RP-Department of Computing & Information Technology

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Security of Internet Transactions
(Springer, 2009) Musau, F.; Ren, S.; Yu, Shouyi
State-of-the-art IT facilities are ever more frequently applied in all areas of life. Nowadays, Internet connection, online resources and services are taken for granted. It is much quicker (almost immediate) and more convenient to access electronic information and use online services than to employ traditional methods. Therefore, more and more people take advantage of these options. Aware of the benefits, they often forget about network threats (that arise from inappropriate software protection and failure to follow necessary security rules) or simply underestimate them. This chapter deals with threats to Internet transactions with particular emphasis on new ways of obtaining information and data under false pretences and threats to services rendered in wireless networks.
Query quality refinement in singular value decomposition to improve genetic algorithms for multimedia data retrieval
(Multimedia Systems (, 2011) Mushi, Joseph Cosmas; Musau, Felix; Tan, Guan-Zheng; Cheruiyot, Wilson
With the development of internet and availability of multimedia data capturing devices, the size of Multimedia Digital Database (MDD) collection is increasing rapidly. The complex data presented by such systems do not have the total ordering property presented by the traditional data handled by Database Management Systems (DBMSs). The quality of the search experience in such systems is also normally a big challenge since users from various domains require efficient data searching, browsing and retrieval tools. This has triggered an important research topic in Multimedia information retrieval concerning efficient and effective image similarity search. Modern search algorithms are fast and effective on a wide range of problems, but on MDD with a large number of parameters and observations, manipulations of large matrices, storage and retrieval of large amounts of information may render an otherwise useful method slow or inoperable. The focus of this work is the application of image enhancement technique, using histogram equalization, to the images retrieved using singular value decomposition (SVD).SVD is a linear algebra technique used for discovering correlations within data. The approach, herein referred to as query quality refinement (QQR) technique, improves the image similarity search result, and when incorporated with genetic algorithms further optimizes the search. These beneficial applications can be extended to other different types of multimedia data in various areas such as the P2P and WiMAX networks
An Enhanced Service Flow Management Scheme for IEEE 802.16 Broadband Wireless Access Systems
(International Journal of Computer Theory and Engineering, 2012-08) Musau, Felix; Kipkorir, Sang; Mwamafundo, Juma Modie
 Abstract—While the protocols have been proposed to support QoS (quality of service) guarantees for a variety of applications, the WiMax/IEEE 802.16 standard does not specify a mandatory scheduling architecture to fulfill stringent QoS requirement for the different classes of traffic. Only the framework is established in the standard which provides an opportunity for developers to design efficient scheduling mechanism to fulfill stringent QoS requirement for the different classes of traffic. The scheduling scheme requires catering for rigorous QoS guarantee for all types of service flows as specified in the standard, enabling fairness and facilitating the traffic of lower priority. In this paper, we propose a Service Flow Management Scheme for the IEEE 802.16 Broadband Wireless Access systems that can provide QOS support that enhances performance through a scheduler that performs optimally and efficient
Transparent Computing: A New Paradigm for Increased user Friendliness in Service Sharing
(2013) Musau, F.; Obiria, P. B.
Due to the research and technological advances, ubiquitous or pervasive computing is emerging rapidly as an exciting new discipline to provide computing and communication services all the time and everywhere. While with many ongoing initiatives, it is too far to achieve the vision that Mark Weiser described. After a comprehensive analysis on traditional paradigms, we argue that, not users-friendly, i.e., users can not get services from computer easily, is one of the main reasons. In this paper, a new computing paradigm, i.e., Transparent Computing will be presented to solve this problem partially. Accordingly, we propose and develop a pilot system, which runs in a network environment and operates at the assembler instruction level. This system lets users demand heterogeneous OSes and applications upon them from centered simple servers, similar to choose different TV channels in daily life. We also present some primitive real and experimental results to show that it is a feasible and efficient solution for future computing infrastructure.
Influence processes of implementation effectiveness in challenged information technology projects in Africa.
