Department of Information Technology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://erepository.kibu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/235

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Improvement of the Delone and Mclean’s information system success models to focus on mobile instant messaging in public universities in Kenya
(KIBU, 2017-11) Ratemo, Makiya Cyprian
Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) encompasses a range of mobile-based internet facilities that enable exchange of real-time messages while utilizing present information of users. The value of MIM has been recognized globally, instigating an upsurge in its use across all segments of society. Use of MIM has however not been embraced in universities. Research reveals that a comprehensive success model is the solution to achieve success in the adoption, use and implementation of MIM systems in institutions. Currently, a model that focuses on MIM does not exist. This study aimed to improve the DeLone and McLean’s Information Success Models to focus on Mobile Instant Messaging in public universities in Kenya. The study specifically sought to examine the status in regard to measuring success of Mobile Instant Messaging in the context of existing Information System success models, to determine factors for measuring the success of Mobile Instant Messaging systems and to develop an improved Information System success model to focus on Mobile Instant Messaging Systems. Mixed method research design was employed and both quantitative and qualitative strategies were applied. Stratified random sampling method was used to get 655 respondents drawn from 4 cadres of respondents in Kenya public universities as follows; 93 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) administrative staff, 96 ICT technical staff, 98 academic staff and 368 university students. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interviews. Validity was ensured through data triangulation, peer debriefing and peer review. Reliability was ascertained through a reliability test that generated a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.827. Ethics was taken into account and all relevant clearances sought as required. Thematic analysis method was used to analyze qualitative responses whereas frequency tables, cross tabulations, exploratory factor analysis and squared multiple correlation weights were used in the analysis of quantitative responses. Findings revealed a high rate of use of mobile technology in the organizations under study, underscoring the potential of MIM systems and the need for a suitable MIM system success model. MIM penetration rate for academic staff stood at 63%, students at 60%, ICT administrative and ICT technical staff at 34%. Further, the study identifies 30 success factors and exploratory factor analysis was performed to generate 6 constructs namely; task, social, infrastructural, spatial, temporal and presence. Weighs of the constructs were worked out and a new model constructed and validated for acceptance. The new model is critical for success in the adoption, implementation and use of MIM systems in institutions. This study generated new knowledge in regard to MIM systems, which is important to academia and other relevant stakeholders. The findings stand to help institutions under study to tap into the benefits of the successful adoption, implementation and use of MIM.
Modelling cloud computing environment towards accessible information communication technology integration in primary schools
(KIBU, 2019-11) Etene, Yonah
Cloud Computing technology has developed with the proliferation of the Internet, broadband access networks and high-speed processors. This has led to the development of software defined networks and storage, to respond promptly to the requirements of users and applications. Information and communication technologies when employing cloud computing can open up new opportunities that can improve delivery of education. In financing the acquisition of ICT technologies for integration in education in Kenya, there is need for proper planning to realize accessibility of ICT Integration in education. The purpose of the study was to model the use of cloud computing so as to make ICT integration in primary school education accessible. These was achieved by assessing the ICT technologies being used for integration, analyzing the human capacity for managing ICT integration, developing a cloud computing environment model towards accessible integration of ICT and a cloud computing accessibility evaluation tool to assess the level of accessibility of ICT integration in primary schools. The study was guided by the design science research design. The design was used in the study to do a background research in order to collect data on the ICT technologies being used in schools and the ICT human capacity for managing the technologies. It was then used to develop a model. The target population was (425) Primary schools. The sample frame included 100 schools which had ICT equipment. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools where a sample size of (30) was obtained. A head teacher (1) and two (2) teachers from each school were used in the study corresponding to (90) respondents. The primary data was collected using questionnaires and guided interviews. To stablish content and face validity the study involved a team of three (3) experts while reliability was obtained through a pilot study. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that, hardware devices dominant in schools were mostly laptops, tablets and projectors. The learning management system was found to be the most important system required for accessible ICT integration in education. It was also found that technical skills were highly required, followed by basic hardware skills and green Computing skills. Training in ICT is thus required to develop a competent human capacity for successful accessible ICT integration in education. The study also established that Internet connection in schools was very key in the integration process yet many schools were not connected. The findings of the study provides an Integrated Cloud Computing Environment Model that can used to realize accessible ICT Integration in education. This will guide the government and education stakeholders in planning for ICT integration of in primary schools. The model was used to develop a Cloud Computing Accessibility Evaluation Tool that can be used by the MOE to assess ICT integration accessibility level in primary schools.
