PHD-Department of Business Administration

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Factors Influencing the Choice of Product Distribution Channels in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 1996) Chege, Jonathan Maina
This study set out to identify factors that affect the choice of p~oduct distribution channels in Kenya and to quantify their relative importance. Alternative channel selection models were studied theoretically and estimated using linear and nonlinear regression methods. The models were fitted to survey data collected from manufacturing companies mainly from the Nairobi area. The data collection instrument was a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed and returned by marketing and sales managers of the companies which had been selected for the study. Estimation results show that the probability of choice of an integrated or direct product distribution channel is positively correlated with product order size and with product order frequency, but a negative association is also found with respect to company size. However the probability of selecting a direct product distribution channel is insignificantly correlated with suitability of existing distribution channels, product complexity, product standardization, product age, degree of customer concentration and government policy. On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that the business legal framework be changed to allow manufacturing companies flexibility in choosing the most appropriate channel structure for their markets. Care however should be taken to guard against creating a situation of unfair competition in the distribution of products. The areas identif ied for future research include ref inements of the theoretical models developed in the thesis, improvements in the sampling procedures used, widening of the geographic coverage of the sample, and investigation of product distribution channels among small scale and export-orlented enterprise$ in urban and rural areas.
Constraints to savings mobilization for growth of selected women-owned MSEs in Kisumu and Kakamega districts in Kenya
(2011-07-20) Ouma, Jagongo Ambrose
This study examined factors that affect savings mobilization for growth of women- owned MSEs who have received financial assistance from WEDCO fo business operations in Kisumu and Kakamega districts. It was based on the socio - economic cognitive entrepreneurial predisposition, aimed at discerning the complexities between the women entrepreneurship potentials and environmental constraints with savings for growth of the MSEs. Savings mobilization is an apparent phenomenon in this study having been a proven alternative to MSEs financing methodology today. Many women- owned MSEs have received financial and other assistance from various donors to star, their business, but their inability to reduce reliance on external sources to grow had remained unexplained. The study hypothesized that the main constraints to savings mobilization for growth of women owned MSEs arose from internal and external factors to the firm, the utili,,ation of derived profits, and the characteristics of the woman entrepreneurs. The target ,)opulation consisted of women entrepreneurs who had received assistance from the WEDCO project (3,030), in Kisumu and Kakamega districts in western Kenya region. The sample size was determined through a multistage sampling process, which culminated into 300 individual women participants. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to collect primary data. Data analysis was done by use of Pearson coefficient of correlation, chi-square tests of independence, analysis of variance, Pair wise ranking and the measures of central tendencies. The ascertained different measures for women entrepreneurial competencies provided a strong basis for explaining the deviations in the dependent variables. However in all, the major findings of the study were that the number of dependants; education level; cultural and religious attachments; endowed management skills; age and marital status had a significant relationship with the savings propensity amongst the women entrepreneurs. It was also revealed that environmental factors such as level of market competition; number and quality of employees, pricing of supplies; proximity to banking facilities; accessibility to information; economic inflation and physical infrastructures bore significant weight on the women's ability to save for growth of their enterprises. The legal and regulatory framework from both the central government and the local authorities significantly impeded savings ability for women entrepreneurship growth. This study concludes that the aforementioned internal and external factors as well as regulatory framework rcquire to be addressed, business development services should be enhanced, and the women entrepreneurial competencies be improved in a bid to encourage a culture of savings for financing the operations and growth of women-owned enterprises.
Factors influencing growth of micro-enterrprises manufacturing metallic products at Kamukunji in Nairobi, Kenya
(2011-07-20) Oroko, Kemunto Huldah; Ondigi, S. R.; Kibas, P. B.
The study examines factors influencing growth of micro-enterprises manufacturing metallic products at Kamukunji in Nairobi. Literature review indicates that concepts, theories, and factors influencing growth featured in this study are largely developed from studies in Western countries, particularly United States and Europe, but their applicability to micro-enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa is contestable. The existing research gap shows that there has been no study on factors influencing micro-enterprise growth at Kamukunji. The design of the study happens to be a correlational survey built on a conceptual model of factors influencing growth. Data were collected from 354 micro-enterprises by self-administered questionnaire, interview. observation guide, and field notes. Non-parametric analysis of variance tests the relationship between entrepreneur and enterprise profiles and growth. Ethnicity, religion, marital status, father occupation, enterprise's age, priority growth goal, and sources of funds portray significance at 0.05 levels. Factor analyses point to sampling adequacy for personality attributes (KMO = .82), transferable experiences (KMO = .74), and stakeholder patronage (KMO = .87). Bartlett's Test of Sphericity reveals significance at .001 levels which emphasise principal component analysis' relevancy for the data set. Cumulative variance explained (R2) findings indicate that the personality attributes (60.85%), transferable experiences (61.26%), and stakeholder patronage (65.33%) models remain conceptually valid. The 39 hypotheses tested by Spearman rank correlation coefficients discloses partial acceptance (66.67%). Key conclusions denote that stakeholder patronage has moderate support while personality attributes and transferable experiences experience low support from the quantitative and qualitative data. Key recommendations turns out to be the development of personality attributes during entrepreneurs' formative years; enhancement of transferable experiences through skills training of entrepreneurs; and participatory stakeholder patronage to enable micro-enterprises grow beyond the survival stage. Further research should involve designing a study to determine whether growth factors at Kamukunji have improved since the survey was carried out way back in 2006. Results significantly influence policy, practice, research, and development partners' initiatives on the stride towards achievement of long term goals such as UN Millennium Development Goals 2015 and Kenya Vision 2030.
