RP-Department of Management Science

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Assessment of Adoption of Information and Communication Technology Among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(International Knowledge Sharing Platform, 2017) Kanyaru, Paul Muriku; James, Rosemary
The advent of 20th century has seen many organisations embrace the use of technology to enhance performance. Research has indicated that ICT is a driver for any firm to achieve its goals. ICT has been on the forefront in enhancing globalisation of services and organisation’s functions. Various inventions have been made in the ICT field and this has helped organisations to fasten their service delivery. Although the uptake of ICT among SMES in developed countries has been cited to be around forty eight percent, the ICT adoption rate among SMES in developing country is still low averaging at around fifteen percent. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that affect ICT adoption among SMEs in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the impact of ICT information security, ICT infrastructure, management support and employee ICT skills on the adoption of ICT among SMEs. The research utilised descriptive design and was limited to a population of 1700 SMEs in Tharaka Nithi County. The study adopted a stratified random sampling where the population was grouped into stratus according to sectors that SMEs belong to. The study utilised a formula that was proposed by Mugenda and Mugenda where ten percent of SMEs was taken from each stratum and their manager used as a respondent to constitute a study sample size of 170 respondents. In this regard, the respondents were the managers of these SMEs. The study utilised primary data that was gathered using semistructured questionnaire that contained open as well as closed-ended questions. Content validity of the data collection instrument was assessed by the researcher and the supervisor reviewing the items and adopting it from a similar study. On the other hand, the reliability was assessed by use of Chronbach’s alpha coefficient test. The investigator administered questionnaires to the respondents and in cases where the respondent was not available, drop and pick later method was adopted. The study used inferential and descriptive statistics in the analysis of the data, which included mean, standard deviation and distribution tables. The presentation of the results was done in various forms, including charts, graphs, and tables. The findings of the study indicated that the independent variables (ICT information security, ICT infrastructure, and management support and employee ICT skills) were significant and that there was an association between them and ICT adoption (the dependent variable). The value of adjusted R squared in the final model (0.801) shows that the 80.1 percent of variation of the adoption of ICT can be explained by the combination of the four variables. The research established that there was a significant effect of ICT security, ICT infrastructure, management support and employee ICT skills on ICT adoption by SMEs. Both empirical and statistical evidence proved that a relationship existed between these variables and ICT adoption by SMEs. The study recommends that county governments and management should support ICT adoption by SMEs, as well as the central government implement policies and laws that enhance ICT security.
Bank Characteristics and Lending Rates among Commercial Banks in Kenya
(2017) Maubi, Andrew Mokaya; James, Rosemary; Jagongo, Ambrose
This study sought to investigate the effect of bank characteristics on lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. Specifically the study sought to; establish the effect of bank size, credit risk, and liquidity risk, operating costs, on lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. The research philosophy for this research was positivism. Explanatory non-experimental research design was employed. The target population was thirty nine (39) commercial banks from whom secondary data was collected by way of census since these are the banks from which complete information could be obtained for meaningful analysis for the study period 2006-2015. Descriptive Statistics including Mean, Standard deviation, inferential statistics (Panel regression analysis and Correlation analysis) were carried out. Data analysis was run on the Stata 13 package and findings presented in figures, tables, graphs and charts while deriving conclusions and recommendations from the findings of the study. The finding revealed that bank size, operating costs, had positive and significant effects on lending rates. However the effect of GDP growth rate and bank size was found to be negative. The finding further showed that the effects of credit risk and liquidity risk on lending rates was positive but insignificant. Based on the findings, the study concluded that bank characteristics play a significant role in determining the lending rates of commercial banks. The study recommends that individuals wishing to take mortgages home equity loans, car loans, and personal loans from commercial banks should consider the size of the banks, its market share and other internal factors to identify the most competitive banks in terms of lending rates. Key Words: Bank, Credit, Liquidity, Risk, Operating Costs, Lending
Credit Information Sharing and Credit Availability in Kenya
(2017) James, Rosemary; Iraki, X. N.; Korir, Julius