Online hotel branding based on the dialogic principles of internet communication.
(KIBU, 2019-11) Owoche, Patrick Oduor
The internet is a powerful branding tool for many businesses as it offers numerous ways to promote a business online. Branding is one of the business activities that can be done online. Online branding is even more crucial for service providers like hotels that do not have tangible products. Though many hotels are investing in technology to promote scale and efficiency, the human and personal touch is given little attention. For businesses to rip maximum benefits from brand equity, there is need for them to employ branding strategy that facilitates long term relationship building with their consumers. This study investigated the application of dialogic principles of internet communication in hotel online branding strategies. Specifically, it investigated online branding strategies employed by hotels in Kenya. The study was guided by the dialogic principles of internet communication, and collected data from websites of three star and above hotel in Kenya. The study used media content analysis to collect quantitative data from 64 hotel websites. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was used to develop a hotel website evaluation model. The model development process was complemented with focus group discussion that involved hotel online branding stakeholders. The study revealed that the implementation of dialogic principles of internet communication in hotel websites and social media as branding platforms are slightly below average at 49% and 49% respectively. The outcome of this study would assist hotel marketers in identifying new ways of differentiating their hotel brands to gain competitive edge and develop strong relationships with their consumers. The results would also assist hotel managers and webmasters in the development of hotel website that might contribute to hotel brand awareness, leading to the desired hotel brand image and augmented brand equity.
Network performance metrics for transition from IPv4 TO IPv6 Networks
(KIBU, 2019-11) Barasa, Samuel Wafula
The internet platform has been facilitated by a huge number of interconnected network nodes hence the dire need for extra pool of addresses, quality of services, routing efficiency, performance and optimization. These developments have contributed to the implementation of IPv6 to replace and improve the depleted IPv4 address pool. Although IPv6 promises enhancements to IPv4 standards, it’s evident it is maturing albeit slowly despite its implementation on major networks and operating systems. However, IPv6 transition presents performance degradation challenges to the Internet Protocol at implementation. These include bandwidth, throughput, latency and jitter performance with regard to the data, video, and voice traffic. Several solutions have been proposed, including dual-stacking, tunneling, and translation transition strategies that are not yet mature. The study purpose to enhance performance for transition from IPv4 to IPv6 networks to solve the performance degradation problems caused by the premature transition strategies and expedite IPv6 deployment. This study was achieved by establishing the performance degradation associated with transition mechanisms in transiting from IPv4 to IPv6 networks, analyzing how the mapping of configuration attributes to transition mechanisms affect performance degradation from IPv4 to IPv6 networks, and developing a model for smooth transition from IPv4 to IPv6 networks. This was accomplished by experimental design. The target population was on ISPs networks operating in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select service providers running on both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Data collection combined interviews and content analysis. Internal consistency reliability estimation was administered to network experts on one occasion to estimate reliability. Feel for data (descriptive) and goodness of data (inferential) analysis was employed by the study. There were three primary components designed to enhance performance in form of traffic recognition and prioritization application for making decisions in the IPv6 deployments: the IPv6 transition app, the IPv6 transition controller, and the type of service (ToS) database. This study is an enabler for ultra-high performance networks providing for more efficient interconnection between bandwidth intensive Web and information service providers and customers. This will improve government operations for streamlining services for more citizens, improve quality and delivery of services countrywide, increase economic activity and jobs for urban and rural areas and foster high speed universal Internet access.