Determinants of competitive peformance of Kenyan small and medium enterprises in food processing: a study of selected firms from Nairobi
(2011-07-25) Onyango, A. Maria
Competitive performance of Kenyan food processing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is important for ensuring that they effectively stabilize agricultural production, create jobs and reduce poverty as the government expects of them. Analysis and establishment of the determinants of their competitive performance would facilitate the provision of cost effective support for making them fulfil their expected roles. Reviewed literature widely cited that formal education and training, enterprise training, inter-firm, linkages/collaborations and policy framework affect competitive performance of SMEs. This study explored the extent to which these factors affected the competitive performance of food processing SMEs selected from three food processing sub-sectors in Nairobi Province. The selected sub-sectors were the horticulture, the dairy and the milling respectively. The study operationalized formal education and training, enterprise training, SMEs linkages and policy framework as independent variables and SMEs competitive performance as the dependent variable. Weak competitive stand of Kenyan food processing SMEs was evidenced from observed rivalry these SMEs face from cheap imported products from regional markets. The study used qualitative and explorative techniques to collect and analyze data from 30 SMEs selected from the already stated food processing sub-sectors. Four hypotheses were tested to verify if (formal education and training, enterprise training, SMEs linkages and policy framework) were significant determinants of competitive performance of SMEs. Multiple regression analysis facilitated the presentation of significant relationships between independent variables and the dependent variable collectively and individually. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results and discussion of the analysis. Estimate results of R2 =72.7% and adjusted value of R2=68.3% indicated that all the independent variables tested were significant determinants of competitive performance of food processing SMEs. The four null hypotheses were rejected and the alternative hypotheses accepted. The t-test was used to establish the magnitude of relationship between individual independent variables and the dependent variable. The study found that formal education and training arc essential for providing basic skills and competencies. Enterprise training is important for quality production but Kenya has many business development services that lack coordination and hence most processing skills are learned through on-the-job training with challenges of standardized quality. The SMEs had limited linkages and collaborations hence limited overall volume turnover. It was further found that imported technologies used lowered the profit margins due to increased unit cost of production. There was lack of sector specific policies to address specific and special needs of food processing SMEs. It was concluded that since all the investigated independent variables were significant determinants of food processing SMEs competitive performance, future interventions should strengthen them with focus on SMEs sector. Future research should use larger samples and explore more variables as means of verification of the findings.
RNA interference as a resistance mechanism against parasitic weeds
(2011-08-22) Runo, Steven
The parasitic plant dodder (Cuscuta pentagona) establishes a continuous vascular system through which water and nutrients are drawn. To discover the route of mRNA transportation, insitu RT-PCR technique was used to locally amplifiy host transcript within parasitic tissue. The stability of host mRNA molecules was also checked by monitoring specific transcripts along the growing dodder thread. Four mRNAs, B and C subunits of PPi-DEPENDENT PHOSPHOFR UCTOKINASE (LePFP), the small subunit of Ribulose-1,5- bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO), and GIBBERELLIC ACID INSENSITIVE (LeGAI), were found to move from host to dodder. LePFP mRNA was localized to the dodder parenchyma cells and to the phloem. LePFP transcripts were found in the growing dodder stem up to 30 cm from the tomato-dodder connection. Long distance RNA movement from host plants into parasites presents an opportunity to control parasitic plants by transforming the host with RNA interference (RNAi) vectors that target the parasite's essential genes. RNAi plants against Striga and dodder respectively have been developed using KNOX] (KNOTTEDI-like homeobox) genes required for meristem maintenance and proper leaf patterning as targets for RNAi. Transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) were exposed to dodder 4 weeks after transplanting to pots. Two transgenic lines showed irregular infection appearance. Dodder formed haustoria in a single spot along the plant stem, and grew from that spot extensively without forming haustoria in other spots. In addition, six weeks old Nicotiana benthamiana plants were infiltrated with Agrabacterium harboring dodder KNOX RNAi construct. As a control, N. benthamiana plants were infiltrated with Agrabacterium harboring the GREEN FLUORECSCENT PROTEIN (GFP) reporter gene construct. After 3 days, when the GFP plants showed expression in leaves, the plants were exposed to dodder. Dodder infection was evaluated after about 3 weeks. Plants that were infiltrated with Agrobacterium harboring dodder KNOX RNAi construct showed partial resistance to dodder with a phenotype similar to the one observed on the stably transformed lines while GFP plants showed normal infection. Although genetic engineering offers the prospects of improving the maize germplasm for resistance against Striga, maize is recalcitrant to transformation and time consuming. A protocol to rapidly establish transformed hairy roots in maize using Agrobacterium rhizogenes is described. Two tropical maize lines (CML 216 and Katumani) and one temperate line (A188) were used in the generation of transformed maize roots. Using a pTF102 binary and pMDC plasmid containing the GUS and GFP reporter genes respectively, transformation frequencies could be estimated. Transformation frequencies were found to be maize genotype specific. Transformation frequencies of 88% were obtained from maize lines- CML 216, 57% and 47 % from A188 and Katumani respectively using the A. rhizogenes strain K599. The transformed roots exhibited a hairy root phenotype that is the hallmark of A. rhizogenes mediated transformation. Multiplex PCR analyses on roots that showed GUS activity confirmed that all transformed roots were positive for the expected GUS fragment. The methodology developed is suitable for application to functional genomic projects for genes whose phenotypes manifest in the roots representing a significant advantage over existing transformation protocols which rely on expensive and time consuming methods.
