School of Business and Economics

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An Investigation on Effects Of Change Management Strategies on Performance in The Kenyan Judiciary: A Case Of Nyahururu Law Courts
(Laikipia University, 2014-09) Mong’are, Bitutu Alice (Miencha)
The Kenyan Judiciary’s chief mission is to resolve disputes in a just manner with a view to protecting the rights and liberties of Kenyans. To effectuate the above mission, the Judiciary has in the recent past through commissions, task forces and strategic plans introduced several strategies of change management. However, the strategies in place as seen in the Ouko Commission’s Report have not fully addressed the concerns of consumers of justice as the Judiciary’s performance is still wanting. The study was designed to investigate the effects of change management strategies on performance in the Kenyan Judiciary. It aimed at establishing how employing business process re-engineering impacted on performance in Judiciary; to establish how allowing stakeholders control as a strategy of change management impacts on performance of the judiciary and finding out how making use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism as a strategy of change has influenced performance in Kenyan Judiciary. The study was based on three theories: Contingency, Institutional and Agency theories. The study was a survey design and used questionnaires and key informant interview to gather primary data. Target population was 98 staff and Court User’s Committee members of the Nyahururu Law Courts. Using Cochran’s formula a stratified sample of 54 members was studied. Secondary data was collected from the court documents. A pilot test was carried out to establish the reliability and validity of the questionnaires. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics with aid of statistical package for social sciences computer software tool. Quantitative data was presented using charts, graphs while qualitative data was presented using narratives. Multiple regression and correlation analysis methods were used to draw inferences. Correlation analysis showed that Business Process Engineering had the highest R value at 0.562, followed by stakeholders control with an R value of 0.406 and the most weak was Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with a R value of 0.404. This showed Business Process Engineering had strongest relationship to the improved performance of judiciary, followed by stakeholders control and the last was ADR. The study recommends further research into Challenges facing Staffs’ contribution to Reforms Process in the Judiciary, impediments to effective Judicial Reforms in the Magistrates courts and the effect of public vetting of judges on reforms in the country. The study would benefit the judiciary staff in that after introduction of BPR they could be empowered and collaboration among them improved resulting in performance.
Effects of Implementing The Balanced Scorecard System on Service Provision by Kenya Wildlife Service: A Case Of Central Rift Conservation Area
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Nelly, Palmeris
The Kenyan public business sectors are facing massive challenges to survive in today's globally volatile marketplace. In an attempt to overcome these challenges, companies are adopting newer management systems to clarify their vision and strategy and translate them into action. One of these public sectors, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), adopted the balanced scorecard (BSC) in 2009 to improve its service provision level. Since the adoption and implementation of the BSC, little is known about how effective it has been in enhancing service provision in the KWS field operational areas, since KWS is still facing serious problems of poaching, human wildlife conflicts etc. This study therefore sought to understand the effects of implementing Balance Scorecard on service provision by the KWS since its adoption. The objectives of this study were to determine the degree to which BSC has been integrated and assess the achievements derived from implementing BSC in the strategic management effort in Central Rift Conservation Area. The descriptive research design was used for this study; a sample size of 157 respondents from a target population of 267 employees in the study area was sampled using simple random sampling technique. The questionnaires filled and returned were 111 and these were used in the data analysis. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A multiple regression model was fitted. The study found out that the three perspectives of BSC (Financial, Business Processes and Learning and Growth) have strong, positive and significant effect on the service provision at KWS. Further, the majority respondents claimed that they were not aware of the application of BSC in the daily running of the business operations and processes. The study therefore recommends that the management should organize staff training on the application of Balanced Scorecard system in KWS business operations. Key words Balanced Scorecard, Implementation, Service Provision
Analysis of Constraints Faced by Small Medium Enterprises in Using Crowdfunding as A Source of Start-Up Capital In Nakuru County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Odhiambo, Edwin O.
Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya face difficulty in accessing formal financing. This therefore means that there is a capital gap existing in Kenya which particularly affects the limited opportunities for establishment and development of new business ventures. The concept of crowdfunding could be a solution to this capital gap. This study sought to analyze the constraints faced by Kenyan SMEs in using crowdfunding as a source of start-up capital. The study was based on three theories, the agency theory, the stakeholder theory and the static trade-off theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design because the objective of the study was systematic description of facts surrounding the use of crowdfunding. It targeted Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of crowdfunding platforms and entrepreneurs who had used crowdfunding to finance their business ventures. Self-administered structured questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 125 entrepreneurs operating small businesses within Nakuru County. Stratified proportionate sampling coupled with simple random sampling and snowball sampling were applied in selecting the respondents. Once the data had been collected it was processed, coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software tool. The results were presented using frequency tables, graphs and percentages. The research findings indicated that, a good percentage of SMEs have embraced crowdfunding with 49% of them having secured funds through this system. These SMEs highlighted risk of idea stealing, desire by financial supporters to gain control in the venture, lack of intellectual property rights and legal issues to be the major constraints that would stop them from tapping into the crowdfunding. The conclusion drawn from the study was that the constraints surrounding crowdfunding affect to a larger extent its use as a source of financing. The study also indicated that as much as SMEs are using crowdfunding, they still prefer the use of the traditional sources like banks. Based on the results of the study and the conclusions, the following key recommendations were made: Crowdfunding is a very good alternative to traditional fundraising. In order to be successful, the campaign has to be carefully designed upfront and executed with a lot of dedication. Credibility of projects generally increases when there is a team of multiple project initiators. It is important that they publish updates during the fundraising period in order to sustain this credibility. Crowdfunding platforms should facilitate and guide project initiators in such a way that they can easily optimize the success drivers. Crowdfunding platforms should facilitate and guide project initiators in such a way that they can easily optimize the success drivers.
