RP-Department of Management Science

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National culture and organizational capabilities of IT offshoring services in Kenya
(African Journal of Business Management, 2012-01-17) Fadhili, A.; Ochara, N.M.
The pervasive adoption of outsourced information technology (IT) services has made the multi-billion dollar information technology outsourcing industry become important to individual organizations and governments as well. IT off shoring elevates the importance of country destination where services are outsourced to with increasing attention shifting to offshore destinations in Africa. African countries are emerging as offshore destinations because they are regarded as low cost regions, while the traditional ‘captive’ destinations such as India and China are becoming middle income and thus with increasing cost levels. To examine the influence of organization capability and national cultures in offshoring success, a case study was used and theoretical thematic analysis employed. From the analysis, this study recommends a framework dubbed the renewal, credibility and sensitivity (RCS) framework. The critical dimensions revolve around the need for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms to enhance their capabilities through organizational renewal; countries to enhance their competitiveness through development of their national credibility; while global stakeholders should recognize that there is a need for development of intercultural competence, not only from vendor perspectives, but also from client organizations. The framework recognizes that the key drivers that underlie the development of offshoring success include the need to build organizational capability, positive convergence of country factor conditions and enhancing intercultural competence. Key words: IT offshoring, business process outsourcing, BPO, Africa, Kenya, organizational capability, national culture.
Parametric and non-parametric model performance differences in estimation of critical stream flow discharge levels
(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2013) Kiarie, F. K
Nonparametric estimation based on quantile regression methodology of Koenker and Basset (1978) and conventional parametric regression approaches were applied to a river regime to estimate volatility in streamflow discharge levels. Consistency and asymptotic normality properties of estimators obtained from both approaches were given. From the study results non-parametric quantile regression approach yielded better results than other methods. Other than for boundary effects which require boundary modifications, the model validation results implied good performance of the nonparametric model in estimating critical streamflow discharge levels.
Influence of External Organizational Environment on Performance of Community-Based HIV and Aids Organizations in Nairobi County, Kenya
(European Scientific Journal, 2014) Njuguna-Kinyua, Jane; Munyoki, Justus; Kibera, Francis
As the external organizational environment continue to be turbulent, affecting activities for both profit and non-profit organizations, organizations are becoming more concerned with their performance so as to ensure that the available but limited resources are utilized efficiently and effectively. Over time, attention has been focused on profit-making organizations with little emphasis on performance of community-based organizations (CBOs) especially those located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Theoretically, scholars in management discipline indicate that the external environment of an organization influences its performance. Thus, an organization’s level of performance is dependent on dynamism and complexity of the external environment, heterogeneity as well as capacity and domain consensus of the existing organizations. This paper examines the impact of the external organizational environment on performance of community-based HIV and AIDS organizations in Nairobi County, Kenya. The authors empirically assess the predicted relationship using survey data from 163 Community Based HIV and AIDS Organizations, in Nairobi County, Kenya between January and March 2013. The study findings indicate that the external environment of an organization has an impact on an organization’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and financial viability with higher impacts on the relevance performance indicators. External environment was evaluated from dimensions of uncertainty, domain consensus, heterogeneity, capacity and dynamism. The findings of this study indicate statistically significant positive relationship between external environment and CBOs external environment and effectiveness (beta 0.541, p-value=0.000), efficiency (beta 0.695, p-value=0.000), relevance (beta 0.707, pvalue=0.000) and financial viability (beta 0.578, p-value=0.000) leading to an argument that proper scanning of external environment influences all activities of an organization from planning to implementation. However, extra attention should be paid to external environment in program identification and planning as this shapes implementation. This study has important implications for managers of CBOs on the relevance of proper scanning of external environment as it influences all activities of an organization from program conceptualization to implementation
Determinants of Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems by Listed Companies in Kenya
(IOSR, 2014) Nzuki, D. M.; Malonza, Gladys Nduku
The adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP’s) has many business implications. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors determining adoption of ERP’s among listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) companies in Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were; to establish the organization characteristics that determine adoption of ERP’s, find out the ERP attributes that contribute to its adoption and to investigate the extent of adoption and use of ERP by listed companies in Kenya. The descriptive research design was used in this study and the sample size was the fifty five (55) companies listed at the NSE. Study data was collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher and administered with the help of a trained research assistant. The data was analysed through SPSS software and results presented in percentages and frequencies through tables and figures. The results indicated that the size of the firm, number of employees in organizations, employee turnover, location, and type of ownership of the organization, age of the company, capital structure and familiarity with ERP tools influenced organizations adoption of ERP systems. ERP attributes like its complexity and compatibility, triability, Observability, relevance and interest within businesses for the adoption of the ERP systems led to the adoption of the system. The ICT environment aspects included hardware, software, people, the government, politics, the environment and innovation. These findings are relevant to the government in its implementation of the vision 2030 as well as to the companies listed in NSE.
