MST-Department of Management Science

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/278

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 468

Accountability and Financial Sustainability of Public Governance Non‐Government Organization in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2018-10) Chelangat, Veronica
Nongovernmental organizations play key role in delivering education, healthcare, social aid and other welfare activities in most developing countries like Kenya and hence their financial sustainability cannot be ignored. Financial sustainability requires that NGOs be able to meet all their resource and financing obligations and remain in existence for unforeseeable future. However, just a small number (10 percent) of NGOs that had managed to achieve a desirable level of institutional and financial sustainability. The studies conducted have mainly focused on the outcome of the projects, capacity building, and stakeholder involvement rather than the factors influencing the financial sustainability aspect. Additionally, little mention is made on the financial sustainability of NGOs which may be due to them being associated with having unlimited donor funding. This implies that the issue of NGO sustainability is yet to be fully explored and hence NGOs managements are not fully informed on the effect accountability has on financial sustainability and may continue to suffer from lack financial sustainability. The study sought to determine the effect of accountability on public governance NGO financial sustainability. Specifically, the study determined the effect of financial planning, financial monitoring and evaluation and financial controls on financial sustainability of public governance NGOs in Nairobi County. The study also examined the moderating effect of NGO financial regulation on the relationship between accountability and NGO financial sustainability. The study was guided by resource mobilization theory, agency theory and fraud theory. The study adopted descriptive research design and data was collected using primary means which was through the use of questionnaires. The study target population was the 550 public governance NGOs in Nairobi County dealing with public governance. Systematic sampling technique was used to identify 15 percent of the population as the respondents where every 6th organization was studied. The collected data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. SPSS was used for data entry, descriptive analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Diagnostic tests done included multicollinearity, test for normality and Heteroscedasticity. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study found out that the independent variables Financial Control (r=0.685, p<0.05), Financial Planning (r=0.438, p<0.05) and Financial Monitoring and Evaluation (r=0.597, p<0.05) had positive and significant effect on NGO financial sustainability. Regulatory Framework was established not to have moderating impact on the relationship between accountability and financial sustainability (F-change=1.037, p-change=0.312). Accountability was found to have a positive and significant effect on NGO financial sustainability (r=.709, p<0.05). The study concluded that high number of NGOs were not sustainable a problem which could be addressed through NGOs improving their accountability practices. The study recommended that the management at the NGOs to work towards improving accountability practices with aim of enhancing financial sustainability of the NGOs.
Adoption Factors of Hospital Management Information Systems in Selected Hospitals in Meru County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2017) Vunyiwa, Proscoviour
Despite the potential of Hospital Management Information systems (HMIS) to significatly reduce medical errors, streamline clinical processes, contain healthcare costs and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare, their adoption by hospitals in Kenya has been slow. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of; technological factors, organizational factors and environmental factors on the adoption of HMIS in selected hospitals in Meru County. The study adopted survey research design. The target population was 447 system users from selected hospitals in Meru County. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 148 respondents from the selected hospitals out of which 120 were filled and returned. Data was analysed by use of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results are presented in tables and charts. The findings of the study revealed that Technological and organizational factors do not have significant influence on the adoption of hospital management information systems in selected hospitals in Meru County. However, contrary to other technological factors, cost was found to be significant. In addition, Environmental factors were significant to the adoption of hospital management information systems. Therefore, the study recommends training of employees on information systems by healthcare facilities. The County Government of Meru in collaboration with healthcare facilities should foster private-private and public-private partnerships to facilitate cost sharing in the adoption of hospital management information systems. Further, the county in collaboration with national government should subsidize software and hardware to help small healthcare facilities adopt systems. The County Ministry of Education in collaboration with National Government should incorporate information systems training in all courses to facilitate systems adoption. The study also recommends that County Government formulates policies on ICT adoption in Meru County to provide guidance to healthcare institutions. Further, the county should deploy a network of health information management systems for use across the entire county health sector.