Effects of Information and Communication Technology Investments on Sustainable Competitive Advantage. A Case of Kenyan Commercial Banks in Nyahururu Town
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Odhiambo, Irene A.
The link between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) has continued to take a central place in strategy research and scholarly debates. The perspectives through which ICT has been studied in organizational settings has appeared to strongly emphasize it as a powerful competitive weapon for sustainable competitive advantage, yet the extent to which the different aspects of ICT have contributed to the sustainability of that advantage has not been established. The study aimed at examining the effect of ICT investments on SCA of Kenyan commercial banks. The specific objectives were to determine the extent to which ICT assets have contributed to SCA of the banks; the extent to which ICT capabilities have contributed to SCA of the same banks; and also the extent to which the banks have invested in ICT. The study was based on the resource-based theory that seeks to direct organizations along the path to achieving sustainable competitive advantage through the use of resources and capabilities. Descriptive research design was adopted. The population of study was 94,102 customers from which a sample of 666 customers were selected. Systematic random sampling techniques was used in collection of data. Customers who filled the questionnaires and returned were 392. The data was then analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software tool. The results were presented using both graphical and summary measures in form of frequency tables, charts and graphs. Multiple regression analysis was used to draw inferences. The study found out that all the banks have invested in ICT infrastructure to a large extent and both ICT assets and ICT capabilities have a significant effect on sustainable competitive advantage. Each of these has a positive correlation with the sustainable competitive advantage. However, ICT capabilities has a stronger association with sustainable competitive advantage than ICT assets. The researcher recommends that all the banks come up with ICT strategic plans to address all the aspect of ICT investments. In addition, the study recommends that implementation and monitoring of the ICT strategic plans be ensured to enhance evaluation and justification of ICT investments made by banks.
Effects of Result Based Management on Performance of Nyahururu Sub County in County Government if Laikipia
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Mungai, Kihanda John
Results Based Management (RBM) was introduced in 2004 out of the need to improve service delivery and demonstrate reform gains from the implementation of the Economic Recovery Strategy. The RBM tools introduced included Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), Performance Contract (PC), Service Charter (SC) and Automation through Local Authorities Integrated Financial Operations Management System (LAIFOMS) among others. These approaches were implemented with the aim of improving service delivery in the local authorities which have been replaced by County Government. However, there is still outcry from the citizens that the services offered are no of good quality. This has been reinforced by reports from Transparency International and Auditor General Office of high corruption in County Governments. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of result based management on performance of County Governments in Kenya; the specific objectives of this research were therefore to investigate the effects of Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), Service Charter and Performance Contract on the service delivery as well as the effects of LAIFOMS on financial management at the Nyahururu Sub County. The research was based on Public Value and Strategic Triangle Theories. The population of the study was 4,891 respondents comprising of 4,751 customers and 140 staff. A sample of 42 staff and 355 customers were selected using stratified random sampling. 292 respondents comprising of 37 staff and 255 customers filled and returned the questionnaires. Data was analyzed using multiple regression and correlation analysis. The p values for each independents variable was less than 0.05 for both regression and multiple regression analysis. The study found out that, Service Charter, Performance Contract, RRI and ICT had significant effects on performance of County Governments. The study therefore recommends that staff should be trained more on these tools as well as encourages them to implement them. In addition their implementation should be monitored. Awareness should also be created to customers about the service charter to understand their rights and obligation.
Assessment of The Contribution of Selected Government Strategies Towards Youth Self-Employment: Case of Youth Groups in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Kimani, Nganga Amos.
