Masters Theses: Department of Business

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Strategic Alliances between Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Middle Level Colleges in Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2010-11) Kinyua, Jesse M.
Strategic alliance is one of many methods of strategy development. It has been defined as a situation where two or more organizations share resources and activities to pursue a strategy. Alliances vary considerably in their complexity, from a simple two partner alliance co-producing a product to a one with multiple partners providing complex products, services and solution. Research on strategic collaboration between firms has received increasing attention in literature during the last decade, reflecting the increasing frequency and importance of strategic alliance in business. In the recent past, competitive firms are truly smart at conducting their business and have learnt important lessons in the process. You need to know when and how to compete, but even more importantly you need to know when and how to co-operate. Many firms these days have come to rely on alliances as strategic necessities for sustaining competitive advantage and creating customer value. In the recent past, higher education sector in Kenya has experienced dynamic changes in the external environment. Increasing demand for higher education as population grows has stretched physical infrastructure of public universities. Government funding has also been dwindling and not going in tandem with increasing demand. Competition has gone a notch higher as private and international universities fight to increase their market share. All these have prompted public universities managers to be proactive and think “outside the box”. We are currently seeing public and even private universities collaborating with middle level colleges in same domestic market. The purpose of this study was to shed some light on motivation of such domestic strategic alliances where internationalization is not one of such motive. The research study through a case study of JKUAT also sought to know the challenges encountered in the formation of the network. The research methodology used was a case study. The study sought to have a thorough understanding of the phenomenon from the perspective of JKUAT. An in-depth case study was used. Data was gathered through interviews with three respondents who were involved in the formation and management of the alliances. Content analysis was used to analyse the information gathered. The study qualified the relationship between JKUAT and collaborating middle level academic institutions to be a network. The alliance were formed with a motive/s of enabling students who would otherwise be locked out of universities owing to stiff competition to progress with their studies hence exploiting this niche market. It also intended to reduce brain drain and capital leaving Kenya economy. The collaborations intended also to tap the resources from vocational economies of scale and enjoy faster payback on investment. The network faced challenges like opportunism by some partners, lack of adequate man power, loss of trust among partners, difficulties in meeting critical deadlines by partners, failure to discover shortcomings before “marriage” and hence being stuck with the wrong partners and lack of experience in the management of strategic alliance by some partners. However, these challenges were amicably sorted out or, they learnt to live with them and relationships continued to thrive. The alliance success was found to be more than luck and was based on successful effort despite natural occurrence of tensions with a failure rate of 24.3% when the dormant (inactive) relationships were included to those that pulled out. The study recommended that the commission of higher education should undertake rigorous inspections to public, private universities and middle level colleges entering into collaboration arrangements. The brand owners should ensure that the middle level colleges have enough qualified personnel and proper infrastructure to ensure quality. The challenge of high demand for education can also be solved by using ICT for online education which should focus from teaching to learning by creating new learning environments. Due diligence is necessary in the formulation stage by ensuring that prospective partners have the right attitude toward quality and the brand owner should be able to confirm this. Trust should start to be cultivated at this stage by all partners and retained in the long run. The study had some limitations. It would have been for instance been interesting to get the views of all network members. However this was not possible, the thirty alliance members are scattered all over the country. Time was a limiting factor as research was to be done within its planned time frame. The research would have wished to interview more respondents to follow up on some information gathered. Some of those targeted respondents happened to be unavailable. The researcher would have wished to carry out a survey from JKUAT and thirty (30) collaborating institution. However, this was not possible and the researcher got the view from the perspective of JKUAT. This should be an area for further study. Other public universities like Kenyatta and Moi University are collaborating with tertiary college albeit on a small scale. A survey study can be employed by other scholars to include them in their study.
Factors Affecting the Implementation of Water Sector Reforms Strategy: A Case of Tana Water Services Board
(Kenyatta University, 2011) Chege, Purity Nyambura
According to the National Water Services Strategy (2007-2015), water is the most important natural resource, indispensable for life and the backbone of the growth and prosperity of mankind. Due to poor access of water and sanitation the Government initiated a process of reforms for the entire water sector which led to a new water policy and new sector strategies with an aim of attaining some outcomes like increased access to water and sanitation, increased funding among others. The Water Service Boards have however not been able to sufficiently implement the water sector reform strategy as expected since most of the expected outcomes of the water reforms have not been attained. It is in the light of this that the researcher wanted to find out why the expected outcomes had not yet been attained by conducting a study on the factors affecting the implementation of the water sector reforms strategy at Tana Water Services Board. To conduct the study, descriptive survey method was used. The study was carried at Tana Water Services Board Headquarters in Nyeri where a total population 75 staff members were targeted. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires while secondary was through periodic reports , journals, government publications, academic works, internet and TWSB’s financial records . Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics. The collected data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistical techniques and presented through frequency tables, of pie charts, bar charts. The study established that 87.8% of the respondents felt that autocratic leadership style affected implementation of the strategy. 51.22% of the respondents indicated that planned activities were not adequately funded thus affecting implementation of strategy. Majority of the respondents ( 90.2 % ) were aware of the Board’s core values but some felt that the same were not upheld thus adversely affecting implementation of water sector reforms strategy. The study showed that existing systems required improvement while new ones introduced to effectively implement water sector reforms strategy. Based on the findings, the study proposes some recommendations that are; The Board to embrace participatory leadership style, to explore other avenues of obtaining resources other than relying on budgetary allocations from the government, uphold Board’s core values, ensure staff are well versed with all policies and strategies and improve existing systems, innovate and adopt new ones.
