bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method of Statistical Evaluation of Handwriting Characteristics Developed in Russia
Authors: Shlafer Tatiana
Published: February 2025

Document experts providing the examination of handwriting evaluate the individual characteristics according to their own experience. Deciding which characteristics are more significant presents difficulty to the examiners with limited experience.A methodology developed in Russia is intended to assist document examiners in the stage of evaluation of similarities and differences in the handwriting. It employs tables of statistical frequency of individual characteristics derived from examination of representative handwriting samples in Russian. Although this method of evaluation of individual characteristics in the handwriting cannot substitute for personal experience of the document examiner, the values assigned to characteristics based on statistical probability of their occurrence help the examiner to evaluate significance of these characteristics. Moreover, it helps to visually illustrate the process of identification and justify the conclusion in courts.
Fracture Match: A Validation Study of Paper Tears, Part 1
Authors: Welch Todd W. , Bacon Charles R. , Bacon Mary K. , Bohn Sarah A.
Published: February 2025

Forensic document examiners are frequently asked to analyze evidence that requires the identification of a torn document by reconstruction. The reconstruction and identification of a rip or tear is also known as a fracture match. Fracture match examinations have important forensic applications in that they may establish a relationship between 1) the suspect and the crime scene, 2) the victim and the crime scene, or 3) the suspect and victim. Be it a ransom note torn from a pad of paper, pieces of a gum wrapper containing drugs, or a spent paper match, these products are often forwarded to the forensic document examiner, who endeavors to determine if the separated items are associated.In this study, the authors examined single sheets of paper torn under controlled conditions to investigate the uniqueness of their torn edges. The results of the study showed that the fractured edges of single sheets of paper torn under controlled conditions were unique. A 4-point measurement methodology, used to determine the tear profile, was validated statistically.
Conducting a Forensic Examination of Electronically Captured Signatures
Authors: Flynn William J.
Published: February 2025

The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA–1999) gave electronic signatures the same legal weight, as original (hand-made) signatures. As a result, a proliferation of signature capture devices has entered the market place. One of the most commonly used capture devices is the electronic signature tablet, which acquires electronic versions of signatures executed as part of a transaction. Typically, these electronic representations of a signature are embedded (or associated with) the document requiring the signature in such a way as to prevent tampering. Research conducted by the author for Topaz Systems, Inc. (a leading producer of electronic signature tablets and software) and studies necessitated by actual casework, have shown that signatures captured at a rate of 100Hz or faster contain sufficient detail and fidelity to arrive at reliable forensic conclusions as to authorship. In addition, Microsoft Excel™ can be used to produce very accurate graphical plots from the captured raw data.
Stone Paper: An Overview of its Characteristics and the Impact They May Have on Forensic Document Examinations
Authors: Elliott Haley A. , Stadmeyer Lisa E.
Published: February 2025

Stone paper is comprised mainly of calcium carbonate and plasticizers. Unlike pulp paper, it is manufactured without large amounts of water and chemicals. Due to its unique composition and manufacturing process, stone paper manufacturers claim it is: more environmentally friendly than traditional pulp paper, 100% recyclable, water, grease and tear resistant, and bio-degradable. Stone paper has been commercially available for ten years, and in the past three years has become increasingly available in household consumer-use products including notebooks and inkjet photo paper. As it becomes more available, the forensic community will likely encounter stone paper in casework. This article seeks to educate the forensic document community about stone paper characteristics, evaluate some of the manufacturers’ claims outlined above, and describe special considerations that must be taken during forensic document examinations involving stone paper. Actions and associated examinations undertaken include: indented impressions, typewriting, non-destructive ink (writing instruments, toner and inkjet printing) examination, tearing, folding and stapling, water and grease interaction, and environmental exposure. Results of the current study showed that examination of stone paper can be conducted in a manner similar to traditional pulp paper, with a few exceptions regarding indented impression examinations and fracture matching.
SCANNED IMAGES: How Well Do They Depict the Subtle Features in Handwriting?
Authors: Masson Janet Fenner
Published: February 2025

It is increasingly common for companies and government agencies to retain scanned images of documents in lieu of originals. In many instances, the original document is destroyed after imaging. As a result, the best image of a document may be a digital image. This project is not intended to be an inquiry into the parameters document examiners should use in scanning documents for their own records. Rather, it is a study of digital images captured using guidelines like those utilized by companies and agencies in maintaining records. A study was made to determine which features are reliably and accurately depicted in these scanned images and which are not. A comparison of the image quality obtained using various scanning parameters and transmission methods was made. In addition, examinations from originals, from first-generation photocopies, and from scanned images were considered.
Using Acceleration/Deceleration Plots in the Forensic Analysis of Electronically Captured Signatures
Authors: Nicolaides Kathleen Annunziata
Published: February 2025