In Kenya, the economic growth rate has not been sufficient to create enough employment opportunities to absorb the ever increasing labour force of about five hundred thousand (500,000) people annually. About seventy five percent (75%) of youth are unemployed. The Human Capital theory asserts that more education brings more earnings or better employment. Yet youth unemployment has been growing despite the government spending more than three hundred billion shillings annually on employment creation initiatives. Empirical studies of government employment initiatives with a focus on youth groups’ selfemployment in Naivasha Sub-County have not been done. This study intended to assess selected Kenyan government strategies towards youth self employment in Naivasha Sub- County. The objectives of this study included; to examine the influence of school curriculum on self employment initiatives among the youth in Naivasha Sub-County, determine the influence of vocational training on self employment initiatives among the youth and determine the influence of youth funds availability on self employment initiatives among the youth . The study used a descriptive research involving survey method. The study used both primary data and secondary. The study population consisted of all the one hundred licensed youth groups with businesses in Naivasha Sub-County, Nakuru County. Stratified sampling technique was used to determine the sample size while simple random sampling was used to select the sample from the stratified data. Based on the population size, a sample size of eighty groups was selected by using the Sample size table. Data was collected using questionnaires. A pilot study was done to ensure reliability and validity of research instruments. The data was analysed using regression. The results were presented in graphs, charts, tables and figures. The P value for school curriculum variable was 0.065, the P value for vocational training variable was 0.055, the P value for youth enterprise funds variable was 0.054, therefore the selected variable have significant influence on self employment initiatives. The study concluded that selected government strategies to enhance selfemployment have to a large extent contributed towards self employment initiatives. This study will assist the government to come with new strategies to alleviate youth unemployment problem and form a basis of future research on other government strategies to alleviate youth unemployment.
An Analysis of The Strategic Factors That Impede Growth Of Institutions of Higher Learning in Nyahururu Sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Ndungu, Musoma John
institutions of higher learning help to serve as a model environment for the practice of good governance, conflict resolution and respect for human rights and thus enabling economic growth of any nation, any county or any region. This is the reason as to why their presence and growth is of importance for any economic growth to be realized. However, in Nyahururu Sub County such Institutions begin but most never grow, other portray negative growth rate and other are extinct. This trend has not been explained. This research therefore sought to analyze the strategic factors that impede the growth of these Institutions in Nyahururu Sub County. The specific objectives included determination whether Product differentiation, competition and marketing strategy impede growth of these institutions of higher learning in Nyahururu Sub County. This research was based on “Institutional Theory” which considers the processes by which structures, including schemas, rules, norms and routines. The Institutional theorists assert that the institutional environment can strongly influence the development and growth of formal structures in an organization. The study design was survey method where the entire target population was sampled. The Target population was 76, who included Senior Management and Administrative Staff of Six Institutions of Higher learning in Nyahururu Sub County registered by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and offering diplomas and above. A census was the applied to all the 76 respondents. The researcher used both the primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires while secondary data was obtained from Institutions annual reports, documents analysis and Institutions Magazines. Data analysis was done using Multiple regression analysis methods for inference which was used to analysis the relationship that exists between the variables. The study revealed institutions were able to use product differentiation comfortably in all areas under study while competition was found to be the highest impeding factor. The study recommends further study on a comparative survey of factors that influence learners‟ choice of different institution of higher learning institutions: a research into alternative courses in different institutions and their role on competition and growth of institutions and the role of alternate markets on growth of institutions of higher learning. Institutions Management could benefit from the finding more especially in informed strategic decisions for Institutional growth. The finding would also be of great help to scholars and scientific researchers interested on the subject under study.
An Analysis of The Strategic Factors That Impede Growth Of Institutions of Higher Learning in Nyahururu Sub-County, Laikipia County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Ndungu, Musoma John
Factors Affecting Provision of Quality Service in Nyahururu Referral Hospital
(Laikipia University, 2014-10) Musyoka, Shedrack Thyaka.
In healthcare industry service quality has become an imperative in providing patient satisfaction because delivering service directly affects the patient’s satisfaction. By the start of the millennium, the quality of service in public hospitals in Kenya declined. Therefore this research study sought to investigate factors affecting provision of quality service in public health sector in Kenya with specific reference to Nyahururu Referral Hospital. The study used a descriptive survey approach in collecting data. Thereafter the study used stratified random sampling to get the target population of 129 respondents. The primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The data was then analyzed using descriptive approach such as frequency, percentages, means and standard deviations. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. From the findings the study revealed that organizations must enhance employee’s capacity in order to improve provision of service quality. The study established that employee’s incompetence affected service quality, and that high skilled personnel in the public health sectors influence high service quality provision. Further, the study found that management in public health sector need to improve the level of adoption and willingness to invest and advance in modern technology as this would facilitate service assessment. Lack of investment in technology development affected health service quality. The study concluded that public health sector should improve the level of adoption of technology in order to facilitate service assessment, improve process and communication which are essential for effective and efficient quality service in public health sector in Kenya. The study also concluded that management should emphasize on effective communication channels in order to provide information to upper level managers about activities and performances throughout the organization as well as improving individual participation in provision of quality service .The study recommended that management in public health sector should improve employee’s capacity to enhance provision of health service quality. Adequate number of highly skilled and experienced employees, effective recruitment, monitoring of doctors and staff and meeting performance and practice standards enhances service quality provision.