An Analysis of the Impact of Agency Banking On Growth of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County
(Kenyatta University, 2014-11) Kaburu, Lawrence Ngai
During school opening days, we have witnessed long queues in the halls of our Commercial Banks arising from the last minute rush by the parents/guardians to pay school fees for their beloved children. In addition, the opening and closing hours of these commercial banks has continued to cause unknown havoc to small and medium scale enterprises who cannot access their services outside their normal but limiting operating hours. This has necessitated the proliferation of Agency Banking to complement the existing commercial banks. This study thus, mainly; assessed how low transaction cost by agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County; determined how customer relationship management by agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County; established how convenient financial services accessibility by agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County; and assessed how security of agency banks affect the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tharaka Nithi County. The study employed descriptive survey design with a sample size of 400 respondents. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. Data collected was edited, coded and analyzed using SPSS. In addition, the study conducted inferential statistics such as multiple regressions to measure the strength of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. ANOVA was used to test the significance of the model and regression diagnostics were computed. The study deduced that customer relationship management affect the growth of SMEs business in Tharaka Nithi County to a great extent. The study also established that convenient financial services accessibility affect the growth of SMEs business in Tharaka Nithi County to a great extent. The study concluded that agency banking aid SMEs in saving money easily, agency banks are fast and have no queues like in banks, they also help SMEs avoid impulse buying, they are easily accessible and facilitate banking of money at night and weekends. The study recommended that banks should lower the transaction costs of agency banking. The bank should remove the deposit charges and instead come up with more elaborate way of recovering the commissions.
Financial Determinants of Microfinance Institutions Sustainability in Nairobi County, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2017-08) Kathomi, Ann
Microfinance Institutions services have continued to play an important role in Kenyan economy. It is viewed as the provision of financial services to the poor and low income group. Microfinance Institutions in Kenya have gained wide recognition since 1990’s for the role they play in providing financial services to the low-income households, and their contribution to poverty alleviation. While achieving this poverty reduction goal, MFIs should also be financially sustainable. The issue of sustainability of MFIs has attracted the attention of many researchers and academicians on how MFIs can fulfill their social obligations and remain sustainable. The research assessed the effects of financial determinants of microfinance institutions sustainability in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research was guided by liquidity preference theory, theory of inflation rate, and exchange rate parity theory. The study employed descriptive survey research design. This study adopted census where all the 49 MFIs operating in Nairobi County were considered. The study relied on primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using semi – structured questionnaires with both open and closed ended. Secondary data was collected from published audited financial statements. Pretesting of research tools was used to test reliability and validity of the questionnaires. Data was cleaned, coded, edited, classified and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. The descriptive statistics tools used were mean, standard deviation, mode and variance to analyze quantitative data. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results of the analysis were presented in form of figures and tables. The study revealed that increasing the lending interest rate reduces the return thus affecting the sustainability of MFIs. In addition, the study found that high inflation rate leads to low lending power of the MFIs. The study further revealed that poor economic conditions results into high rate of foreign exchange impacting on the general investment by the MFIs. The study concluded that changes in lending interest rate by the government affect sustainability of MFIs in Nairobi County. The study concluded that inflation on MFIs sustainability indicated that lending levels are usually weak and low in the presence of higher inflation rates. The study further concluded that the premium or discount in foreign exchange impacts on the foreign capital thus the sustainability of MFIs. The study recommends that lending interest rate be regulated for sustainable microfinance Institutions. The government to implement measures to bring the inflation rate to optimal level by reducing the prices of goods and services. It is recommended that the government to implement measures to enhance the appreciation of the shilling against the foreign currencies. The study will enable the government to develop the right policies to implement to the Microfinance institutions to promote their services to the citizens and remain sustainable. The study will enable the management of microfinance institutions to understand the effect of financial determinants in their industry. Professionals advising the investors can use the study findings to inform their investors on issues involving microfinance lending and how the financial determinants affect the microfinance sector in Kenya.
