Saturday, August 20, 2011

HIV and AIDS in humans

The terms HIV and AIDS in humans is considered as death when mentioned to many because they don’t understand it clearly. AIDS means Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome while HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus which is the late stages of the AIDS infection. The HIV is referred to as retrovirus and there are two major kinds in the world. There is the HIV-1, this occurs from the cause of AIDS in eastern Africa.  More articles are in Business Training in Kenya .Then there is the HIV-2 which is the major cause of AIDS west in Africa. The causes that lead to the infection with the HIV and AIDS in humans are either due to behavioral, psychological or the physical factors. The main cause that is known to cause HIV and AIDS is behavioral. The changing times lead to change in the way of life thus change in behavioral change. The HIV-1 that is experienced in the eastern Africa is said to be caused by two main causes the psychical and behavioral changes although other causes are considered. In the western Africa all the factors are considered as the cause of the HIV-2.
As the term AIDS describe it HIV and AIDS in human is the deficiency of the ability of the immune system of the human to protect it. This immune deficiency is caused by the loss of the CD4+ T cells that are essential for the functioning of the immune system. In other terms when the CDA+ T cells are less in the body then the human body is prone to an illness and infections. The Immune System in Understanding HIV and AIDS in Human The immune system is composed of many interdependent cell types that collectively protect the body from bacterial, parasitic, fungal, viral infections and from the growth of tumor cells. Many of these cell types have specialized functions they can engulf bacteria, kill parasites or tumor cells, or kill viral-infected cells. Often, these cells depend on the T helper subset for activation signals in the form of secretions formally known as cytokines, lymphokines (or interleukins). In understanding HIV and AIDS in humansthe immune system other than the CD4+ T cells, it contains other kind of specialized cells in protecting the human body. One of the specialized cells that are also part of the immune system is the natural killer cells. In understanding HIV and AIDS the natural killer cell in the immune system are similar to the killer T cell subset, which is a CD8+ T cell. The reason they are referred to as killer cells is due to how the act in protecting the body from infection. They function as effectors cells that directly kill certain tumor such as melanomas lymphomas and viral infected cells. Then there are the B cells in the immune system in understanding HIV and AIDS in humans. The B cells are produced in the bone marrow. The B cells act by producing antibodies in response to foreign protein of bacteria, viruses and tumor cells. When the antigens are detected in the body bloodstream they transported to the spleen where the B cells are found, they become activated and produce large amount of antibody. The immune system also in understanding HIV and AIDS in human has the granulocyte in simple terms known as the white blood cells. These cells are predominantly important in removal of bacteria and parasites from the body. The granulocytes, which are produced in the bone marrow, are able to provide immunity by engulfing these foreign bodies and degrade them using their powerful enzymes. Also in the immune system are the macrophages, produced in the bone marrow. In understanding HIV and AIDS in humans the macrophages are important in the regulation of immune response. They are often referred to as antigen presenting cells (APC). This is because they pick up and ingest foreign material and then present these antigens to other cells of the immune system such as T cells and B cells that destroy them. Then there are the dendritic cells which are also produced in the bone marrow. They also function as the macrophages, antigen presenting cells, they engulf they antigens ingest them and then present them to the cells that destroy them. In fact the dendritic cells are more efficient antigen presenting cells than the macrophages in the immune system in understanding HIV and AIDS in humans. Further in understanding HIV and AIDS in human the immune system can respond to antigen in many different ways. These fall into two major categories:
  • Antibody mediated immunity. Antibodies, dissolved in blood, lymph, and other body fluids bind the antigen and trigger a response to it. The form of immunity is also called humoral immunity.
  • Cell mediated immunity (CMI). T cells and the lymphocytes bind to the surface of other cells that display the antigen and trigger a response. The response may involve other lymphocytes and any of the other white blood cells.
Other Factor in HIV and AIDS in Humans There are other factors that are associated with HIV and AIDS in human. One, are the sexually transmitted diseases, commonly known as STDs. The sexually transmitted diseases are known to affect the involved sex partners even the fetus and newborn infants. The sexually transmitted diseases are grouped into three categories. Category one are the sexually transmitted diseases that produce inflammation of the urethra, epididymis, cervix or oviduct. These diseases in this category are Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. As other factors in HIV and AIDS in human both diseases can be treated and cured with antibiotics once diagnosed. These diseases are common in the developing countries. Also in the sexually transmitted diseases as factors in HIV and AIDS in human, there is the second category and this category includes those that produce sores on the external genitals. Genital herpes is the most common disease in this class and it is known to be affecting more than 25 million individual in the developed countries. The symptoms of herpes can be treated by antiviral drugs, but the infection cannot be cured. Syphilis is a bacterially caused infection, and can, if left untreated, cause serious symptoms and death. However, the disease is curable with antibiotics. The other category in sexually transmitted diseases that are known to factor in HIV and AIDS in humans, include the viral diseases. This class of sexually transmitted diseases affects the organ systems other than those of the reproductive system. AIDS and Hepatitis B are categorized in this group. Both can be spread by sexual contact or blood transfusion, also from mother to child during child birth. Infectious individual may appear symptom free for a period of long time after infection, but as the diseases continue to manifest its self the individual become weaker and weaker then death follow. Ways to Cope with HIV and AIDS in Human Unlike microbial scourges, such as malaria, flu and tuberculosis among many others, for which there is very little that people can do to prevent infection, HIV and AIDS infection in adults is entirely preventable by behavior modification and taking measurable preventive measures. In coping with the so called deadly disease the HIV and AIDS is totally preventable using the introduced method of protection ABC. This is the Abstinence Being faithful to each other as partners and using of Contraceptives such as condom for prevention.

