RP-Department of Business Administration

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User charges in government health facilities in Kenya: effect on attendance and revenue
(Oxford University Press, 1995) Mwabu, G.; Mwanzia, J.; Liambila, W.
In this paper we study demand effects of user charges in a district health care system using cross-sectional data from household and facility surveys. The effects are examined in public as well as in private health facilities. We also look briefly at the impact of fees on revenue and service quality in government facilities. During the period of cost-sharing in public clinics, attendance dropped by about 50%. This drop prompted the government to suspend the fees for approximately 20 months. Over the 7 months after suspension of fees, attendance at government health centres increased by 41%. The suspension further caused a notable movement of patients from the private sector to government health facilities. The revenue generated by user fees covered 2.4% of the recurrent health budget. Some 40% of the facilities did not spend the fee revenue they collected, mainly due to cumbersome procedures of expenditure approvals. The paper concludes with lessons from Kenya's experience with user charges.
Health care reform in Kenya: a review of the process
(Science Direct, 1995-04) Mwabu, Germano
The paper looks at the process of health care reform in Kenya during the past 30 years, with a focus on implementation strategies. The data are from official documents of the government. The main finding is that development plans served as the medium through which the government announced its intentions as well as its decisions to implement reforms. A decision to implement a reform was normally accompanied by an implementation budget, whereas an announcement of an intention typically lacked such support. Some of the reforms were implemented speedily and firmly, whereas others suffered delays and reversals. Reforms were implemented with speed and firmness when research provided clear guidance on key policy issues or when political will and skill existed. Donor influence on the timing of reforms might have been excessive. Policy lessons from the process are indicated.
Research Methods. Institute of Open Learning
(2002) Ngige, L.W.; Ochola, P.B.O.
This instructional module was developed for the Master of Business Administration students with various disciplinary backgrounds in their undergraduate degrees. One of the requirements of earning a Masters’ degree in any field of study is to undertake research. This may be in form of writing a thesis or a research project. This module simplifies the research process and explains the various concepts and technical terms in a language that is easily understood and appreciated by the self-directed student, practitioner or consumer of research results. The organization of the material follows the research development process from problem formulation to research design, data collection and ethical issues, to analytical techniques and report writing. The module provides the student with the basic competencies that they need to undertake quality and relevant research as well as ability to interpret and apply research findings in their professional practice.
Contingent reward transactional leadership, work attitudes, and organizational citizenship behavior: The role of procedural justice climate perceptions and strength
(Elsevier, 2008-06) Orwa, B.; Walumbwa, Fred O.; Wu, Cindy
Using a sample of 212 bank employees, we developed a model in which procedural justice climate perceptions and strength mediated the relationships between contingent reward leader behavior and follower satisfaction with supervisor, organizational commitment, and rated organizational citizenship behavior, controlling for perceived supervisor support. Results from the HLM analysis showed that procedural justice climate perceptions and strength completely mediated the relationships between contingent reward leader behavior and followers' satisfaction with supervisor and levels of organizational commitment, and partially mediated the relationship between contingent reward leader behavior and supervisor rated organizational citizenship behavior. Implications for research and practice of our findings are discussed
Diversity in the top management teams and effects on corporate performance
(Prime Journals, 2011-03-10) Awino, Zachary Bolo; Muchemi, A. W.; Ogutu, Martin
The globalization process has dramatically changed the business landscape and the society in which we live. This has affected all the business organizations. As the environment becomes more complex, firms seeking to gain competitive advantage over other firms in their environment should attempt to become more innovative and proactive (Brittain and Freeman, 1980). Firms should increase experimental behaviour to find novel answers where old ones no longer work (Dutton and Freedman, 1985). Managing with uncertainties is among the most difficult tasks executives face .The challenges faced by top managers is to process many, complex, and often ambiguous stimuli when making strategic decisions under high uncertainty(Starbuck & Milliken, 1988). This is precisely the reason why the strategist must pay close attention the top management. The notion that the characteristics of senior management, or the upper echelon of an organization, can influence the decisions made and practices adopted by an organization dates back to early upper echelon theory (Hambrick & Mason, 1984). Hambrick and Mason argued that managers’ characteristics (demographic) influence the decisions that they make and therefore the actions adopted by the organizations that they lead. They suggest that this occurs because demographic characteristics are associated with the many cognitive bases, values, and perceptions that influence the decision making of managers. Admittedly, to a large extent, diversity enhances greater creativity, innovativeness and quality decision making and could create greater competitiveness (Hambrick et. al., 1996). This paper explores empirical literature and gives conceptual overview that will have its unique contribution on exploring the scope of diversity in the top management, as well as widening the application of the upper echelon theory and the implications on firm performance. It will further help organizations in identifying what characteristics they need to identify in a person who is to take a top management job.