Organizational Factors that Influence Implantation of Strategic Plans in Private Secondary Schools in Nairobi, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2017-08) Nyagemi, Abel
The study sought to find answers to the questions on implementation of strategic decision whereby it focused on private secondary schools in Nairobi County. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the effects of top management commitment, coordination of activities, employee skills and responsibilities and organization culture on implementation of strategic plans in private secondary schools in Nairobi County. A descriptive study was used since it was seen by the researcher as a more appropriate design for answering research questions which ask „how‟ and „why‟ and which do not require control over the events. The study population consisted of 119 staff of different cadres employed at various private secondary schools in Nairobi. Stratified sampling technique was used and out of 101 private secondary schools in Nairobi, 50 schools were randomly selected. In each of the selected schools, directors, principals or deputies, head of departments, teachers or support staff had an equal probability of being selected. The researcher administered a survey questionnaire individually to employees who were the target population. Data was analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics. Exploratory factor analysis was used in determining the influencing factors. The study established the following group of organizational factors as having an influence on implementation of strategic plans in private secondary schools in Nairobi: resource constraints, overlapping activities, interference from the local government, work pressure, conflict of interest, poor attitude, overlapping plans and tight timeframes. The conceptual model was tested and found to be having a statistically significant relationship among the implementation of strategic plans, top management commitment, coordination of activities, employee skills and responsibilities and organizational culture. The study recommends a further study on the specific factors should be done in particular sub-counties in large cities such as Mombasa to explain on how those factors affect implementation of strategic management plans in private schools at the sub county level.
Determinants of Effective Revenue Collection by Embu County, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2017-08) Gituma, Harriet K.
Enhancement of revenue collection in counties is core to meeting their financial responsibilities which will lead to recognition of their directive to offer valuable and well-timed services to the residents and the demand for which may possibly surpass the available resources. Counties have sufficient revenue stations to fund the current service levels, but revenue collection levels often do not meet projections. According to reports by the Controller of Budget, revenue collection by 14 counties in Kenya fell below amounts produced by the previous local authorities under their individual jurisdictions in the 2013/2014 fiscal year. Further, the breakdown exposed that all but four counties could not meet their local income collection objectives. Several counties have faced labor strikes and stoppages among their employees because of delayed salaries and/or poor payment of personnel working under the county governments. Numeral studies have been done in the area of revenue gathering which note revenue flop because of poor senior administration, unsuccessful arrangements, wrong organizational strategy, lack of well - defined and surrogate authority and responsibility, an inept system checking, evaluation and supervisory, misuse of incomes, unsuccessful contingency design, narrow team involvement in the carrying out of revenue decisions, unworkable cost estimates and plans, lack of customer assurance to revenues, restricted customer control and scarce management statistics. However, no research assessed how staff requirements, corruption, equipment, government strategies and protocols affected the optimum revenue collection in Embu county all of which shaped this study. The study used the descriptive survey research design. The study targeted county government staff in revenue collection, accounts/finance and administrative departments. The accessible population was 132 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to pick the Chief Officer in Charge of Finance, Sub county Revenue Officers and the county Executive in charge of Revenues while stratified random sampling was used to select 96 departmental staff from the sub counties. Data was collected using self-administered Likert scale guided structured questionnaires. Overall; it was established that government policy, rules and regulations had the greatest effect on the optimal revenue collection, followed by corruption, then employee qualification, skills and training while technology and information systems had the least effect to the optimal revenue collection. All the variables were significant (p<0.05). The study recommends that the counties undertake continuous and periodical trainings of both new and existing staff to ensure that all employees are in line with the county vision and work within acceptable standards. In addressing revenue deficits needs the td recommended legislative reforms to reinforce the rule of law in order to enhance the revenue collection process by considering optimum rate structure, appropriate rules and regulations and human capacity. Based on the findings on system efficiency the study recommends that a mechanism be laid to reduce the cost of collecting revenues by improving the current tax management processes by managerial simplification. Further the study recommends a more effective ICT coordinated system to aid in computerization of all county revenue streams including and not limited to e-parking fees systems, Electronic Payment by Matatu Owners Saccos, land rates, single business permits and market rates, penalties, payment for development permits and many more.
Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Embu County, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2017-08) Njagi, Irene K.