Adoption of Information Management Systems and Performance of Orthodox Tea Project in Kenya Tea Development Agency
(Kenyatta University, 2018-11) Mwarangu, Martin
Performance of the project has always been an important and critical issue for any business worldwide. Although some studies conducted earlier have showed IMS has positive impact to organization productivity, theoretical frameworks are yet to be established or explain how MIS systems affects the performance of various projects undertaken by the organizations. The study aimed at determining the effects of Information Management Systems (IMS) systems such as System applications and Processes (SAP) Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP), Electronic weighment system (EWS), Electronic document management system (EDMS) and automated fleet management system (AFMS) on the performance of orthodox tea project in Kenya Tea Development Agency. The effect of IMS on performance of orthodox tea project implemented by Kenya Tea Development Agency has not been established. The study focused on orthodox tea project that was implemented by the KTDA head office in the three KTDA managed factories that were Kangaita, Mununga and Kimunye Tea factories. The study used descriptive research design to acquire detailed and in-depth analysis for the study. The target population included 430 respondents comprising of 26 management staff, 149 designated staff and 255 non- designated staff from the three KTDA managed tea factories. Sample size of 131 respondents was selected which represented 30% of the target population. The study adopted multistage sampling method. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents from each stratum. Primary data was collected using questionnaire that had both closed and open ended questions. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, percentages, frequencies and standard deviation; inferential statistics such as correlation coefficient, regression and ANOVA and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results were presented using charts and tables. The study concluded Information Management Systems (IMS) systems such as System applications and Processes (SAP) Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP), Electronic weighment system (EWS), Electronic document management system (EDMS) and automated fleet management system (AFMS) had greatly improved the performance of orthodox tea project in KTDA. The study recommended that the organization should train its employees on its Management Information Systems as well facilitate them with the appropriate facilities and support. Organizations should ensure the MIS systems adopted are relevant to the organization need and there is effective internet connectivity to enhance sharing of information.
An analysis of agribusiness support projects contribution on coffee production in Machakos county-Kenya
(2012-06-22) Mutua, Martin Ambrose; Gitonga, E.
The increasing demand for 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 the presence of these Agribusiness support based projects raises concern as to whether this projects achieve improved coffee production. This therefore necessitates the need to analyze 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 facilitate 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 training 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 coffee geared towards farmer's motivation. Hence, the need to enhance the effectiveness of credit facilitation on long term basis and 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 were 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) and presented inform of charts and frequency tables. Findings showed that capacity building at both farm and factory levels were key areas of focus amplified by provision of credit facilities to procure farm inputs on time. Participatory approach during certification process needs to be adopted in development of the guidelines to meet both the expectations of supply and demand. Common knowledge among farmers revealed farm input application induced more berries of higher density thus better yields, free of diseases or physical damage that impairs the quality aspect of the coffee. Though provision of market information by the Agribusiness support project is vital, it does not significantly facilitate better price discovery as agents are involved in closing the sales on behalf of farmers.
An analysis of effects of waiting time lengths on Efficiency of service in food outlets in nairobi
(2013-11-20) Njeru, Z. K.
The hospitality and service sector have been facing frequent service delays to their Customers a bad experience for its clients. One of the reasons behind this is the queuing system prevailing in this sector. Waiting is inevitable in any service organization. Hence queues are formed. A long queue makes customer dissatisfied whereas increasing servers to decrease the length of a queue increases costs. This study intended to investigate the prevailing queuing system in selected restaurants in Nairobi's Central Business District (NCBD) by evaluating the influence of waiting time on service quality and customer satisfaction. The data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 134 food outlet managers and assistant managers. Out of these, 119 responses were received (89% response rate) and analyzed. Selection of the food outlets was by a census of all the food outlets appearing under "restaurant" category in the 2010 Telkom Kenya Nairobi directory. The data was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From this data results of the study are presented in the form of tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Some targeted respondents were unwilling to participate in the study while a few of the restaurants listed in the yellow pages of the directory had closed down at the time of the ' study and therefore could not provide any information. From this study it was established that the rule of first come first served is well respected - in NCBD food outlets. Secondly it emerged from the study that number of servers was very important in the provision of efficient services. Thirdly managing cost of service provision was found to be very important in order to avoid losses while providing quick service. Finally it was established that management should be alert during peak periods due to high numbers of arrivals and resulting complaints during this period. Following on this study the recommendations are firstly that food outlets should develop rules and procedures that are friendly to customers as they wait in line. Secondly food outlets in NCBD should work towards reducing average waiting time. Thirdly they should have contingent work force during peak times. This study recommends further study on waiting time in transport service especially the "matatu" sector and also waiting time in public hospitals where waiting can be quite long.
An analysis of factors affecting the operational efficiency of Jua Kali sector in Kenya: a case of apparel Industry in Nairobi
(2012-11-23) Okwang'a, Brenda Chitechi; James Owuor; Kimutai, G.; Sang, P.
