occurring each year among under-fives globally. In Africa, a child typically experiences five episodes of diarrhoea per year, and 800,000 children die each year from diarrhoea and dehydration. In Zimbabwe diarrhoea is the fourth highest cause of death for children under five and is the reason for 12% of child hospital admission (Zimbabwe Maternal and Child Health Integrated Programme, 2014). According to World Bank Collection of Development Indicators, 2014 the prevalence of diarrhoea in under-fives in Zimbabwe was 16%. Umzingwane District recorded a high number of diarrhoea cases in underfives in 2016. The total number of diarrhoea cases from under- fives was 1 018 andconstituted 40% of the total number of diarrhoea cases in the district. The figure constitutes an overrepresentation of morbidity among this age group since the underfives make up 13.7% of the total population. The cause for the upsurge of diarrhoea cases was not documented by epidemiological studies or the literature. The aim of this study was to examine or discover context-specific conditions in Umzingwane district that may have led to an uptick in diarrhoea cases among under-fives in 2016. The study was a 1:1 unmatched case-control study. The research surveyed 200 cases and 200 controls. The cases were under-fives in Umzingwane District who had diarrhoea in 2016. The researcher used the standard case definition for diarrhoea as cited in the literature. The controls were under-fives who did not have diarrhoea in 2016 and came from the same neighbourhood as cases. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire, was used to collect data from caregivers of cases and controls and under-fives. The questionnaire was filled by trained research assistants. Sanitary inspections were conducted through visual assessment of the infrastructures and the sanitary state surrounding the household water supply, water-holding containers, household sanitary conditions, food storage, personal hygiene, kitchen hygiene and vaccination status of the children as these factors have a potential risk to health and wellbeing of the child. Water samples were collected from boreholes and shallow unprotected wells to check for Escherichia Coli (E. coli) contamination and turbidity Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7.2.1.0 version. Odds ratios and Chi-square tests at 5% significant levels and 95% confidence intervals were generated using the software. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding and effect modification. The adjusted odds ratios were calculated toquantify the strength of association between risk factors and outcome and factors with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Out of 35 borehole water samples tested, 33(94.29%) were below the threshold limit for contamination with Escherichia coli and 2 of the 35 (5.71%) borehole water samples tested were above the threshold for contamination with Escherichia coli. Out of 50 unprotected shallow wells water samples tested 9(18%) were below the threshold limit for contamination with Escherichia coli and 41(82%) unprotected shallow wells water samples tested were above the threshold for contamination with Escherichia coli. Independent risk factors for contracting diarrhoea were: source of water [OR=2.2457, CI=1.0924-4.6164, p-value=0.0278], disposal of solid waste [OR=4.62, CI=1.9380-11.0330, p-value=0.0006], sanitary state of the kitchen [OR=2.2307, CI=1.0185-4.8854, p-value=0.0449]. Independent protective factors for contracting diarrhoea were: household income [OR=0.2273, CI= 0.1180-0.4378, pvalue=0.0000], caregiver knowledge on diarrhoea prevention and control [OR=0.2940, CI=0.1316-0.6566, p-value=0.0028], washing hands by caregivers at all critical times [OR=0.0461, CI=0.0227-0.0937, p-value=0.0000] The study has highlighted the disaggregated household level risk factors for diarrhoea in under-fives in Umzingwane District. The environmental risk factors were drinking water from contaminated sources, indiscriminate disposal of waste around the home and unsanitary status of the kitchen where food is prepared. This clearly indicates the importance of environmental health as a determinant of child health. Therefore, there is a need for effective measures to enhance universal access to safe water, improved food hygiene practices and appropriate waste management strategies at the household level. The socioeconomic protective factors were knowledge of diarrhoea prevention and economic stability of the caregivers. The behavioural protective factor was washing of hands at all critical times by caregivers. This implies that hygiene promotion interventions should prioritise protective factors such as increasing caregiver knowledge of diarrhoea prevention, establishment and use of hygienic hand washing facilities and improving socioeconomic status of households.
