MST-Commerce

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Analysing the training needs of personnel working in the media and how they can be met: a case study of Kenya Institute of Mass Communication {K.I.M.C.}
(2012-04-05) Mugwe, S. W.; Yabs, J.
Training is a process characterized by the acquisition of specific skills or knowledge in order to perform specific tasks. The objective of training is improved overall organisational performance. The purpose of study. The purpose of study therefore is to highlight the specific factors affecting training, especially on personnel, and give recommendation to these factors on how they can be overcome to improve an effective training in training institutions. Under favourable circumstances, training has the importance dual function of utilization and motivation. By improving employees' ability to perform the tasks required by the company, training allows better use to be made of human resources. By giving employees a feeling of mastery over their work and recognition by management their job satisfaction is increased. When circumstances are unfavourable, these results may not be obtained, or example when the trainees sees no purpose in the training, when it is regarded as punishment or a sign of displeasure or when the training seems irrelevant in the trainee's needs. Like any other business process, training can be very wasteful if it is not carefully planned and supervised. Without a logical systematic approach some training may be given which is not necessary, and vice versa, or the extent of the training may be too small or too great. When the training is complete, validation will show whether it has been successful in achieving its aims and devaluation will attempt to measure its cost-benefit effect. The study was conducted at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and other middle institutions in Nairobi. There were two parts of the questionnaires; questionnaire (A) was filled by the employees and questionnaire (B) by the students. Literature review centered around the training literature, looking at the gaps in the work already done and giving theoretical foundations for the problem.
Analysis of retailing of wines and spirits: a case of retail outlets in Nairobi: Eastlands
(2012-02-21) Njoroge, Evans Ngugi
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the status of wines and spirits business in retail outlets in Nairobi Eastlands. Retailers are expected to offer these products in small enough quantities for individual consumption. The producers pack most of these products in big pack sizes which are not popular with consumers resulting to low sales of wines and spirits in retail outlets. In an effort to increase sales volume of these products, different retailers employ different sales modes according to their type of outlet. The study was to establish the factors that influence the practical applicability of a particular sales mode in relating to the type of outlet. Before the products reach the final consumer, various intermediaries are involved but there is no clear definition of roles between and within the various intermediaries resulting to a sourcing problem. The study was to investigate the impact of this problem to the sales of wines and spirits in retail outlets. To achieve this goal, the study identified the various retail outlets. Stratified random sampling was used to bring together those outlets with the same characteristics. Primary source of data was used. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which was supplemented by direct observation. In the study, there were three types of retail outlets which were serving consumers; wine shops, bars and restaurants and supermarkets. Wine shops were found to have an advantage over the others in that, most of them to sell at both wholesale and retail prices. They were therefore able to supply both consumers and other retailers. The results further revealed that, all retail outlets preferred selling in the original pack sizes from producers. Only 13.6% were making an attempt to sell in small bits. Most of the retail outlets were found charging exorbitant prices for these products. Given these facts, producers of wines and spirits need to be more aggressive in their marketing efforts to ensure there is a smooth flow of the products to the final consumer.
Behavioural attributes and performance of securities held by individual investor in Isiolo County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024-07-30) Nkoroi, Elizabeth Karimi
This study explores the relationship between behavioral attributes and the performance of securities held by individual investors in Isiolo County, Kenya. In the realm of behavioral finance, understanding how psychological biases and decision-making patterns influence investment outcomes is of paramount importance. The research objectives include assessing the impact of behavioral attributes, such as risk tolerance, overconfidence, and loss aversion, on the performance of securities in a local context. The main objective of this study was to explore the effect of behavioural attributes on performance of securities held by individual investors’ in Isiolo County, Kenya. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights. Data on individual investors' behavioral attributes were gathered through surveys and interviews, while the performance of securities was assessed using common metrics such as returns, risk-adjusted performance, and portfolio volatility. The research analyzed the collected data, employing statistical techniques to examine correlations and patterns. This study adopted a descriptive research design by deriving hypotheses from the theories that are existing. Bartlett’s test of Sphericity with a probability less than 0.05 was employed to test the hypotheses. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather primary data. SPSS was used to analyse the data with Factor analysis determining the relationship between independent variables (herding variables, market variables, prospect variables and heuristic variables) and the dependent variable (individual investor decision – making in the NSE); and to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that most of the behavioural attributes affecting the performance of securities held by individual investors had moderate impacts while market factors have a high influence on performance The study established that there is a significant relationship between the market, prospect and heuristics variables and performance of securities held by individual investor by failing to reject three null hypotheses. On the other hand, one null hypothesis was rejected thus concluding that there is no significant relationship between herding variables and performance of individual held. Preliminary findings suggest that behavioral attributes play a significant role in influencing investment decisions and outcomes among individual investors in Isiolo County. The research sheds light on the interplay of cognitive biases, emotional responses, and financial performance, providing valuable insights for both investors and financial professionals. The implications of this study are discussed, offering recommendations to enhance individual investors' financial decision-making in this region and beyond. The contribution of this study to the behavioral finance is that it has provided an understanding of the impact of behavioral attributes on investment performance, particularly in the unique context of Isiolo County, Kenya