Determinants of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Integration in Tertiary Institutions
(2014-03) Nzuki, D. M.; Kyalo, Josphat Kisuo
Proponents have put forward some factors that serve as the basis for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration to support education at different levels. This study was basically a critical review of the literature using multiple case study methodology to explore and understand the appropriate approach to the establishment of proper integrated ICT infrastructure and its applications in tertiary institutions. Several factors have been identified especially in the normal education environment, both enablers and hindrances together with an elaborat e ICT infrastructure that serves as a backbone to the ICT integration into the education. The study reveals enablers and infrastructure aspects for ICT integration; and the managerial impact of incorporating the determinants as a paramount tool for a state-of-art educational environment.
Determinants of Electronic Health in Developing Countries
(International Journal of Arts and Commerce Vol. 3 No. 3 April, 2014, 2014-04) Nzuki, D. M.; Mugo, David Muchangi
Limitations of paper-based records are influencing a transition across the globe towards Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and in general electronic health (eHealth). However, despite the well documented benefits of eHealth, adoption particularly in developing countries remains a great challenge. Lessons learned from widespread implementation efforts can be used to encourage and inform the use of eHealth. This study evaluates the most current literature to establish the extent to which electronic health has been adopted in developing countries. The study has shown various determinants of electronic health adoption which will help countries particularly the developing ones come up with necessary interventions to accelerate the adoption. As part of future work, more studies need to be done, firstly to confirm the effect of the mentioned determinants in this paper in each developing country, secondly to find out other determinants of eHealth adoption and thirdly to show how developing countries’ cooperation on eHealth strategies can affect the journey towards eHealth adoption by these countries
Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Kenya: A Case of Selected Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi Metropolitan
(Center for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2015) Nzuki, D. M.; William Okelo-Odongo
Although the manufacturing sector in Kenya faces low productivity levels, stiff competition and high production costs, firms are still using inefficient technology. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can enhance efficiency through integration and sharing of business processes in real-time. This study was done to determine factors that influence ERP adoption among corporate members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) that operate within the Nairobi Metropolitan. Questionnaires were administered to 141 KAM members whereas 17 ERP firms were interviewed. Logit model was used to estimate the influence of the factors on ERP adoption. Organizational composite factor was found to be an important factor, whereas the planned change, business environment and ERP attributes factors were weak predictors of ERP adoption. The findings will benefit scholars, government, vendors and users of ERP system. Further research was recommended to investigate the weak factors
Adoption Determinants of E-learning Management System in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya: A Case of Selected Universities in Nairobi Metropolitan
(Center for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2015) Maina, Michael Kimani; Nzuki, D. M.
Researchers in educational technology have researched for factors to explain problems that hinder acceptance of e-learning management systems in institutions of higher learning. Based on unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), the study examined the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition on acceptance of E-learning Management System (EMS) in institutions of higher learning in Kenya. Descriptive research design and in particular cross-sectional design were employed in order to empirically investigate the extent to which problems influence adoption of E-learning Management System (EMS). A self-administered questionnaire, face-to-face interviews and observation were administered to a sample size of 600 that consisted of lecturers, students, administrators, and technical staff from at least five Universities within Nairobi Metropolitan. Analysis was done using descriptive as well as inferential statistics in order to draw inferences between the variables. The study found that use of EMS was a new technology as most of the respondents had an experience of less than 3 years. Also the study found that expected performance, enabling infrastructures, institutional policies, training support and leadership and ease of effort use influenced the adoption of EMS in institutions of higher learning
Influence of Socio-Demographic Determinants on Credit Cards Default Risk in Commercial Banks in Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2015) Kiarie, Francis K; Nzuki, D. M.; Gichuhi, A.W.
