DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "James, Rosemary"

Browsing by Author "James, Rosemary"

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Analysis of factors influencing efficient value chain management strategies in the dealership telecommunications industry: a case of selected firms in Nairobi
(2013-01-03) Alukwe, Gamaliel Hassan; Kimutai, G.; James, Rosemary; Bett, S. K.
It is the goal of almost every privately owned company to increase profitability. This is essentially achieved through two ways: reducing the cost base and increasing revenue. The paradox is that by cutting of costs in the short term it often results in a reduction in revenue earning ability in the longer term. In the same manner, a drive to increase revenue in the longer term often results in an increase in costs in the short term. This study analysed the factors influencing efficient value chain management strategies thus enabling firms to identify both the areas of huge cost that make little or no contribution to business performance and the prospects for opportunity that were worth financing. The study employed descriptive research design. Stratified random sampling techniques were utilized to identify the target population. The researcher made use of both secondary and primary data where the data collection instrument used was questionnaires which were mostly structured or closed ended. Some elements of open ended questions were used to give a greater depth of response. Document analysis was also effectively utilised. The study will show that human resource management, infrastructure, technology development and procurement are variables influencing efficient value chain management strategies in the Dealership telecommunication industry. In particular human resource management was ranked first of the four variables by a majority of respondents while procurement was ranked last.
An analysis of factors influencing the adoption of information communication technology by community based organizations in Kenya: a case of Thika District
(2013-02-19) Tumuti, Joshua Wachira; Kimutai, G.; James, Rosemary
The environment in which organizations operate today has shifted from an isolated localized village to a wider and far reaching global marketplace. The most significant driving force behind this trend has been the advancements made in the Information Communication Technology sector followed by the wide adoption it has received across a greater majority of organizations. It is imperative for any organization seriously intending to maintain a competitive advantage in today's global market to embrace Information Communication Technology as it is the answer to an ever increasing call for organizations to use appropriate technology in this era of cut throat competition within the global business environment. Community Based Organizations who primarily operate using project teams are not exempted from this pressure especially as they seek to cut operational cost, become more efficient in running community projects while also remaining socially relevant. Knowing and understanding the factors that influence the adoption of Information Communication Technology hence becomes an even more fundamental concern to them. The overall objective of this study was to survey the factors influencing the adoption of Information Communication Technology by Community Based Organizations in Kenya. The study limited its scope to those Community Based Organizations found in Thika District. This study may assist Community Based Organizations gain insight on the factors specific to them which influence the adoption of Information Communication Technology. With this insight they can proactively tackle challenges related to Information Communication Technology adoption. They can also use the results of the study to better negotiate Information Communication Technology funding from donors. The findings of the study may also serve as a benchmark tool that Community Based Organizations and other stakeholders can use to compare their adoption against others. The study used a descriptive survey design and the target population was 28 Community Based Organizations based in Thika District. The number of respondents was 84: three from each Community Based Organizations. The research instrument used in this study was a questionnaire which was developed based on the specific research objectives. The instrument was pre-tested and validated before administering to respondents. The data was organized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed using mean, mode, median and analysis of variance. Quantitative data was presented by use of statistical techniques which include frequency distribution tables and graphs. Qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis. The study established that most of the CBOs in Thika district had computers or laptops; 100% indicating they owned computers and 14.7% indicating they owned laptops. Thus indicating CBOs in Thika district had adopted lCT to a certain level. The operating systems that the CBOs were running included Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista and 2007. The CBOs used computers mostly for work related tasks which include; report writing 66.7% and applying for donor funding 52.9%. The CBOs also indicated to have adequate peripheral devices which included; printers 76.5% copiers 14.7%, scanners 8.8% and web camera 2.9%. All the CBOs had basic cell phones, 67.4% of the CBOs had 3G Cell phones and 5.9% had landline telephones. Only 11.8% or 3 out of the 28 CBOs had project management software on their computers. It is recommended from the findings of the study that CBOs offer their employees proper ICT training, budget for lCT needs, encourage employees to have an open attitude towards change and to create and implement effective lCT policies.