Analysis of The Extent of Mobile Banking Transactions Contribution To Banks’ Commissions Growth. A Case of Kcb Retail Banking
(Laikipia University, 2015-11) Ogeto, Nyambariga James
Increased competition in the banking industry has led to banks adopting new and innovative strategies to stem competition and increase their commissions. One of the strategies adopted by banks in Kenya is mobile banking. Despite KCB’s heavy investment in mobile banking as a new avenue of commission growth, its effects on the commissions whether positive or negative requires to be ascertained. This study sought to analyze mobile banking transactions contribution to overall banks’ commissions growth. The study employed profit maximization theory of economic finance attributed to Marshall A. which was the rational behavior of equilibrium assumption. A descriptive research design was employed for this study. The study used relevant secondary data collected from KCB’s financial reports from KCB retail banking head office finance unit where financial performance records are archived. The data was analyzed using both gap and regression analysis techniques to determine the change in commissions in relation to mobile transactions contribution. Through analysis the study established that mobile banking transaction commissions were increasing steadily for the five year period of study. There was positive contribution of mobile banking commissions towards the bank’s commission growth. The study also established that mobile banking balance inquiry contributed 31.0% to total mobile banking commissions; mobile banking account to mpesa contributed 56.0% to total mobile banking commissions and; mobile banking bank account to account transfers contributed 8.0% to total mobile banking commissions. Mobile banking balance inquiry, mobile account to M-pesa money transfer and mobile bank account to account money transfer had a significant contribution to the bank’s commissions’ growth. In particular, account to M-pesa was found to contribute a greater percentage to commissions’ growth. Through regression analysis the three independent variables of study had positive coefficient: balance inquiry had a coefficient of 1970.14, bank account to mpesa funds transfer had a coefficient of 1117.15 and bank account to bank account funds transfer had a coefficient of 925.99. The three independent variables were found to be significant. Since the findings indicated mobile banking contributed positively to the bank’s commissions, the study recommends that banks should sensitize their customers on benefits of usage of mobile banking services to ensure the daily mobile banking transactions increase gradually.
Influence of Human Resource Policies on Employee Retention In A Public Organisation: A Survey of Kenya Wildlife Service
(Laikipia University, 2015-11) Tallam, Chelimo Felister
Employee retention is critical to the long-term health and success of any organization. It is a known fact that retaining your best employees ensures high performance, job satisfaction and employee motivation. For the past 5 years ,Kenya Wildlife Service as a public organization has experienced employee turnover rate of 17%.It is not clear why Kenya Wildlife Service employees are shifting to competitors such as group Ranchers, Sanctuaries, Farms, Non- Governmental Organizations and other organizations. Employee retention has remained a major challenge to many public organizations due to salary scale, working environment and other factors as indicated by high turnover rate. Due to employee turnover the organization faces direct and indirect costs of recruitment, selection and training of the new staff to replace those who are leaving. The departure of knowledgeable and skilled workers has many costs implications including disruption of the work process, recruitment and training of new employees, and low productivity of new employees during the training period. The study investigated the influence of human resource policies on employee retention in a public organization through a survey conducted at Kenya Wildlife Service. The study sought to investigate the influence of employee training on employee retention, the influence of employee reward on employee retention, the influence of company culture on employee retention and to examine the influence of work environment on employee retention at Kenya Wildlife Service. The study was based on motivation theories including Herzberg’ Motivator- Hygiene, Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, and Stacey’s Equity Theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design to investigate the influence of human resource policies on employee retention. A sample size of (230) employees was drawn from the target population of 540 permanent employees using stratified random sampling technique. Primary data was collected by using structured questionnaire while secondary data was collected through review of literature. The instrument was tested for reliability using Cronbach alpha (α), and found to be 0.879 hence confirming reliability of the instrument. Data analysis which involved both descriptive and inferential statistics was carried out with aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0.The hypotheses were tested using P-value approach at 95% significance level. The study found out that employee training, company culture and work environment had a significance influence on employee retention while employee reward was insignificant in influencing employee retention in the organization. The findings of this study are important to other public organizations since it provides information of human resource policies and its influence on employee retention. The study concluded that human resource policies are the most important and valuable means that influence employee’s retention in any organization it therefore recommends that Kenya Wildlife Service should craft strategies of employee retention and monitor turnover rate, in order to help management retain their employees.
Effect of Job Training Approaches on Employee Performance at Nakuru Provincial Hospital
(Laikipia University, 2015-11) Kamario, Lenai Joseph.