Commercial banks play a major role in economic growth and development through provision of credit. To achieve this, financial payment instruments such as credit cards are increasingly accepted and used in consumer credit market worldwide. However, credit card performance surveys shows that credit default is a major risk faced by commercial banks in Kenya. The risk attributable to credit card default leads to high effective borrowing rates and therefore increased cost of doing business. A study on influence of determinants of credit cards default is therefore necessary for mitigation against this risk and for the safety and soundness of the banking sector. This study therefore sought to investigate the influence of socio-demographic determinants of credit card default in commercial banks in Kenya. The study used secondary data containing socio-demographic details of credit card holders obtained from bank records. The data set was used to identify risk factors associated with a credit cardholder that had higher predictive power of credit card default. These risk factors were gender, marital status, age and educational level. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-Square tests were carried out to identify significant explanatory variables for default in credit cards. A Logistic regression model was then fitted to determine factors with high predictive power of default in credit card loans. Results show that age is a risk factor in credit cards default with younger cardholders having higher olds of defaulting compared to older cardholders. Male cardholders have equal likelihood of defaulting as female cardholders. Education level was found to be statistically insignificant to credit card default. The study therefore recommends creation of more awareness and sensitization to young cardholders on optimal and best industry practice in credit card usage
An evaluation of enterprise resource planning systems implementation experiences for selected Public Universities in Kenya
(2015-02) Ndung'u, Patrick W.; Kyalo, Joseph K.
Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems has found widespread usage in large and mid-sized institutions worldwide. There has been a rapid increase in implementation of these systems in management and administration of institutions of higher learning. To establish the implementation experience in public universities in Kenya, the research study has used the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Information Systems Success Model. The study was carried out on evaluation of implemented integrated enterprise resource planning systems in selected public universities in Kenya. The study sought to investigate existing implementation of enterprise resource planning systems in public university management in Kenya and how they have influenced automation efforts in these institutions. Various challenges are evaluated on the ease of use of integrated systems in administration and management of public universities. Recommendations are drawn on probable ways of utilizing the enterprise systems not only to overcome existing management challenges but also improve service delivery in line with respective institutional strategic objectives. From the findings of the study, most of the implementation projects had been abandoned or stalled altogether. Challenges associated with institutional connectivity and limited skilled expertise to drive the implementation processes were highlighted as leading influencers of implementation processes in respective public universities. The study recommends increased investments towards improvement in institutional connectivity, blending of internal and external skilled expertise to drive implementation initiatives and regular contribution of implementation experiences in internal and external seminars for future studies and contribution to the body of knowledge.
User Acceptance and Usage of E-learning Technologies: A Theoretical Review
(scientific research publishing, 2016) Morrisson, Mutuku Kaunda; Nzuki, David M.
The quest for higher education has prompted learning institutions to adopt e-learning technologies around the world. To support learning, institutions have shifted from the traditional methods of content delivery and started to use of information technology tools and applications such as learning management systems. E-learning technologies are tools and facilities that enable instructors and learners to interact remotely. Instructors and learners acceptance affects their usage and this critical for successful implementation of e-learning technologies. The objective this paper is to review theoretical literature on learners and instructors acceptance and use of e-learning technologies using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT), to establish the factors that influence user acceptance and usage of information communications technology and to provide further insight of the issues encompassing acceptance of e-learning technologies by learners and lecturers. This study reveals that despite TAM being a much referred model for predicting technology acceptance factors and usage, the theory in not powerful enough. The paper also established that most of researchers’ referred to UTAUT in their articles considering their end goal was to back a contention instead of utilizing the theory. Others that reported the utilization of UTAUT really employed
Organizational Capabilities and E-Waste Management: A Theoretical Review Sophia
(Academia edu Publishing Group, 2016) Kipkoech, Jeptarus; Nzuki, David M