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.
Determinants of performance of digital villages Project in Kenya
(2013-01-18) Thumbi, Elizabeth Wangeci; Kimutai, G.; James, Rosemary
The digital village projects is an initiative by the Kenyan Government in Partnership with other stakeholders in the ICT Sector aimed at facilitating the underserved communities' with access to ICT to enhance their general well-being. The role of the centers is to deliver ICT services to marginalized communities with the main objective of narrowing the apparent digital gap by introducing and encouraging the usage of ICT; and creating community communication equipped with a range of ICT services to facilitate Internet access, e-commerce, and e-learning. This study seeks to investigate and examine the issue that influence the performance of the digital villages in an attempt to bridge the digital divide in developing countries and thus institutionalize the foundation of a sustainable model by examining the usage and effects of the services offered in the centers. Descriptive research design was used to carry out the study. The study's target population was end-users and staff member of the digital villages' centers setup in Kenya, a part representation of the entire population was drawn from Nairobi County. The study will relied on primary data to guide and used questionnaires for data collection. The data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study examined how stakeholder participation, level of infrastructure development, demographic profiles and local contents affects the performance of DVP in Kenya. The findings confirm that these parameters affect the performance on the centers in regard to effectiveness, relevance and sustainability. The findings suggests on some of the challenges experienced and ways to curb the same for better performance.
Determinants of project schedule control during project implementation in Kenya. A case of nongovermental organisations' projects in Mbeere North district, Embu county
(Kenyatta University, 2013) Nthiga, Josphat Njeru; James, Rosemary; Kimutai, G.
Schedule control is a project management tool that enables project managers to verify the project schedule status, influence proposed changes to the schedule and manage changes to the schedule. Schedule control during project implementation enables project managers to handle schedule slippage so that the project is executed within the planned timeframe. It has been observed that approximately 80% of all projects overrun baseline schedule during implementation. The purpose of conducting this research is therefore to study the factors determining project schedule control during project implementation. Various factors namely; project manager's expertise, donor policies, project complexity and risks arising during project implementation determine the level of schedule control during project implementation. In conducting this research descriptive research design was applied. The target population comprised all the sixty NGOs projects carried out in Mbeere North District, in Embu County within the time frame 2008-2012.Sample selection was done through stratified random sampling. The strata were set to represent various categories of project stakeholders namely; project management, donors, project implementers and beneficiaries. To ease data collection the district was divided into four clusters. These clusters were the four administrative divisions in Mbeere North District.Data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and document review schedules from twenty (20) projects which were sampled across the study area. The response rate was 66.7%, 75% and 50% respectively for the above data collection instruments. Data was then analyzed through descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. From these data analysis, it was observed that project managers' expertise during project implementation was not a main cause of schedule slippage. It was also established that donor policies, project complexity and project related risks affected projected schedule control during project implementation. Donor policies, project complexity and risks were identified as the main determinants of project schedule control during project implementation. It is recommended that project plans and designs should factor in these determinants at project formulation phase. The inclusion of these determinants in the initial project plan should be a participatory process for all project stakeholders. Further research is recommended to enable quantification of project loss when projects are over schedule.
Effect of E-customization Capability on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(SSBFNET, 2019) Mutuku, Morrisson Kaunda; Muathe, Stephen M. A.; James, Rosemary
Financial performance of a commercial banks driven by a number of capabilities drawn from either the internal or the external environment. The Kenyan Government and commercial banks in particular have invested in e-commerce solution. Despite these invetments over the years, the impact is yet to be felt. The empirical literure reveals that there is a link between commercial banks e-commerce custiomization capability and financial peroformance.The study empirically analyzed the effect of e- commerce customization capability on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. E-commerce customization capability measured using online registration,online recommendation and realtime support while financial performance was measured using Return on Assets (ROA). The study was anchored on the Resource-Based View Theory. The study used explanatory design. A census of 43 commercial banks was taken; data for performance was extracted from audited banks statements for financial year 2016/2017. Data for e-commerce customization capability was collected from commercial banks websites. Data for financial performance was extracted from audited financial ststements of commercial banks. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that e-commerce customization capability had a significant effect on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study concluded that e-commerce customization capability significantly affected financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study recommends that the management of commercial banks in Kenya should invest more in customization capability to improve their performance.