(Emerald, 2014) Ochara, N.M.; Kandiri, J.; Johnson, R.
Purpose – This research reports on how influence processes (IP) impact on the implementation effectiveness of information technology (IT) projects. Drawing on an innovation perspective that elevate the interplay of factors related to innovations framing, innovations environment and innovation attributes, the study focused on IT projects based in Africa that are generally classified as “challenged” due to the conditions in the environment. The purpose of this paper is to assess how IP related to innovation framing, innovation environment and innovation attributes can be used to determine implementation effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – Using a interpretive approach, a case study of institutions under a partnership that has been implementing various educational technologies in five African countries formed the sample. In all, 25 interviews of top-management representatives, project leaders and user representatives were conducted between 2012 and 2013 to assess the implementation effectiveness of these projects. Theoretical thematic analysis, based on a deductive approach, was employed to analyse the data. Findings – The results show that a majority of these development-oriented projects are “mandated failures” characterized by high framing, a bad internal environment and typically negative innovation attributes. That typically, the institutions engage symbolically in such innovations initiatives which are regarded as “show” projects. Such behaviour can be construed to be a pattern of cynical technology adoption linked to the appeasement of external stakeholders. In addition, participation in initiatives was largely symbolic and is considered as a mere demonstration of a modern organization that is technologically aware, yet the requisite innovation environment is lacking for effective appropriation of the technology. Third, mandated failures result in low morale of employees, who regard themselves as pawns in the process which make them grudgingly participate in the implementation process. Practical implications – These findings have implications for managing innovations in such challenged environments: the first proposition is that projects in challenged environment for innovation adopting organizations need to be considered as technology transfer projects. Second, the innovation environment and attributes can only be improved during implementation of the conditions related to absorptive capacity of the organization and the individual are addressed. Originality/value – The research reported in this paper, provides an empirical determination of the concept of implementation effectiveness by using three constructs of innovations framing, environment and attributes. On the basis of the empirical findings, an original contribution is claimed, especially in “challenged” IT project environments where the concept of success if fluid and outcomes uncertain.
Students’Perceived Challenges in an Online Collaborative Learning Environment: A Case of Higher Learning Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya
(\'E}rudit, 2014) Muuro, Maina Elizaphan; Wagacha, Waiganjo Peter; Oboko, Robert; Kihoro, John
Earlier forms of distance education were characterized by minimal social interaction like correspondence, television, video and radio. However, the World Wide Web (WWW) and online learning introduced the opportunity for much more social interaction, particularly among learners, and this has been further made possible through social media in Web 2.0. The increased availability of collaborative tools in Web 2.0 has made it possible to have online collaborative learning realized in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs). However, learners can perceive the online collaborative learning process as challenging and they fail to utilize these collaborative tools effectively. Although a number of challenges have been mentioned in the literature, considerable diversity exists among countries due to diversity in infrastructure support for e-learning and learners’ background. This motivated this study to investigate components of online collaborative learning perceived as challenging by learners in HLIs in Kenya. Using a questionnaire, a survey was conducted in two public universities and two private universities to identify students’ perceived challenges in an online collaborative learning environment. Through purposive sampling the questionnaire was distributed to 210 students using e-mail and 183 students responded. Based on descriptive analysis the following five major challenges were rated as high: lack of feedback from instructors, lack of feedback from peers, lack of time to participate, slow internet connectivity, and low or no participation of other group members. There was also a relationship between the university type (private or public) with the perceived challenges which included: lack of feedback from the instructor (𝒑=0.046) and work load not shared equally among group members (𝒑=0.000). Apart from slow internet connectivity the rest of the challenges were in line with the observed challenges in the literature.These key challenges identified in this study should provide insight to educators on the areas of collaborative learning that should be improved in order to provide access to quality education that supports effective online collaborative learning in HLIs in Kenya
Analysis of Determinants of M-Commerce Adoption by Online Consumers
(Center for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2014) Gitau, L.; Nzuki, D. M.