This study provides an empirical investigation of the effect of credit information sharing on credit availability in Kenya while controlling for bank characteristics. The study employed the explanatory non-experimental research design. A census of the 43 financial institutions that are licensed under the Kenyan Banking Act was conducted. Both primary and secondary data were collected. The key source documents for the secondary data were the financial disclosures prepared by the banks on a quarterly basis for the period 2008-2012. Fixed effects regression results showed that presence of information sharing had significant positive effect on credit availability as measured by the volume of lending. However, the intensity of information sharing had very little effect on credit availability. The study recommends that the government should ensure that the recently introduced credit reference bureaus cater for all types of credit institutions and also organized informal groups so that prospects of enhanced credit availability can be further improved. Secondly, the government needs to embark on effective awareness creation of the benefits of credit information sharing to the financial institutions. Keywords: Asymmetric Information, Credit Availability, Information sharing
Critical Success Factors in the Implementation of Community Based Projects in Kiambu County, Kenya
(2018) Gitari, Emmanuel Wachira; James, Rosemary
This paper explores critical success factors in the implementation of community based projects in kiambu county, Kenya. Most of the community based projects experience major hurdles in their life cycle and barely overcome the implementation stage. This study specific investigated how Community participation, management of funds, institutional capacity and monitoring and evaluation influence successful implementation of community based projects. The researcher a descriptive survey design followed by stratified random sampling technique to segment the project strata’s of the targeted a population of 141 community based projects. He further used purposive and simple random sampling techniques to zero in to the key respondents of 86 CBP leaders.This paper concludes that community participation, management of funds, institutional capacity and monitoring and evaluation of the projects positively influence the implementation of community based projects in Kiambu County.The recommends that there is a need to actively involve the community members in the actual planning of the project, practicing financial record keeping and proper budgeting, allocate capacity building resources to the members and project managers and finally enhance monitoring and evaluation while implementing a Community based project. Keywords: Community participation, management of funds, institutional capacity, monitoring and evaluation, implementation.
Effect of Project Monitoring and Evaluation on Performance of Road Infrastructure Projects Constructed By Local Firms in Kenya
(2018) Maendo, Densford Ochenge; James, Rosemary; Kamau, Lucy
Efficient performance of road infrastructure projects is essential for economic growth and development of any country. Local construction firms contribute significantly towards realization of this goal. However they experience challenges in completing the projects within the budgeted cost, time schedule and attaining the desired quality. This paper sought to establish the effects of project monitoring and evaluation on performance of road projects. The study was carried out in the Lake Basin Region, Kenya. The study covered 41 road projects. The study concludes that project monitoring and evaluation has a significant effect on performance of road projects. Keywords: Project monitoring and evaluation, Infrastructure projects, Local firms, Road projects and project performance
Effect of Selected Macroeconomic Variables on Lending Rates among Commercial Banks in Kenya
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2017) Maubi, Andrew Mokaya; Jagongo, Ambrose; James, Rosemary
This study sought to investigate the effect of macroeconomic variables on lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. Specifically the study sought to; establish the effect of Gross Domestic Product growth rate and inflation rate on lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. The study also sought to determine the moderation effect of political risk on the relationship between macroeconomic variables and lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. Explanatory non-experimental research design was employed. The target population was thirty-nine (39) commercial banks from whom secondary data was collected by way of census since these are the banks from which complete information could be obtained for meaningful analysis for the study period 2006-2015. Descriptive Statistics including Mean, Standard deviation, inferential statistics (Panel regression analysis and Correlation analysis) were carried out. Data analysis was run on the Stata 13 package and findings presented in figures, tables, graphs and charts while deriving conclusions and recommendations from the findings of the study. The finding revealed that GDP growth rate and inflation had positive and significant effects on lending rates. However, the effect of GDP growth rate was found to be negative. Political risk was found to have insignificant moderating effect on the relationship between macroeconomic variables and lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. Based on the findings, the study concluded that macroeconomic variables play a significant role in determining the lending rates of commercial banks. The study recommends that government should pay attention to macroeconomic factors while controlling the domestic lending rates. Policy initiatives that wish to keep the lending rates at a low level should also take into consideration the need to enhance economic growth and reduce inflation. Keywords: Gross Domestic Product growth rate, inflation rate, lending rates, banks.