Labor Turnover in the Sugar Industry in Kenya
(International Institute of Science and Technology (IISTE), 2012) Bula, H. O.
This study was an exploratory study that aimed at establishing the reasons why workers leave Kenya’s sugar industry. The study further sought to establish the human resource practices in the sugar industry, assessed the extent of labor turnover, determined factors causing labor turnover and identified possible solutions to labor turnover in the sugar industry. The researcher gathered information through the use of two questionnaires, one for managers of the selected sugar firms and one for non managerial staff. Data was analyzed by use of basic descriptive statistical tools. The study revealed that labor turnover is widespread in the sugar firms and that it affects all categories of staff in these firms. The study also observed that labor turnover is spread throughout the year and that it frustrates and impacts negatively on the sugar firms. The study found that salary is a major factor causing labor turnover followed by training, promotion, performance appraisal and work condition. Other factors like recognition, job content, participation in decision making and leadership style did not feature prominently as causes of labor turnover. Participation in decision making and leadership style has a major bearing in performance of workers and productivity. It was also revealed that although lack of employee commitment and motivation can be major causes of labor turnover, they are dependent on all the other factors causing labor turnover.
Towards Understanding the Design of Human Resource Development Infrastructures for Knowledge Intensive Organizations
(Africa Management Review, 2012) Kilika, J. M.; K'Obonyo, P.O.; Ogutu, M.; Munyoki, J.M.
The design of HRD Infrastructures in organizations remains largely understudied. This paper used the existing theoretical literature to provide empirical evidence on the design of HRD Infrastructures among universities in Kenya. The study relied on the nature of the knowledge intensive organizations and the philosophy of Human Resource Development (HRD) to propose a conceptual model for the design of HRD Infrastructures for organizations in this sector. The study sampled 130 respondents from various functional units of 16 universities in Kenya to test the relationship among four components of an HRD Infrastructure for the knowledge intensive organizations. Four hypotheses were tested. The findings of the study reveal a significant correlation between Organizational Development (O.D) Needs and HRD Values and that existing between HRD Values and Organizational Learning Orientation. The findings provide an important insight into the situational positioning of HRD in Kenya and a major step towards understanding HRD Infrastructures for the knowledge intensive industries.
Structure, Conduct and Performance of Tea Marketing in Nandi North County, Kenya
(Elsevier, 2012) Ronoh, P. K.; Chepng'eno, W.; Sulo, T.; Chelang'at, S.; Kotut, S.
Performance of Women in Small Scale Enterprises (SSEs) : Marital Status and Family Characteristics
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2012) Bula, H. O.
This study discusses the family characteristics and marital status of women entrepreneurs and suggests policy options to improve performance of women operated SSE S in Kenya. It also examines the family responsibilities of the women entrepreneurs to determine if there is a correlation between the family responsibilities and the performance of women owners and or managers of SSEs. It makes an immense contribution to the literature by evaluating the direction and significance of the relationship of family characteristics and responsibilities of women in SSEs to performance of their enterprises. This study used correlation matrix and regression analysis to determine the direction of relationship and significance of the two factors to performance of the SSEs . The results of the analysis show that family characteristics and responsibilities independently have no significant relationship to performance. Marital status of t he women owners and managers of SSEs in Kenya are not significant to performance.
Environmental Factors that influence Supply Chain Management Implementation in the Manufacturing Industries in Kenya: A Case of Manufacturing Industries in Nairobi, Kenya
(Asian Business Consortium (ABC), 2012) Muathe, Stephen M. A.; Titus, Stephen Waithaka; Mburu, T. K.; Korir, J.K.
