3673 research outputs found
Sort by
Determinants of Strategic Posture of Hotels in Kenya: A Resource Based View Perspective
No full textA Thesis Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in partial fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)This study sought to examine the influence of internal resources on the strategic posture that business hotels took. Internal resources were determined as physical facilities, managerial competences, business processes and technology. The study subjected the internal resources to the strategic posture dimensions of risk, proactivity, innovation and competitive aggressiveness to examine proactive or reactive posture. The moderating variable was organizational culture, which is also an internal resource. The research objectives were presented as (i) to determine the influence of the organizational facilities on strategic posture; (ii) to examine the relationship between managerial competences and strategic posture; (iii) to investigate the extent to which business processes impact on strategic posture; (iv) to establish the effect of technological use on strategic posture; v) to explore the influence of organizational culture on strategic posture.
The positivism philosophy guided the study using the descriptive research design. The emphasis was on testing the theory adopted through development of hypothesis. The target population was the hotel industry in Kenya, specifically corporate hotels. Data was collected from 246 hotels across the country. Stratified random sampling was used. The population was divided into six regions. Samples were picked from each of the regions ensuring that the proportions of the population were maintained. Data was collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions. 191 questionnaires were received representing a 77% response rate. Descriptive statistics was used to provide frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations for the general information data while inferential statistics, using the binary logistics model, was used to determine the hypothesis generated for the study. The confidence level used in the study was 95%.
The findings indicate that indeed internal resources determine strategic posture of hotels in Kenya, although at various degrees. All the internal resources were found to predict the strategic posture of hotels, although at varying levels. The overall model indicates that physical facilities predicted the strategic posture at the highest level of p=0.00. Managerial competences followed at p=0.003, Business processes at p=0.046 and Technology at p=0.047. That is to say that, physical facilities are the first attraction of customers to hotels as they provide a perception and impression of the standard of the hotel before the guests interact with the actual service. Managerial competences affect the decision and management of resources in the hotel influencing the service environment as
vi
a whole. Capable managers ensure that the hotel is well directed administratively, which could include for example, meeting strategic objectives, like the desired market position in the industry. Business processes represent the service aspect of the hotels. Quick, efficient and consistency of service accelerates a favorable market position. A hotel‟s deliberate effort to ensure that their processes are up to the guests‟ expectations, and that they enable provision of quality service, would propel a hotel to a desired strategic posture. Technology similarly, as an internal resource, was found to be a significant predictor of strategic posture notably though at the least significant level. Technology enables operational efficiency and also enhances guest experience in the hotels. These two aspects act as enablers to favorably positioning hotels in the market.
Organizational culture as an internal resource was also found to predict strategic posture. As a moderator, it also moderated all the internal resources at various intensities. Business process was the most moderated by culture, followed by physical facilities, then technology and lastly managerial competences. It was generally found that hotels have strong hospitality cultures.
Key recommendations from the study include (i) hotels need to take risks, be proactive, create innovations and be aggressive towards their competition, if they desire to be strategically position themselves in the market, (ii) the physical outlook of a hotel is essential as it is a major consideration to attracting the business guest. Facilities give a perception of standards. Additionally, facilities support the services provision of hotels; (iii) managers are required to be competent and to continuously develop their capabilities in order to cope with the ever-changing demands of the guests and professionally manage the hotels through effectively planning and managing resources to meet business objectives; (iv) it is necessary to effectively manage business processes to provide guests with an enriched guest experience through services provided, thus increasing customer retention and repeat business; (v) adoption of technology should be encouraged to improve proficiency of operations. From the guest‟s perspective, technology enhances guest interactions through applications such as customer relations‟ management (CRM) and guest feedback mechanisms to increasingly understand customers‟ needs and meet their expectations. These efforts will enable business hotels attain their desired strategic position in the industry.