Modelling hardware technologies and socio-technological features as indicators of mobile phone usage patterns
(KIBU, 2018-11) Ronoh, Richard Kipkemoi
Today’s youth are growing up in an environment of constant connectivity, instant information and dynamic technological advancements. Advances in technology and the competitive market driven demand has led to addition of new services and features on mobile phones. To the majority of mobile phone users, these innovations of mobile phone features are rarely used. Consequently, many of the mobile phone features are never used even though they significantly contribute to power consumption, cost of the mobile phone and memory space. This study sought to investigate mobile phone features and their usage patterns among university students in Kenya. The study was carried out by investigation of the behavioral characteristics that influence the usage of mobile phones, the mobile phone features that influence mobile phone selection and usage, and the relationship between the usage of mobile phone features and the motivational needs among university students. The study was guided by the Usage and Gratification Theory (UGT), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Mixed research design was used to carry out this study whereby survey design was used to gather data and experimental design was used in the development modeling of mobile phone features and their usage patterns. Data collection tools included interview schedule and a questionnaire for survey while the incremental development tool was used in the simulation of Mobile Phone Usage Assessment Tool development (MPUAT). The study found that technological development, uncertainty avoidance and individualism as well as collectivism were the behavioural dimensional characteristics that influenced university students’ usage of mobile phones. The study further established that mobile phone selection amongst university students was influenced by its appearance, number of technological features, accessibility and connectivity. In addition, if found out that though the number of features of a mobile phone did influence the selection the usage of the very features was not of much essence. It was also established that the university students’’ motivational needs were based on information gathering, relationship, entertainment and organization. Based on the findings of the study a Mobile Phone Feature Usage Model (MPFUM) was developed. MPFUM is handy in aiding university students to determine and express their mobile phone usage needs in nontechnical terms. The model would also guide marketers and manufacturers/designers to easily convert the expressed user needs into the features required hence meeting better the needs of the users without wastage. This is critical in conserving power and better memory utilization hence giving users better service. The findings alongside contribution to the academia world will be handy in enabling policy makers to make informed decision on matters regarding mobile phone features and services.
Improvement of the Delone and Mclean’s information system success models to focus on mobile instant messaging in public universities in Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-11) Ratemo, Makiya Cyprian
Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) encompasses a range of mobile-based internet facilities that enable exchange of real-time messages while utilizing present information of users. The value of MIM has been recognized globally, instigating an upsurge in its use across all segments of society. Use of MIM has however not been embraced in universities. Research reveals that a comprehensive success model is the solution to achieve success in the adoption, use and implementation of MIM systems in institutions. Currently, a model that focuses on MIM does not exist. This study aimed to improve the DeLone and McLean’s Information Success Models to focus on Mobile Instant Messaging in public universities in Kenya. The study specifically sought to examine the status in regard to measuring success of Mobile Instant Messaging in the context of existing Information System success models, to determine factors for measuring the success of Mobile Instant Messaging systems and to develop an improved Information System success model to focus on Mobile Instant Messaging Systems. Mixed method research design was employed and both quantitative and qualitative strategies were applied. Stratified random sampling method was used to get 655 respondents drawn from 4 cadres of respondents in Kenya public universities as follows; 93 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) administrative staff, 96 ICT technical staff, 98 academic staff and 368 university students. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interviews. Validity was ensured through data triangulation, peer debriefing and peer review. Reliability was ascertained through a reliability test that generated a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.827. Ethics was taken into account and all relevant clearances sought as required. Thematic analysis method was used to analyze qualitative responses whereas frequency tables, cross tabulations, exploratory factor analysis and squared multiple correlation weights were used in the analysis of quantitative responses. Findings revealed a high rate of use of mobile technology in the organizations under study, underscoring the potential of MIM systems and the need for a suitable MIM system success model. MIM penetration rate for academic staff stood at 63%, students at 60%, ICT administrative and ICT technical staff at 34%. Further, the study identifies 30 success factors and exploratory factor analysis was performed to generate 6 constructs namely; task, social, infrastructural, spatial, temporal and presence. Weighs of the constructs were worked out and a new model constructed and validated for acceptance. The new model is critical for success in the adoption, implementation and use of MIM systems in institutions. This study generated new knowledge in regard to MIM systems, which is important to academia and other relevant stakeholders. The findings stand to help institutions under study to tap into the benefits of the successful adoption, implementation and use of MIM.