All firms' value operational efficiency but few organizations excel at designing, communicating and managing their performance-improvement initiatives, according to the new survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, 2004. But even among top performers, there are significant barriers to achieving operational efficiency. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify the effect of management factors such as planning, organizing and leading, the contribution of communication, the effect of artisans' level of skills, and the influence of financial resources to operational efficiency as well as investigate the constraints faced by the entrepreneurs in their effort to achieve operational efficiency. The study used the questionnaire as the main tool for data collection. Data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and the descriptive statistics such as the measures of central tendency. Findings reveal that management factors such as leadership, planning and organizing are some of the management aspects that are core in achieving operational efficiency in the apparel industries. Communication plays a key role in work places because an idea or procedure no matter how great, is useless until it is transmitted and understood by others. Financial resource availability is necessary in improving the working conditions, employing other factors that affect operational efficiency and in retaining committed employees. Artisan skill and experience was found to be of importance by the research in that it facilitated artisans to profitability as viewed by all the respondents. The research further revealed that most of the apparel industries do not operate efficiently because they are ignorant of the factors that affect operational efficiency and also they do not have financial resources that are necessary in employing these factors The study recommends that improving operational efficiency should be one of the company's top objectives. Implementation of company-wide operational efficiency framework will enable organizations to drive consistency in direct management of its core business processes.
An analysis of implementation of NGO projects in Nairobi County
(2014-06-23) Thairu, Ruth W.; Kimutai, G.
Every project creates a unique product, service, or result. Although repetitive elements may be present in some project deliverables, this repetition does not change the fundamental uniqueness of the project work. Effectiveness of project implementation can be thought of as incorporating four basic facets: time criterion, budget criterion, effectiveness criterion, and client satisfaction criterion, it is successful. Studies have been done to unravel the workings behind successful project implementation, but none has attempted to directly undertake an analysis of project implementation by NGOs in Nairobi. The general objective of the study was to undertake the analysis of effective implementation of NGO projects in Nairobi County, but more specifically, the study investigated the role the following variables play in effective implementation of projects; communication; planning; financing; monitoring and controlling. This study was conducted against a backdrop of various studies and theories that have previously been done and which support our assumptions regarding the independent variables and dependent variables. Highlights of these studies include; the magic triangle of project management that visualizes the three objectives that the project manager should monitor all the time. If one is jeopardized, it will affect the two other objectives. These are performance, cost and time. Management support for projects has long been considered of great importance in distinguishing between their ultimate success or failure. Project management is seen as not only dependent on top management for authority, direction, and support, but as ultimately the conduit for implementing top management's plans, or goals, for the organization. A failure in communication can negatively impact the project. As the detailed budget for each key stage is derived, we must compare the total with the project budget and analyze the variance. Internal control processes should be designed with the objectives of promoting the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and increasing the reliability of project outcomes. The study was a descriptive survey research. The data was sampled from a population of two hundred and one NGOs. A sample of fifty percent was studied. Primary data was collected through a survey questionnaire. Findings were represented in tables and analyzed through frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations. The five point Likert Scale was used to undertake the various analyses of effective implementation of NGO projects, and the magnitude of their impact and usage. The researcher found out that project product delivery and project product quality are the major indicators to show the effectiveness of project implementation. As was examined during the review of literature, previous studies have concluded that cost, time and quality were still three most important indicators of success in projects. From the findings, communication with regard to the application of project management tools and availability of information for decision-making affects project implementation. The researcher also found out that communication is the most critical element for the success; it found that communication and financing have relatively more weight and importance to project implementation than monitoring and planning. The researcher concluded that employees of NGOs who implement projects in Nairobi County feel that communication with regard to the application of project management tools and availability of information for decision-making affects project implementation. Planning, financing and monitoring were also considered important in that order.
An analysis of the application of the queing theory in reduction of transportation costs: a case of selected sugar factories
(2012-06-21) M'Mbolo, Patrick