The Transfer of Property or Goods

Transfer of Property or Goods is very crucial especially at the precise moment at which the property or goods passes from the seller to the buyer. Rules regarding transfer of property may be considered from two dimensions. these are the Transfer of Property or Goods that are specific or certain and Transfer of Property or Goods that are uncertain Business Training in Kenya has more articles.
The Transfer of Property or Goods is very crucial especially the precise moment at which property or goods passes from the seller to the buyer. Rules regarding the transfer of property or goods may be considered from two dimensions.
Specific or certain
· Ascertain.

Specific or Certain Transfer of Property or Goods
Transfer of Property or Goods that are specific or certain is when the parties to the contract determine when property is transferred be it at the time of making the contract or at delivery. In the absence of such express terms the following rules will apply.
· When properties are in a deliverable state the transfer of property or goods is transferred at the time of contracting regardless of when the price is to be paid or delivery is to be made.
· When the goods have to be put in a deliverable state in which case the buyer must be notified when the goods are in that state.
· When goods have to be measured at a certain price in which case the buyer must be notified once the goods have been ascertained.
When the goods are delivered, upon approval the property is passed when either the buyer signifies his approval or acceptance or he retains the goods without giving notice of rejection beyond a time fixed for the return of goods.

Transfer of Property or Goods that are Uncertain
Transfer of Property or Goods that are uncertain will only take place after ascertainment of or after the goods have been put in a deliverable state.
· It is also uncertain when an unauthorized sale has been made by a non mercantile agent. As a rule a mercantile agent having authority to sell goods conveys a good title to the buyer.
· It is also uncertain when there is transfer of title by estopell. This principle of estopell holds that it is unfair and unjust to allow a party to depart from a particular state of affairs which he has led another person to believe to be true
· It is also uncertain when there is a sale by a person in possession under a voidable contract. If the goods are sold before the contract is rescinded the buyer obtains the title as long as he is acting in good faith and has no prior knowledge of the defect in title.
· Sale by seller after sale. The seller has sold the goods again after selling it. As long as there is no knowledge of previous sale then the buyer will obtain a good title.
· The sale by a buyer in possession after agreement to buy is also termed as uncertain. This is as long as it's done in good faith and there is no prior knowledge of lien. The buyer then obtains good title.
· It is also uncertain when there is a resale by an unpaid seller. If he has waited for a reasonable time then the seller can sell to another person
Conclusion on Transfer of Property or Goods
Transfer of Property or Goods is very crucial. One should be able to understand the difference between Transfer of Property or Goods that are specific or certain and Transfer of Property or Goods that are uncertain.

The Ten Steps to successful Recruitment Advertisement

There are ten points to check while analyzing whether an advertisement was successful or not. The ten steps are as analyzed below. Business Training in Kenya has more articles on the topic.

The Ten Steps to  successful Recruitment Advertisement

· The first step to take in analyzing whether this advertisement is successful is getting the opinion and afterwards analyzing the perception of the employees and potential audience.
· The second step to take in analyzing the success of the advertisement is getting the views of the employee manager. When he or she is positive about the recruitment then it shows that it is a good step.
· Thirdly, have a unique selling proposition when advertising for the job. Example is that the position will attract the following benefits e.g. medical cover, car and housing. This will definitely attract more candidates for the company to choose from.
· The fourth step in advertising is that there should be careful presentation of information about the job to avoid misleading interested candidates. This will enhance a smooth understanding between the company and the candidate.
· Another step is to ensure that core information is included in the advertisement i.e. experience of the potential job holder and qualifications which are mostly academic. This aids the process of advertising.
· Another step in advertisement is to project realistic picture of the job to avoid confusion by the candidates who apply for the job.
· An additional step to be taken when analyzing advertisement is that it should stimulate the development of an employer brand i.e. the organization positive aspects.
· One of the steps to analyze Recruitment Advertisement is that any company should also consider the cost of the advertisement to enable them to find one media that suits the budget of the company.
· Another step to take is that any company seeking for Recruitment Advertisement should select an agency that fits its organization culture, goals and values
· It should never discriminate in terms of gender or religion. It should never be gender biased. This is a step that should never be skipped.
One should also monitor the effectiveness of the advertisement. An example is how many applicants have applied for the job or when the company attracts an employee from another company or when you attract people from other diversities.
Recruitment Advertisement is very efficient when implemented well and can lead to improvement of an organizations workforce. The above ten points give an overview of Recruitment Advertising
The above summarizes all the steps in an advertisement.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The First Generation of Computers

