RP-Department of Business Administration

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/7716

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 947

A Paradigm of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship Management Practices and Youth Empowerment Programs in Mogadishu, Somalia
(Journal of Business and Management Sciences, 2025-08) Adam, Mohamed Mustafa Haji; Muathe, Stephen Makau
Youth unemployment is a growing global issue, exacerbating poverty and dependency cycles that hinder development. Despite the initiatives by the various stakeholders to improve youth empowerment, it has remained below the threshold. Available data indicated that Somalia is still experiencing one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally at 67%. Additionally, the low education levels, which stand at 60%, have contributed to Somali youth's inability to receive entrepreneurial training. Therefore, the primary focus of the research was to ascertain the effect of entrepreneurship management practices on youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. Precisely, the study examined the impact of resource orientation, entrepreneurship culture, growth orientation, and management structure on youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. The empowerment theory, stakeholder’s theory and dynamic capability theory anchored the study. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population included four hundred youth in youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. Proportional stratified and simple random sampling techniques determined a response size of two hundred participants. The study used structured questionnaires and Twenty respondents participated in a pilot exercise.The study used reliability and validity to test data collection instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The study established a positive and significant relationship between resource orientation, entrepreneurship culture, growth orientation, and management structure in youth empowerment programs in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study recommends that the policymakers, development partners, and community leaders prioritize the integration of entrepreneurship training and support systems within youth programs. The study recommended the establishment of innovation hubs, access to micro-finance, and business development services tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs; and to integrate entrepreneurship education into school curricula and community outreach programs to foster entrepreneurial perspectives from a young age.
Ability-Enhancing Practices and Organisational Performance: Does Justice Perception Moderate the Relationship in The Context of Police Force in Nigeria?
(European Scientific Institute, 2020) Owoeye, Idowu; Kiiru, David; Muli, Jedidah
The knowledge, skills, and abilities constituting employee characteristics are often described as the capacity needed by a firm to attain competitive advantage which in turn occasions performance outcomes at various firm’s levels. While evidence of significant and insignificant relationships between ability-enhancing practices and performance outcomes at firm’s levels has been registered across organisational contexts in human resource management literature, such evidence remains limited and anecdotal in the context of criminal justice system in Nigeria. Using a survey data from 321 police officers, this study investigated the interactional effect of justice perception on the relationship between abilityenhancing practices and performance of police force in Nigeria. The study adopted both descriptive and explanatory designs, and the study instruments were adapted. The validity and reliability of the study instruments were determined via Principal Component Analysis, and thereafter data collected were analysed employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods with the aid of analytical tool of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The moderating effect of justice perception was established using PROCESS macro and the results were interpreted using Baron and Kenny’s (1986) approach for determining mediation effect. The results of the analysis revealed that the performance of police force in Nigeria was predicted by composite construct of ability enhancing practices, and the relationship was completely moderated by justice perception. The results also revealed significant effects of rigorous recruitment and selection, and coaching on performance of police force, however, insignificant effects of job rotation and mentoring practices were found with performance of police force in Nigeria. The study contributes to the body of empirical knowledge that individual’s perception of fairness of the implemented organisational systems to enhance employee knowledge, skills, and abilities is vital to the attainment of favourable performance outcomes. The institution of Criminal Justice System can leverage on the findings of this study to improve human capital development so as to attain desired performance outcomes.
Accelerating Growth of Businesses through Networking Services, Incubation Infrastructure and Management Mentoring: A Perspective of Startups in Kenya
(IJRBS, 2023-09) Muathe, Stephen M.A.; Otieno, Victor
Worldwide, startup businesses are essential for any country's economic development. Despite the rapid growth of start-ups, their likelihood of success and viability remain low. This trend is more observed in developing countries due to the low uptake of business incubation services such as Kenya. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of networking services, physical incubation, and management mentoring on the growth of start-ups in Kenya. The study was based on the social network theory, the theory of the firm, the stochastic theory and the trait theory of entrepreneurship. A crosssectional research design was used. A sample size of 227 respondents was selected from a total population of 567 respondents using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed with multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS. The finding of the study indicated that there was a positive and significant effect between networking services, physical incubation infrastructure and management mentoring and growth of startups. The study suggests that startups should join associations like the Associations of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya and the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs to access incubation infrastructure. This will allow access to investor networks, civil society programs, and government agencies, accelerating business growth. Additionally, business incubators can partner with universities for specialized research in areas like health, agriculture, and climate change through the triple helix model.
