Varsity. publisher. A newsletter of the University of Nairobi Press. Vol. 1. No. 1 - June 2012

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1 Varsity Vol. 1 No. 1 - June 2012 publisher A newsletter of the University of Nairobi Press Contacts: 3rd Flr, Jomo Kenyatta Library Bld Cellphone: University of Nairobi - Main Campus nup@uonbi.ac.ke Wireless: VOIP:

2 The Staff ADMINISTRATION Managing Editor J. Kirimania Front Office A. Athman J. Ndirangu Driver N. Mwangi MARKETING & FINANCE Marketing Manager C. Mageto Accountant M. John EDITORIAL Editors P. Asulle N. Muhoro S. Kiuna P. Mahugu DESIGN & LAYOUT Snr Technologist J. Mbugua Typesetters M. Macharia A. Athman WAREHOUSE In-charge P. Makungu from the Managing Editor I welcome you to this inaugural edition of the Varsity Publisher, an information newsletter from the University of Nairobi Press. Who we are The University of Nairobi Press (UONP) is the scholarly publishing unit of the University of Nairobi. Through its publications, UONP represents the University s expression in scholarship and research. The Press continues to mirror and support the intellectual strength and reputation of the University of Nairobi as a modern research institution. By disseminating knowledge and research generated within the University of Nairobi, UONP extends the teaching and research influence of the University throughout Kenya and across the world where its publications are distributed. UONP therefore provides an important link between the University of Nairobi and the scholarly community and broader public. The UONP draws from a pool of diverse skills, knowledge, and expertise of University of Nairobi scholars to produce quality publications. UONP also works with and encourages collaboration with partners across the world to promote a diversity of academic and scholarly perspectives. To potential authors We publish books in a wide range of disciplines. All manuscripts submitted to us are subjected to rigorous scrutiny to ensure quality by the Editorial Committee and independent peer reviewers. Manuscripts are selected purely on merit with the main criteria for publishing being originality of the work and sound contribution to knowledge. Once a manuscript is accepted the team of experienced editorial and production staff work with the author to prepare it for publishing. Marketing UONP books are distributed through local and international outlets including UNES bookstores, Text Book Centre, and university bookshops. Online, our books are available through African Books Collective (ABC), Google Books and Enrakenya.com. UONP is currently working towards production of e-books in line with modern trends in the publishing industry. Professional services offered by UONP The following services are offered at reasonable rates: Editorial, Typesetting, Design and layout, and General publishing consultancy. We hope you find this newsletter useful and informative. Comments, suggestions, or articles are welcome. Karibu sana! J.K. Kirimania Ag. Managing Editor Newsletter team Chief Editor: P. Asule Editors: N. Muhoro, S. Kiuna Design & Layout: J. Mbugua, M. Macharia E-packaging: J. Mbugua

3 Vision A leader in scholarly publishing. Mission To publish quality scholarly works for the academic community worldwide by utilizing modern publishing technologies. Strategic Objectives - To be a leading publisher of research findings, scholarly, and educational materials. - To review and recommend for implementation a management structure that best serves UONP as a publishing house. - To modernize the ICT facilities so as to respond to emerging publishing trends. - To increase revenue generation. - To enhance the sales and marketing function. - To develop staff for motivation and improved performance. Quality Objectives - To publish seven peer reviewed titles annually using up-to-date publishing technologies. - To promote sustainable publishing operations by targeting three new markets, establishing one external publishing collaboration and disseminating findings of two UON-funded research projects annually. - To enhance visibility by hosting one book launch, undertaking ten promotional activities, and attracting at least five thousand hits on our web page per year. - To enhance partnerships and collaborations locally and internationally. - To enhance the image of UONP.

4 Our publications The Press has a diverse collection of published books in the areas of health sciences, agriculture and veterinary sciences, social sciences, humanities, biological and physical sciences, and architectural and engineering sciences. Partnerships The Press has established publishing partnerships with individuals, institutions, and various organisations including Institute for Development Studies (IDS), African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair, International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), and Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR). Latest Publications ISBN ISBN ISBN ISBN A Book, like a child, takes time to be born. [Heinrich Heine, ]

5 Forthcoming Publication FAQs Q. Why does UONP take such a long time to publish a book? A. Books published by UONP undergo a process of rigorous scrutiny by the Editorial Committee, peer reviewers and editorial staff. As a result, some manuscripts may be referred back to the author for extensive revision. Such manuscripts may take relatively longer to publish than others. UONP has released publications in less than one year from the date of acceptance. Q. What does UONP do? A. UONP works with the author to transform a manuscript into a published book. This entails editorial and design and layout. Printing and binding services are outsourced. UONP then markets and sells the published book. ISBN Efficiency of Health Systems Units in Africa: A Data Envelopment Analysis is the first book of its kind on application of the data envelopment analysis technique to examine the efficiency of health system decision-making units in Africa. The book interlaces lecture notes with research articles and case studies to equip students and practitioners of economics, operations research, management science, and public health with knowledge and skills for undertaking technical efficiency, allocative efficiency, cost efficiency, and total factor productivity analyses. Joses Muthuri Kirigia is a senior health economist with the World Health Organization (WHO), Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo. He holds Ph.D. in Economics, postgraduate diploma in Health Economics, M.A. (Economics), and Bachelor of Education. Q. Are authors compensated when they publish with UONP? A Yes. Authors receive royalties annually for book copies sold. Q. Do authors pay to have their work published by UONP? A. UONP funds most of the publications. However, it receives more manuscripts than its resource can support. For this reason, authors are encouraged to subsidize the cost of production. However, books are published based only on scholarly merit rather than the ability or willingness of the author to raise a subsidy.

6 Service Delivery Charter The core business of the University of Nairobi Press (UONP) is to publish scholarly, academic and educational books. As a consequence, the UONP shall: Serial Service Requirements Cost Timeliness 1. Serve all stakeholders with courtesy, integrity, honesty, and professionalism Required service falls within UONP mandate 2. Respond to correspondence in the shortest time possible Clear statement of request/query Seven days from receipt of request/query 3. Process manuscripts within a period of two years from the date of approval by the Editorial Committee Author s compliance with all submission requirements As per agreement 4. Use modern publishing methods and technology Clients are conversant with ICT 5. Ensure product availability to consumers Consumers are aware of the main outlets of UONP products 6. Promote publications through aggressive marketing Clients will partner in the promotion and marketing of their publications

7 Staff bonding Inside the Design and Lay-out room At the UoN Open Day, 2012 At the CHE exhibition, Embu, 2012 Book launch: Surviving the Academic Arena by Prof. Gichaga In-house training on e-book production