Challenges facing recruitment and selection of staff on NGOs within the ASAL region
(2011-08-23) Lenyangume, kanyugo D
Competitions as a consumer sales promotion technique: an analysis of their impact on the performance of companies in the Kenyan oil industry
(2012-02-21) Njoroge, Joyce Waria
With liberalization of the Kenyan oil industry, multinational oil companies like Caltex Oil Kenya, Mobil Oil Kenya, Total Kenya, Shell and BP Kenya and Agip Kenya have faced stiff competition from upcoming independent or indigenous oil dealers like Galana, Jovena, Fuelex, Gapco, Millsfield, Jet, Engen, Nock, Skyline among others. The multinationals have therefore had to rethink strategy so as to maintain and if possible increase their market shares. The indigenous oil dealers are competing by giving consumers better prize deals than the multinationals. The multinationals have resulted to use of nation wide or regional sales promotions, advertising, public relations activities and ancillary profit centres (APC's). In the recent years the multinational oil companies have on the rise in the Kenyan Oil industry as a sales promotion technique used consumer competitions. It is interesting to note that this is not the case this year. Although many people respond to the competitions, it is not clear whether the response is due to the ''free'' prize, for fun, due to loyalty or due to economic pressure to buy what comes cheap. The objectives of the research therefore were aimed at trying to identify and analyze the views of oil companies on the impact (positive and negative) of consumer competitions on their performance in the oil industry. It also tried to identify problems associated with the implementation, management and evaluation of consumer competitions and therefore come up with recommendations on how to increase their effectiveness. No such study has ever been carried out and hence there will be no comparison of results with empirical studies of a similar nature. Since consumer competitions are a sales promotion technique, the study used sales promotion evaluation techniques to assess their impact on multinational companies using them in the Kenyan oil industries. The study was carried out between May and July 2000 and achieved its objectives by carrying out a study on all the multinational oil companies in Kenya. Use of both secondary and primary data was possible. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire containing unstructured and structured questions. The researcher administered these questionnaires personally after protesting, to all Marketing or Retail Managers of the multinational oil companies. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics like percentages frequencies and cross tabulations. The Likert Scale and the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was utilized.
Differentiation strategies and organizational performance of firms listed under manufacturing and allied sector at the Nairobi securities exchange
(Kenyatta University, 2023-11) Sheikh, Abdikheir Said
Growth in Kenya, like that of many other developing nations, has been driven mostly by the agricultural and services industries, rather than the industrial sector. The fall in manufacturing's share of GDP to 8.4% in 2017 and 9.2% in 2016 is evidence that the nation has undergone premature deindustrialization. Kenya's industrial and associated sectors have overcome several obstacles and are now flourishing. Each business is desperately trying to distinguish itself from the others; therefore, they have introduced novel methods, developed innovative products, engaged in pricing wars, and opened up new distribution channels. The study's main objective was to ascertain whether companies trading on the NSE that operate in the industrial and allied sector may profit from using differentiation strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of product, service, and channel differentiation on the bottom lines of industrial and allied sector companies listed on the NSE. The knowledge-based theory, Porter's generic strategy model, the discrete-choice theory of product differentiation, and the theory of hedonic pricing served as theoretical anchors for this investigation. Using a descriptive research strategy, this study investigated the research topic at hand. Twenty-five managers or supervisors and workers from each of the eight industrial and allied Sector enterprises situated in Nairobi County were surveyed for this study. Yamane's method was used to calculate a sample size of 133 for this investigation from a population of 200, with a 95% confidence interval. The researcher utilized the questionnaire to gather primary data from the institution's management. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, were used to facilitate the transformation of raw data into a format conducive to comprehension and interpretation in alignment with the objectives of the study. Inferential statistics, such as linear regressions, was also used to examine the quantitative data. In this study, an alpha value of 0.7 or above was considered as indicative of a reliable research instrument. In addition, a pilot study was conducted to assess the research instrument and establish the clarity of the questions posed so that any problems were addressed. Graphs and tables were used to display numerical data, with accompanying textual explanations. The study results show that most of the respondents agreed that product differentiation impacts on performance of firms listed under industrial and allied sector at the NSE. The study findings show that product differentiation has a positive statistical beta coefficient. The study findings indicate that majority of the respondents agreed that service differentiation impacts on performance of firms listed under industrial and allied sector at the NSE. Service differentiation has a positive statistical beta coefficient. The results show that most of the respondents were in agreement that channel differentiation impacts on performance of firms listed under industrial and allied sector at the NSE. Channel differentiation has a positive statistical beta. The study results indicate that majority of the respondents agreed that price differentiation affects performance of firms listed under industrial and allied sector at the NSE. Price differentiation has a positive statistical beta coefficient. The study recommends that the firms should consider costs in their production, outsource production to minimize costs and adopt the mechanization method to enhance efficiency in production. It was recommended that the firms consider costs and market conditions when pricing their products in order to improve performance and that that firms should use different distribution channels so that they could reach customers in different areas and improve their performance. The study recommends that the firms broaden their product offering, obtain certification for their products, and adopt innovation.