Access to Credit and Firm Performance: Evidence from Micro and Small Enterprises in Murang’a County, Kenya
(Journal of Business and Management Sciences, 2025-07) Karanja, Johnson Muguro; Muathe, Stephen Makau A.
Report on the Kenya National Human Development [1] showed that among the challenges still facing MSEs in Kenya is lack of access to credit due to financial institutions requiring collateral as well as inadequate entrepreneurial skills. Despite the provision of affordable credit through the funds, micro and small enterprises in Murang’a County that has continued to record poor performance, which begs the question of the effectiveness of the various efforts and their contribution to improved performance of the MSEs. The study focused on collateral requirement, credit assessment, credit information sharing and cost of credit and their implication on performance of micro and small enterprises in Murang’a County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the resource-based view, dynamic capability theory, pecking order theory, entrepreneurship theory of Shane, innovation of entrepreneurship theory as well as the traits theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design where 1,020 registered SMEs in Murang’a County were targeted, of which 287 were selected through a stratified and random sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data which was later analyzed through means and standard deviations as well as multiple regression analysis and presented through tables and figures. The study established that collateral requirements (β=.420, p
Accomplishing Organizational Performance through Business Process Re-Engineering: Evidence from Selected Supermarkets in Mombasa City County, Kenya
(IJRISS, 2023) Muthimi, Janet; Mwarora, Athman
The aim of this study was to establish the impact of business process re-engineering (BPR) on the performance of supermarkets in Mombasa City County, Kenya. Specific focus of the study was the measurement of Business Process Reengineering through process redesign. Additionally, performance was measured through profitability, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cost optimization. The study was anchored on the BPR theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design in the collection, analysis, and presentation of data. The target population was all supermarket outlets operating in Mombasa City County, Kenya. The main research instrument was a structured questionnaire mixed with open-ended questions administered through a face-to-face interview with the respondents comprising one manager, one supervisor, one shop floor staff and two customers from each outlet selected randomly to each supermarket outlet. The presentation of data for this research was done through frequencies, means, percentages, and standard deviations. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software (SPSS) was applied in the analysis of data. Study results indicated that there was significant correlation between process redesign and performance, r = 0.236. Additionally, beta coefficients indicated that for every unit of performance, there was an influence of process re-design, β= 0.302 (p<.05). This led to the conclusion that indeed business process redesign influenced performance of supermarkets in the county of Mombasa, Kenya. It was therefore recommended that supermarkets should do feasibility studies and consultations when setting up a new supermarket with all business processes considered.
Accounts Receivable Management and Financial Performance of Embu Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Embu County, Kenya
(International Academic Journals, 2018) Munene, Francis; Tibbs, Charles Yugi
Accounts receivable represents money owed to a business in return for goods already delivered or services already rendered. Proper maintenance of accounts receivable helps an organization maintain customer loyalty, track customer credit and uncollected profits. However, many organizations nowadays encounter numerous challenges in regard to their invoicing and accounts receivable process. Embu Water and Sanitation Company limited operate in conditions which limit its ability to maximize revenues because of inadequate infrastructure coverage, dilapidated infrastructure that predispose the company to lose quite a big percentage of supplied water, and the inability to set economic water tariffs. This study sought to determine the effects of accounts receivable management on financial performance of Embu Water and Sanitation Company limited, Embu County, Kenya. This study was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine the effects of inventory turnover period, average payment period, cash conversion period and average collection period on financial performance of Embu Water and Sanitation Company limited, Embu County, Kenya. Theories guiding the study were operational motives theory, transactions cost theory and cash conversion cycle theory. This study adopted descriptive research to test the relationship variables of the study. The study used secondary data which was obtained from the accounts and finance departments. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data and presented in tables. The study established that inventory turnover in days has negative relationship with Return on Equity which means that companies financial performance can be increased by reducing inventory in days. Average collection period and current ratio was found to be significant positive association with Return on Equities, indicating that if time period of debtor’s payment is increased then overall financial performance of Embu Water and Sanitation Company Limited in Embu County, Kenya also improves. The study recommended that Embu Water and Sanitation Company Limited should increase its average collection period, inventory turnover periods and cash conversion period in order to improve their financial performance. The study also recommends that there should be proper inventory management system in the organization to avoid over stock of inventory resulting efficient outcome of investment and engage in better relationship with those suppliers who allow long credit time period and those customers who allow short payment period.