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.
Evaluation of logical framework approach and its effect on stakeholder participation in the design and execution of projects. (A Case of Economic Stimulus Programmes in Nairobi County
(Kenyatta University, 2014-09-30) Nuthu, Lucy Muthoni; James, Rosemary
The problem statement underlying the study was the observable shortcomings of community stakeholder participation and involvement in management of ESPs, difficulties in the setting of the projects objectives and inadequate review of the set objectives and difficulties in monitoring and evaluation of the projects due to lack of elaborate logframes that would highlight on the indicators of project progress. This study aimed at analyzing the logical framework approach as a tool in results based management and its effect on project design and execution of Economic Stimulus Programmes (ESP) in Nairobi County. The study was guided by specific objectives which are;' to investigate the influence of stakeholder participation and involvement on project design and execution; to determine the effect of objective setting and review on project design and execution; to examine the effect of the logframe matrix in project design and execution. The research design was descriptive design and aimed at describing relationships between the independent and dependent variables of the study. The target population of the study was sixty two ESP projects in Nairobi County. The Sampling design selected for the study was stratified sampling under which nineteen projects were selected; industrialization (Jua Kali Sheds) and Fresh Produce Markets (local government) and education projects. The research instrument used were semi-structured questionnaires that were distributed to respondents. To analyze data, qualitative data was grouped under common descriptive characteristics and analyzed Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data presented using tables, bar charts and pie-charts. A summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations was provided. The findings revealed that the stakeholders were involved in the design and execution of ESP largely through representation by Committee members including the clergy, men, women and youth representatives, school principals and school administration and Jua Kali traders committee. Data also showed that every project had set objectives and milestones which were in some cases reviewed to reflect on the changing environmental forces. Data also revealed that in some cases not all stakeholders were in agreement of all the project objectives. The components of the logframe were used in the monitoring and evaluation of the projects, and though most projects did not have an elaborate logframe matrix the components of the logframe existed in a fragmented manner in the work plans, schemes of work and bill of quantity. Recommendations made were that the logical framework should be used in management of ESP projects to assist in the planning and design, time scheduling, risk analysis and monitoring and evaluation. Suggestions for further research were also presented.
Factors Affecting Monitoring and Evaluation of Microfinance Institutions' (MFI's) Projects in Kenya. A Case Study of Murang' a County.
(Kenyatta University, 2014-09-29) Maina, P. Gichuki.; Sang, Paul; James, Rosemary; Kimutai, Gladys
This study was motivated by the extensive interaction of the researcher and the rural folks who were the key target group by the ever increasing Microfinance Institutions (MFls). After making frantic efforts to make enquiries on why most of those given the loans either ended up closing down theirbusinesses or stagnating at the same economic status, considering that the poverty levels in Murang'a County was at 29% (internet), it was discovered that most of the financiers rarely followed up the intended projects with their clients. Through observation and oral interviews, it was discovered that most of those projects failed within the first one year due to lack of business and entrepreneurial skills. Lack of practical, step-by-step' business and technology-enablement programs inhibited sustainable SME competitiveness and growth. This research therefore studied the factors that affected Monitoring and Evaluation of MFIs projects. The researcher sampled out eleven (11) out of all the financial Institutions with branches in the urban and rural areas, all based in Murang'a County Headquarters. Those eleven were purely MFls. The researcher carried out a census to gather data from the top level management numbering fifty- five (55), of the selected MFIs. However, only thirty three responded, making 60% of the intended 100%. The research design used in this study was descriptive survey. Descriptive survey is the investigation in which quantity and quality data is collected and analyzed in order to describe certain phenomenon (Reid, 1998). According to Long, N. (1996), Qualitative research allows the subjects being studied to give much 'richer' answers to questions put to them by the researcher, and may give valuable insights which might have been missed by any other method. Not only does it provide valuable information to certain research questions in its own right but there is a strong case for using it to complement quantitative research methods.