"Exhibition" a new kind of retailing: an investigation of factors influencing its spread in Kenya: a case study of freemark Kenya limited
(2012-02-21) Mburu, Salome Nduta; Maende, C.
The small-scale enterprises contribution to the growth of the national economy continues to assume increasing importance especially in job-creation. One such enterprise is the area of ''exhibitions''. These exhibitions are retailing outlets and have become major selling and buying centres. It is this in light that this study was carried out to try and investigate factors that influence the spread of exhibitions in Kenya. Specifically, this research sought to establish the distinguishing characteristics (outlet mix) of exhibitions, identifying which products are sold and to investigate the factors that impact on the process of exhibition. The study established that unemployment and change in consumer taste especially of the middle class are the major factors influencing the spread of exhibitions. Other findings indicate that exhibitions have in previous years been ideal shopping places and that business has been very good with exhibitors making monthly sales turnover of Ksh 250, 000 and above. However, this is no longer the case. Poor performance of the Economy has not spared this business sector either and sales have reduced dramatically and very many exhibitors have closed their business. In the light of the research findings, it was suggested that there is need to pay keen attention on the issues of unemployment and to look for ways to change this trend. At the same time, the government in conjunction with the local manufacturers should come up with strategies to tap the potential of exhibitions and start selling their products through their own initiated exhibitions.
The factors affecting demand for commercial paper as a short term source of finance for publicly quoted companies
(2012-02-21) Munywoki, John Musyoka
Critical to optimal financing decisions is the identification of the sources of financing both long and short term source of financing both long and short term. Sources of finance may include; share capital whose cost is the dividends to be paid out to shareholders. Long-term bank loans whose cost is the interest charged on the long per year’s long-term debentures whose cost is the coupon rate of interest. Short-term sources may include bank overdrafts with the overdraft rate of interest at its associated cost, short-term bank loans and Commercial paper whose cost is the interest rate charged. Cost on the mostly available source of finance for both long and short term needs have been on the higher side during the period under the study. Commercial paper (C.P) came in as a remedy to the high cost of credit especially short term. This study was aimed at the identification of the factors critical to the development of the C.P market and whether the companies issuing C.P achieved the cost minimization strategy. Study results indicate that company's cash flow, interest on Bank Overdraft (O,D) and the treasury bill rate (T.P) significantly affect the demand for C.P on the other hand, T.B demand while Bank O.D rate was found to have a negative relationship with the Demand of C.P. The researcher also indicate that the cost of borrowing of all companies studied decreased after engaging C.P.T.B rate was found to affect the C.P interest rate. In light of the research findings, which Reveal that C.P is a low cost borrowing instruments, it is suggested that companies with a good credit rating or companies with a strong financial base should engage it to reduce the level of its domestic borrowing (which indirectly makes credit expensive in order to allow companies access to cheap credit from banks and stop the private sector crowding out.
Factors influencing customer demand for automated teller machine services in Nairobi: the case of Standard Chatered and Barclays Banks of Kenya
(2012-04-17) Mwangi, Peter Kihara; Maganjo, R.