Employee training methods form an indispensable strategic tool for employee performance and by extension organizational success justifying the reasons for the ever increasing budgets on an annual basis purposely to enhance employee performance in the health sector. Every year, Kenya’s Ministry of health spends a substantive amount of money on employee training with key emphasis on providing quality health services. However, even after devolving health services in the new 2010 constitutional dispensation, quality of health services is still wanting as evidenced by the staff unrest and patient complaints. With that in the hindsight, this study sought to establish if the various job training approaches have effect on employee performance of the Nakuru provincial General hospital. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of job training methods on employee performance in health sector at Nakuru provincial hospital. Three theories namely Attitude Theory, Motivation Theory and General Systems Theory (GST) guided this study. Using a descriptive survey design the target population consisted of employees from various departments of the hospital such as Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, clinical officers, laboratory technicians and health records staff at Nakuru Provincial General Hospital. A sample size of 226 respondents was selected using a sampling matrix of Krejcie and Morgan from a total population of 550 possible respondents. The data was collected by the use of both open and close ended questionnaires which were delivered by the researcher on drop and pick later basis. Secondary data for health performance index of the hospital for a retrospective period of three years (2012-2014) was also collected. A pilot test was undertaken at Nakuru Provincial Hospital to test the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics which were done with the aid of SPSS. Descriptive results involved calculation of frequencies, ranking, percentages, mean and standard deviations. Pearson Correlation analysis was used for establishing the association between independent and dependent variables. From the descriptive results, 92.92% respondents indicated that training generally brings about performance change while 7.08% indicated that it does not bring about performance change. The findings show there is a strong association between job rotation (r=0.667), Coaching (r=0.753) and employee performance while simulation (r=0.480) and Vestibule training (0.390) have a moderate association with employee performance according to Cohen correlation decision rules. However, vestibule training method was found to be rarely used in the hospital. Overall both on the job and off the job training methods are occasionally undertaken in Nakuru General Hospital. The Hospital performance index shows improved performance which can be attributed to training approaches. The study concludes that job training approaches have effect on employee performance at the Nakuru Provincial General Hospital. These findings may be useful to the managers of health facilities and contribution to both theory and body of knowledge on employee training and its relationships.
Effect of Motivational Factors on Quality of Work Life Among Prison Officers in Naivasha Main Prison, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2015-11) Kodeck, Obonyo Mose
Kenya prison service has undergone reforms which are geared towards improving the quality of work life of prison officers. This has been as result of go slow of prison officer in the year 2008. The go slow led to loss of employment of senior officers through retirement on public interest. The purpose of study was to examine the effects of motivating factors on quality of work life of prison officers. The specific objectives included; to examine the effect of working conditions on quality of work life of prison officers in Naivasha Main prison, to examine the effect of reward on quality of work life of prison officers in Naivasha Main prison, to assess the effect of the employee participation on quality of work life of prison officers in Naivasha Main prison, and to examine the effect of employee supervision on quality of work life of prison officers in Naivasha Main prison. The study was based on theory of motivation with focus on; Equity theory, Maslow’s of needs and Herzberg’s theories of motivation and Expectancy theory. The research adopted a descriptive research design involving a case study approach. The target population was made up of the 548 officers of various ranks of Naivasha Main Prison. A sample of 232 which is 42% of Naivasha Main Prison was drawn from the target population. The response rate was 66%(152 respondents .The study utilized self-administered questionnaires to collect data. A pilot study was undertaken in Naivasha medium prison before the actual data collection. Reliability and validity of the instrument was tested using Cronbach’s coefficient test and Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.822 holds for pilot study. The study found that prison officers are not satisfied with working conditions. Also they are not satisfied with rewards offered by the service. Equally they are dissatisfied with employee participation and employee supervision. Data analysis involved Pearson’s correlation and regression methods which were done with the aid of (SPSS) Statistical Package for Social Science version 22.0.We thus fail to accept the null hypothesis in all variables and state that there is a significant relationship between working conditions, reward, employee participation and employee supervision and quality of work life. Regression analysis was done to determine the relationship between working environment, reward, employee participation, and employee supervision and quality of work life. The study recommends that there is an urgent need for the Kenyan government to address aspects working condition, reward systems, employee participation and employee participation for prison officers.The study was of importance to government since it contributes towards drawing policies to enhance quality of work life of prison officers. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by unveiling the factors affecting quality of work life of prison officers and hence improvement of quality of work life among prison officers.
Selected Factors That Influence Performance of Women Run Small Enterprises In Langata Sub County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2016-09) Mburu, Patricia Wanjeri
All over the world, it is generally accepted that women run Small Enterprises (SEs) are becoming increasingly important in employment, wealth creation, and development of innovation. Literature indicates that small enterprises encounter many challenges some of which are access to finance, access to entrepreneurial education and training, government support and high lending interest rates. Resulting from these challenges, many of these enterprises perform dismally and fail to grow. The problem that this study addressed is that women run small enterprises grow less rapidly and are likely to close sooner than other enterprises. The foregoing informed the study to assess selected factors that may influence the survival of women run SEs and progress them to the growth phase of the organizational life cycle. The study was guided by four objectives where it sought to determine the extent to which access to financial resources, entrepreneurial education and training (EET), government support and levels of interest rates influence the performance of women run small enterprises in Kenya. The research design adopted was descriptive and targeted a population of 118 small women run enterprises in Langata Sub-County. A sample size of 91 enterprises was obtained through a scientific formula upon which a questionnaire was administered. Cronbach‟s alpha was used to test internal consistency of the instrument. Data was analysed descriptively and results and findings presented in frequency tables and charts. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The findings of the study is that access to EET, government support and level of interest rates influenced performance of women run small enterprises positively while access to finance influenced performance negatively. The analysis of variance further showed that the regression model sufficiently explained the variation in performance of women run small enterprises in Langata Sub-County. The study recommends that financial institutions avail financial resources to small enterprises at affordable rates. Moreover women run SEs should seek more EET which would enable them to run their enterprises better. The study also recommends that the government should increase its financial and legal support to women run SEs because the study found that the support improved their performance. Finally the study recommends women run SEs should continue to seek funding from financial institutions in pursuit of growth and better performance. The study suggests that further research be conducted in other sub-counties of Nairobi County and Kenya at large to establish whether the factors selected for this study consistently influences performance of women- run small enterprises in those sub-counties.