A research study was conducted to determine if analysis and comparison of acceleration/deceleration plots of signature data captured by electronic signature tablets would provide meaningful evidence in an examination of electronically captured signatures. This research focused on data collected by signature tablets produced by Topaz Systems, Inc., one of the largest suppliers of digital capture devices. William Flynn, in his article “Conducting a Forensic Examination of Electronically Captured Signatures” (published in the June 2012 edition of the ASQDE Journal), noted the visual differences in the plots of genuine and simulated signatures. Further research was conducted to determine how useful plotting the acceleration/deceleration of electronic signatures would be in a forensic examination and what reliable conclusions could be made from their analysis. The study hypotheses were that acceleration plots will be consistent for one writer; that simulated, traced, and spurious signature plots will be visually different from those of genuine signatures; that there will be a noticeable difference between signature plots of different writers; and that the comparison of acceleration plots will be a useful tool for signature authentication.
A Comparison of Class Characteristics Among Several Crosscut Shredders
Authors: McDonald Matthew , Olson Larry A.
Published: February 2025

Although a handful of papers have been written on the re-assembly of shredded documents, little is known about how shredders of different makes and models operate. The purpose of this project was to distinguish crosscut shredders of different makes and models by determining the manner in which they shred. A total of seven shredders were evaluated by means of their paper shred and machine characteristics. Several of these characteristics include mean width and length of the shred, physical appearance of the shreds, width of the shredder throat and the type of cutting mechanism within the machine. Three of the seven shredders were of different makes, while two pairs of machines were of the same make and model. The two primary objectives of this research were: first, to analyze the output of the seven shredders: and second, to determine and compare the class characteristics of each individual shredder. It was also expected that possible indications of individual characteristics might be detected between the shredders of the same make and model.
The Role of Print Mode Determination for Classification of Inkjet Printers
Authors: Liu Ning
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to propose an effective method for the classification of inkjet printers. One of the challenges when examining inkjet-printed documents is the variety of print modes that can be used. In this study, 80 different models of inkjet printers were used to print samples in various print modes, which were then examined using a microscope. It was shown that changing print modes resulted in variation of some features in print, such as the increment of paper feed stepping, satellite droplets, halftone algorithm, halftone dot structure, and color configuration. However, the laws that govern this variation can be understood and followed. The author drew a conclusion that print mode determination could contribute to the reliable and efficient classification of inkjet printers, and should be considered as an essential part of the examination.
Line Direction Determination of Ballpoint Pen Ink Writing
Authors: Devlin Andrea , Graydon Claire , Strach Steven J.
Published: February 2025

Determining the direction in which written lines have been executed is an important part of the work of the forensic document examiner. This information can be of key importance in the comparative examination of questioned and specimen signatures and handwriting and also in determining the presence of altered writings (Fryd, 1975).
The purpose of this paper is to report on an initial assessment of the reliability of a documented method of determining ballpoint pen ink line directions by observing the preferential build-up of ink on the upstream side of paper fibres.
During 2013 and 2014 document examiners with several organisations in Australia took part in a blind trial. Each examiner was asked to determine the direction of writing of forty short, straight lines written with two black ink ballpoint pens. The samples were prepared so that other direction information was excluded. Participants provided an unqualified or qualified determination or an inconclusive result for each line. Examiners’ results were assessed to determine the overall reliability of the method. Factors that appear to allow a confident determination and factors that detract from makinga determination are discussed.
Computer-Scored Test Answer Marks, aka Bubble Marks: How Individual Are They?
Authors: Masson Janet Fenner
Published: February 2025

Funding for schools is increasingly based on the results of standardized tests administered to the student. In administering these tests, many states and education-related organizations use computerscored answer sheets. On these sheets, a writer indicates his or her answers by using a pencil to fill in printed circles or ovals, making what are sometimes called bubble marks or grid marks. These answer sheets are then graded or scored electronically.Document examiners are sometimes asked to examine computer-scored test answer sheets in order to determine whether they were completed by a specific student or whether they were each fully completed by one person. Since the sheets typically contain handwriting other than the answer marks themselves, the opinion reached, if any, is often based primarily on evidence in the handwritten text. However, sometimes the answer marks themselves become the issue. The questions studied in this project are (1) whether writers have a consistency in making answer marks, (2) whether answer marks have individuality, (3) what conditions need to exist in order to reach a meaningful opinion about these marks, and (4) how the marks should be examined.
Exploring the significance of pen lifts as predictors of signature simulation behaviour
Authors: Dewhurst Tahnee N. , Ballantyne Kaye N. , Found Bryan
Published: February 2025