Determinants of the internal control effectiveness of the IOUC’S selected entities in Madagascar
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-03) Rafaliniony, Herimamy
Internal control must be the everyday life of each entity as it is the process established by the entity’s management to prevent and detect frauds, errors and thefts in order for the entity to achieve its established missions and objectives. Having effective internal control is the prime priority of today’s entity as it leads to good corporate governance, elimination or diminution of risks and fraudulent acts, growth and development of the entity and achievement of objectives. Unfortunately, some of the Indian Ocean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (IOUC)’s entities can’t achieve these goals and objectives because of ineffective internal control in the workplace. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of the internal control effectiveness of four IOUC’s selected entities in Madagascar. For the present research, questionnaire and structured interviews were used to collect data. The target population was 310, and 202 out of 310 shared questionnaires were collected. Male gender was the most represented and the majority of respondents were from the age group 30-39 years. The 5-9 years category of service was more represented compared to others and many of IOUC’s selected entities employees had a bachelor’s degree and above. A pilot study was conducted before the actual one in order to correct possible flaws in the instrument. One month was given to the respondents to complete the questionnaire and to give it back. For the interviews, different methods were used according to the prevailing situation. With the level of significance at 0.01, the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth null hypotheses of the present study were rejected while the second null hypothesis was accepted. Thus, just four components of internal control of the four IOUC’s selected entities in Madagascar contribute to their internal control effectiveness which was the dependent variable of the study. Accordingly, the determinants of the internal control effectiveness of the four IOUC’s selected entities by order of impact are the information and communication system, risk assessment, control activities and monitoring of control. As the internal control of the four IOUC’s selected entities is not effective enough due to the deficiencies in the area of risk assessment and monitoring of control, the major recommendation and implication of the researcher is that internal audit unit should exist within those entities and both management and employees should be totally committed and engaged in the improvement of the deficiencies area of internal control.
Developing a peer counseling team for the Adventist Youth in Ongata Rongai District of Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Nairobi Station, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2009-07) Gichuiri, John Macharia
The youth in Ongata Rongai Pastoral District are highly influenced by their peers to engage in negative activities which are self defeating and therefore a team of well trained youth peers counselors would change things round for the better. After the study from the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White and other writers and after the collection of data in the Pastoral District, the researcher developed a team of youth peer counselors who were trained to give and counsel to their fellow youth who constitute more than seventy five percent (75%) of the total church membership in the District. The team was well chosen from among the best leaders in the youth ministry in the seven churches in the Pastoral District. The training sessions began in January to June 2009. The team began with fourteen members but fifty percent (50%) succeeded in completing the entire course. The programme was a success in that we now have seven well trained young people who will be used to give their services to the youth in the Pastoral District and who will train others. Other youth in other church Districts will require this training to encourage more youth to participate in this noble mission.
Developing a strategy to revive teamwork spirit among leaders in Seventh-day Adventist church South Kenya Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-07) Nyambane, Obed Nyamache
For a leader, teamwork spirit means blending together in unity, working together in harmony, laboring together with God in order to achieve the common set goal, that is the salvation of humanity. It is working together as brethren, consulting together, counseling with the ministers and responsible men, and above all, seek wisdom from above together. After a serious study of teamwork spirit, the researcher developed a strategy to revive teamwork spirit among leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Kenya Conference. A series of lessons on teamwork spirit were developed and training was done for both ministers and the church elders in various centers. The training exercise lasted for two years.After having gone through the lessons, the minsters and the elders resolved to work together as brethren and be in harmony with biblical principles on teamwork spirit. There is now improvement in church membership, tithe and offerings growth. The promotion on teamwork spirit done by the researcher has kindled in the hearts of the laity especially the church elders for the last two years. They prayed that the same spirit be generated not only in their hearts but also in the hearts of the entire leadership of the church in South Kenya Conference.
Developing leadership skills in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: a case study of the Ntonso Church in the Mountain View Conference, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-09) Gyamfi, Stephen Owusu-Ansah
An evaluation of the existing literature on leadership validates that leadership development is very vital in every organization. This study's drive was to review the definitions and theories of leadership as well as the proposed structure of developing leadership skills to design a leadership development program that would be beneficial in improving the leadership skills of Ntonso SDA Church in Mountain View Ghana Conference. In addressing the challenge, a cross-sectional survey design and quantitative method were used to collect data from 150 church leaders in Ntonso SDA using a paper-based questionnaire. The results of the study intimated that generally, the Ntonso SDA Church did not have any formal process. Neither did they have a person designated explicitly for developing leaders in the Church. The survey respondents generally viewed leadership development program a critical component of the church program and mission. The study ended with a leadership development program designed for Ntonso SDA Churches for implementation.

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