This study aimed at establishing the factors influencing individual customer demand for ATM services in Standard and Barclays banks in Nairobi. The driving force for this study was that since the introduction of the first ATM in Kenya by Standard Chartered Bank 1989, Kenyans, have witnessed proliferation of these facilities in the same and other major commercial banks in this country such as Barclays, Kenya Commercial bank and National bank. After only 9 years since the introduction for the first ATM, there are over 74 ATMS in place today and plans are there to install more. This rapid growth is a pointer that the demand for quality ATM customer services is a major issue among Kenya bank customers. In order to carry out study, a sample of 10 branches of Standard and Barclay’s banks in Nairobi with an ATM facility were selected. Interviews and questionnaires were used to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. The target was to administer questionnaires to 6 respondents per selected branch so as to get a sample of 60 respondents in total. In the final analysis, the researcher managed to get 47 respondents. The response rate was 78.3 percent. Data was analyzed using the SPSS computer programme. Factor analysis and descriptive statistics were used to discuss the results. The findings of this study indicated that the most important factor influencing ATM service demand according to customers is convenience of 24-hour banking followed by time taken to make a withdrawal and banks ATM advertising. Other important factors are age, income, ATM problems, sex, education, occupation and prestige. From the management point of view, the most important factor is ATM advertising followed by occupation and time taken to make a withdrawal. Other factors include sex, education, age, income, and convenience of 24-hour banking, ATM problems and prestige. On the other hand the most common ATM problems experienced by ATM users are ATM location problems (ATMs located in insecure places), insufficient cash in most popular ATM centres, Card retention by ATM cash machines and Faulty ATMs. PIN insecurity, phantom withdrawals (withdrawals which the ATM records but the customer denies) and problem of ATM fraudsters were considered minor. By and large, the study revealed that 61.7 percent of all ATM users were at least statisfied with the operations and services offered by ATM facilities while 66 percent of the customers felt that ATMs are very reliable and offer them quality customer services since they work more often than not. This may explain why majority of the ATM users (66 percent) use the facility at least once a week. Major recommendations that came out of the study are that; 1. 1 Bank management should ensure that their ATMs offer efficient 24 - hour services at all times without breaking down or running out of cash. Standby generators should be installed in all branches with an ATM to cushion against power failures. 2. Banks management should develop an efficient customers service programme to ensure minimized and fair queuing system and speedy and accurate services. 3. Management should offer quick solutions to customer complaints such as ATM problems on the other hand, security should be provided at all times especially in ATMs which are located in hidden insecure places at night or during the weekends. 4. The bank should increase ATM advertising and promotional campaigns in order to attract more customers. 5. Finally the banks should explore the possibility of operating a shared ATM network in Kenya also locating their ATMs away from banking locations like air ports, super markets, and other busy points so that customers can access their accounts wherever they are.
Factors influencing the quality of services provided by Savings and Credit Coopretive Societies in Igembe South district
(2011-08-23) Chabari, K.Betty
In the modem business world, it is important for any organization, whether profit or nonprofit, governmental or private to mind about quality it provides to its customers. Organization's capability to provide conforming products is aimed primarily at achieving customer satisfaction which in turn leads to profitability, survival and sustenance in the market. This study focused on identifying the factors that influence service quality in SACCOs in Igembe South District. The study sought to find out if leadership, employee empowerment, adoption of ICT and timely availability of fmances influence service quality in SACCOs. The study was conducted in all the three SACCOs in district using a descriptive research design. The target population will comprise Of 20 managers, 57 employees and 500 clients from the three SACCOs. The researcher used simple random sampling to select the sample that was included in the study. The data was mainly be collected by use of questionnaires.The data collected was qualitative and quantitative which was analyzed usmg descriptive and inferential statistics. The data so analyzed was presentedusingtables, bar graphs and pie charts. The study revealed that employee empowerment to a large extent influence service quality positively while ICT has a strong negative correlation with service quality. This study has also shown that Leadership and availability of fmancial resources do not have much impact on service quality. From the findings of this study, employees of SACCOs should be trained continuously to empower them to quality services to their clients and customers should be trained on how to use ICT related devices so as to improve service provision to them.
Factors that affect production and marketing of mangoes in Kenya: a case of Maragua ridge location in district of central province
(2012-03-29) Kameri, V.