The role of social entrepreneurship in HIV/AIDS management across the education sector in Kenya
(2011-08-24) Ayiro, Peter Laban
HIV/AIDS is draining the supply of education, eroding its quality, weakening demand and access, drying up countries' pools of skilled workers, and increasing sector costs, already high in relation to available public resources. Despite the many efforts to fight AIDS and the rising awareness of the disease, the epidemic continues to claim lives while imposing heavy costs on the education sector in particular and the Kenyan economy as a whole. The most urgent need of all is, therefore, to understand the process of managing the response to HIV/AIDS, of moving beyond identifying the problems and applying strategic planning. Implementation of effective anti-AIDS initiatives in the education sector has been inadequate hence the need for different management approaches in the impact mitigation process. The study therefore takes cognisance of entrepreneurial variables that in other studies have been shown to enhance organizational outcomes and which can be applicable in the mitigation of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the education sector. The purpose of the study was to establish "role of social entrepreneurship in HIV/AIDS management" concerning which very little research has been done. The population of the study was derived from managers of HIV/AIDS activities in the education sector nationally, and the respondents were obtained through stratified, random and purposive sampling techniques. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design; descriptive statistics were used to analyse all demographic variables so as to appropriately describe and summarize the data sample; regression analysis was done to investigate the relationship between the overall entrepreneurial practices, as measured by the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI) and measures of management reinforcement practices and entrepreneurial behaviour exhibited by those involved in HIV/AIDS mitigation in the education sector. From the results, it is evident that the attributes that foster entrepreneurial behaviour are not embraced by organizations engaged in the mitigation of HIV/AIDS in the education sector. The main conclusions were that the existing administration practices were less effective and that is why limited entrepreneurial management practices existed in the sample organizations. The key recommendation was that organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS management response should configure organizational management structures and put in place strategies that are innovative and business-like. Considering the complexity of managing the response to HIV/AIDS in terms of resource mobilization, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these activities, a hybrid between private, non profit and public sectors has to be adopted under the framework of social entrepreneurship. The resultant framework presents key actions required for a comprehensive and sustainable programme of response and mitigation.
Contextual Factors Affecting Gender Mainstreaming in the Public Sector: Ministry of Education, Eastern Province, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2012) Kirima, Lucy Karimi
Gender mainstreaming as a key strategy for promoting equality was adopted as an international policy in the Fourth World Conference at Beijing, 1995. Many studies show' that in the decade following Beijing, a great deal of energy and resources were put into gender mainstreaming implementation. Despite the tremendous progress in policy development and abundance of information available on gender mainstreaming, reviews and evaluations show a huge gap between policy commitments at Beijing and actual implementation. The purpose of the study was to establish the contextual factors affecting gender mainstreaming implementation in the public sector. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The target population consisted of the provincial and districts gender coordinators and the heads of public secondary schools in Eastern province. Eastern province was selected purposively among other provinces in Kenya because of low transition rate from primary to secondary schools. A total of 211 respond~nts were sampled through purposive and random sampling techniques. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were used to collect primary data. Descriptive. statistics were used to summarize the properties ofthe mass data that were collected from the respondents. Factor analysis was used to determine the factors that were used in the study namely; strength of strategies, gender mainstreaming strategies, gender policy in education, gender disparities in education and understanding of the policy which were used in logistic regression analysis. Logit regression was used to determine the effect of the factors on gender mainstreaming. Among the five factors, only one factor (gender disparities in education) affected gender mainstrearning negatively. All other predictor variables: strength of strategies; gender mainstreaming strategies; gender policy in education and understanding of gender policy in education affected gender mainstreaming positively. From the fmdings, it is evident that Gender policy in education is not being implemented effectively in the public secondary schools and there are several external and internal factors affecting gender mainstreaming in the education sector which includes; inadequate commitment from top-down to the institution, lack of understanding of the gender concept, inadequate training and awareness for teachers, gender imbalance and inadequate training for Board of Governors and Parents Teachers Association, inadequate resources and socio-cultural factors. The study concluded that the school. heads, teachers and management were ill-prepared for the policy implementation, there is inadequate support, ,training and awareness, poor system of monitoring and evaluation, and that the policies and strategies outlined for secondary schools are appropriate and satisfactory but requires balancing between boys and girls.
The effects of long-term credit on entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise performance among small and medium size enterprises in Kenya
(2012-03-26) Sirma, Moris Haron
Over the past four decades, Kenya has implemented actions to provide long-term credit to small andmedium sized enterprises (SMEs). This is on the premise that long-term credit stimulates both entrepreneurial behavior and improves performance of SMEs. To date, empirical literature is inconclusive on the effect of long-term credit on entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise performance. The specific objectives of this study were to investigate effect of long-term credit on both entrepreneurial behavior and each of its dimensions, namely pro-activeness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and innovativeness. In addition, the study sought to examine how long term credit affects enterprise performance. Past research studies were reviewed which revealed definitive evidence of knowledge gaps in this stream ofliterature, The philosophical base of the research was realism while the research design was both explanatoryand descriptive. A sample of 81 SMEs was drawn from enterprises funded under the European Investment Bank Global loan scheme in Kenya. Data was collected using standardized measurement instruments developed by Miller (1983), Covin and Slevin (1989, 1991) and Gupta and Govindarajan (1984). A 58 percent response rate was attained on the basis of 47 duly filled questionnaires. Using hierarchical regression analysis, empirical results showed that long term credit had apositive and statistically significant effect on entrepreneurial , behavior. It also revealed that while long term credit had a positive and statistically significant effect on each dimension of entrepreneurial behaviour, the quantum of the effects on each dimension was not the same. The effect of longterm credit on enterprise performance was positive but statistically not significant. The study makes key research and practical contributions. The new approach of examining the effects of long term credit on each dimension of entrepreneurial behavior revealed better understanding on how long term credit stimulates entrepreneurship. On a practical perspective, financing of SME through long term credit may not be an optimal financing strategy. If the goal was to maximize value of SME, it would appear that one way to do this was to minimize long term debt in the capital structure of the enterprise.