: Electronic waste is a problem of great magnitude in the modern world. The people in various spheres of life embrace the use of electronic devices to enhance various processes, hence, the obsolescence of the devices lead to the creation of a new waste category called e-Waste. The fast-growing consumption of e-products globally led to the fastest growing household waste. Presently, the world is experiencing unsurpassed industrialization with manufacturing and processing industries on the increase, hi-tech change that is driven by the need to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The growth of the international market for production and consumption of electronic and electrical equipment is increasingly rapid. Consequently, the e-waste has become one of the fastest growing types of waste that is produced in both the developed and developing countries. There are various international efforts to address the problem by attempting to galvanize policies and enforcement efforts that have not been fruitful so far. This paper attempts to increase the understanding of the gap between growth in the information and communication technology sector and the measures to combat the negative environmental issues brought about by increased electronic device usage. The paper examines past research on the e-waste issues and analyzes it to provide useful recommendations
An analysis of agribusiness support projects contribution on coffee production in Machakos county-Kenya
(Contemporary Research Center, 2016) Mutua, Martin Ambrose; Kioko, Faith Mumo
The increasing demand of coffee all over the world has surpassed the supply. This has led to a focused attention by key stakeholders in coffee production. These players have recently introduced agribusiness support based projects aimed at increasing the production of coffee. These projects provide support services on farm advisory services, certification programs, credit facilities and market information. The focus for the programs has been in Africa with a particular attention given to Kenya. Despite this, coffee production in Kenya is steadily declining as farmers are changing their attention from coffee production to other economic activities. The fact that there is a retrogressive production of coffee in presence of these agribusiness support based project raises concern as to whether this project achieve improved coffee production. This therefore necessitates the need to analyse agribusiness support based projects on Kenya’s coffee production. The study sought to answer the question of the extent to which advisory services by agribusiness projects facilitative sustainable coffee production, the degree to which certification programs motivate farmers in coffee production, the extent to which credit facilities enhance profitable coffee production and the degree to which provision of market information facilitates better market prices for coffee farmers. The study was of benefit to farmers and all stakeholders in the value chain of coffee as it will provide a critical insight on how farm advisory services can be enhanced through adopted demand driven trainings and clustering of farmers to increase the scope covered by the projects. On certification projects, the study explored the need for participatory approach and offering premiums on certified coffees geared towards farmer’s motivation and the need to enhance the effectiveness of credit facilitation on long term basis. The study explored the need to enhance better ways of accessing market information for farmers. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was coffee farmers in Machakos County. Convenient and census sampling techniques was used to select 2 districts with 100 respondents out of 320 coffee growers drawn from the management committees from various cooperatives. A questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Factors Affecting Adoption of Information Security Management Systems: A Theoretical Review
(IJSR, 2016) Kiilu, Philip K.; Nzuki, David M.
In the last two decades, Information Technology has emerged in the world affecting our personal, social and public life and has made a significant impact on the quality of life. It handles data and information represented in digital, text, image, graphics or voice media and deals with communication, storage, processing, and printing or exhibition in the manner desired by users. It is an outcome of the advances in telecommunication and computer technology [1]. As a result all sectors of economy have not been left behind in Information Technology adoption since information systems offer significant cost benefits, time savings, productivity gains and process re-engineering opportunities associated with the use of data warehouse for information processing. The amount of sensitive data, customers, market demands and new technologies force the use of sophisticated IT solutions and constant development in this area. The growing infrastructure is becoming more and more complex. This usually invisible infrastructure is the very complex technology system that every function within every organization is built upon; from assessing loan applications to detecting money laundering, to making payments into accounts, provision of government services to manufacturing and Insurance. Simply put, when this technology does not work, the businesses do not work. Such problems are causing huge losses to the economy. For example, in 2012, millions of Royal Bank of Scotland customers were affected by problems with online banking and payments after a software upgrade went wrong. This happened for three hours on a Monday, one of the busiest online shopping days of the year in the US. As it was described, “that cost the bank 175 million pounds (286 million dollars) in compensation for customers and extra payments to staff after the bank opened branches for longer in response”
Estimation of critical streamflow discharge level using nonparametric quantile regression model
(Global Journal of Advanced Research, 2016-04-30) Kiarie, F.
Various parametric models have been designed to analyze volatility in river flow time series data. For maximum likelihood estimation these parametric methods assumes a known conditional distribution. This paper considers the problem of nonparametric estimation of critical streamflow discharge levels of a river regime based on quantile regression methodology of Koenker and Basset (1978).In particular, the paper demonstrates the use of kernel estimators for conditional quantiles resulting from a kernel estimation of conditional distribution function. It is finally proved that the estimate of the nonparametric quantile function is consistent and asymptotically normally distributed and under suitable conditions, the estimator converges uniformly with an appropriate rate.