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
Factors affecting the use of Information and Communication Technology in Government Parastatals: A case of National Environment Management Authority
(2013-08-24) Ongaki, Beatrice; Sang, Paul; James, Rosemary
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information. The use of ICT is undertaken to meet goals and objectives of an organization so as to bring about beneficial and added value to beneficiaries. This study therefore sought to establish factors affecting the use of Information and Communication Technology in government parastatals with a focus on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) offices within Kenya. Specific objectives that guided this study were; to establish the influence of training on the use of ICT, assess the effect of funding on the use of lCT and determine the effect of facilities on the use of lCT. The input variables were categorized into factors for success and output variable was categorized into organizational and technological benefit. This study presents literature review of case studies from both developed and developing countries and preliminary studies grounded in the Kenya e-Government reality. The key factors were identified and categorized under common broad categories. This resulted in a rich picture of experience in the use of lCT in government parastatals. The population for the study was 47 county offices and NEMA headquarters, Nairobi. The target population was 240 employees of NEMA offices in Kenya. Sampling design was considered in selecting respondents who participated in the study. Descriptive survey was used in collecting information by administering questionnaire. The research used primary sources to collect data, questionnaires were administered randomly to 120 employees of the authority. A total number of 104 responded and this constituted 86.6% of the targeted population. Stratified sampling technique was used to.sample the respondents for the study while simple random sampling technique was used to select employees from 47 country offices. The study targeted Top Management, Technical and operational staff members of the Authority. Collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), as well descriptive statistics such as correlation analysis, frequencies, and percentages were used in data analysis. The output was represented using frequency tables and charts based on the research objectives. The study came out with findings, summary, conclusion and recommendations. The findings of the study therefore, established that ICT has not been fully tapped in government parastatals to enable them realize maximum benefits. However, the study concluded that the organization management should thoroughly scrutinize an ICT product to establish its suitability in specific geo-cultural contexts and its effectiveness in enhancing job performance at a specific workplace. To this end, the study recommended that there is need to ensure that all workers are trained on how to use ICT facilities, lCT legislations and regulations should be formulated and integrated in the organization's laws and policies to give it a binding and more authoritative touch.
Factors influencing implementation of allpro beekeeping project in Kajiado and Mwingi Districts
(2013-01-25) Mbae, Robin M.; Kimutai, Gladys; James, Rosemary
Project implementation is of major importance as it determines the achievement of the set objectives of a project. It attracts a lot of attention particularly to the beneficiaries and the stakeholders alike and even the general public. Their involvement is of great contribution to its success. The purpose of projects is to improve social and economic status of the people. Kenya has been a net importer of beekeeping products and the challenge has been why the deficit despite the many government and private projects being and having been carried out. The implementation of these projects, design and use of the required tools and techniques needs to be analyzed and ascertained. Four key issues, stakeholder involvement, financing, capacity building and culture have been focused to establish their relationship in the implementation of a beekeeping project. Thus, this study critically evaluated the issues involved in implementation of ASAL Based Livestock and Rural Livelihoods Support Project (ALLPRO) in Mwingi and Kajiado Districts. This research study adapted a descriptive survey design and employed simple and stratified random sampling. The research was conducted using data that is both qualitative and quantitative data. Structured and unstructured questionnaires were used to collect data from the implementers, stakeholders and the beneficiaries of the project. The results showed that there was low stakeholder involvement that contributed to the low performance of implementation of the ALLPRO beekeeping project. Since the typical Kamba and Maasai beekeepers are traditionally unwilling to compromise traditional ties for modern beekeeping practices, culture was found to have greatly influenced implementation in both districts. There were both positive and negative cultural characteristics that influenced implementation. Majority of the respondents identified financing as the key driver. Stakeholder involvement and capacity building were also cited by many respondents, while a number prioritized culture factors. Other indicators that influenced implementation included, proper timing, training and adoption of appropriate technologies for the project. Based on these findings, project coordinators need to find ways to adjust project implementation programmes to involve stakeholders and cope with cultural characteristics of the target beneficiaries.