The contribution of entrepreneurship education to the developement of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions among university students in Uganda
(2012-03-26) Lalango, Jacob Oyugi; Ofafa, G. A.; Wilson Muyinda Mande
This study was set up to analyse the contribution of entrepreneurship education to the development of self efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions among final year university students in Uganda. The study was important because of the on going debate that entrepreneurship cannot be taught, yet others say it is necessary and should be taught at all levels including universities. Consequently, doubts about the contribution of formal entrepreneurship education in Ugandan universities continue to arise especially when students presumed to have acquired entrepreneurial skills still come out of the universities as job seekers and less ready for self-employment. The study design was an analytical crosssectional survey since the data was collected from a cross section of selected university students and management at one point in time. Primary data was collected mainly through self-administered questionnaire techniques, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. A net total of 255 students out of 2,223 students who did entrepreneurship course by end of their final year, were selected from three universities in Uganda, through simple random sampling, and were used in this study as respondents. The target population also included entrepreneurship lecturers (28), Heads of Department (3), Deans of faculties or schools (3) offering entrepreneurship education as well as Deputy Vice Chancellors in charge of Academic Affairs (3) and Academic Registrars (3) totalling to 40 respondents. The quantitative data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 17.0 computer package. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach (spreadsheet package). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to present a variety of statistical information and to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that content accounts for 18.3% variation in entrepreneurial intentions; objectives account for 17.6% of the variation in entrepreneurial intention while 17.4% of the variation was accounted for by the methods of teaching entrepreneurship education. The correlation results indicated a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurship education and intentions r (255) = 0.464, p
The relationship between performance management practices and employee perfomance in public organizations in Uganda
(2012-03-26) Khamanywa, Teopista Nalule
Uganda has witnessed persistent poor employee performance in public organizations since mid 60s, which scholars attribute to the 1966/67 crisis and the political turmoil of the early 70s up to mid 80s. Despite government's effort to avert the crisis by introducing reforms to improve employee performance, the situation has not improved. The study's main objective was to investigate whether there is a relationship between performance management practices (decision rights, incentives, performance contracts, organization resources and performance measurement) and employee performance in public organizations in Uganda. The study was conducted at Kampala City Council and the Ministry of Education and Sports. Data was collected from a stratified random sample of 517 participants and from a purposively selected sample of 32 respondents. A 5- point Likert scale questionnaire and three interview guides were used to collect data. The Principal component analysis was used to establish the number of major components which accounted for most of the variance within the performance management practices, government policy and employee performance, The Mann-Whitney test was used to establish the mean difference between the two organizations. Pearson chi-square test was used to establish the relationship between the performance management practices and employee performance. Log-Linear analysis was used to establish the interactive effect among the performance management practices, government policy and employee performance. Qualitative data was analyzed using pragmatic content analysis. The results of the study revealed that the selected performance management practices explained 54% of employee performance while 46% was explained by other factors. Findings also indicated that the Ministry of Education and Sports had better performance management practices than Kampala City Council. The study findings also established that performance management practices had a significant positive relationship with employee performance apart from incentives that had an inverse relationship with employee performance. Findings also revealed that there was a 3-way order interactive effect among performance management practices. Performance measurement, government policy and employee performance had the most critical interaction effect. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that public organization managers and policy makers must ensure that the performance measurement tool used in public organizations is modernized to spell out what it really intends to measure. Measurement should be a continuous process with immediate feedback given to employees. The performance gaps must be addressed in line with government policy. Secondly, public sector managers must ensure that the incentive systems in place are modernized by making them more attractive so as to induce employees to perform optimally. Managers must exercise procedural and distributive justice in the administration of the rewards. They should also ensure that decisions are decentralized to allow full employee participation in the decision making processes. Lastly public sector managers must see to it that organization resources acquisition and development are available and accessed by all their employees.
An investigation of the impact of enterprise based training on the performance of manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2012-08) Mbugua, George Karugu Ndungu
The general objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Enterprise Based Training (EBT) on the performance manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi. The specific objectives on the other hand were: to determine the prevalence of the various categories of EBT; to establish the extent to which enterprise based training had impacted on enterprise performance; To determine whether the differences between training and nominal non-training manufacturing enterprises were significant and to establish the constraints hindering the delivery of enterprise based training among the Directorate of Industrial Training customers. The design of the study was descriptive and crosssectional. The target sample was one hundred and sixty eight enterprises out of a population of three hundred and fourty five manufacturing enterprises in the Nairobi area. This was 49% of the total population. Eighty of the one hundred and sixty eight enterprises had trained with the DIT (training enterprises) in the 2002-2004 period while the balance of eighty eight enterprises had not (nominal non-training enterprises). Systematic random sampling was used in both cases to determine the enterprises targeted for the study. The study used two questionnaires. The questionnaire category one was targeted at the one hundred and sixty eight manufacturing enterprises while the questionnaire category two was targeted at fourty purposively selected key informants among the stakeholders ofDIT. Ten of the questionnaires were each administered to DIT management, workers', employers' and other interests' representatives. The researcher collected data by directly delivering and then later collecting the filled questionnaires. The minimum sample size for questionnaire category one was 60 but 69 responses were received The overall response rate was 47.6% Data analysis was conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics as well as content analysis. In linear regression analysis the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 11) was used while in ANOV A Microsoft Excel (2003) was employed on account of its higher display quality. The study established that: There were high levels of prevalence of (EBT) among manufacturing enterprises (87%) in the Nairobi area but that the prevalence was higher amongst those supported by the ITLF; there was a positive though low causal relationship between EBT and enterprise performance (bl= 0.d994) ; the constraints facing the DIT were both structural and operational; there were significant differences at the 5% level of significance between the training and the nominal non-training manufacturing enterprises .with regard to Innovativeness while there were no significant differences established with regard to Growth and the overall Enterprise performance It was hence concluded that the ITLF supported BBT had contributed to the performance of the participating manufacturing enterprises and that EBT was a viable instrument for both policy and programme intervention and that the established residual enterprise performance (at zero EBT) was consistent with the existence of other contributing factors towards Enterprise performance. The researcher recommended that the DIT be made semi-autonomous by the government so as to facilitate efficient delivery ofEBT and that DIT should extend its support to all small scale enterprises and that in addition it should cater for all cadres of persons engaged in industry in Kenya. This study has established that there is a positive relationship between EBT and enterprise performance and that EBT is a valid instrument for development intervention. The results of this study support the theory that training can be used as an instrument to enhance development.