 According to the history of computer in the Generation of Computers, the first computer was build and designed by the English mathematical professor Charles Babbage during the year 1792 to 1871. The Babbage machine used a language that was purely mechanical and analytical engine. In fact, among the many computer machine developed it was one of the computers that had no operating system, which is it had to be managed manually. The discovery of the Babbage machine led to the development of less complex and easier machine during the generation of computers. Engineering in Kenya has more information.

The First  Generation of Computers
The first generation of computers, which was emerged during 1945 and 1955, used vacuum tubes and plug boards. During at around 1940s Howard Aiken at Harvard university, John Von Nerman of the institute of advanced study in Princeton, J Presper Eccert and Milliam Mancotey at the university of Pennsylvania and Konrad Zurse in Germany are the among those who succeeded in building calculating engines as the generation of computers developed. The first one used mechanical relays but was slow with cycles times measured in seconds; all programming was done in absolute machine language used by wiring up plug boards to the machine language basic function during the Generation of Computers.

Programming languages were unknown during the Generation of Computers; virtually all the problems were straight forward numerical calculating grounding out tables of sine’s, cosine and tangents. By early 1950’s punched card debuted and the routine of operating with computers improved. It was now possible during this generation of computers to write programs on cards and read them instead of plug board.
The second generation of computers, in the mid 1950’s, led to the introduction of the transistors that changed the computers radically. Computers became more reliable enough that they could be manufactured and be sold to buying customers who were mainly large corporations and universities. For the first time during the generation of computer there was separation between the designer, builders, operators, programmers and maintenance personnel. These types of computer which were mainly the mainframe type processed their jobs in batch system; this is whereby a collection of tray full of jobs and then processing them all at once. The computer that used to process batch jobs in this Generation of Computers were IBM 1401 and IBM 7094

The Third  Generation of Computers
Description: http://kenyaengineering.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gifBy 1960’s most computer manufacturers had two distinct and totally incompatible products lines during the early generation of computers. The IBM Company attempted to solve this by introducing a system which was a server of software compatible machines that were large in size and more powerful than the earlier productions. This machine only differed on in price depending on performance of the computer accessories, maximum memory processor speed, number of input and output devices permitted. Since all machines in the generation of computers had the same architecture and instruction set programs written for one machine could run on all others at least in theory.
Furthermore during this Generation of Computers, the model, IBM 360 was designed to handle both scientific that is numerical and commercial computing. On subsequent years IBM came out with compatible successors to the 360 lines using more modern and sophisticated technology known as the 370, 4300, 3080 and 3090 series that were the first Generation of Computers to use small scale integrated circuits. Multiprogramming techniques emerged also during this generation of computer whereby it was done through memory partitioning; also the computers were able to read from card onto disk as soon as they were brought to the computer room. Spooling, from simultaneous peripheral operating online, whereby  whenever the operating system finished running one job it take the next one online also emerged during the third generation of computers.
During also the third generation of computers the first serious time sharing system (Compatible Time Sharing System CTSS) was developed in MIT. After the success of the compatible time sharing system in MIT, Bell labs and General Electric decided to embark on the development of a “computer utility” named (MULTICS) Multiplexed Information and Computer Service envisioned as a large type of mainframe computer. Mini computers also emerged in the mid of this Generation of Computers this were the DEC and PDP-1. The Bell labs used thePDP-7 minicomputer to write down a stripped version of Multiplexed Information and Computer Service for a single use which later developed into the UNIX operating system, which became very popular in academic world, government agencies and among many private companies during the third generation of computers.

The Latest Generation of Computers
This is the latest generation of computers is  the fourth Generation of Computers and it is this age that of personal computer downed with the development of very large scale integration circuit chips containing thousands of transistors on a square centimeter of silicon. In terms of architecture personal computer (initially called microcomputer) were not all that different from minicomputers of the PDP-11 class.
The first microcomputer with a built in disk using 8080 processor was built in 1971 during the fourth Generation of Computers with the operating system written by Killdall and his friends called control program for microcomputer. In 1980’s during the development of fourth generation of computers, IBM personal computer debuted with a different type of operating system the disk operating system (DOS) written by William Itnery.
Gates Company, Microsoft was founded also during this same Generation of Computers. Gates later leaved T Peterson to revise the original disk operating system initially acquired from Seattle computer product and the revised edition was renamed Microsoft disk operating system which came to dominate the IBM personal computer catapulting Microsoft to fame. Research in the 1960’s by Doug Engelbalt at Stanford Research Institute led to discovery of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) complete with windows. The first graphical user interface based computer was developed by Steve Jobs who after visiting Xerox realized the potential of graphical user interface. The success of Apple Macintosh, Microsoft produced graphical user interface based operating system named windows which originally run on top of Microsoft disk operating system which is the biggest achievement made during all the Generation of Computers.