Adoption of Digital Banking Technology and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(IJCAB Publishing Group, 2020) Ouma, Stephen Otieno; Ndede, Fredrick W.S.
Commercial banks play a leading role in the economic development of a country and this role of can be achieved only if the banks are stable. Digital banking technology has thus emerged as a way through which the commercial banks can be able to improve their financial performance by enhancing retail and corporate banking activities. From the inception of digital banking, banks have improved their networks in areas of deposits, withdrawals and other banking activities. However, despite the innovative ideas in digital banking, there still exists gaps as some banks still fail and face imminent collapse. The objective of this study was to establish how digital banking technology innovations affects the financial performance of commercial banks. The study took a descriptive survey design and was driven by three objectives namely; determining the effect of access to digital banking technology, turnaround time and digital banking technology costs on financial performance. This study was anchored on financial intermediation theory, innovation diffusion theory and modern economics theory. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data over a target population of 42 commercial banks in Kenya. The study involved a census of the commercial banks in Kenya as at September 2018 and encompassed collection of data through self-administered questionnaires targeting the finance and IT managers of the banks in their headquarters in Nairobi. The data collected was analysed using a descriptive method. The responses were tabulated, coded and processed by use of a computer statistical package for social scientists. The findings of the study were analysed and presented using statistical methods including pie charts and bar graphs and frequency tables. From the findings and summary, the study concluded that the ease of access to digital banking through digital-banking technology innovations had a positive influence on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study also concludes that the turnaround time of digital banking technology innovations had a positive impact on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya with many of the banking institutions recording high amount of deposits and improved loan values thus creating an opportunity of increasing their customer base.
Adoption of Green Energy and Performance of Butali Sugar Company in Kakamega County, Kenya
(International Academic Journals, 2020) Makanga, Ishmael Maina; Kavindah, Lucy
There is increased number of sugar companies that have failed despite advance increase in strategic management best practice. Several studies on organisational performance have revealed that in Kenya, performance is nonlinear despite numerous initiatives. A few studies have tried to account for the mixed performance especially in the context of cost cutting approach in understanding the effect of adoption of green energy on performance. Successful green practices helps firms to achieve greater efficiency, establish and strengthen their core competencies, enhance their green image, all of these may eventually combine to contribute to firm profitability. Environmental sustainability in any given production is very important. The low adoption of green energy has led to high charges on electric units especially during low rainy seasons, and high prices of petroleum and electricity in operations of the company which accounts for poor performance that has necessitated closure of many sugar companies. The study sought to bridge the gap by establishing the effect of green energy adoption on the performance of Butali Sugar Company in Kakamega County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of pollution reduction, cost of production, organizational policy and organizational capacity on the performance of Butali Sugar Company in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study was anchored on three theories which include green economic theory, resourced based view theory and the Innovation Diffusion theory. The study used descriptive research design. The target population was 204 respondents. The sample size was 134 which was developed using Yamane’s formula. A semistructured questionnaire was used. After data collection, data will be edited, referenced coded to facilitate statistical analysis. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using tables, charts, frequencies, percentages and graphs. The study established that green energy adoption had a positive and significant effect on the performance of Butali Sugar Company. It was concluded that the firm had significantly reduced emissions to the atmosphere by adopting green energy, enhanced use of renewable energy, improved environmental conservation, recycles wastes, embraces environmental friendly waste disposal and collaborates with other firms on waste management. It was further concluded that green energy adoption had significantly reduced the cost of production in the firm despite their being inadequate finances for the project, cost of transportation being slightly higher and the price of license to produce power being moderately higher. The study concluded that the firm has a clear policy guideline on green energy adoption, complies with government policy and regulations governing the project. The study recommends that the management of the Butali Sugar Company Limited should ensure that the production of green energy is maximized to economically viable levels to improve firm returns. The firm also needs to enhance human resource, technological and infrastructure capacity to facilitate the green energy adoption process and effectiveness.
Adoption of Management Information Systems and Performance of Public Agencies in Mombasa County, Kenya
(SJBCM, 2023-10) Mkongoh, R. M.; Kyalo, J.