The relationship between business management training and small and medium sized enterprises' growth in Kenya.
(2012-11-29) Bernadette, Mungai; Mark Ogutu; Namusonge, M.
The study looked into the relationship between training and small and medium-sized enterprises' growth in Kenya. Lack of basic skills in business management and entrepreneurship seems to be a major drawback in the growth and development of the 5MB sector. Despite the various research studies conducted in the past on 5MB training, there has been poor coordination of the effect of the training offered. Service providers in the 5MB are not clear to what extent the entrepreneurs benefit from the business management training, specifically in terms of training and growth of the enterprises. The objectives of the study were to establish the relationship between business management training and small and medium-sized enterprises growth in Nairobi, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the nature and types of training offered to enhance 5MB growth; investigate the relationship between factors that influence the transfer of learning/training and 5MB growth in Nairobi and establish the relationship between business management training and 5MBs growth. The research design for this study was the descriptive method. The target population for this study were Nairobi based entrepreneurs who had successfully received business growth training under the Mwezi Kali IT Project. The population consisted of 400 entrepreneurs who had operated their businesses for a minimum of two years prior to receiving the training. The enterprises were from a cross section of the sub-sectors representing trade, manufacturing and services in Kenya. Systematic and Stratified sampling strategies were used to select the sample of80 respondents in this study. The researcher collected data by administering questionnaires to the entrepreneurs in the target group. The data was analysed using both descriptive statistics, such as the mean, percentage and frequencies and inferential techniques, such as multiple regression analysis. SPSS was used to aid the analysis process. The results were that business management training had a positive effect on the entrepreneurs and as such, new products and services were introduced in the enterprise after the training. The businesses were also able to hire more employees after the training as compared to before the training. The main conclusions were that appropriately timed and designed training programmes are likely to have positive effects on business growth; Most entrepreneurs value training, but cannot afford it; owner-managers need training most but have least time to attend management training in finance, production, marketing, JeT and human resources management are very vital to 5MB growth and there were positive change in the businesses after the training. The changes were as a result of attending the business management training. Finally, the key recommendations were that business management training should be provided to a larger number of enterprises at affordable costs; business management training programmes should meet the needs of the clients and should be tailor-made and networks and linkages amongst various support agencies should be promoted so that training providers can refer their clients for further support.
Assessment of the role of social capital in the adoption of agriculture innovation among smallholder farmers: a case of tissue culture banana in Kenya
(2012-11-29) Njuguna, Macharia Michael; Geoffrey M. Muluvi; Charles Ombuki
Despite the recognition of social capital as an important factor of production, research has devoted minimal attention to investigating its influence on the adoption of agricultural biotechnological innovations. As a consequence, relatively little is known about the specific influence of social capital on adoption of technology. This study uses the case of adoption of tissue culture (TC) banana technology by smallholder farmers in the Maragua and Muranga Districts of Central Kenya to gain a better understanding of this topic. Three research objectives were used and qualitative and quantitative data captured to answer them. From the target population of 1,200 adopters 182 respondents were selected in a three stage sampling design. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire, observation recording form, key informant interviews and focus group discussion. Secondary data were obtained from organizations that had participated in the TC project implementation. To measure the independent variables, constructs were developed after a literature review, focus group and key informants discussion. Through regression analysis, the study showed that social capital significantly increased TC adoption. Using correlation and regression analyses, the study identified three key determinants of social capital among the TC adopters, namely network density, trust and group leadership. Each indicator had significant influence on TC adoption. The study showed that network density indicator was mobilized through extension agents, third party introduction, group leaders, individuals, inheritance, media, exhibitions, field days and agricultural shows and influenced adoption by increasing access to resources, removing the barrier to information, reducing the time for decision making and creating opportunity for referral to partners who could provide additional resources. Trust was cultivated through regular face-to-face meetings and joint activities. It served as a lubricant to the relationship between the TC adopters and their network partners and was an important component in building and maintaining the ties. Group leaders were elected through a democratic process and provided vision, encouragement, and forged links with external partners. The other social capital indicators considered in this study which included, network depth, joint activities, group decision-making, cohesion/solidarity, rules, norms and group meeting attendance had no significant relationship with TC adoption. The study assessed the 'Entrepreneurial Orientation' (EO) of the adopters using a construct that evaluates three traits; proactiveness, risk taking and innovativeness. Majority of the TC adopters had high EO confirming that they were entrepreneurs. The analysis further confirmed a positive correlation between EO and TC adoption. The study established that the TC technology had most of the properties of an innovation that can be adopted or applied quickly. There was a positive correlation between perception of TC and adoption. However, for TC adoption to proceed at a faster rate the high initial cost of adoption will need to be addressed. The study recommends that smallholder adopters of agricultural innovations in groups should be treated as entrepreneurs who should be supported to build networks founded on trust with strong leadership. In addition, the study recommends the use of the framework for further conceptual and empirical evaluations to assess if the three indicators are applicable in the adoption of other technologies, taking into account the fact that some aspects of these studies were techno logy-specific. The study concludes that it is essential to pay attention to the multidimensional nature of social capital and their different impact to the adoption of agricultural innovations. The implication of this study extends beyond filling in a significant lacuna in the existing scholarship; it has the potential to improve development programme designs that seek to mobilize and exploit social capital in the adoption of agricultural innovation.