An Assessment of The Relationship Between Service Quality Dimensions, Performance Benchmarks And Customer Satisfaction In Eldoret Law Courts
(Laikipia University, 2016-09) Cherere, Thripsisa Wanjiku
Users of the justice system supply chain have the right to receive high levels of quality service. The 9093 service delivery received by the Judiciary between June 2012 and June 2013 are an indicator that the public is generally dissatisfied with the quality of services offered by the Judiciary. The general objective of this study was to assess the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction in Eldoret law courts using the SERVQUAL model. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction, to investigate the moderating effects of performance benchmarks on the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction and to examine the joint effects of service quality dimensions and performance benchmarks on customer satisfaction at Eldoret Law Courts. Major theories used in this study include the assimilation - contrast theory to explain the relationships among the service quality and customer satisfaction variables, Contrast theory to provide insights into customers post usage evaluations and equity theory to effectively address the major objective to customer satisfaction through the legal reforms in the country. Data was collected from a population of 1815 respondents made up of 140 convicts, 83 remandees, 23 advocates and 82 parties with pending children cases obtained using stratified random sampling. Primary data was collected using on-the-spot-administered structured questionnaires developed on a five Point-Likert type scale and a questionnaire. Secondary data was used to compare the findings in the primary data. The instrument’s content validity was assessed using Cronbach's coefficient alpha reliability test which ranged from 0.823-0.920. Data was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. This study established that, all the service quality dimension factors are useful measures of satisfaction. This study found that all the respondents were not satisfied with the quality of services rendered at Eldoret law courts and especially the remandees who were least satisfied. The results from ANOVA provide the p value of .000 at 95% confidence level and therefore the study rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that there was a significant relationship service quality dimensions, performance benchmarks and customer satisfaction. The study findings may contribute significantly to the development of strategies by policy makers in the judiciary, reduce the levels of dissatisfaction by providing quality services and enhance service delivery in the Judiciary.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Employee Engagement In Flower Farms: A Survey Of Flower Farms In Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2016-09) Ngure, Njoroge George
To gain access to the export market, Kenyan flower farms must adhere to certain international work place standards. These standards, also known as Fair Trade rules require that employees are involved in decisions affecting their welfare, are paid wages above the legal minimum, work in a safe and secure environment and do not work for more than 46 hours in a week. However, complaints on poor management, long working hours, low pay and unhealthy working conditions dominate the sector. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence employee engagement in the flower farms in Naivasha sub-county and was guided by the following objectives: to examine the effects of leadership style, remuneration, work place flexibility and safety conditions on employee engagement in these farms. The study adopted a descriptive study research design. The target population was 10,997 employees working in selected flower farms along Lake Naivasha. The sample size consisted of 386 unionisable employees selected using simple random sampling method. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis involved regression analysis with the help of the SPSS version 22. The data gives a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.785. The Cronbach’s alpha indicates that the questionnaires were reliable. The study suggested that the respondents were not satisfied with leadership style, remuneration levels and workplace flexibility. The study indicated that respondents were satisfied with safety conditions at the workplace. Leadership style, remuneration and workplace flexibility exhibited a strong positive correlation with employee engagement while safety conditions had a weak correlation. They all however exhibited a significant linear relationship with employee engagement. From the results the study concluded that the factors that influence employee engagement in selected flower farms in Naivasha sub-county included leadership style, remuneration, work place flexibility and safety conditions. The study recommends a review of remuneration and workplace flexibility practices since they had the lowest ratings compared to leadership style and safety conditions. In particular, the farms should review remuneration levels, introduce employee assistance programs and encourage participation from employees in order to empower them and increase engagement. The farms should also consider introducing flexible working hours and increasing work autonomy so that employees can schedule their work in a manner that allows them to attend to non-work matters during off peak seasons. It is hoped that this study will make some contribution to good human resource practices in the flower sector and contribute to the existing literature on human resource management. It would be beneficial if further research could be conducted in other flower farms and across other agricultural sub sectors in the entire country since this study focused on selected flower farms in Naivasha Sub- County.