The horticultural industry is the fastest growing industry in Kenya. This growth has been supported by agriculture research both from the local and from abroad. Small-scale growers in Kenya have benefited from public sector research while the large growers have depended on technologies imported from European countries. The objectives of this study was to examine the area under mango cultivation methods, how pests and diseases are controlled, varieties cultivated, mango customers, price determination and marketing problems. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and unstructured interviews. The study established that small-scale farmers mainly grow mangoes for commercial purposes. The farm size does not determine the number of trees a farmer plants. However, lack of land was cited by those farmers who indicated that they do not intend to increase their mango trees. The choice of mango varieties grown by a farmer is determined by marketing, resistance to diseases and the wish to have fruits ready in the market early to late in the season. There are those varieties, which mature late. The farmer can therefore choose to plant the varieties he wants. The mango varieties which do not have high demand in the market can be changed to those that are popular with the customers by way of grafting. Exotic mangoes are very prone to pests and diseases. Great care is required to improve both quality and quantity. Government should promote mango farming by providing qualified personnel where mangoes can be grown. Research on pests and diseases should be intensified and the findings made available to farmers. Small-scale industries should be set up to process mango fruits, which do not meet export standards. Overseas promotion to areas of potential customers should be intensified.
Factors that affect production and marketing of strawberries in Kenya
(2012-04-10) Ochuodho, Origa Albert
Horticulture, especially cut flowers, French beans, off-season strawberries, fruits and vegetables are increasingly becoming an important component of our domestic as well as foreign trade. The future demand for bulk sales of fruit juices and canned pineapple should make feasible annual increases of around ten percentages in value terms (Seasonal Paper No 1 of 1986). This of course includes juices made out of strawberries. The objectives of the study were to establish areas cultivation with strawberries; methods and techniques used in the cultivation and harvesting of the same; pests and disease affecting the main varieties grown in this country; their control methods and how effective they are; the yields harvested from the farms; the promotional and channel management strategies used by both farmers and buyers to market their products; the amounts purchased by buyers; the competitive position of strawberries in the market and the various market differences in terms of quality , price, packing and handling. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire composed of thirty-three questions. The questionnaire was administered to thirty-one respondents out of whom seventeen were farmers and fourteen were buyers. The study established Naivasha, Kinangop, Molo and Limuru as the main strawberry growing areas in Kenya. Most of the farms were small scale farms and most of the yields were below twenty thousand kilograms. It also revealed that crossbreeding was the most common method of cultivation used and picking by hand was the most popular method of harvesting strawberries with farmers. If further established that two main varieties were cultivated i.e. Tioga Selva and Chandler Pajaro. The Chandler Pajaro was more popular with the growers. Three main diseases were established to affect the crop in this country. They were Fusarium Oxysponium, Botrytis and Fusarium Wilt. The study established that Tioga Selfa was not susceptible to Botrytis but was affected by Fusarium Oxysponium and Fusarium Wilt. It also revealed that the Chandler Pajaro was not susceptible to Fusariu Wilt but was affected by Fusarium Oxysponium and Botrytis. This confirms the research carried out by Chandler, (1990) in the USA. The spraying method was moderately effective with Chandler Pajaro but very effective with Tioga Selva. The farmers hardly used any promotional strategies to market their strawberries apart from personal selling and use of agents. The study also established fair competition in the strawberry trade. It further revealed that handling and packing contributed fair competition in the strawberry markets other than quality and price.
Financial Risk Management and Profitability of Local Private Commercial Banks in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2022) Bwibo, Anne Mabel; Job Omagwa
Commercial banks are responsible for providing financial services thus form part of the backbone of an economy. While providing the financial service, they are exposed to various financial risks. Risks have adverse cost elements associated with them thus ultimately affect financial performance of institutions. In 2017, as a result of interest rate volatility, Family bank and Standard chartered issued profit warnings a sign of poor performance. During the period 2015-2017, three commercial banks in Kenya i.e. Dubai bank, Chase bank as well as Imperial bank were put under receivership owing to liquidity and capital deficiency challenges among other reasons which exposed financial risk to depositors, creditors as well as the banking sector; hence, the study analysed Financial Risk Management (FRM) and Profitability of Local Private Commercial Banks’ in Kenya. Specifically, the research determined effect of CRM, LRM, IR Risk Management and also FOREX Risk Management on Local Private Kenyan Commercial banks’ profitability. The theories underpinning the study were Modern Portfolio Theory, Managerial Efficiency Theory and Agency Theory. Moreover, descriptive research approach was deployed during the research. The study targeted 20 local private commercial banks operating as at 2021 in Kenya. Banks selection was conducted using the census design. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires. Purposive sampling was adopted to select respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The study found that CRM has a significant positive effect on profitability; LRM has a significant positive effect on profitability; IR risk management has significant positive effect on profitability and foreign exchange rate risk management has a significant positive effect on local private commercial banks’ profitability in Kenya. This indicates that improvement in CRM (credit limits, credit insurance and loan appraisals) improves the banks’ profitability. Improvement in LRM (loan to total deposit ratio, liquid coverage ratio and net stability funding ratio) improves profitability of the local private commercial banks in Kenya, enhancement in interest rate risk management (IR limits and interest on loans) increases local private commercial banks’ profitability and improvement in foreign exchange risk management (cross currency swaps and price adjustment) improves local private commercial banks’ profitability. Hence, the study recommends that local private commercial banks ought to set up maximum credit limits for the borrowers, obtain credit insurance policy and examine the market value of the collaterals used in order to lower default rate on the loan hence improve the banks’ profitability. Moreover, local private commercial banks should charge common percentage of interest rate on all loans offered in order to attract many borrowers who would like to take different types of loans to cater for the diverse needs hence increasing the banks’ profitability. Additionally, the local private commercial banks ought to use cross currency swaps to exchange funding in one currency for funding in another currency as well as hedge investments in foreign currency bonds. The study recommends that further studies ought to be carried out to examine the effect of FRM on profitability of the foreign owned banks and entire banking sector in Kenya. In addition, more studies need to be conducted to assess other factors influencing banks management.