Financial decisions affect the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises but vary from one firm to another. This is due to the limited access to finances and ability of the manager to fully utilize the resources available. Despite their importance Small and Medium Enterprises are characterized by slow growth rate and three out of five Small and Medium Enterprises fail in their first three years of operation. The continued poor performances have led to decline in growth and eventually death of the Small and Medium Enterprises. The growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises highly depends on the investment decisions made by the entrepreneurs and lack of access to external finances has created a financial gap that has fueled the challenges that Small and Medium Enterprises face. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of equity finance, short term debt finance and long term debt finance on financial performance of the small and medium enterprise in Embu County. The study adopted a descriptive research design and simple random sampling technique. The target population of study was 300 Small and Medium Enterprises from which a sample size of 60 Small and Medium Enterprises was drawn. Pretest of the research instrument was done to determine the reliability of the questionnaire by use of cronbach alpha coefficient. Content validity of the questionnaire was determined to ensure that the questionnaire answered the research questions. The primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from audited financial statements and analyzed by use of statistical package for social sciences. Data analyzed capture descriptive statistic which included mean, standard deviation and variance. Inferential statistic included Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression. The study revealed that Small and Medium Enterprises had greater preference for contribution from friends and ploughing back profit as a source of equity finance. Angel investors as a form of equity financing has not gained acceptance as a source of finance. From the study it was evident that equity finance had a positive relationship to financial performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises. Equity offered a lifelong financing option with no or minimal cash outflow inform of interest. The overdraft agreements and trade credits were also found to affect business operations. This was because the short term debt finance adapted easily to the firm’s financial need, they required no collateral in order to obtain the funds and they were repaid over a short period thus no or minimal interest rate was charged. The correlation between the short term debt and financial performance was found to be positive and statistically significant. The study further showed that use of bank loans had increased while lease agreement, mortgage and factoring did not play a significant role in the financial performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises. The relationship between long term debt and financial performance was found to be positively correlated and statistically significant. The study also noted that the performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises was largely affected by the source of finance and the liquidity position of the business. The study therefore recommends that Small and medium Enterprises should embrace angel investors as equity financiers since they provide the start-up capital to the Small and Medium Enterprises. Angel investors also provide managerial and book keeping skills to the entrepreneurs thus enhancing the accountability and efficient use of the financial resources at hand. The financial institutions need to create awareness and educate the entrepreneurs on other products available to finance the Small and Medium Enterprises. Reduction on loan processing time and cost of borrowing will encourage entrepreneurs from accessing long term loans, mortgage and lease.
Performance Contracting and Employee Service Delivery at Kirinyaga University, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2017-08) Serebwa, Petronilla S.
The potential to increase service performance and delivery through performance contracting have seen accelerated effort in research in this relatively new concept of management in Kenya. Most studies have focused on performance management, performance measurement, commitment, and target meeting. The identified problem in this study was the changing roles of employees, yet the targets to measure their performance were static, measure and evaluation procedures were not standardized from one evaluator to another, and the lack of reward scheme to motivate high performers. The research sort to understand effects of performance contracting on employee service delivery at Kirinyaga University.The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study population was 272 staff members of Kirinyaga University. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire that included both closed and open-ended questions. Pilot study was conducted in order to determine validity and reliability of research instruments. The Statistical Package for Social Science package was used in the data analysis. Descriptive statistical tools including the mean, mode standard deviation, and variance were used to analyze qualitative data. Inferential statistics was done by use of correlation and multiple linear regression analysis in order to establish the relationship between independent variable and the dependent variable. Analyzed data was presented inform of frequency tables, charts and graphs. The results revealed that performance contacting parameters significantly (t = 3.407,p < 0.05) affected service delivery of the University. It was also revealed that target implementation significantly (t = 2.633,p < 0.05) influenced service delivery. However, it was established that target setting (t= -1.816,p<0.05),monitoring and evaluation (t = 0.617,p < 0.05) did not significantly influence service delivery at Kirinyaga University. In conclusion, proper target setting, monitoring and evaluation, and target implementation are necessary in achieving employees and organizations’ goals as well as satisfactory delivery of services to customers
Strategic Determinants of Intrapreneurial Orientation at the Kenya Institute of Management, Kenya
(2017-08) Mbaka, Zephaniah R.
The global business environment is today faced with uncertainty and various complexities. Innovation, taking risk and ability to pioneer ideas has been proven to contribute immensely to the financial wellness and strategic value of big corporations as well as small and medium enterprises. In the quest to address the causation for intrapreneurial orientation in organisations, the study investigated five independent variables namely; management support, work discretion, rewarding intrapreneurial efforts, time availability and organizational boundaries against one dependent variable, intrapreneurial orientation. The study, therefore, sought to address the strategic determinants of intrapreneurial orientation at the Kenya Institute of Management. The main objective was be to establish the strategic determinants of intrapreneurial orientation at the Kenya institute of management. The study population comprised of employees with strategic roles at the Kenya Institute of Management. Census survey was used in the study, data was gathered from every member of the population. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire measured on a five point Likert scale. Out of the 108 questionnaires administered, there were 81responses, a response rate of 75%. A two-step of statistical analysis was applied; the first stage involved descriptive statistical analysis where Means and standard deviations were computed. The second stage involved inferential analysis which was performed to determine the relationship among the variables. The study conducted correlation analysis to test the strength of association between the research variables using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) statistical tool to help arrive at conclusions. Confirming the researcher’s expectations, the study established that, intrapreneurial orientation is largely composed of three indicators. These are; proactiveness, innovation and risk taking, which are the most significant measures of intrapreneurial orientation. The study also established that the main strategic determinants of intrapreneurial orientation are; management support, rewarding intrapreneurial effort, work discretion, time availability and organizational boundaries. The findings were in agreement with previous study results. From the regression model, these five determinants contribute 61% of intrapreneurial orientation at the Kenya Institute of Management. In conclusion management support, work discretion, rewarding intrapreneurial efforts and time availability are the key determinants of intrapreneurial orientation in organizations.