Historically, pen lifts have been considered valuable predictors of simulation behaviour. Despite this belief, there exists only limited empirical data available to characterise the extent to which unexpected pen lifts contribute to evidence in support of simulation behaviour. This study was devised to examine the frequency with which pen-lifts are observed in a population of 2280 simulated signatures as compared to a genuine signature population of 285 signatures (by 19 authors). It was found that 12% of simulated signatures featured less pen-lifts than their comparison genuine signatures, whilst 22% of simulated signatures featured more pen lifts than their genuine counterparts. The variance in pen lift incidence in the simulated signatures, as compared to the known model signatures, was found to be non-significant for both over and under representation of lifts. Sixty-seven percent of the simulations were found to successfully replicate both the number and placement of the pen lifts, when compared to their respective models. Despite the lack of statistical significance, 33% of simulations were observed to have more or less pen lifts then their genuine model counterparts and should be explored further. The results gained provide an insight into the significance of pen lifts with respect to whether or not they appear in a questioned signature, and whether the occurrence of pen lifts in questioned signatures independently provides evidence of simulated writing behaviour.
Organising a proficiency testing programme on Chinese handwriting and signature examination in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 requirements
Authors: Li Chi-Keung , Chan Lai-ping , Wong Siu-Kay
Published: February 2025

Proficiency testing is an essential aspect of laboratory practice in all areas of testing including not only chemical analyses but physical examinations as well. Given the fact that Chinese handwriting is widely used among a quarter of the global population, the possibility exists that forensic document examiners might encounter cases involving the examination of Chinese handwriting and signatures even though the examiners might be foreign to the Chinese language and characters. Because of this, there is an imminent need of relevant proficiency testing programmes for the forensic laboratories to demonstrate their technical competency in this test area. This paper reports the details on the design and operation of a recent proficiency testing programme on Chinese handwriting and signature examination which is the first of its kind at an international level, having been conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 by an accredited provider. Feedback and comments received from the participating laboratories are also described.
Extraction of Signatures from Document Images for Real World Applications
Authors: Ahmed Sheraz , Malik Muhammad Imran , Dengel Andreas , Liwicki Marcus
Published: February 2025

Various automatic methods for signature verification have been reported in the recent past. A common issue with nearly all of these methods is that they are built on the assumption that signatures are available pre-segmented or pre-extracted from document images. Accordingly, such systems are refined and tested on data containing signatures on the foreground and very little, to ideally no other, information in the background. The authors argue that these settings are not realistic and, in reality, experts encounter cases where signatures are written on documents having a lot of other information, than just the signatures, e.g., machine-printed text, ruling lines, logos, etc. We believe, to better assist forensic experts, a system should have the capability to automatically extract/segment signatures from documents like bank checks, forms, bills, wills, etc. This paper identifies that automatic signature extraction/segmentation from document images is a relevant problem faced by forensic document examiners and compares the various approaches currently available. Furthermore, we present an alternative method for extracting signatures from document images. The proposed method is capable of distinguishing machine-printed text from signatures and is based on a well known local feature descriptor, Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF). We evaluate the proposed method on the publicly available Tobacco-800 dataset in order to compare it to the currently available extraction methods. The research found that the proposed method was able to find all of the signatures in the document images tested. The authors see the application of the proposed method as a tool for document examiners to automatically extract signatures from document images.
Horizontal profiling, a new Method for Differentiation of Printouts of Laser Printers
Authors: Hofer Rolf
Published: February 2025

The area of characters from laser-printed documents was quantitatively measured using image analysis. A pdf text file was printed on 25 different laser printers from 6 different brands. The average value, the standard deviation and the variation of the blank area of the letters “o” within each of the sheets were calculated. The measures from the samples were compared to each other. Significant differences were found between the toner printers, in some cases even within the same brand and the same model.It has been shown, that a horizontal profile of letter’s blank area can be established. This profiling can be used as a fast, non-destructive forensic method for differentiation purposes of toner printed documents.
A Blind Study on the Reliability of Hand Printing Identification by Forensic Document Examiners
Authors: Mitchell Linda L. , Merlino Mara
Published: February 2025