Factors influencing successful implementation of enterprise resource planning systems in parastatals in Kenya
(2014-07-14) Amondi, Ogada Anita; James, Rosemary; Sang, P.
The rapid development in Information systems has resulted in a border-less business environment along with an amplified market competition. Traversing through such a trend globally, organisations have had to significantly restructure, adopt and implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to automate their prime business processes and thereby enhance their organizational productivity with lower costs and prompt service delivery to fulfil consumer demands. Despite the adoption and implementation of ERP systems being considered challenging and expensive, the captains of the industry have pushed their organizations through the rigors of modernizing Information Systems after exhaustive investigation of the pointers as to why the adoptions and implementation of ERP systems is necessary. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing the successful implementation of ERP, a software system that is used to manage and coordinate all the resources, information, and functions of a business. A survey of all parastatal organizations in Nairobi was conducted to entail the examination of four key Critical Success Factors (CSF) which include End User Training, Top Management Support, Key Users Expertise and Knowledge and Planning & Management. The target population was all the parastatal organizations who are users of the ERP system in Nairobi. A sample of 5 respondents from each organization was used in the study. Managers participating in the study were purposively selected while end users were sampled using a stratified random sampling approach. The study collected data through self administered questionnaires which was analyzed qualitatively through content analysis to identify emerging themes and patterns that formed the basis of discussing the research findings.Notwithstanding; the implications of this research decimated the scope of how efficient and viable ERP systems are to parastatal organizations in Kenya. It was found that all the managers were computer literate. All the staffs indicated that non-managerial staff needed training in ERP for its successful implementation. It was established from the study that 87.50% of the managers were directly involved in using ERP system and all the managers received training on the use of ERP before it was implemented in the organization. It was also established that 92% of the managers indicated that technology is needed for the implementation of ERP in the organization. The study concludes that the managers were computer literate and had attained computer packages plus professional packages. IT department had the leading role in the implementation process. Staff should be trained and training of trainers is the best approach. Major changes the company faced during ERP implementation was updating/ increasing IT and other equipment. The study recommends that the organizations should ensure all the managers are computer literate and have attained computer packages plus professional packages. Managers should be trained in all aspects of ERP. The training should be appropriate. The organizations should invest in technology for successful implementation of ERP ..
Factors influencing the effective implementation of CDF projects in Masinga constituency
(2012-07-10) Ndeto, Mueni Esther; Kimutai, Gladys; James, Rosemary
This study looked at the-Whole practice of project management with a close regard to the phase of project implementation being the phase that carry most of the project- effort (85%). The principle objective was to investigate the factors influencing the effective implementation of CDF projects in Masinga constituency. The CDF projects are meant to foster national development from the grass roots level, sub location. Each constituency has a committee directly involved in the allocation of funds to various projects in their respective areas. These projects are normally prioritized as per the urgent needs of that particular area - Pressing Needs Identification (PNI). The study concentrated on one constituency. The study focused on reliable responses from CDF beneficiaries and the CDF project officers. The findings of the study have both theoretical and practical implications for the future of CDF projects and National Development in Kenya particularly the remote and poverty stricken rural areas. This enables them to be self-reliant and develop both socially and economically. Practically the study is useful to policy makers in different sectors of national building. Data was collected by use of questionnaires. A pilot study was carried out at Kangonde sub-location to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaires before the actual study was carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data. The analysis gives a wide discussion on how the questionnaires were administered, the organization and management of interviews, methods of data collection and the techniques of the data analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis from the coded information. The findings help highlight and illuminate issues of more general significance for proper management of CDF funds with special regard to general national development. From the findings of the study, it emerged that the implementation phase is very crucial to every project. The conclusions of the study show that generally the constituents were not happy with the running of CDF. The study recommends that all the CDF projects needed to be run professionally to avoid the seemingly stalling of the projects and to provide financial accountability to the general public.
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

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