Saturday, July 16, 2011

Ways of Funding a Business in Kenya

When Funding a Business in Kenya, one should first consider whether he/she wants to borrow a loan or seek an investment. The advantage of a loan (debt) when Funding a Business in Kenya is that one is not giving up any ownership in his/her enterprise, and the lender has no management say or direct entitlement to profits in the business.
The only obligation to the lender is to repay the loan on time and one can deduct the interest payments at tax time. The disadvantage of a loan is the debt - the looming monthly payments and the potential for personal liability (if you guaranteed the loan), loss of property (if you secured the loan by use of collateral), or a lawsuit if you default on the loan payments.
The advantage of an investment (equity) when Funding a Business in Kenya is that you will not have to repay investors if your business goes under, and your personal property is unlikely to be at risk. The disadvantage is that you get a smaller piece of the pie because you are giving up a share of the business. And if an investor seeks to control your business, it may be more of a nuisance than a help.
Look to Family and Friends when Funding a Business in Kenya
Sometimes when Funding a Business in Kenya, your funding choices are made for you. For example, if you don't qualify or have enough resources to get a loan for Funding a Business in Kenya, then you need to find investors. The most common sequence for finding investment;
  • Look to your own resources
  • Look to family, and
  • Look to friends. After exhausting those, look to an interested outsider.
Most likely, obtaining an investment when Funding a Business in Kenya will require some additional expenses incurred by your accountant and your lawyer. For example, if the investment is substantial, the investor may require that you convert your sole proprietorship to a corporation to shield the investor from personal liability.
Why Do You Need the Money?
In general—whether you seek investors or lenders—you need to determine whether the money is needed for a temporary problem or a fundamental problem when Funding a Business in Kenya. Often, temporary problems can be resolved with a simple funding solution such as a merchant card account.
But a fundamental problem—for example, lack of sales, too high cost of sales, too high administrative costs, too much inventory, too much accounts receivable—usually will not be cured by borrowing money. In that case you need to address the fundamental problem and it's not a wise idea to borrow when Funding a Business in Kenya until you have done that.
How to Get a Bank Loan when Funding a Business in Kenya
It is not always the case that one always needs to provide a business preface (plan) to get a loan for Funding a Business in Kenya. Bankers ask five questions mainly when they are evaluating loans.
  • How much money do you want
  • What is the money being used for
  • How will you collateralize the loan
  • When are you going to pay me back
  • How are you going to pay me back?
Most borrowers will be able to tell you the answers to these questions in a conversation and if they can't then it shows that something is not right about the lender.
The other key element in getting a bank loan for Funding a Business in Kenya is understanding the concept of securing a loan by means of collateral. Collateral refers to the assets that you pledge for the repayment of a loan if payment becomes hard. These assets can be your business's accounts receivable, inventory, or business equipment and they are used to secure the loan for Funding a Business in Kenya (versus an “unsecured” loan which has no collateral).
In the event you default on the loan, the lender can acquire and sell the collateral. If a business does not have any assets worth securing, a lender will look to personal assets, for example, stocks or bonds, personal house or some other form of personal guarantee. A personal guarantee means that the one guarantees repayment from personal assets, rather than from business assets when Funding a Business in Kenya
Key considerations when borrowing a loan for Funding a Business in Kenya
  • Be ready to secure the loan.
Expect a request for either collateral or a personal guarantee or both, especially if you're a first-time borrower when Funding a Business in Kenya. If you sign a guarantee, try and limit it to a one year guarantee that can be renewed if necessary. Avoid having your spouse sign a guarantee unless he or she is active in the business. If you have friends or relatives who are willing to guarantee your business loan but they're not willing to guarantee the whole loan for Funding a Business in Kenya, it could be because the guarantee requires them to be jointly and severely liable, meaning they must pay the entire loan if the borrower defaults payment . To avoid this result and to encourage multiple guarantors, a guarantor can simply provide collateral for the portion of the loan they are guaranteeing. So if there are three guarantors, each may guarantee only one-third of the loan.
  • Ask for enough money.
One of the most common errors people make when borrowing for Funding a Business in Kenya is that they underestimate the situation and they borrow lesser money than they should. When borrowing with the aim of Funding a Business in Kenya, borrowing less money makes it more difficult. By borrowing less than you need you haven't really solved the problem.
  • Establish your company's credit worth.
Here's one tip for building your company's creditworthiness: Don't use a personal credit card for business purposes. That's the single rule that is not followed most often. Most people have personal credit and they figure, well, we've got this card so why not use that to buy for the company. The problem is that it doesn't do a thing to help your business credit when Funding a Business in Kenya.
  • Have your credit history.
Are you having a checkered personal credit history? How long has your business operated? (Businesses under two years old tend to be viewed critically.). Do you know your credit score? You can't fix it if you don't know what it is.
  • Make sure your financials are correct and accurate.
Don't provide financial reports that were printed at 3 a.m. the night before your meeting. Proof and review any financial documents used for a loan application with an accountant or financial advisor when borrowing a loan with the aim of Funding a Business in Kenya.
Credit Cards when Funding a Business in Kenya
Use of credit cards by small business has increased exponentially during the past decade and for good reason: credit cards provide short term access to cash when Funding a Business in Kenya to help with cash flow management and you earn value through incentive programs. At the same time, there's a potential downside to credit cards. As with all funding solutions, you need to borrow prudently and avoid burdening your business with high-interest debts.
Key considerations when using a credit card for Funding a Business in Kenya
  • Stay current.
You shouldn't use a card to borrow when Funding a Business in Kenya with if you can't stay current with your bills. Those perks may not seem as appealing as your debt mounts and you're chasing a high interest rate.
  • Pay attention to interest rates.
When shopping for a card, review competitive interest rates and be wary of teaser rates (low introductory rates that jump after a few months).
  • Don't borrow if your credit card balance is greater than 80% of your credit limits.
If they are, you've already have a credit card problem.
Business Training in Kenya has more on this.
Conclusion on Funding a Business in Kenya
Whether one decides on a bank loan, investment, or the use of a credit card, the choice should be wise and informed so that Funding a Business in Kenya is easy.