vii
This study recommends further research on other categories of hotels including vacation hotels and lodges. Other internal tangible and intangible resources could also be studied to investigate their influence on strategic posture. With reference to the firm performance model, other variables, specifically the strategic variables and the external variables, could be studied to determine their influence on strategic posture
Factors Affecting Employee Motivation in a Dynamic Work Environment: A Case of Standard Media Group
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Management and Organizational Development (MOD)Employee motivation refers to the “set of energetic forces that originate both within as well as beyond an individual’s being, to initiate work-related behavior, and to determine its form, direction, intensity and duration. Employee motivation is a key predictor of organizational performance. The Standard Media Group is one of the leading media entities in the Republic of Kenya. The last one year has seen the company undergo major restructuring in a bid to cut down on operational costs. Part of the restructuring included reorganizing the human resource of the company and releasing some employees. The effect of this process on the psyche of the employees has not been fully documented. It has previously been demonstrated that transitional situation in companies are directly related to employee motivation, hence performance. This study sought to assess the level of employee motivation at Standard Media Group, after the major changes that have taken place at the company, and identify the factors associated with employee motivation at this organization.
A cross-section descriptive study design was used. A total of 74 employees at Standard Media group filled in a questionnaire based on Deci and Ryan’s theory of employee motivation. Each employee had a motivation index generated. Pearson’s product-moment correlation co-efficient and Multiple Linear Regression were used to ascertain the factors associated with employee motivation at Standard Media Group.
Response rate was 100%. This means that the study was sufficiently powered to answer the research questions. Reliability analysis on the questionnaire using Cronbach’s alpha revealed a reliability statistic of 0.696, indicating that the questionnaire had good reliability. The employee motivation index ranged from a minimum of 76 to a maximum of 174. The mean employee motivation score was 143.12 (SD=21.23), indicating a high overall level of motivation among employees at Standard Media Group. The employee motivation index had four subscales, that is: Autonomy/ Support index (M= 28.81, SD=10.35, Range: 6 – 42); Perceived Choice Index (M= 38.75, SD=6.71, Range: 19 – 49), Relatedness index (M= 42.49, SD=9.71, Range: 13 – 56) and Perceived Competence index (M= 32.91, SD=5.05, Range: 19 – 42). There were no statistically significant relationships between Employment Motivation and the Socio-demographic variables. This result is not consistent with various studies carried on socio-demographic factors and employee motivation. Results of the multivariate analysis indicate that both Autonomy/Support (β=0.37, p<0.001) and Relatedness (β=0.71, p<0.001) were strongly positively associated to Employee Motivation at Standard Media Group. This means that the good Employee Environment is associated with higher employee motivation at Standard Media Group. Perceived competence (β=0.56, p<0.001) and Perceived Choice (β=0.26, p=0.006) were similarly related to Employee motivation at Standard Media Group. This means that higher competence and choosing to work for the organization were associated with higher employee motivation among Standard Media Group Employees. These findings are consistent with various studies done across the globe.
From the study, it has been established that of the three variables under study, the variable of socio-demographic factors the included age, gender, income and marital status, did not yield any significant impact on employee motivation. Although studies done elsewhere reveal the fat that the variables have some degree of influence because of some external factors that impact on the organization namely; economic, social. Political and technical. However, the variables of employee environment of relatedness and autonomy as well as employee competence, returned positive significance in employee motivation.
Based on the findings, it is recommended that the training and recruitment aspect in the organization needs to be evaluated to elucidate its effect on the perceived competence, associated with high motivation levels among Standard Media Group Employees
Influence of Strategy Implementation on Performance of Government Owned Entities in Kenya
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of Requirement for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of strategy implementation on performance of government owned entities in Kenya. The study was guided by the following questions: How does strategic evaluation influence performance of government owned entities? How does reward structure influence performance of government owned entities? How has strategic alignment influenced performance of government owned entities?
The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study had a population of 42 government owned entities in Nairobi County. Purposive sampling was used to select 42 managers from the government owned entities who were in a position to answer the study questions. A study pilot was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the study instrument, which was found to be above 0.7 required threshold. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to conduct descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (correlation, and regression) statistical analysis.