Influence of Critical Success Factors on Competitive Position of Hell’s Gate National Park As A Tourist Destination
(Laikipia University, 2016-10) Kariuki , Peter Geoffrey
In an increasing saturated global tourism market the fundamental task for the tourist destination management, is the understanding how tourism destination competitiveness can be enhanced and sustained. Therefore tourism managers have to identify and explore competitive advantages and analyze the actual competitive positioning. The constantly, growing number of travel destination in both Kenya and the rest of the world has put a lot of pressure on the management of Hell’s Gate National Park to competitively position the park in the tourist market place and to do so in sustainable manner. Hell’s Gate National Park tourist competitiveness on the global market is on the decline, besides insecurity, factors responsible for the decline of Kenya’s once vibrant tourism industry has not so far been established. The overall objective of this study was to assess the influence of critical success factors on competitive positioning of Hell’s Gate as an international tourist destination. The specific objectives of the study was to; determine the influence of organizational image, infrastructure, accessibility and tourist attractions on competitive positioning of Hell’s Gate national park as a tourist destination, find the tourists perceptions of these factors. The Critical Success Factors Concept developed by D. Ronald Daniel, was employed in identifying and assessing the criticality of the factors. The study adopted a survey research design. The design was appropriate as it enabled the researcher to explore and explain the existing status of the variables/indicators of competitiveness of the park, collect in-depth empirical data about them, and describe actions as they are or as they happen. The target population comprised of tourists visiting Hell’s gate national park, from 15th February and 15th March, 2016. A sample of 97 tourists was used in this study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the 97 tourist using a systematic sampling procedure. Proportional allocation was used to divide the sample of 97 between domestic and foreign tourists. The study employed questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The Cronbach alpha was used to test for reliability of the questionnaire. The reliability and validity was enhanced through pilot study. The Ms Excel 2010 and SPSS program version 18.5 aided in performing all the statistical analyses in this study. Descriptive statistics was used to perform a set of statistical analyses including but not limited to generating frequencies, tables, graphs and percentages while cross-tabulation statistical analysis was used to establish how the frequency distributions of responses was located between the sub-groups of respondents and to collate a summary of statistics. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to test the significance of observed difference between variables. A research permit was secured from National Commission of Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). The findings of the study was that, there is a strong positive relationship between organization image, infrastructure, organization accessibility, tourist attraction and competitive position of Hell’s Gate National Park a tourist destination (r = 0.765, N = 97). The study recommends that the management of Hell’s gate national park should largely focus on the key critical success factors, so as to attract more visitors to the park.
Selected Factors Influencing Customers’ Loyalty to Microfinance Institutions: A Survey of Microfinance Institutions in Nyahururu Town, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2017-11) Njuguna,Wairimu Mary.
In the present microfinance institutions in Nyahururu, Customers shift loyalty to different Microfinance institutions over time a situation that has led to managers’ complaints on matters of customers’ retention. The broad objective of the study was to examine the factors that influence customer loyalty to Microfinance institutions in Nyahururu town. The study objectives were to examine the influence of customers’ perception on their loyalty to Microfinance institutions, to examine the influence of quality of service on customers’ loyalty to Microfinance institutions, to assess the influence of mobile banking on customers’ loyalty to Microfinance institutions, to establish the influence of sales promotions on customers’ loyalty to Microfinance institutions and to assess the influence of government policies on customers’ loyalty to microfinance institutions in Nyahururu town. The study was based on the Customer Loyalty Theory which says that customer loyalty is influenced by demographic factors, Loyalty Business Model which posits that, customer satisfaction is first based on a recent experience of the product or service, Equity Theory that holds that people develop and maintain relationship in which rewards are distributed in proportion to costs and Social Exchange Theory that posits that all human relationships are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analysis and the comparison of alternatives that people develop relationships, which yield the greatest profits. Descriptive survey design was applied with a target a population of 28860 customers served by the 6 Microfinance institutions in Nyahururu, Kenya. Systematic random sampling and stratified sampling methods ware applied to obtain sample size, 384 customers from 6 Microfinance institutions in Nyahururu Town. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires. Data analysis was done as per the objectives of the study. The data was analyzed at two levels. In descriptive data analysis, tables and percentages were used and in quantitative data analysis, correlation, regression and ANOVA tools were used. The SPSS computer program was used to aid in analysis. Multiple linear regression and correlation model was also used to analyze data by establishing the interrelationships between independent and dependent variable. The study registered a high response rate of 83.85% from the target respondents. The findings of the study on the correlation analysis indicated that the four factors positively correlate with customer loyalty at R< 1. The regression model used explained 0.661 variation in the dependent variable. All the null hypotheses were rejected leading to conclusion that all the five variables under the study influence customer loyalty significantly. The study has revealed that quick customer access to staff, the comfortable banking halls and adoption of new technology improves quality of services provided by the Microfinance institutions and subsequent loyalty. The study recommends that Microfinance institutions should increase portfolio of their services in order to satisfy their customers, policy makers should put in place measures to ensure security of mobile banking in order to protect customers and their rights and that Microfinance institution managers should put in place systematic assessment programs to monitor services quality, mobile banking, customers perception, sales promotion and government policies as they all have been found to have significant influence on customer loyalty. The findings of the study will be useful to Microfinance institutions seeking to improve the customer loyalty. This research study will contribute to the body of knowledge on the best practices of retaining customers within Microfinance institutions.