End User Involvement and Supply Chain Performance in Kenyan Universities
(university of Embu, 2019-08) Nzovila, Rhodah
End user involvement in specifications development refers to a process in which an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service is given by a buyer to the supplier. The research concerns itself with the critical role played by the end users in the supply chain performance. The study sought to establish the effects of end user involvement in the supply chain performance of higher learning institutions in Kenya. This study therefore, assessed the effect of procurement planning, specification preparation, monitoring and evaluation, and inspection and receipt of goods, on the dependent variable of supply chain performance. The study was guided by Institutional theory and Socio-economic theory. The study was conducted at Chuka University procurement department and user departments comprising of 64 respondents from user departments and procurement. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive research design. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. In order to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, pretesting of the research instruments was conducted. To establish the validity of the research instrument, content validity was used while internal consistency method was used to determine the reliability. Correlation analysis followed by multivariate regression analysis was conducted between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Results showed strong and statistical significance between procurement planning and supply chain performance. The study also established that there was a strong and statistical significance between specification preparation and supply chain performance. It was also established that there was strong and statistical significance between monitoring and evaluation and supply chain performance. Lastly, there was strong and statistical significance between inspection and receipt of goods and supply chain performance. Among the four variables, procurement planning was ranked highest, followed by specification preparation, monitoring and evaluation while receipt and inspection of goods would be the least. The study concluded that procurement planning, specification preparation, monitoring and evaluation, and inspection and receipt of goods are good measures of the end user involvement in the effective performance of supply chain, but that more studies need to be done to unearth the hidden variables contributing to supply chain performance in order to get a full picture of the impact of the end-users on supply chain performance. The research findings will help the public organization as well as the private sector in improving on their supply chain. Research institutes and scholars will gain vital insights from the study when they want to research further and lastly government together with all its agencies will also gain important information that will inform the policies they come up with in future.
Organizational Factors Influencing Implementation of Strategic Plans in Universities in Mount Kenya Region, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2019-08) Mureithi, Eunice W.
In this period of globalization when the world is consistently experiencing numerous rapid changes in various grounds, the atmosphere that the organizations operate on is dynamic and unstable. This has led to strategic planning to facilitate an organizational framework that necessitates changes and gain a competitive edge. In this study, the main objective was to establish influential factors of strategic plans implementation in universities a case of universities in the Mount Kenya region. Guiding the study was the following general objective: to establish the influence of organizational factors on the implementation of strategic plans in universities in the Mount Kenya region. Previous studies concurred that goo strategies have been written but very little done to achieve implementation. This led to studying Organizational Factors that influence Implementation of Strategic Plans in Universities in Mount Kenya Region. Research design used in this study was descriptive cross-sectional survey, the research design was used to observe and describe the behavior of a person without influencing the respondent. The study's target population was 295 heads of departments from the 8 universities in the Mount Kenya Region. A sample of 170 respondents was made possible by using purposive sampling technique and stratified random sampling. The questionnaire used closed-ended questions for data collection. Analysis of data was then done using content analysis and descriptive statistics and then presented through percentages and frequencies. The study carried out a correlational analysis to ascertain the relationship and strength of associations between implementation of strategic plans, organizational leadership, organizational culture, organizational resources, and organizational culture. The study established that organizational leadership, organizational structure, organizational resources and organizational culture influence implementation of strategic planning in Universities in the Mount Kenya region. The study provides stakeholders in universities with a picture of factors affecting the process of implementation of strategic plans such as organizational structure, organizational leadership, organizational resources and organizational strategy that would promote the implementation of the strategic plans. The study is also useful to employees who are the implementers of the stipulated strategic plan because they did understand what strategies to do away with or how the relevant strategies were to be communicated, accessed, monitored and evaluated for smooth implementation.
Workplace Environment and Organizational Performance of Public Universities in Mount Kenya Region, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2019-09) Njagi, Mary Wanjiku
Performance of employees influences the current performance and future competitive advantage of the organizations they are working for. The quality and capacity of work made by employees is influenced by the workplace environment. However, un conducive workplace environment results in low employee output and reduce their job fulfillment. Therefore, if steps are taken to improve employee satisfaction, overall organizational performance is enhanced. The study sought to establish the influence of workplace environment on organizational performance of public universities in Mt. Kenya region, Kenya. The study was aimed at determining the effect of ergonomics on organizational performance, establish the effect of supervisor support on organizational performance as well as evaluate the effect of motivation on organizational performance of public universities in Mt. Kenya region, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used for answering research questions. The study population consisted of members of non-teaching employees drawn from 8 public universities in Mt. Kenya region with a total staff population of 1,647. A sample of 192 public university non-teaching employees was used for the study and the sample was selected using multistage sampling technique. The researcher administered a research questionnaire individually to selected employees to collect both qualitative and quantitative data which was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Pearson’s correlation, regression and Anova analysis were embraced in inferential statistics. After carrying out multiple regression analysis, the study established that 69% of variation between the study variables. Correlation analysis results showed that there was a positive significant liner relationship between independent and dependent variables. The study established the following variables of workplace environmental factors as having an impact on organizational performance; motivation, supervisor support and ergonomics. The findings of the study showed that employees were not contented with the supervisor support in the Universities they were working in. The study recommends that Universities need to set up more all-inclusive reward systems, change of leadership style to transformational leadership style that includes all employees. The working conditions of the employees ought to be upgraded to motivate employees to work. The study recommends that further studies be carried out in private and government institutions for a broad perspective on the relationship between organizational performance and workplace environment.