The Government has committed itself to major structural reforms, which include inter-alia economic liberalization, commercialization and privatization of public enterprises. This has a broad scope of injecting efficiency in the economy. With improved efficiency, cost of cane transport is bound to be competitive and ultimately the price of the end product sugar shall be competitive. (KSA, 2000) Mumias Sugar Company has already been privatized: all the other sugar companies are gradually being privatized as the government reduces its shareholdings in these companies. With adoption of economic liberalization, farm inputs, cane transport cost, cane and the market forces of demand and supply now freely determines sugar prices. Controls on cane transport cost have been abolished. Cane transport costs account for approximately 30% of the total cost of cane production. With the fore-mentioned liberalization and privatization of sugar sub-sector it is important that the cost of production is minimized. It is against this background that the study looked at the application of Queuing theory in reducing transportation costs in sugar factories. The study started by looking at the existing queuing model and finding the ideal number of units required to transport cane in the two selected sugar factories. The cane transportation aspects were looked at i.e. Amount of cane received, amount of cane milled per hour, waiting times at service points, distance traveled by the transporters, cane spillages, transport costs for the transporters. The study sample involved the transporters contracted to Mumias sugar company and cane transporters of West Kenya sugar company. The research data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and observations. The study finding were as follows: - v Waiting time between 10 minutes to 40 minutes caused the cane transporter yield high costs v The higher the milling rates, the lower the waiting time v Most transporters were found operating over capacity v Most small scale transporters had the lowest costs could hardly compete the transporters with a high number of fleets due to lack of basic facilities like winches
Analysis of the challenges facing internet banking in Kenya ( a case of commercial bank of Africa Ltd)
(2012-06-21) Gaitungu, David N.; Sang, Paul; James M.Muturi
This project surveyed the Internet banking as a relatively new product that has been developed by commercial banks in Kenya. Businesses are being revolutionalized every day as a result of the influences of the Internet. In the world of banking, the development in information technology has enormous effect on development of more flexible payments method, more user friendly banking services resulting to a more efficient banking system. Despite the fact that internet banking make the transaction faster and more convenient, several commercial banks in Kenya are yet to adopt this new banking product. The banks that have adopted the product have been faced with various obstacles necessitating a need for a research project to ascertain the reasons for this phenomenal and determine how they can overcome them to facilitate a breakthrough. The research design was descriptive based on a case study of Commercial Bank of Africa Ltd. In order to gain a better understanding on these issues, the data was collected from the bank customers and from bank employees using questioners. Data analysis was done in accordance with the research questions. The study was representative because the sample was picked from 27.8% of the Internet banking customers as at the end of 31 st December 2008.The total number of bank customers and the employees as at December 31 st 2008 was 3,222. The study shows that Internet banking is fraught with teething problems ranging from security concerns by the users, lack of adequate legal framework, poor marketing strategies and issues regarding the connectivity of CBA internet banking site. The study concludes that banks need to promote Internet banking by offering more incentives to customers, enhance the security systems to ensure adequate security for their customers in an ever changing world of technology and ensure adequate training of the employees.
An analysis of the critical success factors for effective implementation of enterprise resource planning(ERP) system in selected public service sector organisations in Kenya
(2014-08-27) Masika, John Simiyu; Kimutai, Gladys
ERP projects are complex and involve changing business processes, introduction of information technology and changing the way people do business. Various studies have been undertaken on ERP projects and they conclude that these projects are faced with a number of challenges examples being taking long time to complete, overrunning budget and failing to deliver business objectives. This study was designed to analyse the critical success factors (CFS) that impact the effective implementation of ERP system projects in selected public service sector organisations in Kenya. A descriptive research methodology using questionnaires was used to collect data from selected public sector organisations spread across the various sectors of Kenyan economy. The target population comprised of 163 public sector organisations spread across the economy. The respondents from the selected organisations comprised ERP project team members, project managers, and managers. Also data was also collected from ERP system consultants. The sample size of the selected organisation was fifty six (56). Each selected organisation had three (3) respondents who are directly involved in ERP projects, giving an expected respondents of 168 in the study. 119 responses were received giving a response rate of 71%. Eight (8) key independent variables (CSF) were identified and analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, mode, and standard deviation). SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data and the results presented in tables, bar charts, and pie charts. The results were analysed to establish effects of the eight (8) variables on the success of the ERP projects in terms of three (3) indicators of project success i.e. project outcome, timeliness and budget. The results conclude that most of the ERP projects in public sector organizations are perceived by the respondents as having failed. Majority of the projects achieved a success rate of less than 50%. 92% indicated that their projects were completed behind schedule while 43% indicated that their projects did have a budget overrun. Majority of the respondents disagreed that their projects brought about the organisational benefits which are generally considered to be key outcomes of any ERP project. The other conclusion from the study is that the most critical success factor for ERP implementation is the selection of the supplier. This factor is closely followed by; training program, business process re-engineering and change management in that order. The research recommends that organisations should pay more attention to the selection of suppliers since it is the most high ranking critical success factor. Data classification and migration though important has less impact on the overall success of ERP projects compared to the other seven variables.
Analysis of the relationship between risk management strategies and projects' sustainability in Kajiado county, Kenya.
(2014-08-19) Gikunju, David Theuri; Kilika, J. M.; Karugu, J. E.