The study established the existence of a significant relationship between strategic evaluation and performance of government owned entities. All components considered under this question included how an organization sets objectives, performs evaluations, and strategic audits. The study showed that these components were significant in enhancing performance of government owned entities. The study also established the existence of a significant relationship between reward structure and performance of government owned entities. Long term incentives such as pain leave, vacations, good salaries and wages, and bonus payments enhanced performance of government owned entities. Finally, this study established the existence of a significant relationship between strategic alignment and performance of government owned entities. Strategic alignment of strategy with performance objectives, organization processes, and organizational employee was significant in enhancing the organizational performance
The study concludes that organizations that have performance objectives in place have a higher probability to enhance performance. The study also concludes that government owned entities that have well-structured performs evaluations programs do also enhance organizational performance since they enable organizations monitor and review
v
performance outcomes with set outcomes. The study concludes that long-term incentives such as pain leave, vacations, good salaries and wages, and bonus payments enhanced performance of government owned entities. Paid leave enhance employees’ commitment to the organization, and thus, reduce levels of turnover of employees to the private sector who might be seeking same leave packages. The study concludes that organization processes are important in enhancing performance of government owned entities. Organizational processes are essential in advancing and actualizing set objectives that enhance performance. Finally, this study concludes that organizational employee significantly contributes to enhancing performance of government owned entities.
This study recommends that management within government owned entities should develop adequate strategic formulation processes that are inclusive as a way of developing performance objectives. There is also need to develop performance evaluation systems that are objective, with key performance indicators for each employee and job category. The study recommends that government owned entities should invest more in long-term incentives such as pain leave, and paid vacations as a way of motivation employees to good performance. Management in government owned entities should also invest good salaries and wages to attract and keep highly talented employees that can help drive organizations performance agenda. This study also recommends the need to for management to ensure adequate strategic alignment with organization processes. Processes not only enhance organization performance by introducing efficiency and effectiveness in production processes. This study concludes that government owned entities should invest in recruitment process to ensure that their organizations do not only have adequate numbers of employees, but also employees with competitive talent to enhance organizational performance
Implications of Sports Betting In Kenya: Impact of Robust Growth of the Sports Betting Industry
No full textProject Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Global Executive of Masters in Business Administration (GeMBA)The general objective of this study was to assess sports betting impact in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the role and impact of technology on sports betting, to examine the effects of sports betting on vulnerable segments of users, and to examine the role of controls and legislation on sports betting.
To achieve these objectives the study utilized a descriptive research design using quantitative research approach. The population of the study was drawn individuals engaging in sports betting within Nairobi County. In total, it was estimated that 2 million individuals were engaged in sports betting. Using stratified random sampling and Yamanes formula a sample size of 100 respondents was selected for inclusion in the study. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS and MS Excel worksheets using descriptive statistics of frequency distributions, means and modes. Analyzed data is presented using tables and figures.
The study found that majority of the individuals engaging in sports betting were male of the ages below 40 years and above 21 years. In addition, the biggest source of income for sports betters was salaries indicating that a employed individuals were at a higher probability of engaging in sports betting than entrepreneurs and unemployed individuals. Most of sports bets were placed using the website on a more than once per week interval. Sportpesa was the dominant brand in sports betting.
Mobile money had an influence on sports betting in Nairobi. According to this study, Mobile money was an enabler of sports betting. The seamless integration of mobile money wallets and sports betting platforms, reliability, consistency, ease of use and ease of access to mobile money was a major enabler of sports betting. The privacy offered by mobile money as had a positive influence on sports betting. Social media had a positive effect on sports betting in Nairobi. Majority of individuals engaging in sports betting sought for information and made decision on how to bet based on information available on social media platforms such as Facebook, twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Majority of betters were aware that sports betting was a form of gambling. In addition, they perceived to be in control of their betting actions and thus continued to bet. Further, the study found that majority of individuals engaging in sports betting were aware of the risksposed by sports betting eg addition and advocated for betting companies to provide alternative strategies to entertainment other than betting.