Factors Affecting Sustainability of Food Security Projects Among the Masaai Community in Kajiado County, Kenya
(2018) Nyaga, Juster Gatumi; James, Rosemary
This study examined factors contributing to food security project sustainability. It will specifically focus on the food security projects in Kajiado County funded between the year 2008 and the year 2013. The choice of the study was that despite of the continuing support and implementation of food related projects in Kajiado County, food security still remains a problem. Most food security projects have a short span, staled, never imparted community, some have collapsed and hence non-sustainable projects. The study adopted evaluation research design. The study total population was 1200 individuals belonging or registered with various groups or organizations within the study area. A sample of 10% was selected to form a sample size of 120 respondents. The key informants selected project groups involved faith based organizations, financial institutions, community based organizations and offices from the Government. This were sampled using purposive sampling method. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics (means and standard deviation) and hypothesis was tested at 95 percent confidence level. In order to find out the relationship between the study independent variables (community participation and funding levels) and the dependent variables (project sustainability), the researcher used the correlation and regression coefficient. The study found out that community participation affected the sustainability of the project positively. Moreover, funding level would also influence the project sustainability positively which was statistically significant. The results for the goodness of fitness of model indicated that community participation and finance level satisfactorily explained the sustainability of food security projects in the study area. This was supported by coefficient of determination (R-square) of 76%; indicating the model can be used to explain 76% of the variations in the dependent variable. The Analysis of the Variance (ANOVA) results indicate that the overall model was statistically significant and with very strong F statistic of 6.932. The study concludes that food security projects are not sustainable within the study area. Group members who are beneficiaries should participate in project at all the levels to create sense of ownership hence sustainability. Adequate funding should be allocated to the project to ensure project sustainability. Key Words: Sustainability, financial level, community involvement food security projects, Kajiado County, Kenya
Influence of Resource Mobilization on Sustainability of Women Group Projects in Vihiga County, Kenya.
(2018) Odenyo, Collins; James, Rosemary
Sustainability of a project is a great challenge in most developing countries including Kenya. Evidently, it is sustainability that differentiates between women group projects that have succeeded and ones that have failed. Women group projects need resources to enable them continue to provide the services to members and also the community at large. Women groups have for long time relied on the donor funding in order to support their project activities through donations and grants. However, this funding is at times not enough to cater for the project operations and project implementation and later the sustainability of these projects. Most of the projects initiated by women groups in Vihiga County have become unsustainable especially when the donors exit. This study sought to bring out the influence of resource mobilization on sustainability of women group projects in Vihiga County, Kenya. The target population was 491 women group projects in Vihiga County. The respondents of this study comprised women group’s officials and project committee members of women group development projects in Vihiga County. Stratified random sampling of projects and projects committee members was done to obtain a sample size of 97 projects. Questionnaires were used in data collection processes. The data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The variables namely acquisition of financial resources, mapping human resources, acquisition of physical resources and community participation were regressed and the study findings showed that all independent variable significantly and positively influenced the sustainability of women group projects in Vihiga County, Kenya. The study recommends that Women groups should be trained on resource mobilization tips including the diverse methods for acquiring financial resources starting with preparing for fundraising, assessing and using organizations strengths and soliciting external funding source. Human resource mapping should be conducted in women groups to reduce expenditure on external sources. Women groups should have necessary tools, office equipment and machinery to run their projects. Finally, the community should be involved by the women groups in the implementation of women group projects at all phases. Keywords: Resource mobilization, Women groups projects, Project sustainability
Linking Operations Strategies with Customer Based Competence and Firm Performance in the Context of Knowledge Based Intensive Sector: A Theoretical Review
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2017) Wandiga, Eunice N.; Kilika, James M.; James, Rosemary
The operations function of an organization plays a strategic role in the success of organizations as it addresses key decisions that determine the utilization of economic resources in the value creation process to deliver goods and services. While the function has been sufficiently studied and documented in the manufacturing sector, little has been done reflecting the services sector. This paper presents a review of the extant theoretical and empirical literature on two constructs linked to operations strategy in the context of a knowledge intensive sector in the phenomenon leading to firm performance. The relevant theories are reviewed, constructs and their operational indicators identified and compared against extant empirical work and emergent knowledge gaps identified. The paper finally proposes a multidisciplinary based theoretical model suitable for advancing knowledge in this area together with the accompanying implications for future research. Keywords: Customer based competences; Firms Operations strategy; Knowledge based intensive sector
Moderating Effect of Political Risk on the Relationship between Bank Characteristics and Lending Rates among Commercial Banks in Kenya
(American Research Institute for Policy Development, 2018) Maubi, Andrew Mokaya; Jagongo, Ambrose; James, Rosemary; Ouma, Duncan O.