Recent court cases involving that hand printing, specifically block letters, have surfaced in the news and among the forensic document examiner community. (United States of America v. Gerald Johnsted, 2013, Florida v. Jesse Lee Miller, 2014) Moreover, the current trend in elementary education is away from cursive instruction so it is likely that printing will become even more commonly used in every day writing. It is very frequently seen in forms, addresses and work-related communications as well. As a result, it has become increasingly important to verify for the purposes of a Daubert Challenge that forensic examination of hand printed documents by qualified Forensic Document Examiners (FDE) is reliable.This study was undertaken in partial response to a court opinion, citing a lack of supporting research in the area of hand printing. It is the purpose of this research to test two hypotheses: The qualified FDE can very reliably identify block letter hand printing (ALL CAP). The qualified FDE can do so using the same methods and protocols as in the identification of cursive handwriting. Each of fifty-three (53) qualified FDE participants was provided with a study packet intended to reflect evidence and procedures similar to normal bench work in a condensed form. Twenty-five (25) questioned writings were offered in individual “case packets.” Each case included sample writings of three potential “suspects.” Participants were asked to opine (on a nine-point scale) whether or not each suspect was the writer. The compiled data clearly supports both of the hypotheses; (1) that qualified FDE’s reliability rate with only 2.28% of calls inaccurate, when identifying (or excluding) a writer of block hand printing, and (2) that qualified FDE’s do so using the same methods and protocols as in the identification of cursive handwriting.
Understanding Sinosphere Characters through a Comparison of Korean, Chinese, and English Characters
Authors: Choi Jinwoo , Choi Mijung , Anderson Chris
Published: February 2025

Since ancient times, the application of Chinese characters went beyond China’s borders to regions such as the Korean peninsula, the Japanese archipelago, and northern Vietnam; their use was a necessary means of educating intellectuals and sharing culture. The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul in South Korea, was created by King Sejong the Great in 1446 and employs phonograms that give the sound of characters by combining graphemes, as in English. However, while there is a morphological difference of linguistics compared to Chinese characters (i.e., ideograms), one principle of the Korean alphabet established during its inception was that it should be used in combination with Chinese characters. Therefore, the Korean alphabet naturally absorbed intrinsic denominators such as syllable-based writing in a square frame and vertical writing. This common denominator contrasts the phoneme-based horizontal writing of English in that the graphemes, radicals (i.e., bushu), and basic characters are arranged within the limited range of the square frame. In such a system, the size, slant, proportion, and arrangement of the graphemes and radicals mutually affect each other in the writing process at a level above the word impulse. Based on the basic structure of the Korean alphabet, this paper focuses on understanding the differences between the Korean, Chinese, and English characters, as well as the correlations between square frame structure and vertical writing, which are an intrinsic feature of Sinosphere3 characters. Accelerated globalization requires Forensic Document Examiners (FDE) to better understand these various characters and their correlations with English characters plus gain an understanding of the Korean and Chinese cultures they came from. Therefore, this paper examines the square-framed, syllable-based writing form, as well as the vertical writing system with regards to handwriting analysis in forensic document examination.
A New-Dominant Hand: Can Forensic Document Examiners Correctly Associate the Dominant-Hand Writing to the Non-Dominant-Hand Writing of the Same Person?
Authors: Lanners Brenda N.
Published: February 2025

Use of the non-dominant hand is a method sometimes employed by those trying to disguise their natural handwriting. However, intentional disguise is not the only reason a person may use his or her nondominant hand to write. The number of service members and civilians who have lost the use of their dominant hand due to injury and/or illness has risen steadily over the years. For those people, writing with their non-dominant hand is not done as a means of disguise but, rather, as a necessity. What was once their non-dominant hand must now become their new-dominant hand. As their population increases, forensic document examiners (FDEs) are more likely to be faced with a situation in which they must examine and compare writing from a person’s dominant hand to the writing from that same person’s non-dominant, or new-dominant, hand. In this study, fifteen FDEs performed comparisons between dominant-hand writing and non-dominant-hand writing of both printed and cursive samples. The FDEs were able to identify the dominant and non-dominant-hand writing of the same person with 93.75% accuracy for cursive writing (6.25% error rate) and 87.22% accuracy for handprinting (12.78% error rate). Nine laypeople (LP) performed the same examinations with much lower accuracy rates. Laypeople scored 81.02% accuracy for cursive writing comparisons (18.98% error rate) and 74.07% accuracy for handprinting comparisons (25.93% error rate). This study not only shows that FDEs can identify the non-dominant-hand writing of a person given only that person’s dominant-hand writing, but also that they do so with more accuracy than do laypeople.
A Review on Porous-Tipped Writing Instruments—Current Market Trends, Properties, and Analytical Methodologies
Authors: Moore Clarra , Buzzini Patrick
Published: February 2025