Secure savings and credit cooperatives’ mobile banking service provision through user perceived cyber-security mitigation
(Kibabii University, 2017-11) Wechuli, Alice Nambiro
The rapid development of mobile technology has resulted in the domination of mobile devices as the main channel through which people conduct most of their day-to-day communication, business and leisure activities. Several financial institutions are incorporating mobile banking and financial services as a key component of their growth strategy. However, the increasing capabilities that mobile technology offers have brought about a large number of security challenges to mobile banking. The study explored Cyber-Security Compromises to confidentiality, integrity and availability in order to ensure user perceived secure Savings and Credit Cooperative Mobile Banking Service Provision in Kenya. In order to achieve this, the cyber-security challenges experienced in SACCOs in Kenya were determined and the approaches being used to minimize their impact to mobile banking service provision by SACCOs were evaluated. In addition, it modelled a user perceived secure mobile banking service provision framework and developed an application for establishing the level of user perceived secure mobile banking in mobile banking systems in SACCOS. Mixed method research design was adopted whereby survey research design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data that was used to inform the second phase of the study that took on experimental format. The experimental design was used in the development of the user perceived secure mobile banking service provision tool. Stratified and purposive sampling were employed to select the SACCOS in Kisumu and Kakamega Counties. Since SACCOs in the whole republic operate under the same regulations, SACCOs from the counties selected are considered to be representative of SACCO operations within Kenya. Questionnaires, interviews and Rapid Application Development tools were used in the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. Rapid Application Development (RAD) technique was used to develop an application for assessing the level of user perceived secure mobile banking service provision. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the collected data to determine the cyber-security challenges experienced as well as evaluating the measures employed by SACCOs to ensure secure mobile banking service delivery. Thematic analysis provide confirmatory and additional information on trends on cyber-security to enable modeling of a cyber-security framework for user perceived secure SACCO mobile banking as well as a tool for establishing the level of user perceived secure mobile banking services provided by the mobile banking system. Triangulation of data and collection methods was;used to enhance the validity and reliability of the study. The study found out that cyber security challenges negatively affect secure mobile banking service delivery. The study also developed a used perceived secure mob le banking service provision framework. Finally, the study developed a user perceive secure mobile baking service delivery tool for assessing the level of user perceived secure mobile baking in mobile banking systems in SACCOs. The findings will benefit the SACCOs and its mobile banking service customers, financial institutions, Kenya government at large, ICT regulatory bodies and telecommunication companies in managing cybercrime for effective mobile banking services.
Predicting mobile social software learnability based on analysis of program complexity and memorability
(Kibabii University, 2018-11) Masese, Nelson Bogomba
With the evolution of the mobile platform and the rapid adoption of mobile devices such as cell phones and other handheld devices, social networks which began as web-based applications have migrated into the mobile platform. The technological innovation depends on user interface design to enhance the technical complexity of products that match the end user requirements. Existing metrics concentrate on user friendliness, reliability, efficiency and security of the mobile social software. Despite achieving some level of acceptability they have a deficit since the user is not subjected to contribute in the mobile social software analysis and development. There is therefore a need to include learnability attributes so as to have software’s that are as learnable as possible. Secondly there is need to study learnability indicators as well as metrics models that can be used to measure these indicators thereby enabling users to indicate predict learnability of software. The purpose of the study was to develop a model for predicting the learnability of mobile social software/. The specific objectives of the study included establishment of the level of awareness of mobile social systems, exploring the extent of utilization of mobile social systems, determining factors affecting learnability of mobile social software applications, designing and implementing a metrics model that can be used for evaluating the learnability of mobile social systems. The research adapted mixed method research design. Data was obtained using questionnaires, interviews and experiments. The target population was mobile social software users in Nakuru County. A sample size of 361 was used, and a response rate of 96% was achieved. Stratified sampling was used to aid in data collection. Data analysis was done using inferential statistics that include chi-square tests, correlation analysis, regression, Anova and descriptive statistics which encompassed standard deviation. Ethical issues rising from the research such as informed and voluntary consent, no harm to participants, beneficence and reciprocity, confidentiality of information and data integrity were taken into account;. A learnability model metrics was developed to guide the evaluation of the learnability of mobile social software. The model is assigned to provide software learnability insights that are vital in assisting software designers, software developers and open-source owners to improve their software products in a way that best supports learnability. The model was uploaded to the website address, www.mssl.co.ke. for testing purposes. From the results, there was consensus that the mode was valid. The significance of the study lied on its ability to provide insights that will identify aspects of software learnability especially to software developers and open-source owners. This study is of the view that there is need to conduct more case studies to further ascertain the validity of the model and to study other social software’s that are not included in this study.