M-Commerce is the making of payments for products and services through the use of mobile devices. The proliferation of mobile devices has resulted to into substantial growth of M-commerce. This is as a result of anytime anywhere connectivity, low cost of business, increased new sales avenues and customer loyalty. But even with the high penetration rate of Mobile phones, a relatively low adoption rate of M-Commerce has been observed in the developing countries. This study provides the theoretical underpinning for various interventions to promote M-Commerce Adoption. The study uses the literature review to identify the factors which influence the adoption of M-Commerce by consumers. The results from this study will be useful to m-commerce companies in formulating appropriate marketing strategies, as well as developing appropriate applications that address the needs and resources of various stakeholders. The outcome of this study will guide companies that offer MCommerce related products in the selection of digital products and in pursuance of future commercial opportunities. The finding of this study recommends that the government should set up legislation that would ensure customer security in order to enhance trust and hence enhance M-Commerce adoption.
Students’Perceived Challenges in an Online Collaborative Learning Environment: A Case of Higher Learning Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya
(Athabasca University, 2014) Maina, Elizaphan Muuro; Waiganjo, Peter Wagacha; Oboko, Robert; Kihoro, John
Earlier forms of distance education were characterized by minimal social interaction like correspondence, television, video and radio. However, the World Wide Web (WWW) and online learning introduced the opportunity for much more social interaction, particularly among learners, and this has been further made possible through social media in Web 2.0. The increased availability of collaborative tools in Web 2.0 has made it possible to have online collaborative learning realized in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs). However, learners can perceive the online collaborative learning process as challenging and they fail to utilize these collaborative tools effectively. Although a number of challenges have been mentioned in the literature, considerable diversity exists among countries due to diversity in infrastructure support for e-learning and learners’ background. This motivated this study to investigate components of online collaborative learning perceived as challenging by learners in HLIs in Kenya. Using a questionnaire, a survey was conducted in two public universities and two private universities to identify students’ perceived challenges in an online collaborative learning environment. Through purposive sampling the questionnaire was distributed to 210 students using e-mail and 183 students responded. Based on descriptive analysis the following five major challenges were rated as high: lack of feedback from instructors, lack of feedback from peers, lack of time to participate, slow internet connectivity, and low or no participation of other group members. There was also a relationship between the university type (private or public) with the perceived challenges which included: lack of feedback from the instructor (𝒑=0.046) and work load not shared equally among group members (𝒑=0.000). Apart from slow internet connectivity the rest of the challenges were in line with the observed challenges in the literature.These key challenges identified in this study should provide insight to educators on the areas of collaborative learning that should be improved in order to provide access to quality education that supports effective online collaborative learning in HLIs in Kenya.
The Effect of Customers Perception on Security and Privacy of Internet Banking on Its Usage in Commercial Banks in Kenya
(Paper Publications, 2015) Waithaka, Stephen Titus; Muthengi, Kilembwa; Nzeveka, Joseph
Internet banking allows banks to provide information and offer services to their customers conveniently using the internet technology. However, studies have shown that customers have perceptions that impact on the uptake and continuous usage of the platform. The purpose of this study is to understand the effect of customer perceptions on usage of internet banking in commercial banks in Kenya. This study used descriptive research design while a stratified random sampling technique was used to select subjects to represent the target population which was made up of 1,837,312 customers of commercial banks within Nairobi County. An estimated 384 respondents were targeted to participate in the study. 272 questionnaires representing a 71% response rate were received and analysed. Based on the findings of the research it was concluded that customers have perception that have an effect on usage of internet banking. Customers both users and potential, are still apprehensive about the security of internet banking transactions and privacy of their sessions while online. Due to increased phishing, on online scams and frauds perpetrated online customers are reluctant to adopt or continue using internet banking. It is the responsibility of commercial banks to sensitize their customers and assure them that it is safe to access internet banking from both a private and public network. They should provide customers with guidelines on how to safe guard their information and secure their log on credential while using both private and public network
Customers Perception on Prior Knowledge of Technology and Its Effect on Usage of Internet Banking in Commercial Banks in Kenya
(Paper Publications, 2015) Waithaka, Stephen Titus; Muthengi, Kilembwa; Nzeveka, Joseph
Internet banking allows banks to provide information and offer services to their customers conveniently using the internet technology. However, studies have shown that customers have perceptions that impact on the uptake and continuous usage of the platform. The purpose of this study is to understand the effect of customer perceptions on usage of internet banking in commercial banks in Kenya. This study used descriptive research design while a stratified random sampling technique was used to select subjects to represent the target population which was made up of 1,837,312 customers of commercial banks within Nairobi County. An estimated 384 respondents were targeted to participate in the study. 272 questionnaires representing a 71% response rate were received and analysed. Based on the findings of the research it was concluded that customers perceptions have an effect on usage of internet banking. Prior knowledge of technology was forund to have an impediment in using internet banking by customers. Not all customers are well versed in using systems used in accessing internet banking- both software and hard ware.