Porous-tipped pens, commonly referred to as “felt-” or “fiber-tipped” pens, are a ubiquitous form of writing instruments that can have artistic, non-artistic, and even mixed applications depending both on the product’s intended use and the user’s preference. Despite a few studies that have been carried out to gather information about the physical and chemical properties of these writing instruments, poroustipped pens and their inks constitute an under-researched area within the field of forensic document examination. The present review aims to thoroughly discuss the developments of the porous-tipped pen throughout history, the criteria that help differentiate stroke features between porous-tipped pens and other fluid pen inks, and any information gathered about their properties. A survey of the current trends of the porous-tipped pen market, the key findings from said survey, and artistic blending writing instruments are also discussed. The survey includes specifications from 141 different brands and 966 individual products from 2018 to 2019. Finally, the current state of porous-tipped pens within questioned documents is discussed. The review of existing porous-tipped pen studies and the findings of the present open-source survey allowed to highlight a number of challenges that the forensic document examiner has to face when asked to characterize and compare graphical, physical, and chemical features left by porous-tipped pens on a questioned specimen. These challenges may stem from the increased number of these writing instruments on the market, the increase of complexity of ink formulations (i.e., blending capabilities of some artistic pens), the difficulty to distinguish between artistic and nonartistic markers due to a larger availability of the former to the general public in the last years, and the diversity of porous-tipped pen tip types.
Electrostatic Detection (or Not) of Indented Writing in Paper which was in Contact with Plastic when the Writing was Made
Authors: Welch J. R.
Published: February 2025

The Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory in London was the first such laboratory to use an electrostatic detection device (EDD) to develop indentations in documents. The apparatus used by this laboratory became known as an Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) [1]. As the use of ESDA continued it became apparent that there were occasions when indentations that were visible in documents by oblique light were not imaged by the electrostatic technique. However, visual examination showed corresponding indentations in the plastic bags or document wallets in which the documents had been sent to the laboratory. Specific testing was undertaken which showed that neither indented writing nor embossed writing in the side of the paper that was in direct contact with the plastic when the writing causing the distortion was made was not imaged by ESDA. Further experience of the author and colleagues, spanning decades, did not contradict those observations. In 2017, discussion with an opposing expert in a civil dispute brought to the attention of the author an electrostatic image of handwritten indentations made through a plastic document wallet. This paper reports on a small study undertaken to investigate the phenomenon.
The Manual Re-Assembly of Crosscut-Shredded Plastic Cards
Authors: Olson Larry A.
Published: February 2025

A method was previously proposed to facilitate the assembly of crosscut shredded paper documents by manual means. Reassembling shredded plastic cards, such as debit, credit, or identity cards presents different challenges than paper documents but can also be less complex in several respects than reassembling shredded paper. This paper outlines a procedure that was used to reassemble a small amount of crosscut shredded plastic cards in actual casework.
Applying Specific Digital Enhancement Techniques To ESDA-Developed Impressions
Authors: Sperry Grant R. , Tolliver Diane K.
Published: February 2025

The ESDA (Electrostatic Detection Apparatus), IMEDD (Indentation Materializer Electrostatic Document Device) and other instruments and techniques are employed routinely by Forensic Document Examiners (FDEs) in an effort to locate, decipher and preserve indented writings or impressions. The impressions developed on the polymer film sheet using the ESDA or IMEDD, regardless of technique, will frequently be less than optimum and defy successful decipherment and/or poor legibility. A study was conducted to determine whether the use of specific digital enhancement techniques significantly improved the legibility and decipherment of impressions developed by the ESDA on polymer film. The results of this study will be presented as well as the specific techniques that were utilized.
Enlargement and Reduction Characteristics of Facsimile Transmission Copies
Authors: Lindblom Brian S. , Purdy Dan C. , Lange Karina
Published: February 2025