An Assesment of Financial Practice as a Determinant of Growth of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies Wealth in Kenya:The case of Meru County
(2013-03-21) Olando, Clement ooko
Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) in Kenya have been investing over the years with the objective of maximizing their wealth. As is the case with all investments, wealth maximization is a key objective whenever SACCOs have chosen an investment avenue from a universe of possible investment vehicles. Studies have shown that lack of sufficient Growth of SACCOs' Wealth has made it difficult for them to absorb their operational losses, which has threatened their sustainability. This has led to the losses being absorbed by members' savings and share capital, hence lose of members' savings. While the purpose of SACCOs is to mobilize m'~hJ:bers'funds and grant credit for the members' development, this has made it difficult for the SACCOs to grow their wealth, achieve this objective and contribute favorably to National Domestic Savings. This failure to build enough SACCOs' wealth, through accumulation of institutional capital, is attributable to weak financial stewardship, inappropriate capital structure and imprudent funds allocation strategy. It is against this background that this study assesses the financial practice as a determinant of growth of wealth of SACCOs with a view of ameliorating the situation for socio-economic development. The specific objectives were to; establish the association of financial stewardship and the growth of SACCOs' wealth, establish the association of capital structure and the growth of SACCOs' wealth, and establish the association of funds allocation strategy and the growth of SACCOs' Wealth. This study used descriptive design in soliciting information on the determinants of growth of SACCOs' wealth. Data was collected from the census of 44 SACCCOs in Meru county using a questionnaire and document review-tool, .and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicatedthat Growth of SACCOs wealth depended on Financial stewardship, Capital structure and Funds allocation strategy, The study further found that SACCOs inadequately complied with their by-laws; incomes from investments did not adequately cover their costs, The study recommends that SACCO should; continuously review credit policies, establish irrecoverable loan provision policies, develop staff recruitment policies, use appropriate financing mix. Other recommendation is that the Government should review legal framework to ensure that institutional capital is used to grow SACCOs wealth, This study will empower SACCOs with knowledge to ensure their sustainability from within, hence support vision 2030 by widening financial inclusion.
The contribution of legislation to ethical performance of local government administrators: a case of Wakiso District in Uganda
(2013-07-23) Regis, Zombeire Kamaduuka
The current study sought to thoroughly analyse the contribution of legislation on the ethical performance of Local Government Administrators in the District of Wakiso, Uganda. This study was premised on the fact that there were intense complaints about unethical behaviours among Local Government Administrators in the District. The unethical behaviour abound in spite of the numerous laws that were enacted to guide and control the official conduct of Local Government Administrators in the country. The study design was a cross-sectional survey since the data were collected from a cross section of selected Local Government Administrators at one point in time. A total of 226 Local Government Administrators who participated in the study were selected through a stratified sampling. Several methods were used to collect data: the self-administered questionnaires; interviews; review of primary document and secondary literature. Findings revealed that: awareness of legislation accounts for 21.9% variation in methods of implementing legislation; it was found out that awareness of legislation had a moderate positive significant relationship with methods of implementation. The methods for implementation contribute 8% to the promotion of moral virtues among Local Government Administrators; there was a low positive significant relationship between methods of implementing legislation and moral virtues of Local Government Administrators. The moral virtues of Local Government Administrators account for 27.4% variation in ethical performance. It was found that moral virtues had a moderate positive significant relationship with ethical performance. Legislation accounts for 39.5% variation in ethical performance. The test indicates a moderate positive relationship between legislation and ethical performance. In a hypothesised model the overall total effect of legislation on ethical performance is 70% which is high, leaving effect of other factors to be 30%. The major contribution of this study is that it has established that legislation contributes greatly (70%) to ethical performance of Local Government Administrators in the District. In conclusion, legislation is relevant to the performance of Local Government Administrators. However, the ethical performance of the Local Government Administrators is based on fear of the law which means that the Local Government Administrators do not perform ethically as required by the laws. The study went ahead to make the following recommendations based on objectives: that there should be continuous emphasise on awareness of legislation by supervisors from the time the civil servant joins the organisation up to the time of leaving, with emphasise on improved methods of implementation of legislation especially by Chief Administrative Officer. Secondly, there is need to revisit the methods of implementing legislation by respective heads of department especially by clear follow up on the circulars and press releases. Besides, prosecution should be improved by making it more objective and embedded as part of mission statement in every work place at the district by Inspector General of Government. Thirdly there is need to sensitise and empower Local Government Administrators through training by consultancy firms, to enable them make a formal commitment to demonstrate ethics, integrity and responsibility in all that they do. This study recommends training in moral virtues which can help the Local Government Administrators to acquire and retain some of the moral virtues like full accountability, transparency and integrity. Specific methods are recommended for the training: lectures, case studies, role play, simulation and group discussion
Assessment of mobile phone service quality by customers and service providers: the case of St. Augustine and Mzumbe universities and network providers in Tanzania.