Determinants of Mobile Banking Adoption by Customers of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi County in Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2015) Wamai, John; Kandiri, John M
Mobile technology usage has had various impacts on individuals and enterprises at different levels. Several factors have been sighted by different researchers as contributing either positively or negatively to the adoption of Mobile banking technology. Banks have implemented this technology to enable them reach more customers due to its ubiquitous nature and to reduce the cost of putting up new branches in their areas of operations. For this effort to be felt and for the technology to be implemented effectively, there is need to understand the factors contributing to its adoption by the customers. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of important factors that affect adoption of mobile banking technology by customers of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi County, Kenya. A sample of 210 customers were selected randomly and the researcher extended the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework. The study found that both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use positively correlate and affects adoption of mobile banking technology positively. On the other hand, Perceived Risk and Perceived transaction costs were found to have negative correlation with the adoption of mobile banking technology
The Competencies of Fashion Design Teachers in Public Institutions of Higher Learning in Nairobi County, Kenya
(IJSBAR, 2016) Isika, Juliet Kaindia; Mburugu, Keren; Nguku, Everlyn; Obere, Almadi
‘Real’ fabric draping involves the use of sample textile, fabric or cloth to make patterns or garments on a model or dress form stands manually. The technique is suitable for ready-to-wear and couture garment designs and has numerous advantages, including satisfaction with garment fit, accurate proportions of fabric division and reduced time waste. Numerous studies in Kenya have been carried out on the subject of Home Science. However, little documentation exists on ‘real’ fabric draping for design in Kenya. This paper anchors its discussion on the findings of a study that sought to assess the usage of ‘real’ fabric in draping by teachers in public institutions of higher learning and fashion designers in Nairobi County, Kenya, and assesses the competencies of fashion design teachers in Nairobi County, Kenya. It also examines the relationship between the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design, on the one hand, and the teachers’ area of training on the other hand. The study was guided by the activity theory and pedagogic activity system structure. Employing a crosssectional survey research design, five public institutions of higher learning were purposively selected. The sample size comprised five heads of department, 32 teachers and 266 students. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used. The results revealed that very few public institutions of higher learning use ‘real’ fabric draping for design. Majority of the teachers were not trained in the area of fashion design. Chi-square analysis results yielded a fairly strong relationship between use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design and pattern development technique taught (V= 0 .646; p < 0.0001*) and sources of curriculum (V= 0.623; p < 0.0001*). Use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design had a weak association with teachers’ area of training (V = 0. 018; p < 0.006). It was concluded that the teachers area of training was not highly associated with the use of ‘real’ fabric draping. This may be due to the fact that most fashion design teachers were trained in clothing / garment design and are able to understand the technique. Pattern development technique taught and sources of curriculum and teachers’ area of training are the key issues associated with the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design in public institutions of higher learning. This paper recommends that public institutions of higher learning should ensure that teachers engaged have the adequate skills to teach ‘real’ fabric draping for design as a practical unit. This would ensure that the students acquire pertinent skills imparted as prescribed in the curriculum.