A research project was designed to determine the extent of enlargement and reduction of documents transmitted by different facsimile machines. In addition, the scope of the study was expanded to answer the following questions: Does the transmitting or receiving machine have a greater influence on the enlargement/reduction of faxed documents? Is the degree of enlargement/reduction consistent from one transmission to another? Do significant differences exist in the degree of enlargement reduction from one page to another in multi-page facsimile transmissions? Is the degree of enlargement/ reduction equal along the horizontal and vertical axes? Receiving machines were found to have a greater influence on the output size of faxed documents relative to the sending machines. Considerable changes in size were observed between originals and faxed copies, between separate pages of multipage facsimile transmissions and within individual faxed documents. Although extreme differences in size were uncommon, faxed copies ranged from 12% smaller to 2.9% larger than the original template.Document examiners should be aware of these facts when inspecting faxed documents.
Review of Document Examination on the Computer, A Guide for Forensic Document Examiners
Authors: Lee, Jr. F. L. “Jim"
Published: February 2025

Herbertson, Gary. (2003). Document Examination on the Computer A Guide for Forensic Document Examiners, Berkeley, CA: WideLine Publishing, 158 pp. $59.95.
Striation Patterns in New and Used Ballpoint Pens
Authors: Lewis Jane A.
Published: February 2025

This study examined the incidence and individuality of striations in strokes produced by ballpoint pens. Ink strokes produced by various ballpoint pens were examined microscopically. Striation patterns produced by high-end (> $10.00) versus low-end pens (< $10.00) were also considered. Differences in the incidence of such ballpoint pen striations were assessed from samples of new pens versus samples of used pens. Photomicrographs illustrate the types of ballpoint pen striations observed.
A Comprehensive Review of Nanoemulsions as a Potential Strategy for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Sarika R Jadhav  , Shashikant Dhole
Published: February 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a significant global health burden, characterized by progressive deterioration of the nervous system. Current epidemiological data indicates that neurological conditions affect over 40% of the global population, with projections suggesting this figure will double due to evolving lifestyle factors, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental influences. Among these conditions, Alzheimer's disease stands as the sixth leading cause of death worldwide.
The treatment of neurodegenerative diseases faces substantial challenges, particularly in drug delivery. Key biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, blood-CSF barrier, and blood-leptomeningeal barrier, significantly impede drug absorption from circulation into brain tissue. Effective treatment requires deep brain penetration while maintaining maximum therapeutic efficacy. Nanotechnology-based approaches offer promising solutions to overcome these delivery challenges. Nanoemulsions, in particular, represent an emerging pharmaceutical delivery system that demonstrates superior performance compared to conventional methods. Their advantages include enhanced penetration, rapid onset of action, improved drug solubility, and increased stability. This innovative approach addresses the pharmaceutical challenges of drug delivery in neurodegenerative diseases while offering potential solutions for targeted therapeutic outcomes.
Conceptualizing Collaborative Teaching and Learning in Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions: A Psychological Science Perspective
Authors: Sambu Lenah Jepkorir , Simiyu John
Published: February 2025

Whatever the teaching strategy, it is advisable to incorporate questions and answers, discussions, hands-on activities, and other ways of getting learners actively involved in the learning of the content. Students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning experience. Practical oriented subjects in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) lend themselves easily to hands-on activities, but it can be a challenge in social sciences subjects such as sociology and psychology. Whereas one should try to avoid lecturing for lengthy periods, it is very important to listen to the learners and allow them to become aware of the content in order to construct knowledge as opposed to trying to "teach" them knowledge. Thus, feedback should be provided before any type of evaluation is administered. Collaborative learning, also referred to as group learning or cooperative learning has clear benefits for student in terms of retention of information, critical thinking and consolidation of learning from different parts of a programme. Groups provide opportunities for learning that are difficult to establish in traditional settings. They are particularly useful to enable learners to take part in discussion, active participation, feedback and reflection, and to consolidate learning, clarify understanding, and explore ideas and concepts. Depending on the purpose and nature of the group, group learning can also help to develop ‘transferable’ skills, such as study skills, communication skills, teamwork, problem solving and personal development. Teaching and Learning in groups has a valuable part to play in the all-round education of students. It allows them to negotiate meanings, to express themselves in the language of the subject, and to establish more intimate contact with academic staff than more formal methods permit. It also develops the more instrumental skills of listening, presenting ideas and persuading. This paper conceptualizes the meaning, purpose and strength of collaborative work in teaching and learning as opposed to traditional teaching and learning.
Challenges Hindering the Implementation of Preventive Maintenance in Hotels in Kenya
Authors: Mokomere Paul , Odwori Paul Okelo , Mokomere Julie , Tubey Ruth
Published: February 2025