Governance and Resilience of Project Networks: on a Rising Yet a Misunderstood Trajectory
(The International Journal Of Business & Management, 2017) Mugarura, Yosamu; Sang, Paul
Continued search for sustainable project success has dictated a shift from individualism and competition to partnerships and networking. Project networks is no longer a distant concept but a practical reality. Various actors under different social configurations (called project networks) are increasingly partnering together in search for scarce resources and complementarities. It is evidently clear that project outcomes are achieved through the collective interplay among many actors influenced by technological, social and institutional frameworks in a systemic and co-evolutionary nature. The paper discusses key antecedents (governance practices, network composition, and cultural attributes) of sustainable, and innovative interactions (otherwise known as resilience) in project networks. The paper depicts a key deficiency whereby appropriate skill sets that match unique organizational configuration of project networks, remain elusive to majority of project network managers. The purpose of the paper is to generate a debate by reviewing different literature and highlighting available contributions on the topic while pointing out existing gaps. The debate is intended to stimulate thinking among educationists and project practitioners towards developing a tailored curriculum on project network management that will equip project managers with the requisite skills necessary for managing fragile, complex, and dynamic structural and process configuration of project networks. The paper concludes by noting that for any project network governance to be successful, there is need to understand the composition of that network, cultural attributes, and interaction of network actors.
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.
Financial Management Practices and Sustainability of Non Governmental Organisations Projects in Juba, South Sudan
(International Journal of Finance, 2017) Wandera, Tom Victor; Sang, Paul
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of financial management challenges on financial sustainability of Non-Governmental Organizations in south Sudan. Methodology: The study used descriptive research design. The target population of the study was all the 112 NGO in South Sudan at July 31st 2015. A census of all the 112 key financial manager personnel was taken since the population is small. Primary data was collected through the administration of the questionnaires. This study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. Data was analyzed mainly by use of descriptive and inferential statistics that is, graphical and numerical methods, measures of central tendencies as well as measures of variability. The particular inferential statistics were regression and correlation analysis. Multiple regression equation was used to determine the strength and directions of the association between the variables with the results. Results: The study findings indicated that there is a significant and positive relationship between budget control and the financial sustainability of NGOs in South Sudan. The results also indicated that there is a significant and positive relationship between financial reporting and the financial sustainability of NGOs in South Sudan. Also, results found out that there is a significant and positive relationship between income source diversification and the financial sustainability of NGOs in South Sudan. Further, the results indicated that there is a significant and positive relationship between donor relationship management and the financial sustainability of NGOs in South Sudan. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that budget control activities such as financial resources, competent human resource, and participation of both staff and other stakeholders in the budgeting process, proper planning, evaluation, monitoring and control of the budget process and staff motivation should be fully adopted by NGOs in order to sustain their financials. The study also recommended that income source diversification activities such as charitable donations from individuals and corporations, grants, fees, commission, contracts for service, and sales of goods and should be adopted in order to enhance the financial sustainability of NGOs.
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
Material Management and Sustainability of County Construction Projects in Garissa County, Kenya
(AJPO, 2017) Ibrahim, Abdi Abdikadir; Kirui, Caleb
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of material management on the sustainability of construction projects in Garissa County. Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey research design. The target population under study comprised of 200 construction projects in Garissa County. This study took 30% of the target population and thus 60 construction projects which was used for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the 60 construction projects. The study will consider 3 permanent staff from each construction project (Top Management, middle management and operational staff) as they provided informative details concerning the research. Therefore the total respondents were 180 (60*3). Results: The study found out that procurement and purchasing processes and sustainability are positively and significantly related(r=0.288, p=0.000), Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and sustainability are positively and significantly related (r=0.291, p=0.000). It was further established that material cost and sustainability are negatively and significantly related (r=-0.119, p=0.001).Similarly, results showed that energy saving practices and sustainability are positively and significantly related (r=0.083, p=0.000). Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the research findings, the study recommended for the projects construction management to order materials in the right quantities and material handling should be such as to minimize waste on site.

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