Micro and Macro Environments and Implementation of Public Private Partnership Infrastructure Development in Kenya
(University of Embu, 2019-09) Moses, Kithinji Baithili
Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a long term agreement between public and private sector where risks and rewards are shared in developing a public facility. Private sector play a monumental role in bridging public finance deficit on capital projects. In Kenya, the government has created necessary environment for private sector participation in the country’s infrastructure development to spur economic growth. Despite the enactment of requisite laws and political support of PPPs, the number of PPPs projects initiated remain relatively low. Therefore, the study sought to establish the effect of micro and macro environment on implementation of Public Private Partnership infrastructure developments in Kenya. The study focused on the effect of Legal Framework, Political Environment and Staff Capacity on implementation of Public Private Partnership on infrastructure developments in Kenya. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. The population of the study involved the sixty-three PPP projects being implemented in Kenya across different sectors. One project was used in pretesting of research instruments, therefore, sixty-two projects was actual population used in the study. The study adopted systematic sampling technique where the first nth element was randomly selected. A sample size of 31 projects was selected from the sampling frame using sampling fraction. The questionnaire was administered to procurement officers charged with implementation of PPPs in the sampled organizations. To ensure validity of the data, research questionnairre was verified by experts made up of the research supervisors. The research instruments were pretested during pilot study. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis while the quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion and inferential statistics. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The study found that most of organizations were in the initial stages of implementation of PPPs. The study also found political environment and staff capacity had significant influence on implementation of PPPs in Kenya at 0.027 and 0.010 p-values respectively. The results of the study will inform policy makers to put in place necessary structures to spur uptake of Public Private Partnership in infrastructure development in Kenya.
The Effect of Procurement Practices on Supply Chain Performance of Selected Public Universities in Kenya
(Academic Research Publishing Group, 2020-11) Kaaria, LindaJoan; Mburugu, Kirema N.; Kirima, Lucy K.
In any institution, success is majorly determined by the procurement practices adopted and how well these procurement practices are implemented. The study sought to establish the effect of procurement practices on supply chain performance of selected public Universities in Kenya. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive survey research design and the target population was all public Universities in Counties in the Eastern and Central Region of Kenya. The sample size comprised of 66 staff members. The study used multiple regression analysis to determine the significance of the relationship between the dependent variable and all the independent variables pooled together. Principle component analysis was used to obtain the regression models. Kaiser Meyer Olkin (KMO) sample adequacy and Bartlett’s sphericity tests were used to identify whether the output from the principal component analysis were suitable for regression. The results indicated strategic partnerships ranked first, followed by inventory management, procurement planning and finally financial resource management in terms of significance influence on supply chain performance. The policy implication is that Universities should embark on training of supply chain players to equip them with relevant knowledge. The research findings will be of help to both public and private entities in improving on their supply chains.
Procurement Practices and Supply Chain Performance of Selected Public Universities in Kenya
(University of Embu, 2020-12-11) Kaaria, Lindajoan
In any institution, success is majorly determined by the procurement practices adopted and how well these procurement practices are implemented. A function that greatly influences the strategies of an organization, as well as the smooth flow of services, is the procurement function which is built around procurement practices. The study specifically assessed the effect of procurement planning, financial resource management, strategic partnerships and inventory management on supply chain performance. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design and the target population was 11 selected public Universities in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used resulting in a sample size of 66 staff members who included the heads and deputies of the procurement unit, finance and stores section in the selected Universities. The heads and deputies were chosen because they were in charge of the entire procurement process and are involved in coming up and implementing procurement practices thus they would provide the relevant information for the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics and displayed by the use of tables. Correlation analysis followed by multivariate regression analysis was conducted between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Results showed a positive and strong statistically significant relationship between strategic partnership, inventory management and supply chain performance. The study also established a statistically insignificant relationship between procurement planning, financial resource management and supply chain performance. Among the four variables, strategic partnerships ranked first, inventory management second, procurement planning third while financial resource management ranked fourth. The study concluded that strategic partnerships, inventory management, procurement planning and financial resource management were good measures of procurement practices and supply chain performance. However, more research needs to be carried out to discover the salient variables contributing to supply chain performance to gain full insight into the impact of procurement practices on supply chain performance. The policy implication is that Universities should embark on training of supply chain players to equip them with relevant knowledge on procurement practices and supply chain performance. The research findings will be of help to both public and private entities in the adoption of the best procurement practices that aid in enhancing performance of their supply chains.