Evaluation of intelligent grouping based on learners’ collaboration competence level in online collaborative learning environment
(Athabasca University, 2016-02) Maina, E.M.; Oboko, R.; Waiganjo, P.W.
In this paper we explore the impact of an intelligent grouping algorithm based on learners’ collaborative competency when compared with (a) instructor based Grade Point Average (GPA) method level and (b) random method, on group outcomes and group collaboration problems in an online collaborative learning environment. An intelligent grouping algorithm has been added in a Learning Management System (LMS) which is capable of forming heterogeneous groups based on learners’ collaborative competency level. True experiment design methodology was deployed to examine whether there is any association between group formation method and group scores, learning experiences and group problems. From the findings, all groups had almost similar mean scores in all group tests, and shared many similar group collaboration problems and learning experiences. However, with the understanding that GPA group formation method involves the instructor, may not be dynamic, and the random method does not guarantee heterogeneity based on learner’s collaboration competence level, instructors are more likely to adopt our intelligent grouping method as the findings show that it has similar results. Furthermore, it provides an added advantage in supporting group formation due to its guarantee on heterogeneity, dynamism, and less instructor involvement.
Regulating Group Cognitive Conflicts using Intelligent Agents in Collaborative M-Learning
(IEEE, 2017) Njenga, Stephen T.; Oboko, Robert O.; Omwenga, Elijah I.; Muuro, Elizaphan M.
Group cognitive conflicts occur when a learner in a collaborative mobile learning environment becomes aware of a discrepancy between his/her existing cognitive framework and new information or experience. The cognitive conflicts stimulate the learning process by making an individual to move from his/her learning sphere and participate with others in the learning process. However, there is a big challenge on how students handle and resolve conflicts during collaborative learning. Intelligent agents have been used in this paper to provide support for group interactions by regulating the group conflicts. An experimental design with one control group and two experimental groups (role playing and guided negotiation) is used to compare levels of group knowledge construction. The findings showed improved levels of knowledge construction where regulated conflicts were used compared to where they were not used.
Use of Intelligent Agents in Collaborative M-Learning: Case of Facilitating Group Learner Interactions
(Modern Education and Computer Science Press, 2017) Njenga, Stephen T.; Oboko, Robert O.; Omwenga, Elijah I.; Maina, Elizaphan M.
Intelligent agents have been used in collaborative learning. However, they are rarely used to facilitate group interactions in collaborative m-learning environments. In view of this, the paper discusses the use of intelligent agents in facilitating collaborative learning in mobile learning environments. The paper demonstrates how to design intelligent agents and integrate them in collaborative mobile learning environments to allow group learners to improve their levels of group knowledge construction. The design was implemented in a collaborative mobile learning system running on Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (Moodle) platform. The application was used in some experiments to investigate the effects of those facilitated interactions on the level of group knowledge construction. The results showed improved levels of group knowledge construction in instances where the facilitations were enabled compared to where they were disabled. The paper concludes that the use of intelligent agents in facilitating learner group interactions in collaborative mobile learning environments improves the levels of group knowledge construction. For future work, the use of intelligent agents can be tested in other areas of group interactions to enhance group learning.
Using Machine Learning Techniques to Support Group Formation in an Online Collaborative Learning Environment
(Modern Education Computer Science Press, 2017) Maina, Elizaphan M.; Oboko, Robert O.; Waiganjo, Peter W.
The current Learning Management Systems used in e-learning lack intelligent mechanisms which can be used by an instructor to group learners during an online group task based on the learners‟ collaboration competence level. In this paper, we discuss a novel approach for grouping students in an online learning group task based on individual learners‟ collaboration competence level. We demonstrate how it can be applied in a Learning Management System such as Moodle using forum data. To create the collaboration competence levels, two machine learning algorithms for clustering namely Skmeans and Expectation Maximization (EM) were applied to cluster data and generate clusters based on learner‟s collaboration competence. We develop an intelligent grouping algorithm which utilizes these machine learning generated clusters to form heterogeneous groups. These groups are automatically made available to the instructor who can proceed to assign them to group tasks. This approach has the advantage of dynamically changing the group membership based on learners‟ collaboration competence level.