Public agencies are faced with challenges that force them to adjust or change from their normal way of doing things. This study sought to investigate the relationship between management information systems adoption and performance of public agencies in Mombasa County, Kenya. The independent variables were information infrastructure, Information flexibility, Information security and Information storage while the dependent variable was performance of public agencies in Mombasa County. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population was 535 ICT specialists from 79 public agencies in Mombasa County. A stratified sampling technique was utilized. In this study primary data was gathered using research questionnaire. The data collected was both quantitative and qualitative and it was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential analysis. The descriptive statistical tools. The researcher conducted inferential analyses including correlation and multiple regression analyses. The study found that internet connectivity and IS software are the key aspects of information Infrastructure which affect the performance of public agencies in Mombasa to great extents. Information Flexibility contributes more to the increase of performance of public agencies followed by information Infrastructure, then information Storage while information Security contributes the least to the performance of public agencies. The study concluded that utilization of information infrastructure, information flexibility, information security, and information storage have great impacts on the performance of public agencies in Mombasa County. There is need to enhance the MIS infrastructure to ensure that it caters for its purpose in the organizations. The public agencies ought to put special consideration on information flexibility within the agencies. Public agencies need to invest in secure information systems that can assure staff privacy and protection. There is need for improvement in information storage through data protection, data backup, and data accessibility. This will also increase operation, enable information to be easily transmitted, enhance team performance, coordination and communication and data protection improves information quality and hence expanded organizational responsiveness.
Adoption of Technology and Customer Focus as Strategic Practices for Organizational Performance of National Social Security Fund in Kenya
(American Journal of Business and Strategic Management, 2025-05) Njeru, Doreen Gacheri; Kipkorir, Chris Simon Sitienei
Aim: National Social Security Fund has been experiencing poor organizational performance as evidenced by low member contributions, customer dissatisfaction, inadequate finances, decreasing market share and low employee productivity. Adoption of strategic practices has been used by many organizations to improve organizational performance. The study aimed to establish the effect of technology adoption and customer focus on organizational performance at the National Social Security Fund, Kenya. Methods: The study was grounded on Technology Acceptance Model, Customer Satisfaction Model and Balanced Scorecard Model. A descriptive research design was employed using stratified random sampling to select 90 respondents from key departments. A structured and close-ended questionnaires was validated through a pilot study and later used to collect primary data. Collected data analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Research findings were presented using tables. Results: The findings showed that technology adoption and customer focus had significant positive effect on organizational performance. Specifically, the study findings showed that a unit change in technology adoption changes organizational performance by 0.620 units. A unit change in customer focus results in an estimated 0.739 unit increase in performance, holding other factors constant. Conclusion: The study concludes that embracing technology and customer focus practices is essential for enhancing organizational performance in public institutions like National Social Security Fund. Recommendation: It is recommended that National Social Security Fund invest in modern Information Technology infrastructure, strengthen employee training, and implement advanced customer relationship management to improve service delivery and performance outcomes
Advertising and Sales Performance of Commercial Banks in Nyeri County, Kenya
(IAJHRBA, 2020) Nzioka, Catherine Mutindi Waithaka, Paul
The sales performance of commercial banks has sharply deteriorated in recent years, a factor which has translated to huge decline in revenues. Both customer outreach and sales volume has been affected. The study sought to determine the effect of advertising as a promotional mix tool on sales performance of commercial banks in Nyeri County, Kenya. The guiding theory was the hierarchy of effects theory. A descriptive survey research design was used. The target population was made up of thirty five commercial banks with active operations in Nyeri County, Kenya. The target population consisted of marketing managers, branch managers, operation managers and credit managers of all the sixteen banks which totals to 140 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in data collection and was administrated using the drop and pick method. A census method was used. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were applied. The multiple regression and Pearson correlation were used to guide conclusions. The banks had registered impressive growth in their sales volumes and customer outreach in the five years from 2015 to 2019. The regression analysis results provided evidence that advertising as a promotional mix tool has a positive and statistically significant effect on sales performance. The results of Pearson correlation analysis indicated that advertising has a strong positive and statistically significant relationship with sales performance. It was concluded that advertising as a promotional mix tool plays a significant role in determining the sales performance of the banks. The study recommends furtherance of advertising efforts and specially heightened implementation of use of directories and online advertisements.