A major challenge to development in many countries especially developing ones is how to sustain development gains. Several projects that have been implemented with large sums of money tend to experience serious challenges of sustainability. Many business related projects in rural areas are faced with sustainability challenges due to inability to intergrate risk management strategies in their project cycles. It is unclear what long term commitment on the side of project initiators and community have on management of risks associated with rural based business projects. This problem has prompted a research on the relationship between risk management strategies and sustainability of rural based business projects.The study is aimed at establishing the relationship between risk avoidance,risk retention,risk reduction and risk transfer on sustainability of rural based business projects in Kajiado County.The study adopted descriptive survey design to examine the relationship between risk management strategies and sustainability of rural based business projects in Kenya.Stratified random and purposive sampling was used to select project officials and beneficiaries to partcipate in the study.Data was collected using semistructured questionnaire. The information gathered was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The output was presented using frequency and percentage charts and interpretations made based on research objectives. The study findings indicated that project sustainability efforts were undertaken by men who seemed to be more involved in projects than women. Lack of knowledge pool in many rural based business projects may be a strong indicator of unaddressed skill gap as far as sustainability of projects is concerned. There is no long term sustainability of projects as most projects seem to exist for a period of less than 10 years. There was general implication of use of various risk management strategies to ensure sustainability of rural based business projects. Sustainability, however was found to be a component of the effectiveness of the risk management strategies as well as the ability to enjoy the potential benefits of a project ventures . Risk management strategies in many business based projects include; risk avoidance, risk retention, risk reduction and risk tranfer.A voiding risks through venturing into non risky projects is a major characteristic of rural based business projects. A positive relationship, but at varying degree exists between risk management strategies and sustainability of rural based business projects. The study recommended a strategic approach to sustainability of rural based business projects, through utilization ofthe less practiced methods such as risk reduction and risk transfer achieved through outsourcing and just in time procurement. Care should be taken in ensuring that risk management strategies are in line with associated project benefits and expansion of rural training facilities by the government to enhance development through projects.
Assessing how Sound Management Practices Influences Business Performance: (A Case of Kenya Wildlife Service)
(2013-08-27) Karere, Boniface Mawira
Business enterprises are regarded as engines of economic development in many nations of the world. Many of these enterprises are faced with a myriad of problems especially in their initial stages, key among them, insufficient business and management skills. In this study, enterprises were categorized as micro, small and medium. Entrepreneurial training enables enterprise operators adopt better management practices such as profit retention, good customer relations, timely loan repayments and structured bookkeeping. Researchers have asserted that few programs are assessed and it is on this ground, that the study sought to ascertain the impact of entrepreneurial training on performance of micro, small and medium enterprises focusing on Nakuru County. It specifically investigated the impact of entrepreneurial training on performance of enterprises, nature of entrepreneurial skills provided, deficiencies in training programs and finally gathered suggestions from respondents on how entrepreneurial training could be improved. The study findings will aid government capacity building agencies, policy makers, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies, financial institutions, tertiary colleges, universities and individuals in developing viable capacity enhancement programs for entrepreneurs. The literature review was primarily concerned with three key aspects: nature of entrepreneurial training offered, deficiencies in business training programs and impact of training on performance of enterprises. The study design was descriptive survey and data for this exercise was collected using pre-tested questionnaires. The researcher obtained a sample of fifty enterprise operators previously trained by Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT) and Joints Loans Board (JLB) in Nakuru County between the years, 2010 and August, 2012. A sample composed of enterprise operators drawn from three identified stratas within Nakuru County was obtained using stratified random sampling. Data collected, was edited, coded and then analysed using computer application programs notably, Statistical Package for Social Scientists and Microsoft Excel. Findings were presented using tables and bar graphs. Study findings indicated that, there was a general improvement in business and entrepreneurial skills amongst MSMEs after undertaking either KIBT or JLB training. MSMEs appreciated areas like management of working capital, record keeping and marketing as important ingredients for effective enterprise management. Results obtained showed that there is a correlation between entrepreneurial skills and performance of MSMEs. The researcher recommends that KIBT in conjunction with JLB develop a customized and comprehensive program specifically meant for loan beneficiaries that will incorporate among others, areas such as risk management, business expansion strategies and management of loan delinquency and default. The researchers‟ total budget amounted to approximately fifty five thousand, five hundred shillings.
Assessment of MFI funding on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Murang' a county
(2014-07-16) Mwangi, D. Njoki
The fundamental purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Micro finance Institutions (MFIs) funding on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in rural Murang'a. Simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting the 50 SMEs that constituted the sample size of the research. Structured questionnaire was designed to facilitate the acquisition of relevant data which involves simple percentage graphical charts. Illustrations were tactically applied in data presentations and analysis. The findings of the study reveal that MFIs funding benefitted the SMEs even though only few of them were capable enough to secure the loan amount needed; Interestingly, majority of the SMEs acknowledge positive contributions of MFI funding towards promoting their performance and it is recommended that further research be carried out in the same and countries in order to show whether there's any link between MFI funding and performance on SMEs.