(2013-08-01) Elisante, Gabriel
This study is about the effects of service quality on customers’ satisfaction in the mobile phone industry of Tanzania as assessed by customers and service providers. The research problem is that with different expectations and perceptions, customers and service providers might assess quality factors differently in predicting customers’ satisfaction level. The main objective of this study is to find out to what extent service quality factors can be used to predict the level of satisfaction by customers compared to service providers. There were four specific objectives for this study. Firstly, to establish the quality factors that influence the assessment of mobile service quality by customers. Secondly, to determine how service providers assess themselves regarding customers’ satisfaction. Thirdly, to compare the assessment mobile phones service quality by customers and service providers. Fourthly, to determine the effect of location on the assessment of quality factors by customers. The study was designed to be descriptive. The study population consisted of 10,990 university students from two selected universities. A sample of 468 university students was drawn to represent customers. Out of 468 questionnaires distributed, 420 were collected hence a response rate of 90 percent. A linear regression analysis model was used to determine the factors that are important in predicting satisfaction. A t-test was used to compare the results from customers’ assessment with that of service providers. It was found that three quality factors (reliability, responsiveness and empathy) are important in determining the overall customers’ satisfaction of the mobile phones network industry. It was further found that the important factors in predicting satisfaction are different from one location to another. The quality assessment by customers is found to be different from that of service providers. This is because the t-value obtained through a T-Test, was found to be statistically significant. It is therefore concluded that the factors of service quality affect the level of customers’ satisfaction in the mobile phone industry differently. The results of this study can be used by service providers in the marketing management for mobile phone networks. The Service providers ought to focus their strategies on the three important factors in the mobile phone industry of Tanzania. It is recommended that service providers need to understand the assessment of their customers in order to eliminate the service quality gaps which emanate from variations in assessment of service quality of service providers compared to customers.
The effect of corporate entrepreneurship on the performance of the edible oil manufacturing firms in Kenya
(2013-08-12) Mokaya, Samuel Kevin Obino;
Corporate entrepreneurship has been recognized as an effective strategy by which to improve enterprise performance (growth and profitability) and as a result corporate managers are unanimous in making their employees and organizations more entrepreneurial. However, the challenge of management is to create a supportive environment that attracts, motivates and retains intrapreneurs, instill a culture of innovation where employees are empowered to pursue dreams and to fail without retribution. There is adequate empirical literature linking corporate entrepreneurship to organizational performance. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of corporate entrepreneurship on performance of the oil manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study used a descripto-explanatory research design. The study covered a sample of 214 drawn from a population of 498 employees of BIDCO Oil Refineries and KAPA Oil Refineries. The sample was determined through proportionate stratified simple random sampling approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive (mean) and inferential statistics (T-tests, correlation and regression). The study revealed that corporate entrepreneurship is a common phenomenon in the edible oil manufacturing firms with consequent positive effect on performance. BIDCO had more pronounced deliberate efforts to promote and stimulate corporate entrepreneurship as compared to KAPA. The two firms had formulated and implemented a number of strategies to stimulate and promote corporate entrepreneurship among employees. The study revealed a strong and positive correlation between corporate entrepreneurship strategies and organizational performance with a correlation coefficient of 0.661. All the major corporate entrepreneurship practices in both firms received above average rating with resource availability and management support receiving highest rating. The study revealed a strong and positive correlation between corporate entrepreneurship practices and organizational performance at 0.686. Employee entrepreneurial behaviour; measured through individual motivation, risk taking, innovativeness and proactiveness had positive and significant correlation with organizational performance at 0.487. All the attributes of organizational performance received above average rating, though BIDCO experienced significantly higher performance than KAPA. The level of corporate entrepreneurship was high in BIDCO as compared to KAPA though both firms had experienced improved organizational performance. The study established a strong linkage between corporate entrepreneurship and organizational performance at 0.000 significance level; implying that companies with high entrepreneurial intensity experience better performance than those that do not. From the study findings, it was clear that corporate entrepreneurship was a common phenomenon in both firms with deliberate efforts to promote and stimulate it amongst employees. However, there was more intrapreneurial intensity in BIDCO as compared to KAPA. The results imply that corporate entrepreneurship had immensely contributed to organizational performance in the two firms, as demonstrated by the positive linkage between all the three independent variables and organizational performance. Managers should develop deliberate systems and programmes to promote, stimulate and institutionalize corporate entrepreneurship as a normal organizational practice. Efforts should include provision of appropriate performance-based rewards and recognition, allowing employees time off their officially assigned tasks to work on innovative ideas and projects, improving organization-wide communication to enhance sharing of ideas and working in teams on innovative projects.