Low lending rates would encourage increased uptake of loan facilities hence fostering investments that in turn would be expected to spur economic growth. Increase in investments is expected to yield good returns hence resulting in multiplier effects. After the 1990s when financial liberalization had taken root, commercial banks in Kenya stood related in terms of not only other aspects of their trading but also with lending rates. The benefits expected of Financial Liberalization and deepening of the financial sector is narrowing of lending rates. Political risk is the risk faced by commercial banks that include political decisions events conditions or pronouncements which significantly affect their commercial banks profitability. In this context, the effect on profitability would have an effect on lending rates in return. The Political risk index is computed based on twelve items entailing social and political constructs within a country. The study sought to establish the moderating effect of political risk on the relationship between bank characteristics and lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. The research philosophy for this research was positivism. Explanatory non-experimental research design was employed. The target population was thirty nine (39) commercial banks from whom secondary data was collected by way of census since these are the banks from which complete information could be obtained for meaningful analysis for the study period 2006-2015. Descriptive Statistics including Mean, Standard deviation, inferential statistics (Panel regression analysis and Correlation analysis) were carried out. Data analysis was run on the Stata 13 package and findings presented in figures, tables, graphs and charts while deriving conclusions and recommendations from the findings of the study. Political risk was found to have insignificant moderating effect on the relationship between bank characteristics and lending rates among commercial banks in Kenya. Keywords: Political Risk, Bank, Characteristics, Lending Rates
Project management practices and implementation of information technology projects among selected commercial banks in Kenya
(2017) Mongare, Camanda Felix; James, Rosemary
The main objective of projects in commercial banks is efficient and effective service to customers and reduction of expenses in the banking institution. The main aim of the study was to establish the effects of project management practices on implementation of information technology projects among commercial banks in Kenya. The study used a descriptive survey method. All primary and secondary data were collected. Project Manager as well as the project team picked from the human resource, information technology, customer care, finance and credit departments were the respondents of the questionnaire in each bank. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data. In analyzing the extent of the relationship between the variables in the project, the correlation was used. Regression was also used in obtaining an equation describing the dependent variable about the independent variable using the regression model. As per the analysis of the findings, the respondents stated that they often prepare cash flow statements. The findings showed that the respondents were in agreement that they set up credit guidelines for customers very often. Regarding monitoring and evaluation, the respondents it enhances the quality of project management. According to the findings, the risk is considered key factors for a performance management and that the banks have implemented risk management systems. The research made the conclusion that well-organized monitoring system provides a good base for the proper design of final assessment. The results indicated that project monitoring and evaluation has the strongest positive influence on the implementation of IT projects. In addition, fund management practices, stakeholder management, and project risk management are positively correlated to the implementation of IT projects. The correlation matrix states that the independent variables have a positive effect on the implementation of IT projects. This shows that these variables are very crucial and as such ought to be considered in any efforts to boost IT project implementation in commercial banks in Kenya. The study proposes that the management should involve stakeholders, fund managers, project monitoring and evaluation and project risk managers in project life cycle. The managers ought to have the will and ability to listen, truly seek and value different voices, make a special attempt to hear and comprehend. The banks ought to adopt the most upgraded ICT banking systems and open source software for non-critical internal procedures to enhance efficiency in the implementation of IT projects. Keywords: ICT banking systems, project risk management, IT project implementation
Project Management Strategies and Sustainability of Community Based Health Projects in Mandera County, Kenya
(IJCAB Publishing Group, 2019) Salat, Abdirahman Mohamed; James, Rosemary
Mandera County,Kenya has shown a lot of commitment in the health sector. However, in spite of the efforts by the County to undertake health projects; there is a number of projects whose sustainability have been in jeopardy. There is myriad of challenges undermining the sustainability of the projects developed. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of project management strategies on sustainability of community based health projects in Mandera County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: to establish the effect of resource mobilization and utilization, community participation, capacity building, and leadership styles on sustainability of community based health projects in Mandera County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive design. The target population was 27 health projects within Mandera County,Kenya. The respondents were 81 respondents who included the community leaders, donors, the County health officials such as the executive committee and the chief officer for health. The study collected primary data through use of questionnaires. The collected data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings were that there was a strong correlation coefficient between sustainabilityqof community based health projects and resource mobilization and utilization, there exists a significant positive relationship between community participation and sustainability ofq community based health projects in Mandera County,Kenya there was a positive correlation coefficient between sustainability ofqcommunity basedq healthq projects in Mandera County and capacity building and there was a positive correlation between leadership styles and sustainability ofqcommunity based healthqprojects in Mandera County,Kenya. The study concludes that community members have individual and collective resources such as time, money, materials and energy to contribute toward their individual and collective health goals, if a project does not have the resources it requires to implement a project plan it cannot be prosperous hence projects obtain these resources from both internal and external sources such as stakeholders or community contribution and project leaders need to have clarity of purpose and tasks; good organizational skills; ability to communicate tasks and expected results effectively. The study recommends that organizations need to seek for resources from like minded institutions and proper use of resources enhances sustainability of community based health projects and determining goals should be carried out together with the community since this enhances sustainability of community based health projects in the area and community responsibilities in the health projects determine their sustainability
Role of Single-project Management on the Efficiency of Portfolio Management in Geothermal Development Company in Nairobi County, Kenya
(2017) Macharia, Philip Waweru; James, Rosemary
Most companies in the modern times struggle with the sub-optimization and modifications in their projects, even though good practices have already been unveiled for project portfolio management (PPM). PPM is increasingly adopted by most project based organization such as geothermal development company in order to optimize investment by utilizing a project portfolio management governance structure to address constant change and focus on accomplishment of organization strategy. The enhanced usage of sole projects as a way to deliver products and services has resulted in adoption of PPM as the governance method. Nevertheless, there are many managerial problems associated with single projects in efficiency of PPM which has been identified as limited resources, insufficient project activities, absence of management support, competencies and methods, delayed government funding, ambiguous roles and responsibilities, limited portfolio activities, inadequate management of project orientation as well as inadequate communication management regarding projects. The main aim of the study was to examine the role of single-project management on efficiency of portfolio management in geothermal development company Nairobi. The specific objectives were to determine the level in which projects clearly specified goals for single projects affect success of portfolio management, to establish how availability of information of single projects for decision makers affect success of portfolio management. In addition, to assess the effect of systematic decision making of single projects management on portfolio management success, as well as to determine how project management efficiency affect success of portfolio management at GDC Nairobi branch. The study used descriptive research design to determine the role of single project management in efficiency of portfolio management at GDC Nairobi branch. The study targeted population was 124 persons working in GDC Nairobi branch. The targeted population was project management team, comprising of top, middle level management and operational staff excluding the lower cadre employees who could not give relevant information regarding the topic of study. Stratified random sampling was used to draw a sample size of 74 respondents. The researcher administered questionnaires to selected respondents, which was on 5-point Likert scale addressing the objectives of the study. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for analyses of the collected data where frequency tables, charts, and bar graphs were developed. The regression and correlation analysis proved that there was significant relationship between single projects management factors with portfolio management efficiency at GDC Nairobi. Inferential statistics were done using Pearson correlation coefficient to show correlation between dependent and independent variables and results of the computation revealed that: Project clearly specified goals availability of information and project management efficiency was Significant at 0.05 significance level. However it was found that there isn’t a significant relationship between systematic decision making and portfolio management efficiency. The findings implied that understanding of portfolio level issues needs to be considered as part International Academic Journal of Information Sciences and Project Management | Volume 2, Issue 2, pp. 264-289 266 | P a g e of project managers’ capabilities and not only a top management concern. The study concluded that the more active the single-project management, the stronger the positive relationship with portfolio management efficiency and vice versa. The study recommends that management of GDC needs to pay more attention to how they build linkages between single-project management capabilities and portfolio management efficiency in practice. Strong governance improves efficiency of portfolio project management and aligns communications and strategies across business units. Further research is needed to be explored on other areas other than GDC in order to generalize the results and make it more applicable in the Kenyan sector. Further study to be done to find out other factors that explain the variance and to determine whether portfolio management practices will explain the remaining variance in portfolio management efficiency. Key Words: project management, implementation, public projects, technical, industrial, vocational, entrepreneurship, training institutes, Nairobi County, Kenya

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