An Assessment of the Factors Influencing Constituency Youth Enterprise Fund Programme in Promoting the Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises in Webuye Constituency, Bungoma County
(2013-08-24) Nabangala, Mukhwana Delephine
Access to credit has been considered as one of the main problems that MSEs have to deal with in order to survive and keep growing. An appropriate combination of access to credit, credit conditions, and adequate fmancial and operational policies, is the only way to deal with the complex problem of MSEs survival and growth. Provision of efficient financial services, especially by micro fmancial institutions has been noted in developing countries to stimulate productivity and poverty reduction through increase in enterprise productivity, net income and employment. The Constituency Youth Enterprise Fund (CYEF) was introduced in Kenya in 2007 with an aim of improving the productivity of the youth enterprises, raise their level of income and create employment opportunities for MSEs. This was expected to increase the number of the youths employed, level of investments, profit and the enterprise output. However, with most MSEs using C-YEF products, there are still high levels of poverty and unemployment in Webuye Constituency. Many MSEs have closed down even after receiving/benefiting from the Constituency Youth Enterprise Fund. This study therefore, aimed at establishing the factors influencing Constituency Youth Enterprise Fund Programme in promoting the growth ofMSEs in Webuye Constituency, Bungoma, county. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for this study included all the beneficiaries of C-YEF in Webuye Constituency where a questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Available secondary data from books, journals or annual reports was used. The data was analyzed using SPSS whereby both qualitative and quantitative techniques were utilized. Data analysis involved reducing accumulated data to a manageable size, developing summaries, looking for patterns and applying statistical techniques. Both descriptive statistics such as tabulation, frequencies and percentages as well as inferential statistics such as chi-square, ANaVA and Correlation analysis were utilized. The data was presented through the use of frequency distribution tables, percentages, bar charts and pie charts. The study found out that the highest size of the loan ever awarded to most businesses was less than Ksh 50,000 which was relatively low for business expansion. This amount was inadequate hence not sufficient to effectively progress the businesses forward. The study recommends that the government through the concerned ministries to increase theallocation to the youth enterprise fund. This will ensure the amount allocated to the MSEs by the C-YEF is increase to achieve fast business growth.
Automated Money Transfer Services and Customer Service Quality in Equity Bank in Nakuru Town, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2018-06) Susan, Kinyanjui
With the banking innovation of the technology of e-banking to enhance banking products and service, numerous studies have been done focusing on its efficiency and profitability. However, its effect on customer service quality is still misunderstood. It is accepted for a fact that delivery of service in banking can be said to be efficient only when the underlying operations are equally efficient. And such confidence in efficiency can only arise in as far as the user‟s experience for these products and services has been evaluated. The aim of the study was assess the effect of automated money transfer services on customer service in Equity Bank in Nakuru Town. The study was guided three main objectives, namely: to assess the effect of M-PESA, Electronic Funds Transfers, and Automated Teller Machines on customer service in Equity bank. The study adopted modernization theory and the innovation diffusion theory to understand the conceptual issues. The research adopted a descriptive survey design and used simple random sampling to select the sample size for Equity staff. And for customers and bank employees in the customer service department, purposive sampling technique was used. The study used a sample size of 379 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. All the three money transfer services (Mpesa services, EFT and ATMs) studied had a positive effect on customer service at Equity Bank. The study recommended that commercial banks management should consider; tailoring their money transfer options to the MPESA service option considering the fact that this was the most preferred option due to its convenience and speed; raising customer awareness on the advantages of the EFT money transfer service; and enhancing the quality offered by ATMs money transfer service. The management of Equity bank will use such information to gauge the effectiveness of automated money transfers as payment systems.