The impact of liberalization on marketing practices in Kenya: a case study of textiles industry
(2012-02-21) Maina, Samuel Mwangi
Whereas liberalization has opened doors for investment and trade opportunities as well as facilitated an outward drive for exports markets, it has also spelled trouble for many firms particularly in the manufacturing sector. The Kenya textiles industry is fairly mature in the sense that we have developed all processes in textile manufacture and there is a fair competition. It has been primarily oriented to the domestic market, and has for many years been sheltered from foreign competition by both quantitative and qualitative restrictions on the import of textiles and garments. However large-scale smuggling in of second-hand clothing popularly known locally as 'Mitumba' has periodically diluted such protection? This has brought a lot of concern about the performance of Kenya's textile industry but there is still scarcity of information on how the firms in the industry do their marketing especially in the liberalized economy. This study was set to investigate the actual marketing practices undertaken by firms in the industry and to evaluate the impact of liberalization through analysis of the probable adjustments in product, price, promotion, distribution, cost structure, research and development, and market predisposition of the firms in the face of changes in the textiles industry environment. A Survey was conducted on all the spinning, weaving and finishing textiles firms in Nairobi including those firms outside but have offices in Nairobi. The quantitave data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, which included tables, percentages, frequencies, ranks, mean scores and t-statistics to achieve the set objectives. The study discovered that all firms utilize all the marketing mix elements in their marketing practices. The utilization of each element differs considerably as many firms emphasize pricing more than any other. The study also found that firms have now changed their prioritisation of their objectives due to market liberalization. Survival is now the most important goal followed by profitability, competitive position, growth and technological position in that order. The impact of liberalization on marketing practices in textiles industry is great. Most of the firms instead of increasing their utilization of marketing strategies in order to remain competitive, they have drastically reduced them. Basically not much of the marketing activities in the industry can be noticed. Hence the unfolding consequences of liberalization no doubt call for rethinking of its implementation.
Investigating factors that affect rabbit production and marketing as a small business
(2013-11-19) Hassane, Mahamat Hassane
An investigation into factors affecting the performance of retail shop business in Kenya: a case of Suba district, Nyanza.
(2012-04-05) Yiega, J. O. Julius
Retail shop business is one, which is in both the consumers, and the government rely upon so much and therefore cannot be neglected. The location of the retail shops is spread in the whole country ranging from the urban, semi urban and the rural areas. This research sought to investigate the factors that affects the performance of the retail shop business in the rural areas of which Suba district was chosen as a representative. Both primary and secondary data were collected using the questionnaire and personal interview. The gathered data were analyzed and the results interpreted. The results revealed that the level of initial capital, education, dependency level, experience and age of owner, location, source of supply of stock, and pricing method, were the major variables affecting the retail shop business performance. This study recommends that to improve there performance of these businesses the level of education and exposure of the present and potential entrepreneurs should improved. This can be achieved through adult education programs and awareness seminars. It is also recommended that to reduce the dependency level family planning should be encouraged in these areas and polygamy discouraged. To improve on sources and management of funds this study recommends that the retailers form savings and credits societies. This can be achieved better with government's intervention and support. The results also revealed that the manufacturers/suppliers could not reach some locations due to poor infrastructure. It is recommended that road network and other public utilities should be improved.