Effects of Working Capital Management Practices on Profitability of Construction Firms Listed In Nairobi
(Laikipia University, 2017-11) Mbakara, Wanjala Patrick
The construction industry in Kenya being a key growth contributor besides providing job opportunities to a majority of skilled, semiskilled and unskilled in the Kenyan Economy. As the need to various infrastructure like roads, housing and rail network increase, the field has gone through immense, within a short span. The Government of Kenyan had registered and licensed at least 300 construction firms by the end of 2014(Kenya National Bureau of Statistics 2014). Having no previous study carried out to determine the effects of working capital management on profitability of construction firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of working capital management on the profitability of the construction firms. It was guided by the following objectives: to assess the degree to which cash management practices influence profitability of construction companies at Nairobi Securities Exchange, to analyze the degree to which accounts payable practices influence profitability of construction firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange, to measure the degree to which accounts receivable practices impact the profitability of construction companies listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange, and to determine the degree to which Inventory management influence profitability of construction companies listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange. Baumol, Miller-Orr, Just in Time and Economic Order Quantity Models guided the study. Target population was Five (5) Construction Firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. Descriptive and correlational research designs were used in the research process. Since only five firms comprised the population, census sampling technique was used that involved all the population in the research study. The research tools were record survey sheet and questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of data relationship; Independent t-tests, tables, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis and presentations were generated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 21.The study found the correlation coefficient between cash and return on assets was found to be significant (r=0.49, p<0.05, β = 1.08,t=2.67), Coefficient of determination (r-sq. =0.24) implies that cash in hand explains about 24 per cent of the variability observed in return in assets. Accounts payable practices and Return on Assets, (r=0.34, p>0.05, β = 1.35, t=1.75, rsq. =0.118).This implies that there is a positive but insignificant linear relationship between accounts payable and return on assets. Accounts Receivable Practices and Return On Assets(r=0.09,p>0.05,β=0.79,t=0.44,r-sq=0.009),the accounts receivable do not have a significant effect on return on assets at five(5) level of significant, accounts receivable can only explain about 0.9 per cent of variability observed in return on assets. Inventory management practices and return on assets, (r=0.30, p>0.05 β=4.85, t=2.10, r-sq. =0.09), Inventory practices have a positive but insignificant linear relationship between inventory and return on assets. Inventory explains about Nine (9) per cent of the variability observed in return in assets. The study recommends that the finance managers should establish optimal cash targets, lower and upper cash limits in their firms. However, this study was not able to exhaust all working capital management components that have effects on profitability in construction firms. Therefore, effects of prepayments, accrued expenses, government regulations and policy, economic environment and culture on the profitability of construction firms need be established in future studies.
Effect of New Coca-Cola Products Marketing Mix Variables on Sales Performance in Nyahururu Town, Kenya
(Laikipia University, 2017-11) Kamau, Charles Kiiru
sales performance review in the year 2015 of new soft drink products introduced by Coca cola Company in Mount Kenya region, established that, 15 percent have succeeded, 55 percent have performed poorly, 17.5 percent have failed completely and another 12.5 percent have exhibited an abnormally high artificial growth. However, there is scanty and inconclusive empirical data that would explain this trend of Coca cola products within Nyahururu town in Kenya. The purpose of this study therefore, was to examine the effects of marketing mix variables of new Coca-Cola products on the Company’s sales performance in Nyahururu town. The specific objectives included examining the effects of Pricing, Distribution, Product attributes and Promotion of new Coca cola products on sales performance of the Company in Nyahururu town. The target population comprised of 375 managers and owners of outlets selling Coca cola soft drinks in Nyahururu town. The sample size was made of 75 respondents which was 20% of the target population, and was arrived at through stratified random sampling. The study used a questionnaire to obtain primary data whose validity was enhanced through discussions with the supervisors. Test-retest method was used to achieve reliability during a pilot study conducted in Subukia town. The results of correlation and regression revealed that new product, pricing of new products, distribution of new products and promotion of new products were found to have a significant relationship with sales performance of Coca Cola Company in Nyahururu. This study concluded that new products, pricing, distribution and marketing promotion affected sales of existing products, by bringing an element of cannibalization among products from the same company. The study recommends that the company marketers should push new products together with the existing products so as to have a balanced sales performance and also, all products should be focused on the health concerns of the consumers. In addition, the pricing of new products should compare favorably with existing products so as to avoid cannibalization and intra-distribution channel competition. Distribution channels should be empowered to handle both new and existing products and focus more on Kiosks and Shops as the bulk of the soft drink products reach the final consumer through those outlets. Promotion of new products should also be done through the social media in order to improve sales performance. The study further recommends that introduction of new soft drinks should be guided by prior market research. Information gained has provided insights to manufacturers and distributors of soft drinks products on how they can optimize marketing mix variables in order to guarantee success of both new and existing products in the market. It has also added to the body of knowledge that can benefit students, researchers and academicians interested in this area of study.