In Kenya, the hospitality industry is regulated by the central government and all hotels are categorized into five classifications (1-Star to 5-Star). The classification and ranking of the hotels reflect the operational standards and also the level of asset management and maintenance systems in the industry as a whole. The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges affecting the implementation of preventive maintenance in the hotel establishments. The target population was five town hotels in the range of 3-Star to 5-Star in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret towns. Purposive sampling was used to select the study area, while stratified and simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. The study sample was 100 respondents consisting of middle management, supervisors and personnel in the production and service delivery sections. Miles and Snow Generic Business-Level Strategies model was used to guide the study. Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument and data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), Spearman rank correlation and ?2 test analysis. The study concluded that challenges do exist in the hotels in the implementation of preventive maintenance programmes in an unplanned and unstructured manner coupled with inconsistent staff training. The paper proposes that for a sustainable and continuous production and service delivery in Kenyan hotels, there is need for adoption of preventive maintenance and asset management programmes.
The Effectiveness of the One-Year Internship on the Mastery of Secretarial Skills in Nigerian Polytechnics
Authors: Agboola Jacob Olusola , Ademiluyi Lawrence Femi
Published: February 2025

The one year internship is an integral part of the polytechnic system in Nigeria. At the completion of the two-year National Diploma programme, students are expected to go on twelve months of industrial training before returning, if qualified, for the Higher National Diploma programme. For long, the programme was universally acclaimed for providing students with opportunities for industrial experience. Questions have recently been raised, however, on the continued effectiveness of the programme, in view of the declining Information Technology (IT) openings for students and the non-supervised nature of the programme. Observations and anecdotal inferences have also suggested that the IT programme, in its present format, may not be ideal for the mastery of secretarial skills. The study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the Industrial Training Scheme on the mastery of secretarial skills. Out of a population of 370, a sample of 110 was drawn from second (final) year students of the National Diploma programme in Office Technology and Management (2012/2013 session) in five polytechnics in South-Western Nigeria. A combination of quasi-experimental research design and descriptive survey design was adopted. The students were assessed in core secretarial disciplines before their departure for Industrial attachment and were re-assessed on their return. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of the results. The study found that IT has strong positive impact on the mastery of word processing, office management and human relations skills, and no significant impact on communication skills. Its impact on the mastery of shorthand and transcription was negative. The study also found significant relationship between the intensity of secretarial assignment undertaken during IT and mastery of secretarial skills. The study recommended a comprehensive review of the Industrial training scheme, and that greater consideration is given to the appropriateness of the industrial attachment organisations and assignments in admitting students into the Higher National Diploma programme.
The Effects of Industrial Attachment on Competency-Based Training in TVET Institutions in Kenya
Authors: Musyimi Titus
Published: February 2025

Knowledge-based training is an approach which puts emphasis on acquisition of theoretical knowledge without the necessary practical skills. Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is an extreme opposite and emphasizes use of Science, Technology and Innovation. At the moment training opportunities are being designed around “competencies” which are established for each career field and for each job title. Competency-based performance is a current concept in business and government. Competency is a cluster of related knowledge, skills, and attitudes that affects a major part of one’s job that correlates with performance on the job, that can be measured against well-accepted standards, and that can be improved via training and development. The general purpose of this study was to establish the significance of industrial attachment on competence-based training. The study focused on 13 Technical Training Institutions (TTIs) in North Rift in Kenya. The research employed a survey research design. Simple random sampling was used to select a representative sample of 100 respondents and questionnaires were used to collect the data. Validity and Reliability of the instruments was established through cronbach reliability test. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and it was done at 95% level of confidence. Findings show that: 86% of the respondents indicated the time allocated for industrial attachment was not adequate; 66% of the respondents said that there was mismatch between relevance of skills acquired and industries made trainees feel incompetent. The study recommends that the industries should constantly be in collaboration with the training institutions. Secondly, the industries should donate some new technology equipment and that these institutions should adapt continuous reinforcement-based industrial attachment to enhance competency based training. In a continuous reinforcement schedule the desired behavior is reinforced each and every time it occurs. This continuous schedule is used during the first stages of learning in order to create a strong association between the behavior and the response.
Sustainable Development: TVET Training for The Present and the Future in Kenya
Authors: Ferej Ahmed
Published: February 2025