Learner Experience of E-learning Mode in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Case of Kenyan Universities
(IEEE, 2017) Maina, Elizaphan Muuro; Kihoro, John M.
This paper investigates learner experiences of e-learning mode in Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) through a survey which was conducted in three public Universities. Through purposive sampling a questionnaire was distributed online to 300 students and 198 students responded. Based on descriptive analysis it was noted that students still preferred e-learning mode because of its convenience and flexibility. However, students still experienced some challenges such as inadequate lecturer facilitation, inadequate learning materials, lack of feedback from instructors, slow internet connectivity, and high internet rates. There was also significant difference between (i) gender ( =0.021), (ii) Age ( =0.030) and (iii) programme level ( =0.001) and students’ attitude towards e-learning mode. In view of these challenges students suggested that e-learning facilitators should; avail adequate quality learning materials, interact with students more frequently, introduce other modes of delivery such as U tube, Skype, and Video, increase internet bandwidth and consider introducing more courses online.
Facilitating Group Learner Participation using Intelligent Agents in Collaborative M-Learning
(IEEE, 2018) Njenga, Stephen; Oboko, Robert; Omwenga, Elijah; Maina, Elizaphan
Most Leaning Management Systems provide a facility for online group discussions. Grouping members together does not give a surety of their participation in those online discussions. However, intelligent agents can facilitate group participation to motivate members to participate effectively in group discussions leading to enhanced levels of group knowledge construction. This paper discusses an experimental design for evaluating agent-based facilitated group learner participation for online group discussions in mobile learning environments. The experiment uses two treatment groups and one control group. We compared the levels of group knowledge construction amongst the three groups. The findings showed improved levels of group knowledge construction in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Thus, we recommend the use of intelligent agents in facilitating group participation and subsequently improving the group knowledge construction in collaborative m-learning.
Hospital Information Systems Capability and End-User Satisfaction in Hospitals of Nairobi County, Kenya
(IAJIST, 2018) Omune, Onyando George; Kandiri, John M.
Hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya continue to automate their processes to improve service delivery to their clients by implementing hospital Information Systems (HIS). As studies have revealed, end user satisfaction plays an important role in information systems acceptance, and ultimate success. The study focused on HIS capability and how it affects end user satisfaction in the hospitals by use of descriptive and observations techniques. The scope of this study was hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya with bed capacity of at least 100 and had used HIS for a period of not less than a year. Stratified sampling method was preferred for sampling of study respondents from the selected ten hospitals of Nairobi County that met inclusion criteria and simple random sampling technique, to select respondents respectively. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from a population of 374 respondents. The data collected was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics comprising of the mean, standard deviation and P-values. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22, Microsoft Office Excel 2013 and descriptive statistics were the main tools used to analyze the data. The results have shown that systems quality, information quality and service quality of HIS positively affect end user satisfaction.
Gamification Model for E-Learning Platforms
(IST-Africa, 2019) Kamunya, Samuel; Maina, Elizaphan; Oboko, Robert
The use of gamification in education has been viewed as an innovative approach to introduce benefits of games in a non gaming context. Instructively, for a successful gamification process in learning, motivational theories and behavioral outcomes for the learner have to be incorporated in design framework. Observably gamification projects particularly within the education domain for e-learning platforms have encountered challenges key amongst them, emanating from lack of appropriate gamification design framework. Subsequently the study sought through systematic literature review to investigate types of gamification design frameworks. 16 design frameworks were evaluated and only 2 frameworks were designed for gamification within an e-learning environment. However the two frameworks did not address motivational affordances, behavioral Outcomes and evaluations rigor. In view of this the study proposes a framework identifying games elements as motivational affordances that influence behavioral outcome of the learner

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