Characteristics of High Quality Objectives

An organizational has targets. Efforts are directed within a specific time frame towards achieving these targets. They are known as High Quality Objectives . It is a statement of what is to be achieved within a given time frame. It is the desired end result towards which all activities in an organization are aimed at.
Characteristics of High Quality Objectives
The Characteristics of High Quality Objectives are;
·         Specific,
·         Achievable,
·         Challenging,
·         Flexible,
·         Measurable,
·         Integrative,
·         Consistent,
·         Cost effective,
·         Reviewable,
·         Time bound
Specific
Being specific is one of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives. Managers should develop clear and well defined objectives indicating what should be accomplished, who should do it and within which time frame i.e. specific objectives eliminate confusion and ensure that members understand.
Achievable
One of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives is being achievable. This means that objectives should be within the capability of the organization i.e. shouldn’t be too high nor too low to achieve.
Challenging
Being challenging is one of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives. This will stimulate high standards of performance and encourages progress.
Flexible
One of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives is being flexible. This will enable the organization be able to modify as needed.
Measurable
Being measurable is one of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives. They should be measurable so as to evaluate their attainability by the organization.
 Integrative
Being integrative is another of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives. It applies to both short and long run objectives i.e. the short term and long term objectives should be consistent and supportive of one another. They also must be integrated with the reward system of the business so that it can provide the employee with a means of realizing both personal and business objective
Consistent
One of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives is that the objectives should be consistent with the values of the organization to avoid conflict with one another and should be compatible with other departmental objectives.
Cost effective
Cost effectiveness is another of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives. Objectives should be economical in the use of resources so that they blend in with the budget of the company.
Reviewable
One of the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives is that they should be reviewable. There must be a period review of objectives. Management should also realize that planning is subject to certain regulation and should be revised from time to time.
Time bound
Another  Characteristics of High Quality Objectives is that objectives must be time related or bound. This means that they must be achieved within a definite stated time period.
Business Training in Kenya has more information.
Conclusion on the Topic on the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives
Above are the Characteristics of High Quality Objectives namely; Specific, Achievable, Challenging, Flexible, Measurable, Integrative, Consistent, Cost effective, Reviewable and time bound.


Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya

The Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya depends on the values of management of any organization. Acceptance and implementation of organizational change ensures that employee relations management is developed.
The business environment in which employers operate is constantly changing. It is important for employees to be aware of the specific shifts in employee relations policies resulting from such changes. They should also monitor the external environment to anticipate possible changes and developments. The Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya has been continuously changing over the last two decades.

The Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya

Kenya faces various Socio-Economic Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya that has adverse effects in management. They include;
·         Education,
·         HIV/AIDS,
·         Work Life Balance,
·         Workforce Diversity
Education as one of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya
Education is one of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya. There has been an emphasis on the importance of education that leads to improvement of the standards of living in the country. As a result of upgrading of the education sector the elite employees are very clear on what their rights are and hence the employers challenge is to ensure they comply with the law.
They risk being sued by their employees if their needs are not met. Development of human capital and expertise of firm’s workers is crucial to management. The interest in employment is moving away from manual and clerical work to knowledgeable workers who resist commands that they feel are unfair.