Working Capital Management, Asset Base, Board Diversity and Financial Performance of Coffee Wet Mills in Embu County, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Othuon, Dancan Otieno
Agro-processing plays a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth and socio-welfare at large. However, over the last two decades, the financial performance of small-scale agroprocessing firms, including coffee, has declined. Small-scale coffee processors have put in place robust initiatives in a bid to improve their performance financially. Despite the initiatives, the coffee sector has continued to underperform. Farmers have been disgruntled by poor returns making the sector an unattractive business venture. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the effects of working capital management, board diversity, and asset base on the financial performance of small-scale coffee wet mills. The study was informed by Keynesian liquidity preference, transaction cost, resource dependence, agency, upper echelons, social categorization, and the return to scale theories. The study used financial data from 2014 to 2018 among the small-scale coffee processors. The study employed multivariate regression modelling to determine working capital management effect on financial performance of the processors. Two-stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression analysis was utilized in determining the influence of board diversity on financial performance. Finally, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis was used to assess the effect of asset base on the financial performance of the small-scale coffee wet mills. A significant relationship was revealed between working capital management and return on assets and return to farmers of the small-scale coffee wet mills. Subsequently, the wet mill processors could lower their payables period and current ratio by 0.01% and 34%, respectively, to improve return on assets; and increase the same metrics by 0.03% and 76% to improve return to farmers. The results further revealed that the financial performance of the small-scale coffee wet mills was significantly influenced by board diversity. The wet mills could increase the proportion of female board members and independent board members both by 10% to increase return on assets by over 30%. In addition, a huge asset base in terms of the value of coffee bushes owned by the wet mill was found to be a positive determinant of return on assets. Thus, increasing the value of coffee bushes by the wet mills could increase their return on assets. The study findings will aid the government to focus on initiatives that will increase the quantity of coffee grown by the wet mills for sustainable processing. The decision-makers should increase current ratio and lengthen payables period to enhance small-scale coffee wet mills’ financial performance. The smallscale coffee wet mill management should increase the proportion of women and independent members to the board for improved performance.
Supply Chain Management Practices and Performance of Milk Processors in Kenya
(University of Embu, 2021-09) Ndung'u, Njeri Hellen
Supply Chain Management practices are activities carried out by an organization to enhance the effectiveness of its supply chain. The practices improve organizational performance and enhance competitiveness. Milk processors act as a link between dairy farmers and the dairy market. Milk processors in Kenya have been performing poorly. There has been a 6.7% decline in performance in the dairy industry. The poor performance is a result of poor quality and low quantities of milk supplies to the processing plants. Only 12% of marketed milk reaches the processing facilities. The capacities are therefore underutilized by over 54% annually. Consequently, this study looks into practices of supply chain management which are strategic sourcing, inventory management, and green procurement and how they influence the performance of milk processors in Kenya. The resource orchestration, lean and the stakeholder theories guided the study. The study was conducted across the country comprising respondents from milk processors in Kenya. The study adopted a quantitative census design and used structured questionnaires in data collection. Validity and reliability was checked. All diagnostic tests were carried out. Correlation analysis followed by multiple regression analysis was conducted to show the relationship between the study variables. A strong and statistically significant relationship was established between strategic sourcing, lean inventory management, green procurement practices and firm performance. The study concluded that practices of supply chain management-strategic sourcing, green procurement and lean inventory management are good measures of firm performance. However, more research needs to be done in the area. The study will provide insights into the management of milk processing firms. When adopted, the supply chain management practices will help milk processors improve performance.
Risk-Based Internal Audit, Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of Deposit taking Cooperative Societies in Nairobi Metropolis, Kenya
(University of Embu, 2022-03) Nyerere, Julius Kimia
Through a risk-based internal audit (RBIA), companies can use internal audit capabilities to improve management and control of risks. It also improves the accountability and accuracy of financial statements. This study focused on the deposit-taking savings and credit cooperatives (DT-SACCOs) in Nairobi Metropolis, Kenya. Some DT-SACCOs today are faced with the challenges of auditing in their operations despite having an audit department in place. A risk-based internal audit helps an organization in the identification of high-risk areas which helps in giving priorities to such areas. This enables the improvement of the financial performance and provision of high-quality reports by the company. This study focused on the effect of risk-based internal audit on the financial performance of DT-SACCOs in Nairobi Metropolis, Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design and was anchored on three theories namely: fraud triangle theory, audit theory, and risk management theory. The research conducted a census of 43 DT-SACCOs in Nairobi Metropolis, Kenya, and collected primary data from respondents consisting of one audit manager per DT-SACCO. Secondary data was also collected to validate data on financial performance. Regression models were used to test hypotheses where risk assignment and risk-based audit planning proved affirmative to having a statistically significance effect on the financial performance of DT-SACCOs. The research established that corporate governance has a controlling effect on the association between risk-based audit and financial performance of DT-SACCOs. This research has contributed to the existing theoretical and empirical literature on risk-based internal audit and will inform the practice by helping the managers understand its importance and incorporate it into their firms. The findings will also encourage the regulatory body (SASRA) to be able to incorporate RBIA as a critical requirement for all DT-SACCOs.