The study looked at the factors influencing the implementation of supply chain management in the manufacturing industries in Kenya. The target population was the 52 manufacturing industries in Nairobi. Data was collected using questionnaires and semi - structured interview guide. A logit model was used to draw inferences on the factors influencing t he implementation of supply chain management implementation in the manufacturing industries in Kenya. Two factors were found to positively and influence implementation of supply chain management implementation in the manufacturing industries in Kenya, while two other factors we found to hinder the implementation of supply chain management implementation in the manufacturing industries in Kenya.
Evolution and Theories of Entrepreneurship : A Critical Review on t he Kenyan Perspective
(Asian Society of Business and Commerce Research, 2012-07) Bula, H. O.
This paper attempts to give a critical review of various theories of entrepreneurship and also shows how the theories can be applied in the developing countries with emphasis on East Africa but focus ing Kenya’s entrepreneurial culture and practices. All these approaches are critically analyzed and both strong sides and shortcomings are introduced in terms of their implications This paper focuses on various approaches of entrepreneurships such as clas sical theorists like Richard Cantillon - the entrepreneur who equilibrates supply and demand in the economy by bearing risks or uncertainty; Jean Baptiste Say who portrays the entrepreneur as a manager being an agent of production in the economy rather th an a risk taker; the neoclassical theories of Alfred Marshall who introduced an innovation function of an entrepreneur by continuously seeking opportunities to minimize costs and ultimately maintaining equilibrium in the economy through perfect competit ion; Schumpeterian approach as the creative destroyer of equilibrium through innovation and discovery of opportunities by introducing new products or new processes; Kirzner who introduced the entrepreneur alert and a creation of economic shock and the resp onse of the alert entrepreneur to the same; Knightian entrepreneur as a residual claimant and risk taker in the environment of uncertainty, the approach of Schutz of using information revealed to react to opportunities through change of behavior and action and other recent theorists. A review is also done on the sociological aspects of entrepreneurship with a view to solve social issues (social entrepreneurship); biological theories which brings in the gender differences in the start - up and operation of en trepreneurial ventures with an emphasis on risk taking; an analysis of entrepreneurship as a team concept rather than an individualistic issue and the benefits that arise from it due t supportive mechanisms such as culture and policies.
Entrepreneurship Development, Culture and Practice: A Theoretical Analysis of Literature
(IJETAE, 2012-08) Bula, H. O.
This paper gives a theoretical analysis of literature with a view to providing more insight on entrepreneurship theories, Entrepreneurship culture and Entrepreneurship development in the developing countries with specific reference to East Africa region and Kenya in particular. This paper also suggests policy recommendations that can be used to improve entrepreneurships in these countries.
Factors Influencing Employee Performance Appraisal System : A Case of the Ministry o f State for Provincial Administration & Internal Security , Kenya
(International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2012-10) Muathe, Stephen M. A.; Ochoti, G. N.; Maronga, E.; Nyabwanga, R. N.; Ronoh, P. K.
This study investigated the multifaceted factors influencing employee Performance Appraisal System in the Ministry of State for Provincial Administration, Nyamira District, Kenya. A target population of 76 employees was surveyed. A structured questionnaire was self-administered to the employees to collect data. Multiple regression analysis technique was used to explain the nature of the relationship between PAS and the factors that influence it. Results of the study showed that all the five factors: Implementation process (X1), interpersonal relationships (X2), rater accuracy (X3), informational factors (X4), and employee attitudes (X5) had a significant positive relationship with the performance appraisal system (Y). The regression results also showed that 55.1% of the variation in performance appraisal system can be explained by the changes in implementation process, interpersonal relationships, rater accuracy, informational factors and employee attitudes. With these findings, this study provides many implications for the implementation of performance appraisal systems. It shows that if these factors are taken into consideration by the ratees, the raters and the government policy makers, the PAS can be a good performance management tool.
Perceived Value of Entrepreneurship Course Content among University Students in Uganda
(Nkumba University, 2012-10) Ofafa, G. A.; Oyugi, J.L.; Mande, W.M.