Grid computing adoptability model for collaborative research in universities
(Kibabii University, 2018-11) Kiget, Nicholas Kipkurui
Grid Computing is a paradigm in distributed computing that is appropriate for collaborative research in universities. It is a technology which provides a platform on which computing resources from heterogeneous systems are brought together as needed by the users. Grid Computing, therefore, provides a computing platform on which collaborating researchers requiring huge computing resources can work. Though grid as computing technology portends great benefits to universities, especially to the developing countries, it has challenges in its adoption. A number of universities are in the process of adopting this technology however appropriate model to make the process easily achievable is lacking. This study focused on developing a grid computing adoption model for collaborative research in Universities. The study had five objectives; first, was to find out how universities that participated n UNESCO-HP brain gain in HP catalyst initiatives engaged in collaborative research; secondly, was to determine the extent of grid adoption in the selected universities thirdly evaluate critical success factors for adoptability of grid computing for collaborative research; fourthly was to develop grid adoptability model for collaborative research in universities in developing countries; and fifthly was to develop a tool that could be used to assess level of adoption of grid computing in the universities. The study based on post-positivist philosophy adopted mixed methodology and survey design. The target population of this study was the universities in developing countries. East Africa was used as a cluster zone and four Universities that participated in UNESCO-HP Brain Gain and HP Catalyst initiatives wee purposely selected as a sample. The universities choses were Masinde Muliro Univrsity of Science and Technology and the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. The instruments used were structured questionnaires and interview guides which were administered to respondents in the selected universities. Cronbach’s alpha test was carried out to ensure the reliability of the research instrument and the model was validated by the experts. Both descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, modes and standard deviations and inferential statistics particularly correlation and regression analysis were used for both quantitative and qualitative data. While the findings showed that grid computing had not been fully adopted in the universities, six critical factors affecting its adoptability were established; perceived benefits,, perceived need, availability of collaborative research, availability of computational resources, policies and staff training on collaborative research and grid computing. Another factor found to positively impact on grid computing adoption was the level of education of the researchers. As an output of the study, an adoptability model was developed. In addition, the model was used to develop an innovative tool that could be used to show the level of adoption of grid technology in universities.