This paper highlights the problem of youth unemployment in Kenya and the strategy adopted by the government nearly three decades ago to introduce entrepreneurship education to all Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to empower its graduates to seek to be self-employment as an alternative to formal employment. Data is scant on the success of this policy. However, formal employment continues to dwindle even as opportunities in the informal sector remain strong. Despite this reality, formal TVET institutions have continued to pay scant attention to the informal sector. Focus remains glued to a curriculum designed for the formal labour market with trainees often posted there for work experience. This paper argues that to better succeed in developing an entrepreneurial culture among trainees and hence build their confidence towards self-employment, TVET institutions must engage more with the informal and small micro enterprise (SME) sector. This would require a shift in the mindset of instructors and management. Students would need to be encouraged to seek work experience in both the informal and formal sectors as part of their training process. Further TVET institutions would benefit more by opening their facilities to the training of informal and SME sector operators by providing short and targeted courses to help them improve their operations.
The Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Capacity Building Programs and Agribusiness Development
Authors: Wanjala W B , Mputhia J N , Muriuri W , Ogola W O
Published: February 2025

To affirm the significance of Agribusiness, the Government of Kenya (GOK) formulated two strategies: The Agriculture Sector Development Strategy (ASDS) and the National Agribusiness Strategy (NARS). The ASDS is a ten-year strategy whose overall goal is to transform Kenya's agricultural sector into an innovative, commercially oriented, competitive and modern industry that will contribute to poverty reduction, improved food security and equity in rural and urban Kenya. NARS proposed systems and structures required to-bring about a dynamic and competitive agribusiness sector in Kenya. The strategy recognizes the importance of the agribusiness sector and the key role it could play in realizing Kenya's vision 2030. The aim is to deliver wealth creation, job creation and food security within national borders, even in a context of rapidly changing climate and environmental degradation. To motivate the agribusiness sector as highlighted in the ASDS, the Kenya Agricultural Productivity and Agribusiness Project (KAPAP) through the 12 years Adaptable Program Loan (APL) with support from the World Bank, designed capacity building programs. The aim was to empower farmers; improve agricultural extension systems; establish an efficient agricultural research system; encourage growth of agribusiness, and improvement of environmental management. This paper explored the effectiveness of KAPAP's capacity building programmes and their effect on agribusiness and food security. The paper collected primary data from public and private extension officers and farmers who benefited from KAPAP's programs and who were previously trained in Entrepreneurship and Business Planning through collaboration between KAPAP and the Technical University of Kenya (TUK). The paper records a positive impact of KAPAP capacity building programs on agribusiness development as evidenced in significant increase in per cent sales, profitability, value addition in dairy, groundnut, potato, and honey value chains. There was also increased interest in agribusiness and cumulative improvement in food security. Regions that reported significant improvement in productivity and farming mechanisms were the same ones that reported higher levels of skills transfer. The paper recommends gender mainstreaming, succession planning and introduction of agribusiness training in TVET institutions.
Issues Affecting the Greening of TVET Programs for Sustainable Development in Kenya: A Case of TVET Institutions in Nairobi County
Authors: Were Calvin Miseda , Ferej Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Kenya's Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are adept at developing new skill training and educational programs to meet the changing green labour market. The issues of responding to a green economy, environmental sustainability, climate change, and mitigation are different in different sectors of the economy. TVET institutions face the prospect of systemically transforming education and training programs with limited market intelligence and an increasing sense of urgency. This paper explores the issues affecting the greening of TVET programs in Kenya for sustainable development. The study was guided by the implementation evaluation model Jansen (2010), which examined the differences between what are intended, what has happened or other aspects of the program that should be accepted. Descriptive survey design was adopted and mixed research that incorporated quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. The study employed simple random, stratified, and proportionate probability sampling techniques. There were 20 TVET institutions in Nairobi County and the researcher sampled 15 teachers in every institution hence the sample size was 300. Using simple random sampling, the respondents were stratified into departments and questionnaires administered. Data collected was processed, coded, and analyzed to facilitate the answering of the research questions using descriptive statistics. The findings show that there was insufficient integrated sustainable development content training, lesser promotion of technical skills for a transition to a greener economy, insufficient enhanced policy coherence and coordinated implementation of training, and inadequate curriculum development and implementation strategies. The TVET sector should therefore integrate sustainable development into training and enhance policy coherence and coordinated implementation of education and training.