Advertising and Service Quality in the Mobile Phone Industry in Kenya
(International Peer Reviewed Journals and Books, 2019) Gakii, Annstellah; Murigi, Elishiba Muthoni
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determining the effect of integrated marketing communication on service quality in the Mobile Phone Industry in Kenya. Methodology: The methodology employed a descriptive research design. This study focused on 1050 staffs from the marketing, ICT and customer service departments of the four mobile phone network providers in Kenya. The study used stratified sampling method. The target population has1050 staffs, therefore by use of Krejcie and Morgan’s method of determination of a sample size the eventual sample size obtained was composed of 278 respondents. Primary data was collected by means of a semi- structured questionnaire. Test-retest technique of reliability testing was employed. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency, regression and measures of variations) with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 to achieve the objectives of the study. The findings were presented using tables, frequencies and percentages. Findings: The study found out that the calculated value was greater than the critical value (4.561> 2.83) an indication that advertising, sales promotion, publicity and public relations all have a significant effect on service quality. The significance value was less than 0.05 indicating that the model was significant Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that future studies should consider replication using different approach so as to incorporate other aspects of advertising and service quality other than ones in the study
Agency Banking and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Embu County, Kenya
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2017) Mbugua, Irene Njoki; Omagwa, Job
Agency banking is receiving much attention all over the world owing to its associated benefits. In a number of countries, banks are finding new ways to make money delivering financial services to "unbanked" people. Rather than using bank branches and their own field officers, they offer banking and payment services through retail outlets, including grocery stores, pharmacies, seed and fertilizer retailers and gas stations among others. This study sought to establish the effect of agency banking model on financial performance of commercial banks focusing on commercial banks in Embu County, Kenya. In particular, the study sought to achieve the following specific objectives: establish the effect of cost-effectiveness of agency banking on financial performance of commercial banks, to determine the effect of commissions earned from agency banking on financial performance of commercial banks, to establish the effect of operational flexibility of agency banking on financial performance of commercial banks and to determine the effect of banking hall decongestion financial performance of commercial banks in Embu county, Kenya. This study was informed by: bank-led theory advantage and agency theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study target population was all the Banks agent outlets in Embu County, Kenya. The sample size of the study was 69 bank officials in top, middle and junior level management in Embu County, Kenya. The study used stratified random sampling technique to select the study sample that participated in the study. The study used primary data which was collected by use of questionnaires that were administered through a Drop-off/Pick-Up method. Before the actual study, a pilot testing was conducted to establish validity and reliability of the data collection tool. The data collected was entered and coded in the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) for easy analysis and presentation of the results to be yielded. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies, standard deviation and percentages were used for descriptive analysis of the data collected. The study also used correlation analysis and multiple regressions to establish the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables. The study found that agency banking, has brought about down the cost of banking and banking transactions. The study also found that banking cost of agency banking influence the financial performance of the Commercial Banks in Embu County to a very great extent. The study established that a majority the bank officials’ rated as excellent the amount of commission earned by the bank and the bank agents earned from the adoption of agency banking, that a considerable majority of the respondents were of the opinion that agency banking had led to lead to decongestion of banking halls and that operational flexibility of agency banking is a significant predictor of the financial performance of the selected commercial bank. The study concludes that cost-effectiveness had the greatest effect on financial performance of the selected Commercial banks followed by banking hall decongestion then operational flexibility while commissions earned had the least effect on financial performance of the selected Commercial Banks. The study recommends that Commercial banks in Kenya should improve customers’ perception by making more advertisements and also increase promotion activities of agent’s banking Central bank consider coming with a clear agency banking regulatory policy which creates a universal platform for all banking institutions.
Alignment of Entrepreneurial Education within the Kenyan Competency Based Curriculum: Review of the Basic Education Curriculum Framework
(EA Journals, 2021) Kimencu, Linda. N
Education plays a critical role in determining the level of entrepreneurial activities within an economy. Despite entrepreneurial education being offered at the tertiary level in many Kenyan universities, it does not result in the inculcation of an entrepreneurial culture among the young people as it is not taught at the primary and secondary levels of education. The Kenyan ministry of education is in the process of rolling out the competency based curriculum that focuses on key competencies. The study aimed to establish the extent to which entrepreneurial competencies are incorporated in the basic education curriculum framework. The study established that the curriculum incorporates the teaching of entrepreneurial competencies to learners; however, the instruction of entrepreneurial skills is subtle as it does not include the teaching of entrepreneurship as a subject area. This study recommends the explicit teaching of entrepreneurial education in the formative years of education.