Budgetary Controls, Revenue Mobilization, Corporate Governance And Financial Sustainability Among Public Universities In Kenya
(University of Embu, 2022-09-20) KARITU, LINDA KAWIRA
The obligation of meeting current and future mandate of public universities remains a big challenge as the universities are required to work within very tight budgetary constraints. Thus, the objective of financial sustainability is to ensure an institutions goals are reached by ensuring there is sufficient income for investment in academic and research activities. The costs of universities activities are rising which leads to the financial sustainability of universities being a primary issue of concern to stakeholders. The declining allocation to public universities from government exchequer has led to inadequate facilities and stalled projects in many universities. As a result, public universities in Kenya need to diversify their revenue sources through commercialization activities and developing market-oriented programmes. Public universities in Kenya are currently in a deep financial crisis that could lead to a closure following the decline in revenues thus the need for the universities to identify ways in which they can continue to remain financially sustainable. The study sought to assess the effects of budgetary controls, revenue mobilization and corporate governance on financial sustainability among public universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on the resource dependency theory, stakeholder theory and agency theory. The target population was the 31 public universities in Kenya as at the year 2019. The study relied on secondary data which was collected from published audited financial statements from the auditor general’s report. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. To determine the nature of the panel data and the best model for analysis, specification tests for multicollinearity, autocorrelation, Hausman, heteroscedasticity, and normality tests were carried out. The study established that the administration of the public universities was able to spend the universities funds in accordance with the budgets for the years 2014/15 and 2015/16, and this enhanced financial sustainability. However, for the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, the case was different, as the universities were operating on budget deficits as a result of low amounts of Module 2 funds, and thus the universities were financially unsustainable. Further, the management of the public universities were able to mobilize the resources for the universities, especially in the years 2014/15 and 2015/16. However, for the years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, the universities resource mobilization went down, as a result of reduction in the number of students that enrolled into the universities. The study further concluded that the universities adhered to the stipulated rules of corporate governance and this contributed to the financial sustainability of the universities. Based on the findings, the study makes the following recommendations; the budgeting committee should readjust the budgets to cater for the amount of the funding that is available. This will reduce wastage, and ensure that the university runs on optimal budgets, thus enhancing financial sustainability. The administration of the public universities should embark on alternative revenue sources, so as to bridge the gaps in the shortfalls of the funding from the Government. Income generating projects should be geared at generating revenue to cater for the budget shortfalls. The universities should consider establishing strong alumni base that will help the universities in consultancy services, funding of research and sourcing for donor funding.
Corporate Governance, Intellectual Capital and Financial Distress of Listed Firms in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Mohammed Abdulkadir, 2024-08)
Financial distress often makes firms highly financially constrained due to limited external funds and high borrowing costs affecting a company’s investment and operational decisions. The number of listed companies steadily dropped on several security exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2017 to 2022 due to financial difficulties, an implication that financial distress is a persistent concern in the region. The effects of corporate governance and intellectual capital on financial distress are not well comprehended in the Sub-Saharan African setting. This research sought to fill the empirical gap related to the Sub-Saharan African context. The research was underpinned by agency theory, resource dependency theory, stakeholder theory, resource-based view and Knowledge-based view theories. The study targeted 146 selected firms listed on Sub-Saharan Securities Exchanges that are operational in Anglophone countries with less developed corporate governance structures, and non-hyperinflationary economies. Data was sourced from yearly financial statements and circulars published by firms for the years 2017 to 2021. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data and logistic regression models were used in analysis. Research findings established that board size negatively influences financial distress while director remuneration was observed to have no significant effect. Board meetings and gender diversity were observed to positively influence financial distress. The findings further established that institutional, foreign, and state ownership significantly reduce distress. However, managerial ownership does not influence financial distress whereas a significant positive influence of local ownership on financial distress is observed. Concerning intellectual capital, a negative effect of intellectual capital efficiency on corporate financial distress was revealed. The research findings emphasize on effective governance structures relating to the firm’s board and ownership structure and the urgency of strengthening the intellectual capital base to ensure firms’ survival amidst today’s knowledge-based economy. The study recommends that non-financial firms maintain larger boards to enhance information efficiency and decision quality. In addition, non-financial firms should devise performance-based compensation mechanisms for the board and maintain an ideal frequency of board meetings. Moreover, non-financial firms should formulate ownership structure policies that enhance the firms’ stability through sound governance practices and embrace a proactive and holistic approach towards intellectual capital’s development to strengthen the competitive advantage base ensuring firms’ survival. The findings contribute to a broader discourse on effective corporate governance practices as potential solutions to mitigating financial distress. Furthermore, the findings will assist legislators in policy formulation regarding governance frameworks and aid managers in modifying their decisions for extenuating the effects of financial distress in sub-Saharan Africa.

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