Determinants of initial export market participation among micro and small enterprises in the commercial craft sector in Kenya
(2013-08-14) Mwiti, Evans
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) play a critical role in the economy of most developing as well as developed nations in terms of employment creation and generally wealth creation. In many developing countries, MSEs form the largest proportion of the businesses and therefore need to be competitive both in the local and international markets. Though Kenya has over 1.3 million MSEs which is a critical mass for any economic development, the level of market participation is low. In terms of export market participation, only about 30% of MSEs in Kenya have been able to tap into the great potential of this huge global market. This is low despite the fact that Kenya has huge potential especially within the commercial craft MSEs who can exploit the global market to market Kenya’s unique cultural and artistic products. The general objective of this study was therefore to investigate the determinants of initial export market participation among MSEs in the commercial craft sector in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine the effect of internal-proactive factors on initial export market participation among MSEs in the commercial craft sector in Kenya, to investigate the effects of internal-reactive factors on initial export market participation among MSEs in the commercial craft sector in Kenya, to establish the effect of external-proactive factors on initial export market participation among MSEs in the commercial craft sector in Kenya, and to determine the effect of external-reactive factors on initial export market participation among MSEs in the commercial craft sector in Kenya. The study adopted the stage theory and the factor proportions theories of internationalization. The study used mix of explanatory and descriptive research designs. The target population for the study was 140 MSEs in the commercial craft sector in Kenya registered with EPC at the time of the study. The study covered all the 116 MSEs in the commercial craft sector in Kenya registered with the export promotion council located in zone one (Nairobi area). The managers of these commercial craft MSEs were studied at their place of work to determine the effect of factors that influence initiation of export market participation. Primary data was collected by use of a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics like mean and percentages. Factor analysis was used for data reduction and multiple regression analysis to establish the relationship between the independent and the dependent variable. The research findings show that initial export market participation in Kenya MSEs is influenced by internal proactive factors, external proactive factors and Size of the firm. The study concludes that to enhance export market participation and ensure a vibrant and competitiveness in the global marketplace, these proactive factors need to be addressed. The study recommends that the government and particularly agencies like EPC and associations like AMEGA need to collectively lobby and develop export sensitization programmes and development of appropriate policies to increase MSE export market participation.
The influence of public-private partnerships on the relationship between market access and performance of small and medium horticultural enterprises in Kenya
(2013-08-14) Rangi, Dennis Kirenge
Terms of participation in international trade present SMEs with a number of performance challenges entailing more demanding capabilities in terms of quality and quantity of products. Alliances between the private and public sectors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) enable creative strategies that help SMEs to break out of their small and sometimes inefficient operations to become more globally competitive. While there is information on PPPs from around the world there is inadequate information available on them in Kenya, and knowledge on their contribution especially in the horticultural subsector has not been well studied and documented. The study examined the influence PPPs have on the relationship between market access and performance of Small and Medium Horticultural Enterprises in Kenya. This was addressed by documenting the sources and nature of Public-Private Partnership support that SMEs in horticulture receive in Kenya, and determining the relationship between market access and the performance of the Small and Medium Horticultural Enterprises as well as the relationship between PPP support and the performance of the horticultural SMEs. Lastly, the study also determined the relationship between market access and the performance of the Small and Medium Horticultural Enterprises when intervened with PPP support. The target population comprised of Finlay‟s Homegrown Kenya Ltd based in Naivasha, and SMEs that work with Finlay‟s Homegrown Kenya Ltd and are based in the Central, Rift Valley and Eastern provinces. Stratified random sampling was used to select SMEs from those that are supported by Finlay‟s Homegrown Kenya Ltd. This study adopted multi-method approach by combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire, key informant interview guide and observations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the study. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 17) was used in the analysis of data collected. Among the descriptive statistics utilised include frequency distribution and percentages while the inferential statistics used Chi-square test of independence. Data was presented in tables, charts, and diagrams. The study established that Small and Medium Horticultural Enterprises receive support from the public and private sectors and NGOs. However, evidence of the effectiveness of the support provided is mixed and not quite encouraging because partnership between the various sectors is ad hoc and not structured. The study concluded that the relationship between market access and SME performance is improved when intervened by PPP support. After analysing SME support programmes the study recommends that for PPP to be successful in supporting SMEs, a number of actions are required focusing on the establishment of an institutional framework that will help identify, prioritise and define engagement of different stakeholders. This will result in high productivity and overall improvement of business performance in the horticultural subsector and therefore contribute significantly to the realisation of Kenya‟s Vision 2030.
E-Commerce Adoption Among Micro, Small and Medium Sector in Nairobi County, Kenya
(2013-08-15) Ochola, Phares B. Odhiambo
Electronic commerce (e-commerce) offers considerable exploitable potential for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The innovation presents vast opportunities for business organisations to infuse efficiencies in their operations and processes in order to serve their customers more efficiently, enter new markets, and rationalise their business processes. Despite the potential, however, there is evidence of slow uptake of e-commerce by MSMEs in developing countries including Kenya. Failure to attain of an adoption level threshold continues to prevent firms from reaping the full benefits inherent in the use of the technology. Additionally, little is known about the e-commerce environment among Kenya’s MSMEs, a situation that is likely to impact negatively on adoption decisions. Further, in spite of the heightened enthusiasm by academics and researchers, many of the studies conducted in the area of e-commerce have been scanty and general in coverage, with some even producing conflicting results. The objectives of this study were to analyse the e-commerce environment within Kenya’s MSMEs sector; analyse the effect of the determinants of slow e-commerce adoption against organisational, environmental, and technological factors among Kenya’s MSMEs; and explain the interactive effect of the various determinants on the likelihood of e-commerce adoption. The study employed a mixed research design, proportionate stratified random sampling and simple random sampling procedures were used to select a sample of 540 firms from a population of 1,800 firms in Nairobi. Primary data were collected using a predesigned and tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, non-parametric methods (chi-square), and logistical regression analysis. The study established that the MSMEs e-commerce environment was characterised by small, non-manufacturing firms and the ICT capacity of the firms increased with firm size. The firms had relatively younger firm owners/managers with high levels of education and whose perception of innovation characteristics had a significant bearing on e-commerce investment decisions. The study also found that level of education, gender, and age; firm size, sector of operation, market focus, and supply and customer pressure perception of innovation significantly influenced the adoption of e-commerce. Using the logistic regression analysis, the study established that the likelihood of adoption was, either individually or interactively, significantly affected by organisational, technological and environmental factors. The study recommends that decisions regarding the adoption of e-commerce should take into account all critical technological, organisation, and environmental factors with the key objective of addressing the barriers inhibiting enhancement of the likelihood of adoption.

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