Alliance Motives among Manufacturing SMES: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
(ESJ, 2022) Muthoka, Richard K.; Kilika, James M.; Muathe, Stephen M. A.
This study was designed to investigate the effect of environmentalbased motives on firm performance. The study targeted manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises based in Kenya whose performance has been negatively affected by high industry competition, low technology uptake, and industry regulation. The study was geared towards establishing the environmental-based motives pushing and pulling manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises toward strategic alliance formation. To this end, the study was set to investigate whether compliance with government regulation, the need to grow market share, and the need to increase customer base motivates manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya to form strategic alliances. The target population for the study consisted of 74 SMEs and the study adopted descriptive and explanatory research designs and collected data from company CEOs or senior managers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the survey data. The study findings indicated that environmental-based motives have a positive and significant effect on the performance of manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya (Adj R 2 = 0.484). Based on these findings, the study concluded that environmentalbased motives of compliance with the government regulation, market share, and customer base motivate manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises to form strategic alliances and that these motives have a positive and significanteffect on firm performance. The study contributed to the general body of knowledge by bridging the contextual and empirical gaps identified after the literature review. The study recommends that top management teams in the manufacturing industry should map environmental-based motives and align such motives to specific aspects of their value chain activities.
An Investigation of Project Management Practices on Sustainability of Selected Road Projects in Kiambu County, Kenya
(. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 2023-10) Nyanduku, F. K.; Kyalo, J.
This study investigated the effect of project management best practices on the sustainability of road construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were determining the effect of stakeholder participation and involvement, management skills, resource allocation, and technological resource on the sustainability of road construction projects. The research study adopted explanatory and descriptive research design to establish the relationship between project management practices and sustainability of road construction projects. The target population was nine completed road construction projects and stratified random sampling used to draw a sample of 100 respondents. The data was analyzed using both descriptive, relational and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicated that managerial skills had a positive and significant effect on sustainability of road construction projects. This was attributed to development and adherence to systematic work plans and schedules by project managers which ensured that road construction projects are completed within time, budget, and required quality. The study also established that resource allocation had a positive and significant effect on sustainability of road construction projects. This was attributed to adequate allocation of physical resources, human resources, and funds for road construction projects. Stakeholder involvement also had a positive and significant effect on sustainability of road construction projects. There were negotiations with stakeholders to build a consensus which made stakeholders feel that they felt part and parcel of these construction projects. Finally, technology resources had a positive and significant effect on sustainability of road construction projects. This was attributed to utilization of management information system to coordinate road construction projects, and utilization of different software to complete specific tasks. This research study recommended that road construction project management should prioritize effective resource allocation, as it was established to have the most significant effect on both project quality and sustainability.
Analysis of Brand Loyalty in Cosmetic Products: A Case of Selected Salons in Nyeri Town
(2015) Mwai, L. K.; Muchemi, A. W.; Ndungu, C. W.
Cosmetic industry is a lucrative business that progressively attracts more attention from marketing research. The highly competitive environment in the cosmetic industry makes it a valuable area to study brand loyalty in cosmetic products. Brand loyalty is one of the important aspects which is significant for the management to sustain competitive advantages in the market. In this research, the relationship between brand loyalty and determinants of brand loyalty was unveiled, with special focus on brand trust, brand price and perceived value. The general objective was to examine the determinants of brand loyalty in cosmetic industry in Nyeri Town. The specific objectives were to determine the effects of brand price on brand loyalty, to assess the effects of brand trust on brand loyalty, to establish the effect of perceived quality on brand loyalty. The researcher adopted a descriptive survey research design where questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and has been presented using tables. The researcher used Karl Pearson correlation coefficient and logistic regression analysis to statistically analyze the data. The target population was 60 salon operators who are consumers of Cosmetic Products in Nyeri Town. A census study was conducted in the salons within Nyeri Town. This study supports the view that brand trust, brand perceived value and price should remain prime focus for the organization to maintain market share in today’s competitive business environment.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Formulation of Strategic Plans in Embu North District, Embu County, Kenya
(Global Business and Economics Research Journal, 2013) Njeru, N.E.; Muathe, Stephen M. A.; Muchemi, A. W.