Emerging security trends on secure mobile computing in an automated university environment
(Kibabii University, 2016-11) Ananda, Daniel Otanga
Universities are shifting from partially computerized to fully automated environments and technology is equally shifting from point to point to broadcasting options. These trends are resulting n mobile computing for most university users with systems accumulating enormous amount of public, private as well as confidential data on employee, students and the institution. However, mobile computing systems normally come with security issues and different vulnerabilities that make users hesitate adopting them despite the many benefits they bring. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the security levels of information in mobile computing environments with a view to modeling and developing a tool for assessing the level of their security in universities. This was accomplished through evaluating user’s skills capacity, establishing the emerging security challenges, establishing the security approaches on mobile computing, developing a security model and developing security evaluation tool for universities . The study was undertaken using mixed methods design. Stratified random sampling and purposeful sampling was used to select respondents from eight universities. The research tools that were used included questionnaires, interviews, observation and photocopying. To establish the accuracy, consistency, dependability and predictability of the research instrument, the interview schedule and questionnaire were piloted in the selected universities that were not part of the study. Object oriented programming tools were used to develop a tool for assessing security levels in the mobile computing systems. Both descriptive and inferential statistics and used for analyzing data. Data collected through questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and used to measure the relationship between depended and independent variables. Data from interview schedule was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found out that the users skills capacity in the universities to be fairly moderate. It also established the emerging security challenges in mobile computing to be rising. The study found that the security approaches in mobile computing in the universities to be varying and mostly rely on established security standards. Finally the study developed an evaluation tool (an application or programme) that can be used by universities to establish the level of their mobile system security level. The security evaluation model and a tool for mobile computing developed will be handy in helping university managers in making informed decisions that will guide day to day management of mobile computing. The tool has the ability to help universities to determine the extent to which their use of mobile computing application is safe, hence determine when there is need for enhancement of existing security approaches to mobile computing in universities and mitigate on the future trends in security for the systems. The findings are useful to mobile computing implementers, policy makers and government with regard to the same.
Smart metrics design for indexing ICT integration improvement in Kenyan universities
(Kibabii University, 2018-11) Abila, James Onyango
The sustainability of upgrading ICT capacity in organizations depends on how continuous improvement in ICT integration is autonomously governed. This thesis demonstrates the application of smart metrics and indexes design towards autonomous governing of ICT integration. The smart (Self-monitoring and reporting technologies) metrics design utilizes Control objective for information and Related Technologies version% (COBIT 5) framework and agile software development life cycle (SDLC) approach of software engineering. Continuous and rapid change in ICTs necessitates viewing ICT integration indexing as software engineering activity. Smart metrics design is viewed as a governance structure that enables engineering and monitoring of ICT integration in organizations through indexing. The study demonstrates that smart metrics design based on agile SDLC, can be used to enhance governing of ICT integration through autonomous indexing of; the current level of ICT integration, existing ICT integration metrics use and indexing future suitability of existing ICT integration metrics. This study was based month University ICT teaching Professionals (UITTPs). The purpose of the study was to; establish current ICT integration index levels, examine existing metrics use, evaluate future suitability of existing metrics using COBIT5 framework and agile software approach to design smart metrics for indexing ICT integration. The smart metric design process adopted the first four phases of COBIT5 implementation continuous improvement life cycle model from which the four objectives of this study was based; to establish the current ICT integration Index levels of UITTPs, to examine the extent in use of the existing ICT integration metrics, to evaluate the future suitability of the existing ICT integration metrics and to design smart metrics for indexing ICT integration improvement. The study adopted cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. Data on ICT integration metrics were collected from six purposively sampled Kenyan universities’ in which UITTPs, quality assurance officers, human resource officers, and heads of ICT and computer/IT departments of the respective universities were interviewed. The findings were quantitatively analyzed and further subjected to Kendall’s correlation of concordance analysis in which concordance significance levels were tested using chi-square test at 90% significant levels. The major findings wee that, currently UITTPs integrate ICT at level III (courseware integration and the existing integration metrics were largely not used except for their less frequent use in indexing ICT support conditions, implying that the UITTPs are not aware of their integration weaknesses or strength. However, most UITTPs satisfactorily felt that existing ICT integration metrics had future suitability for indexing improvement of ICT integration. Human factors metrics such as attitude toward ICT integration was perceived as the most suitable future metric compared to technological factors metrics. Based on these findings the smart metrics was designed for indexing ICT integration improvement and was validated to be appropriate therefore can be implemented and used to index ICT integration of UITTPS. The smart metric design will be useful in decision making on the nature of ICT integration upgrade skills required for the UITTPs. The smart metrics design is dynamic and therefore can be adopted in indexing ICT capacity training needs for personnel in various organizations other than universities.
Biometric properties and network technologies as determinants for a secure electronic voting architecture
(Kibabii University, 2017-11) Rotich, Erick Kiptanui

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