This article is part of a study that focused on the contribution of entrepreneurship education to the development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions among university students in Uganda. It reports on students’ perceived value of course content of entrepreneurship education at universities. The basic problem investigated involved the public concern that many students who study entrepreneurship at the universities in Uganda might simply not have developed self-efficacy and intentions to become entrepreneurs. Primary data was collected mainly through self-administered questionnaire, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. A total of 255 students, selected through simple random sampling, participated in the study. Correlation matrix results showed significant positive relationship between perceived content and self efficacy (r=0.454, p<0.01), self efficacy and entrepreneurial intention (r=0.418, p<0.01) but no significant relationship between perceived content and entrepreneurial intentions. Students perceived the course content to have given them knowledge about business in general, venture creation and opportunity identification. These are necessary but insufficient for business start up. This implies that reliance on the current course content may not adequately contribute to developing entrepreneurial intentions among university students.
Determinants of strategic forces that shape competition in handicraft industry in Kenya
(2012-10-05) Ogollah, Kennedy
The basis for crafting competitive strategies is understanding the forces that shape competition in a particular industry. The most widely used framework to understand the competitive forces is based on Porter’s Five-Force model. The model provides an assessment of the determinants within the contending forces that shape competition in the industry and determine firm strategy. Using the model, this paper is designed to determine the use of Porter’s Five Forces Model applicability in Kenya’s handicrafts industry. The study used a quantitative approach and a cross sectional design; data was collected with use of semi structured questionnaires with the respondents being the CEO’s, Corporate Strategy Managers and/or Marketing Managers of the sampled handicrafts companies. Descriptive statistics was used to obtain a general understanding of the handicraft industry, whereas inferential statistics was used to test the hypotheses and make generalizations of the findings. Statistical techniques that were used include mean scores, standard deviations and factor analysis. The major findings of the study were that out of the six forces (Porter’s five competitive forces and government policies) five forces were highly rated as shaping competition in the industry. The overall conclusion drawn from the findings of this study was that Porter’s (1980) Five Forces Model offered a strong linear relationship with competitiveness and therefore was found to be applicable in the handicrafts industry while government was considered as a separate contending force. The implication of this study will go along way to develop policy framework in the handicraft industry and create partnership between firms and relevant authorities in government which will provide synergy in this sector. The same can also be replicated to the emerging markets in the world economy.
The Concept of Entrepreneurship; in pursuit of a Universally Acceptable Definition
(International Journal of Arts and Commerce, 2012-11) Mokaya, Samuel O.; Namusonge, M.; Sikalieh, Damary
Entrepreneurship is a common vocabulary to many people, a topic occupying a prominent position on the research agenda of scholars from variety of backgrounds and disciplines; a subject that has elicited lots of interests from people of different occupations including scholars, educators and policy makers. The innovations and high value products getting into the market each day are results of entrepreneurial efforts, making entrepreneurship development a major strateg y for sustainable socio-economic development. The purpose of this study was to find out a universal m eaning/definition of entrepreneurship. The study wa s secondary, involving detailed analysis of published materials on the subject matter. According to the findings, entrepreneurship is the heart of the mode rn business, a force behind innovative businesses t hat characterize the modern economy and a dynamic proce ss of creating incremental wealth by individuals wh o assume. The analysis, there are many definitions of entrepreneurship as there have many attempts to de fine it. However, entrepreneurship is action-oriented, i nvolving immense creativity and innovativeness. Entrepreneurship can either be opportunity-based or necessity-based but whatever the motivation; it is pursued as a viable career option by people of all works of live, levels and occupations. It is also e vident that there continues to be new thoughts on the subj ect and it is still an evolving concept with more r oom for study, discovery and development. Therefore, effort s towards a universally accepted definition should be encouraged. Entrepreneurship is an evolving concept ready for a variety of seeds from different discip lines hence efforts to refine it in meaning and applicati on should be encouraged.
The Relationship between Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in the Kenyan Mobile Telecommunication Service Industry
(International Knowledge Sharing Platform, 2013) Agyei, Paul Mensah; Kilika, James M.