Big Data Analytic Dynamics and Performance of Fintech Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-05) Ogutu, Anne Adhiambo
The rapid evolution and integration of big data analytics within financial technology (fintech) firms present both opportunities and challenges in optimizing performance and operational dynamics. While big data analytics has potential to enhance decisionmaking, customer personalization, risk management and operational efficiency, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of how these technologies directly influence the overall performance metrics specifically, the revenues and return of investment. Additionally, regulatory compliance remains underexplored. This research seeks to address the gap by systematically analyzing the dynamics of big data analytics adoption and its performance implications within fintech firms. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of big data characteristics dynamics, big data component dynamics, big data technologies dynamics and the moderation role of regulatory policies in the performance of Fintech firms in Nairobi Kenya. Technology acceptance theory, innovation diffusion theory, and resource-based view were used. Descriptive research design was applied. Managers of Fintech enterprises in Nairobi City County were the target population, with 64 Fintech firms serving as the unit of observation. The sample size was 55 Fintech firms operating in Nairobi City County as determined using Yamane’s formula. Primary data was used in the study which were collected using open ended and close ended questionnaire. The study established those big data characteristics dynamics significantly influenced Financial Performance (β=0.428; p=0.002). Big data components dynamics significantly contributed to Financial Performance of Fin tech firms (β=0.288; p=0.030). The study established a significant effect of Big Data technologies Dynamics on Financial Performance of Fin tech firms (β=0.239; p=0.034). Regulatory policies significantly influence Financial Performance of Fin tech firms. The study concludes that the dynamic nature of big data analytics enables businesses to collect and analyze volumes and variety of data at great velocities. This allows accurate outcome predictions, improve decision-making bringing significant improvement in revenues, profit and return of investment. Actionable insights are produced by the variety of big data that is the outcome of aggregation from numerous sources. Big data is gathered from social media, transactional data and machine data are used by the businesses to derive the value. Artificial intelligence has largely contributed significantly to automation, wise decision-making, and improved customer experience. The block chain technologies have significantly increased trust, security, transparency, and traceability of shared data across business networks and have brought new efficiencies with cost savings. Finally, the absence of a regulatory framework for fintech negatively impacts their performance. Performance of the fintech industry is significantly impacted by data privacy regulations. The study recommends that businesses need to leverage big data analytics dynamics to analyze the variety of big data from multiple sources and offer actionable insights to enhance performance and remain competitive. For organizations to generate value, it is advised that they collect data from social media, transactional data, and machine data. It is recommended that firms focus on artificial intelligence and block chain technologies in data mining. This provides a reliable insight into the current market and consumer characteristics. According to the report, regulatory bodies should ensure that FinTech firms operate on an equal playing field to achieve excellent organizational performance. It is important to establish a significant policy concern addressing legislative limitations and competitiveness. Big data analytics ecosystem is dynamic in propelling performance in FinTech firms. A study could be conducted to establish the effect of data security on Fintech performance since it was not part of the inputs of the study.
Business Innovation Strategies and Performance of Insurance Companies In Nyeri County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2023-11) Mwangi, Joseph Githiri; Paul Waithaka
A company's success is critical to the growth of the industry in which it operates and to the general health of the economy. Insurance businesses throughout the world have been losing ground in terms of profitability. The importance of innovation in a company's success has long been recognized. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of business innovation strategies on performance of insurance companies in Nyeri County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to establish the effect of market innovation, determine the effect of product innovations on performance and assess the effect of process innovations on performance. This study was anchored in the diffusion of innovation, resource based view and profit maximization theories. This study was descriptive in nature. The target population for this study comprised insurance companies in Nyeri County. Heads of departments was the respondents in the study. A census of all 28 insurance companies in Nyeri was conducted. Purposive sampling was used to sample respondents in the study. In this study the researcher purposively sampled 5 managers including the branch managers, operation mangers, finance managers, marketing managers and information and communication technologies (ICT) managers. This study therefore had 140 respondents. For data collection, a questionnaire as used. Face, content and construct validity were ensured in this study. A pre-test was used to assess reliability in the study in which Cronbach's alpha was used to gauge reliability. Univariate, bi-variate and multivariate analysis were conducted on the data. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used in analysis of data using SPSS. Tables were used to display results. A high level of market innovation among insurance companies in the sample was found. Product innovation was carried out to a moderate extent in insurance companies in the sample. In addition, process innovations in the study were implemented to a large extent among the insurance companies in the study. Business innovation strategies were strongly correlated (r=0.726) with performance of insurance companies whereby 52.7% of the performance of insurance companies could be attributed to business innovation strategies. Regression analysis also showed that market innovation (p<0.01) and process innovation(p<0.01) were significant. It was concluded that business innovations strategies have a positive influence on performance through market and process innovations. It was recommended that There is a need for insurance companies to have a customer relationship management strategy as well as a product development management program.
Business Process Re-Engineering Practices and Organizational Performance of Selected Commercial Banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2019-10) Muema, Ann
The organizational performance of Kenyan commercial banks has continually declined of due to stiff competition from other financial institutions. The innovations of lending applications and mobile banking have given room for loan defaults by customers from the main banks hence reduced organizational performance. The main study objective was to establish influence of re-engineering practices of business process on Kenya commercial banks’ organizational performance. Specifically, this research sought to initiate the impact of leadership change, customer focus, information technology and innovation on organizational performance of Nairobi County’s commercial banks. The study scope was limited to Nairobi County commercial banks. The study focused on 43 commercial banks in Nairobi County. A descriptive research design was utilized for the study. A population of 1020 staff from the 43 commercial banks at Nairobi headquarters in Kenya was used, where a sample of 278 staff was selected. A descriptive design and stratified sampling were utilized for the research. The study utilized primary information.The data gathered was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regressions was used. The study revealed that leadership change while maintaining all the other factors constant would positively change commercial banks’ performance. Customer focus has a significance influence on commercial banks’ performance. Most banks identify all their customers and address customer’s complaint immediately. A change in information technology change while keeping other factors constant can affect commercial banks’ performance. Most banks have introduced new technologies and adoption of m-commerce is growing fast in banks. A unit increase in innovation while holding all the other factors constant would positively change commercial bank performance. The study recommended that firms need to invest in information technology and educate their employees on how to use the technologies to reduce operation costs, increase operation speed and improve service and product quality. The research also recommended that studies in the future need to focus on non-commercial banks since the current study was only limited to commercial banks in Kenya.