 HIV/AIDS as one of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya

HIV/AIDS is also one of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya. This pandemic is one of the most disturbing developments in the social arena. This has had effect on all aspects of the society including the economy. The effects of HIV/AIDS on the organization include death of employees and the cost of medical care.
Human Resource Management has a growing involvement of the law now than before. The issues include laws of hiring, firing, equal opportunities and conduct of industrial relations. The effect of these laws is that there is more need to follow the law to avoid legal suits and costs associated. For example a firm cannot simply fire nor discriminate against employees with HIV/AIDS without attracting legal action against management.
Work Life Balance as one of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya
Work Life Balance is one of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya. Many organizations are forced to develop flexible working programs due to recognition of the importance of the work life balance. The law also protects employees such that an employee is entitled to at least 1 rest day in a week and in cases where they work beyond normal working hours they are to be paid overtime for their services.
Workforce Diversity as one of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya
Workforce Diversity is the last but not the least of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya. The workforce is becoming very diverse. More women, minority group members and older workers are entering the work place. This changes effective management and it is very important to management as it affects employee relations in the industry.
Greater female employment gives rise to new career conflict. Marriage ties can undermine the organization and business intelligence. Worries about the family may affect performance. Disciplinary action may result from this inactive performance at the workplace. Many older employees are likely to remain in employment due to termination of traditional benefit plans.
Economic Changes in Relation to Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya
The economic environment in relation to Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya is influenced by the macro-economic policies. Government policies are usually in respect to the levels of employment, inflation, taxation and interest rates.
Exchange rates have an effect on employee relations in Kenya. This is because they have an impact on the relative balance of bargaining power between the buyers and sellers of labor services. In a period of high inflation, high levels of taxation and high interest rates, the stability of business in Kenya is threatened. This leads to higher levels of unemployment and a consequent reduction in employment conditions. When individuals are at work, a less favorable economic climate will impact on the relative balance of bargaining power. The government’s economic and legal policies have major implications for the outcome of employee relations behavior in Kenya.
The relative bargaining power of the employer is weakened and that of the employee is strengthened when economic policies are directed towards the creation of full employment and the maximizing of economic growth. Government policies give the highest priority to reducing inflation by lowering household and corporate spending in the homes and also reducing public expenditure.
Our article in Business Training in Kenya refers.

Conclusion on the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya

Education, HIV/AIDS, Work Life Balance and Workforce Diversity are some of the Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Human Resource Management in Kenya


AUDITORS’ LIABILITY

Introduction
The auditor has the responsibility to express an opinion as to the truth, fairness and compliance of the accounts to the legislation. An auditor is therefore held liable if he expresses an opinion which does not reflect the actual accounts
Auditors’ liability fall into three categories. They include:
  Liability to his client under the law of contract 
  Liability to third parties under the law of tort under common law
   Liability under civil and criminal law 
Under the law of contract, the auditor has a duty to report to the client on all the accounts and financial statements examined by him during the Annual General Meeting. The auditor is under a contract to apply the requirements of auditing standards in the course of the audit and if he fails and writes an improper audit report he will be sued for any damages incurred by the company and users of the financial statements. This is because an auditor usually has a contract with the company as a whole and not with individual members. However action by third parties against the auditor is likely to succeed.
Issues against the auditor can arise due to the following issues and circumstances:
  If an auditor prepares false financial reports when he knows or ought to know that they are intended to be shown and relied upon by third parties even if the identity of the third party is not disclosed and action may be brought successfully against the auditor.
 If the auditor gives references for example regarding the client’s creditworthiness or an assurance as to the client’s capacity to carry out the terms of the contract and it turns out that the client did not measure up to those requirements.
Third parties can only claim damages from auditors if they can prove that
    They suffered financial losses after relying solely on the auditor’s report.
    The auditor performed or wrote his report recklessly knowing that it will be used by third parties.
The companies act provides that officers of the company may be liable for financial damage in respect of civil offences of breach of trust that is where the officers have misused their positions for purposes of personal gain. Criminal liability arises where the auditor willfully makes a materially false statement in any report or assists the management to make false reports. Further the Act provides that if the auditor publishes or concerns in publishing a written statement or account which to his knowledge is misleading or may be misleading, false or deceptive and with a particular intention to deceive shareholders, the auditor in this regard may be liable for imprisonment.