An investigation into the effects of employee downsizing on business organizations in Kenya
(2012-04-05) Rori, Richard Nyakundi
Employee downsizing is a complex and pervasive phenomenon that has drawn the attention of most Kenyans. It is a phenomenon that strikes fear and anxiety in the minds of many Kenyan employees. It has actually become a legitimate multi purpose tool to preserve and advance corporate interests. Employee downsizing has also been observed in other countries as rapid technological change, shifting markets, new competitors, revamped governmental regulations and increasing global competition have led organizations to seek lower labour costs and increased productivity. While employee downsizing has become a common activity, very little is known of its impact on the employer and the remaining employee during and long after implementation. This research investigated on the effects of employee downsizing on business organizations in Kenya. The interest was on the effects of employee downsizing on business organizations, as most business organizations continue to downsize their employees in order to cope up with the now turbulent, more competitive, and less predictable market place. A total of 20 business organizations were selected for investigation from a list of 30 large business organizations in Kenya that had downsized during the 1990s. Both secondary and primary data was collected from these business organizations for analysis. Two different types of questionnaires were used to guide the research's data collection. Data from the surviving employees and the employers in these organizations was obtained and analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented by use of percentages and tables. The study revealed that most business organizations in Kenya downsized their employees because they felt they were over-staffed, non -competitive, and their market place had changed dramatically. Downsizing of employees was thus a measure for their health and survival. However, the research found out that although there were several alternatives to employee downsizing, few business organizations considered them. The organizations used a variety of approaches including; induced retirements, involuntary retirements, separation with benefits, separation without benefits, induced pay to quit, retraining; few of these business organizations ever bothered to seriously address and identify the needed structural changes and strategic workforce planning to meet future challenges. This had led to critical employees being retrenched and organizations were being forced to re-hire. These organizations simply equate lowering operating expenses by employee elimination to show a greater profit. The study also revealed that except fro reduction of expenses for the business organizations and consequently increase in profits and dividends for shareholders, it has a negative impact on the morale of those employees who remain after downsizing as it causes a 'survivor syndrome' due to lack of sufficient information, loss and growing insecurity. The remaining employees, no longer believe in the concept of lifetime employment, and are concerned about their future chances for promotion and advancement, especially when they see their bosses or mentors being laid off. A fairly good number of them are also worried about their ability to function in a new environment as their jobs have been redesigned. Their feeling is that they will be the ones terminated next, so their attitude is one of "Why try to do the best since I am going to be the next one to be laid off". It was also found that, found that, although employee downsizing enables the organization to release appropriate numbers of people, it affects social networks at the work place. This is because, when a person is laid off, an entire personal network of internal and external relationship in the business organization is lost as well. It destroys informal bridges between departments, disrupts the information grapevine severs ties with customers. It even, eliminates the friendships that bond them to the workplace. A few of the organizations complained of cash flow difficulty, as funds had to be set aside for payment of termination benefits. Managers also complained of being behind schedule, and burnout. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that employee downsizing can lead to short-term improvements in profitability, however long term gains may be lost due to poor planning, implementation and monitoring. A good employee-downsizing programme, therefore, is one that is based on the business organization's mission and vision guided by a clear workforce strategy. Finally, the study has made a number of recommendations that may be considered for adoption by business organizations planning to downsize their employees in order to avoid the suffering from employee downsizing "success". It recommends that downsizing of employees should be done as a last alternative to reduce costs, increase profits, corporate strategy, or make the business more competitive. However, should employee downsizing be necessary, there is need to do an elaborate pre-downsizing analysis, have a comprehensive downsizing plan, do it with a humane face and as much as possible consider how the survivors shall be managed to avoid unnecessary survivor "syndrome".
An investigation into the factors that influence the effectiveness of the manufacturing and marketing of furniture products and possible ways of improving their performance: the case of Gikomba, Kariobangi and Mathare areas of Nairobi province
(2012-04-03) Karanja, Crispus
The informal sector enterprises will emerge in the next century as a major source of resource mobilization in Kenya. Their capacities to absorb employment and optimal performance will depend on the sort of incentives and support systems that are provided for by the government and the private sector. The objectives of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the effectiveness of manufacturing and marketing of furniture products and come up with possible ways of improving their performance. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire composed of semi-structured questions. The questionnaire was administered to forty respondents. The study identified that this sector is so heterogeneous and its needs so diverse that no single approach can be offered as the perfect solution. Instead, a series of programmes are necessary in a number of areas in order to produce the conditions that will be conducive to greater participation of successfully becoming self-employed and also for those entrepreneurs who have capacity to expand businesses. It should be noted that the Jua Kali sector exists side by side with huge multinationals with high manufacturing and managerial skills. As a result of this, coming up with the right policies will lead to equitable distribution of business operations. The issue of inadequate finance is a major hindrance to growth. If credit institutions are to be a major stimulus to investment then appropriate incentives must be established. Market opportunities should be simultaneously expanded through preferential government purchase schemes and by exploring new markets through effective promotional efforts. The strengthening of the country's technical research capacity and simplifying access of training for the informal sector participation will create a wider technological innovation for the country's industrialisation process.