Business Strategies and Non-Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises In The Real Estate Sector Nairobi City County, Kenya.
(Kenyatta University, 2022) Musundi, Duncan Flora; Dr. Mary Ragui
The study's primary purpose was to determine how successful small and medium-sized enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya performed in the real estate industry. The study was conducted with the following objectives: evaluating the effect of Focus strategy on the non-financial performance of SMEs in Nairobi City County real estate sector, Knowing the effect of Innovation strategy on the non-financial performance of SMEs in Nairobi City County real estate sector, Differentiation strategy’s effect on SMES and assessing the effect of Cost Leadership strategy on the non-financial performance. The information for this study was gathered through structured questionnaires and a descriptive research approach. The survey targeted all 87 SMEs in Nairobi City County real estate sector. Business managers from real estate enterprises were among those who took part in the survey. 74.7 percent of the 87 persons who were asked to participate said yes. As indicated by Karl Pearson, the data was examined using multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis. The study found a negative relationship between Focus strategy and non-financial success but a favourable relationship between Differentiation, Innovation, and Cost Leadership strategies. According to the study, small and medium-sized enterprises should invest more in study, Research and Development. This will assist them in coming up with fresh ideas, giving them an advantage over their competitors. SMEs must ensure that their products are constantly distinctive enough to suit market demands. This will allow them to gain a competitive advantage that will last. According to the study, SMEs employ a cost leadership approach, investing heavily in mass manufacturing and distribution while diligently reducing costs. Small and medium-sized real estate companies must adopt new technologies to reduce project costs and improve non-financial performance. Finally, more research in the private and governmental sectors and other countries is needed to compare and contrast the findings of this study with those of other studies. This study focused solely on non-monetary performance. Financial performance might be the focus of other investigations. Only a few business strategies were examined in this study. Other strategic aspects should be examined in future studies.
Capacity Building and Evaluation Independence among Public Benefit Organizations in Homa Bay County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2020-11) Ochieng, Fredrick Olal
Monitoring and Evaluation over time have gained traction and become fundamental components in projects. Most internal evaluations are based on the assumption that evaluators are independent and do not bow to different forms of influence. Literature however reveals cases of evaluators being confronted by stakeholders to either alter or misrepresent their findings. Independence of evaluators at work is therefore at stake. The fear is that unless a solution is found, interferences are likely to continue hence threaten the credibility of evaluations. Empirical studies have been conducted on factors affecting monitoring and evaluation; these studies however do not adequately address lack of evaluation independence. Since most organizations build evaluation capacity with the aim of improving monitoring and evaluation, this study focused on investigating the effect of capacity building on evaluation independence as a way of addressing the empirical gap so as to safeguard evaluations. The broad aim of this study was to determine the effect of evaluation capacity building on evaluation independence among Public Benefit Organizations in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of monitoring and evaluation financing, stakeholder participation, staff development and evaluation environment on independence of evaluation among those Public Benefit Organizations. The research design used was descriptive. The target population comprised 39 Public Benefit Organizations in Homa Bay County. Given the relatively small target population, the study used census method hence enrolled all the 51 monitoring and evaluation staff working in the 39 organizations to serve as respondents. Qualitative data obtained was grouped into themes and explored by content analysis whereas quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive analysis generated; frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations which were presented in tables and charts and interpreted. For Inferential analysis; Pearson‟s correlation and multiple regression were used to establish the effect of evaluation capacity building on evaluation independence at 0.5 significance level. The study revealed that three of the four evaluation capacity building aspects that is: monitoring and evaluation financing, stakeholder participation and evaluation environment all had positive and significant effect on evaluation independence. Regression analysis however found that staff development have no significant influence on evaluation independence. Based on the overall study objective, the findings led to a conclusion that evaluation capacity building significantly affects evaluation independence. The study therefore recommends that Homa Bay County Public Benefit Organizations invests more in capacity building as a prerequisite for credible evaluations, consider separating their evaluation functions from other management functions, increase the number of monitoring and evaluation staff to avert the shortage as well as devise proper strategies for stakeholder involvement in their evaluations.

Browse

Browsing MST-Department of Management Science by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options