Minimizing Auditor’s Liability

Auditors and accountants can minimize their potential liability for professional negligence in several ways. They include;
 By using the requirements of auditing standards and audit guidelines when carrying out all audits for example audit standards require proper planning, controlling, recording and reviewing of audit work.
By agreeing their duties and responsibilities in the engagement letter. The engagement letter spells out the terms of auditing and what you are supposed to do. It includes the statutory provisions. The purpose of this is to reduce the expectation gap
By defining in the audit report the precise work undertaken, the work not undertaken and any limitations to the work. This is so that any third parties will have knowledge of the responsibility that was accepted by the auditor for the work done.
By stating in the engagement letter the purpose of the purpose for which the audit report has been prepared and that the client should not use it for any other purpose apart from that for which it was prepared.
By advising the client in the engagement letter of the need to obtain permission to use the name of the accountant/auditor and withholding permission in appropriate cases.
By identifying the authorized recipients of audit reports in the engagement and also in the audit report.
By registering the audit firms as limited liability companies. The essence of such a plan is to protect partners from effects of litigations.
By instituting high quality control procedures in the audit firm through proper recruitment and training procedures.
By use of standard audit manuals, sending out audit staff for career development activities to gather new knowledge.
By taking professional indemnity cover to transfer liability to the insurance people if any by paying premiums.
By not being negligent in the course of duty. Being very careful while conducting audits.
Auditors and audit firms should only take work that they can do or undertake with competence.

Arguments for extension of auditors’ liability

Third parties do rely on the integrity of audited accounts and would seem right that that a legal liability should reflect that.
Professional men are paid and should therefore be held accountable
If the liability is not extended the public may perceive that the auditor is liable to no one that there is no need for the auditor to exercise skill and care and therefore the accounts are not reliable and thus auditors are of no benefit.
When the company suffers losses from fraud and theft occasioned by auditors’ negligence then current existing legal remedy of the company against the auditor is appropriate. However if the directors overstate the assets and the auditor fails to discover this then the company does not suffer losses. However the shareholder(s) or potential shareholders may suffer loss and it is just right that they should be able to recover from the auditors.

Arguments against the extension of auditor’s liability

  Practical difficulties in deciding whether the accounts were relied upon at the time of that particular financial loss. This might present a gold mine for lawyers.
  It is unreasonable and unrealistic to say auditors have liability in an indeterminate amount for an indeterminate time and to an indeterminate class of persons.
Audit fees would have been so high if full liability for investment decisions are taken on by auditors.
Insurance cover for professional indemnity would be even more difficult and expensive to obtain.
The work required on an audit would need to be greatly extended to an enormous cost which on a welfare economic stand point will be a misuse of scarce resources.
The company pays the auditor and consequently expects to recover if the company loses as a result of the auditor’s negligence. However investors do not pay the auditor and should not expect to recover.
The legal responsibility of producing accounts rests with the directors and it should seem inequitable if the liability arising out of incorrect accounts was transferred to auditors.
The current legal framework sees the purpose of preparing and auditing accounts as assisting shareholders in assessing the stewardship of directors not in assisting investors in their investment decisions.
Business Training in Kenya has more information on this topic.

Conclusion

Auditors are therefore required due diligence and care when carrying out audit work. Auditors’ profession require that they should also ensure his independence is not interfered with in any way





Friday, July 15, 2011

Writing Process

Writing Process requires conscious mental effort and varies from speech. Writing is a process that is not linear it keeps moving back and far. Writing can be permanent and have use of punctuation. It can also use non verbal language.

Steps Involved in Writing Process

The steps involved in Writing Process include;
·         Prewriting stage
·         Writing
·         Revision
·         Editing
·         Publishing

Prewriting Stage
Prewriting stage is also called planning stage. It is the first stage in Writing Process. The writer talks to other people brain storms and share ideas. He or she also reads more about the area of higher writing.
Listening skill is important in this stage of Writing Process. During this stage the writer comes up with as many ideas as possible i.e. the writer is inspired. There is thinking involved in free writing.

Writing
Writing is the second stage of the Writing Process. It is also called drafting. It involves putting your ideas on paper and letting them flow. Spaces are left to be filled later and concentration is required avoid distraction. An outline is written under an order of information in general plan used by writers to gather thoughts so that they can clearly to be laid out in an essay or a book.
Advantages of an outline in Writing Process
·         Ensures efficiency and focused
·         All pieces of information are present in a logical and clear manner
·         Identifies and eliminated potential area of weakness and lack of focus on paper
Order of an outline in Writing Process
·         Subdivide the topics by a system of numbers and letters
·         Each heading or sub heading must have two parts
·         Avoid the most common subheadings e.g. introduction conclusion, body
·         Consistency of work coherence/ flow of ideas
·         A thesis statement

Revision
Revision is the third step in Writing Process. It is making something better bring out sense that there is the beginning body, end of a document. It involves removing of some section and writing new paragraphs.
Involves the AR3 method
·         A Addition
·         R Re arranging
·         R Removing
·         R Replacing

Editing
Editing or proofreading is the fourth step in the Writing Process. One should re read and anticipate the readers response. While editing you check precisely the language used, ensure there is no reputation
Ensure you have clear thoughts and check grammar spelling and punctuation.
Make sure changes are made in the work especially in sentence length verb tense capitalization, pronoun personality i.e1st, 2nd, 3rd pronoun personality.