Investigation of challenges facing accessibility of credit from commercial banks for financing agricultural sectors in Kenya: (a survey of commercial banks in Nyeri county)
(Kenyatta University, 2015) Karumbi, Peter Njoroge
Accessibility of credit is vital for the development of any sector in the country. There has been a big challenge in the country in financing the agricultural sector. The research study aims at analysing the various challenges facing accessibility of credit from Commercial banks for financing agricultural sectors in Kenya. The study was carried out in the various Commercial banks in Nyeri County. Kenya has a total of forty three commercial banks. Out of this, Nyeri County has a total of eleven commercial banks with a total of twenty five branches. The research adopted a descriptive survey approach where staffs working in the banks represented in Nyeri County were sampled. As at 31st December 2012, the twenty five branches of the eleven commercial banks represented in Nyeri County had a total population of three hundred and seventy five (375) employees. Out of this, the survey targeted the staffs who are involved in credit processes in their respective institutions. These staffs include branch managers, Credit managers, Operations managers and credit officers. The 11 commercial banks had 25 branch managers, 20 Operations managers, 17 Credit manager and 94 credit officers. The study therefore had a target population of one hundred and fifty six (156) banks staffs. Out of these, 30% were sampled making a sample of 47 employees. Sampling was done using stratified random sampling technique. The research used primary data which was collected through the questionnaires. The questionnaires had both closed and open ended questions and were administered through the employees of the various commercial banks using drop and later pick method. Data collected was both qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics of mean, mode and median. Data has been presented using tables, graphs and charts. Qualitative data has been analyzed using content analysis. The response rate was 85.1% where out of the issued 47 questionnaires 40 were returned and considered adequate to commence the analysis. The findings established that customer related challenges, agricultural activity related challenges, loan related challenges and borrowing costs related challenges influences the accessibility of credit from commercial banks for financing the agricultural sectors in Kenya. It was recommended that Commercial banks in Kenya should come up with more flexible and customer friendly solutions to enable easier access of credit to the Agricultural sectors in Kenya
Marketing Mix and Customer Loyalty in Commercial Banks in Kericho County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2019-06) Yegon, Kiptoo
Banking sector have had high competition in Kenya due to large number of commercial banks and rising increase of Micro Finance Institution as well as Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies. Customer loyalty is inevitable and each bank straggles to outdo each other in getting the greatest customer numbers leading to them investing in different marketing strategies. The study sought to investigate the effect of marketing mix on customer loyalty in commercial banks in Kericho County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study included the following: to investigate the effect of Products on customer loyalty in commercial banks in Kericho County; to establish the effect of pricing on customer loyalty in commercial banks in Kericho County; to examine the role of promotion on customer loyalty in commercial banks in Kericho County; to analyze the influence of place on customer loyalty in commercial banks in Kericho County. This study would be useful to commercial banks in policy making, improving of service to customer and developing strategies for improvement of performance. Government would utilize it for fiscal policies. It would be also important to academicians for future research in the area of marketing. The study was guided by three theories: Social Exchange Theory, the theory of Reasoned Action and Consumer power theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study includes all the customers of the 6 commercial banks in Kericho County, namely: Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity, Standard Chartered, Barclays, Co-operative, and Family Bank Kenya (County Government of Kericho, 2016). The researcher used the multi-stage sampling technique to select 148 respondents. Validity was determined by peers, supervisor and through pilot study. Reliability were obtained from pilot data where the Cronbach alpha was found to be 0.791 which was above threshold of 0.7. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Regression was also used in data analysis. The scope of the study was commercial banks in Kericho County, Kenya. The study covered all commercial banks in Kericho where numerous research has been conducted marketing strategies and not market mix on customer loyalty. Research on product mix concentrated on hotel and tourism creating a knowledge gap. The finding indicated that product mix positively influence to customer loyalty through branding, labeling of logo and picture of products and product packaging through pay bill and flexible accounts. It was also found out that pricing on products was important in customer loyalty and retention. Promotion was not significant since radio advertisement did not affect customer loyalty. Place had significantly affected customer loyalty and based on mobile banking and access to branches. The study concluded that marketing strategies was important in customer loyalty, retention, survey and loyalty in commercial banks. It recommended product, price and place strategies should be used often to improve on customer loyalty.

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