The issue of organisational direction for organisations worldwide has generated growing interest in the recent past. As a result, formation of strategic plan by many organisations has attracted growing concerns due to environmental pursuit of organisational growth and survival in the long run. This study explores the link between formulation of school strategic plans with employee motivation, availability of funds, support by top school leadership, government policy and employee knowhow. The paper specifically analyses the factors that influence the formulation of strategic plans in secondary schools in Embu North District, Embu County, Kenya. The study was carried out in 24 public secondary schools in Embu North Dis trict, Embu County, Kenya. The following persons were involved; 24 Principals, 24 Chairpersons of Board of Governors and 24 Chairpersons of Parents Teachers Association in all the schools. Data was collected primarily through structured questionnaire and a nalysed using spearman's rank correlation analysis. The findings at 0.05 significance level indicated that employee motivation, availability of funds, support by top school leadership, government policy and employee skills had a statistical relationship wi th formulation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Embu North district.
An analysis of in store environment ambience factor influence on consumer behaviour
(Circle Research Centre, 2015) Ndeh, Patience A.; Njuguna, Reuben K.
Despite studies that exist on in store environment affecting consumer behaviour, there are still contradictory findings on propositions presented. In view of the contradictory findings, this study depicts the consumer behaviour in East Africa, Kenya and prevailing aspects in supermarkets. This study proposes an integrative conceptual model on how ambience characteristics could ensure positive consumer behaviour among retail customers. The study recommends that supermarket in Kenya should endeavour to initiate programs that will emphasize on scent as opposed to music and lighting as the latter do not affect consumer behaviour while scent does.
An Analysis of the Effects of Competitive Intelligence Practices on the Performance of Pharmaceutical Companies in Nairobi
(International Academic Journals, 2015) Wambugu, Paul Wachira
The relevance of monitoring, understanding and responding to competitors has long been recognized as a significant aspect of marketing activity. Yet analysis of the competitive environment seems often to be subordinated as greater emphasis is placed on understanding consumers. Clearly important though customers are, they should not dominate marketing strategy and planning. Competition in the Kenyan Pharmaceutical Industry continually work to drive down the rate of return on capital invested. The pharmaceutical companies have thus resulted in making use of various competitive intelligence aspects to ensure profitability. The study generally sought to analyze the effects of competitive intelligence practices on the performance of pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi. Specifically, the study sought to establish the effect of product intelligence strategies, new markets intelligence, technology intelligence, strategic alliance intelligence and on the performance of pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The method is chosen since it is more precise and accurate since it involves description of events in a carefully planned way and also portrays the characteristics of a population fully. The study targeted managers of pharmaceutical distribution companies in Nairobi. For the smaller firms, the target respondents were the owners/managers or the superintending pharmacists or their designate. In larger corporations, the managers at the time being in charge of distribution, their equivalents or their designate was targeted. From the population sampling frame the required number of subjects/ respondents was selected through stratified proportionate random sampling technique based on whether they bare wholesalers, manufacturer or retailers. Primary data was obtained through use of questionnaires. Quantitative data collected using a questionnaire was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics while the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. In addition, the researcher conducted a multiple regression analysis so as to determine the relationship between the company’s profitability and the four competitive intelligence practices. This research helped the companies to remain competitive and profitable amidst the current stiff competition witnessed in the pharmaceutical sector. The study found that the company employed new market intelligence as a competitive intelligence. Product intelligence influenced the performance of the company to a great extent. The company initiated activities to obtain information on technology advancement in the industry to a very great extent. Mergers in the industry and strategic alliance enhanced the performance of the company to a very great extent. The study concludes that the company employed new market intelligence as a competitive intelligence. Product intelligence influenced the performance of the company to a great extent. The company initiated activities to obtain information on process automation in the firm, interconnected technology in the company, integrated systems in the industry and new software in the industry. Joint venture in the industry and acquisitions in the industry enhanced the performance of the company. The study recommends pharmaceutical companies to employ new market intelligence. The study recommends the managers in pharmaceutical companies to adopt product diversification intelligence. The company should initiate activities to obtain information on technology advancement in the industry. They need to form mergers so as to enhance the performance of the company.

Browse

Browsing RP-Department of Business Administration by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options