Publishing
This is the last but not the least stage in the Writing Process. It is making something to be known and to encourage reluctant writers and instill self confidence in them promote positive attitude towards literature and any other of writing.
Business Training in Kenya has more information.
Conclusion on Writing Process

Writing Process involves the following stages; Prewriting stage, Writing, Revision, Editing and Publishing.


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Women Access to Training in Kenya

Women Access to Training in Kenya has been a subject of discussion in various forums in Kenya. The problems women face in accessing training are varied and of great importance because if they are dealt with then business women will prosper. Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya are the key to economic growth because they are generating employment. But women-owned businesses could contribute more than what they are doing today. A growing amount of research shows that countries that fail to address gender barriers are losing out on significant economic growth. Without increased attention to the gender dimensions of economic development, Kenya is therefore unlikely to meet its growth targets. This therefore demonstrates that addressing gender barriers in Kenya could generate significant economic growth for the country. The Kenyan government recognizes that Women Access to Training in Kenya have not been on an equal footing when it comes to their access to opportunities and assets but it has yet to effectively address the barriers facing women in business.

Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya

The obstacles hindering Women Accessing Economic Opportunities in Kenya occur in the business environment and they tend to have a disproportionate effect on Women. The challenges include;
  • Discrimination,
  • Lack of Education,
  • Inadequate Finance,
  • Poor Access to Justice.
  • Managing Employees,
  • Lack of Property Rights,
  • Dealing with the City Council,
Discrimination as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya
One of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya is discrimination. Even when women entrepreneurs do approach banks for financing, they tend to face discrimination. Women report that bank officials tend to ignore them in meetings and prefer speaking to their husbands or male business partners. The fact that banks engage in gender bias prevents many women from even approaching them. Some women get so discouraged that they do not bother to seek bank financing and turn instead to informal savings groups.

Lack of Education as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya

Lack of Education is one of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya. Lower education levels puts women entrepreneurs in Kenya at a disadvantage compared to men. While the gender gap in primary education in Kenya has decreased in recent years, the gap remains high at secondary and tertiary education levels. Lower education does not emphasize entrepreneurship skills. It decreases the chances that women will have the knowledge needed to excel in business, and thereby contribute to the country's overall economic growth.
Inadequate Finance as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya
One of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya is access to finance is an issue is because of requirements of collateral. In Kenya only 1% of women own property and that makes it very difficult for women to provide collateral for banks. We have to look for different instruments to address access to finance issues for women, like mentoring them, helping them prepare proposals for bank funding, and even providing a guarantee for the banks.
Poor Access to Justice as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya
Access to justice is one of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya. It is essential for ensuring smooth business operations, and it spans issues such as enforcing contracts and employment disputes. Yet Women Access to Training in Kenya have difficulties when accessing justice. Using the formal courts in Kenya can be costly, complex, and time consuming for entrepreneurs. Dealing with the complicated and often corrupt bureaucracy is another reason for avoiding the process because women are burdened with their multiple responsibilities in the household and at work and  do not have the know-how to navigate the government process
Managing Employees as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya
Managing employees is one of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya. Finding and retaining good employees is essential for the success of a business, but can be difficult for women entrepreneurs in Kenya. Since women-owned businesses tend to be smaller, they are often less likely to provide job security and retain good talent. Some women find that they are not taken seriously by their employees, especially in non-traditional sectors, and they have to make a special effort to win their respect.
Lack of Property Rights as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya
 Lack of Property Rights is one of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya. It prevents business women from expanding their businesses.  Women accept that they should not own property themselves. The propensity is that it should be jointly owned. This lack of land and property is a significant barrier for Kenyan businesswomen. It translates directly into women's inability to access bank financing needed for their business.

Discrimination as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya
One of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya is discrimination. Even when women entrepreneurs do approach banks for financing, they tend to face discrimination. Women report that bank officials tend to ignore them in meetings and prefer speaking to their husbands or male business partners. The fact that banks engage in gender bias prevents many women from even approaching them. Some women get so discouraged that they do not bother to seek bank financing and turn instead to informal savings groups.
City Council as one of the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya
City Council has proved to be one of the obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya. The licenses are too many and the cost too much. Being a woman seems to exaggerate that fact since most women are harassed by the city council officials when they come to inspect the business premises. Moreover, women may be less likely to meet and negotiate bribes with the predominantly male council officials. Business licensing is an issue for many women entrepreneurs who perceive the process as lengthy and complex.
Business Training in Kenya has more information.

Conclusion on the Obstacles Hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya

City Council officials should refrain from harassing women who are in business.
Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya need to go for training programs in order to know how to run their businesses well.
Business women in Kenya should be taught on the value of being independent. This will stimulate them to do things on their own like acquiring property.
Micro finance institutions should portray a non gender based environment in order to stimulate Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya to do business with them.
With the information provided above one is able to understand more about obstacles hindering Women Access to Training in Kenya