Customer loyalty has been presented as an indicator of successful quality management practices in both the manufacturing and the service sectors. Due to the rapid growth of the services sector in most economies, there is need to understand how this concept is associated with business practices for supporting quality in the services sector. The study examined the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in the Kenyan Mobile Telecommunication Service Sector. The SERVQUAL model was adopted in the study. Kenyatta University students drawn from five of its campuses were selected for the population of the study. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and regression analyses were the parametric statistical tools used to test the association and effect in the study. A significant relationship was found between service quality and customer loyalty r(313) = 0.47, p<0.05. The SERVQUAL model explained a significant proportion of variance in customer loyalty scores with R2 = 0.306, F(4, 308) = 33.93, p < 0.05. The dimensions in the model predicted different values on customer loyalty: Reliability b = 0.19, t(313) = 2.89, p<0.05, Assurance b = 0.25 t(313) = 3.50, p < 0.05, Empathy b = 0.35 t(313) = 4.90, p<0.05 and Reliability b = 0.37, t(313) = 0.54, p>0.05. In sum, service quality has a positive relationship with customer loyalty. These findings hold implications for industry operators on key areas to pay attention to in order to support the quality of services offered so as to guarantee sustained customer loyalty.
Do Genetic Traits of Humans Influence Approaches to Entrepreneurship: A Comparative Study of Asian Origin Entrepreneurs in Kenya and Native Kenyan Businessmen
(Pracademic Press, 2013) Prakash, A.; Jagongo, A. O.
Many Asians migrated to Kenya in the late 19thcentury. Some of these Asians have been running successful entrepreneurship ventures, some of which are over a century old. The study investigated whether there are any differences in the approach to entrepreneurship between the businessmen of Asian origin and those of African origin. A questionnaire was administered to 80 entrepreneurs of Asian origin and 75 of African origin doing businesses in two major Kenyan cities, Nairobi and Kisumu. The Asian origin entrepreneurs were more into manufacturing businesses, more exposed to challenges, and had global education and a higher element of being next generation entrepreneurs than those of African origin. African origin Entrepreneurs were more likely to initiate businesses on their own, enjoyed community supportand enrolled for more technical training, but were more risk averse. This article revolves around the theme of how socio-economic evolution affects the way businesses are conducted.
Innovative Tax Coping Mechanisms in Nairobi County: A Literature Review
(Scholarlink Research Institute Journals, 2013) Karugu, J. G.
Taxation has been identified as a major threat to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) not only in highly industrialized countries such USA but also in less industrialized c ountries, Kenya included. Taxation in general increases the costs of operation of running small and medium enterprises. To compensate for the increased costs of operation, prices on goods are raised thus causing the amounts of sales to go dow n. The questio n that appears to generate surprisingly little debate in Kenya is the scope for legally mitigating t axes by individuals and SMEs. Entrepreneurship is about change and since entrepreneurs are innovators, they should devise ways and means of coping with the adverse and threatening effects of taxation in order to survive, grow and sustain their businesses. How then can Kenyan individuals and business enterprises arrange their affairs within the current legal environment so as to minimize their tax burden? The general objective of this paper is to examine the innovative tax coping mechanisms by SMEs in Nairobi County. This paper is significant as it highlights important ways in which entrepreneurs in Nairobi can cope with taxation within the legal framework to e nhance their business performance. Moreover, the paper analyses significant literature that could be used as a point of reference by other scholars conducting research in the same field.
A Framework for Addressing and Measuring Entrepreneurship in Creative Industries in Kenya
(2013) Matanda, M.O.; Kilonzo, P.M.
In an age when competition is ever stronger and must be confronted continuously in order to survive and progress, Creative Industries(CIs) can be a source of new employment and provide a medium through which an important contribution can be made to the revitalization of rural and depressed urban communities and stimulate their significant participation in the economy. This article introduces the concept of creative industries and its socio-economic significance. 17'2e article argues that creative industries are both artistic and economic activities. An art entrepreneurship framework is then described Specifically, a behavioural approach to entrepreneurship focusing on the nexus between the individual and opportunity which is moderated by the context is applied to the discussion of creative industries in Kenya. The framework is used to suggest policies required to support the sustainable development of creative industries. Throughout the article research concerns pertaining to creative industries in Kenya are mentioned

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