To most individuals in betting, they perceived the government to do very little to curb the adverse effects of sports betting. The government was disinterested in managing the protection policies of individuals engaging in sports betting and did not control the exposure, advertisement and promotion of sports betting. On the contrary, government was only interested in maximizing its revenues through taxation of sports betting companies.
This study concluded that mobile money has had a huge effect on sports betting in Kenya. The relationship between mobile money and sports betting is enhanced due to the ease of access to mobile money, the cost effectiveness and efficiency of mobile money, transparency, consistency, reliability and privacy of mobile money wallets. In addition, the study concludes that social media is the single largest most important source of information for sports betting. In addition, social media sites are the major source of purchase decisions for new customers in sports betting.
Sports betting is most likely to affect men under full employment between the ages of 21 – 40 years in Kenya. Finally, the study concludes that the government has not taken any steps to reduce the exposure of sports betting information and solicitation to vulnerable groups
The study recommended that first sports betting companies can leverage on the attributes of privacy, efficiency, effectiveness and security of mobile money wallets to market their products and services. Secondly, this study recommends for targeted mass education of consumers with a special bias to the men. It is recommendable for sports betting companies to set up dedicated social media accounts that effect and efficient in delivery of information on sports bets. Finally, this study recommended that there is an urgent need to put a policy framework guiding the advertisement and promotion of betting activities in the country with the aim of reducing exposure to underage children
Influence of Work-Life Balance on Career Development Choices of Employees in the Banking Sector: A Case Study of Stannic Bank, Nairobi, Kenya
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of work-life balance on career development choices of employees in the banking sector, with a focus on the employees of Stanbic Bank, Nairobi, Kenya. The research questions that guided the study were: How does personal life balance influence career development choices of employees in the banking sector? How does social life balance influence career development choices of employees in the banking sector? How does organizational life balance influence career development choices of employees in the banking sector?
A descriptive research design was used in the study. The target population included 1500 management and staff of Stanbic Bank Nairobi. Through the use of stratified sampling techniques and simple random sampling techniques, a selection of 450 respondents was determined. By the use of a structured questionnaire, the research utilized descriptive and inferential statistics in data analysis and presentation. For descriptive statistics, the study adopted frequencies, cross-tabulation, mean and standard deviation while for inferential statistics, the study emphasized on correlation and regression statistics. Data presentation was done by way of Figures and Tables.
The study assessed how personal life balance influenced career development choices of employees in the banking sector. The study found that career success depends on individual behaviour and work outcome hence career development managers should match the employee’s traits with job characteristics. The study also revealed that career success depends on individual’s determination. This determination is emphasized by personal interests and that personal interests determine employee occupational selection. It is undisputable that people in their careers make choices and that personal interests influence the choices made. It is revealed that personal interests influence and shape personal values, which are very critical in career development. The personal values frequently conflict with organizational culture when an employee does not really conform to the values of the organization. This might hinder career development.
The study established that social life balance influences career development choices of employees in the banking sector. The research found that childcare responsibilities affects employee’s career development choices. Childcare responsibility also dictates employee’s social life, which might also have an impact on career choices. Employees come from family setups, which build up modes of socialization of an individual. These kinds of interaction among family members have impact on career development choices. The study also illustrates that personal planning can determines career development choices. The effective planning has a great positive influence on career choices. This effective planning is determined by employees’ level of education.
The study demonstrated that organizational life balance influences career development of employees. The study found that flexible work arrangements influence employee career development choices. When an employee is given flexible time on work, he/she might explore more options that would reveal the right career choice. The study also reveals that limiting work hours benefit workers to enhance their career development. Organizations can easily enhance employee career development by limiting work hours hence an employee finds free time to study and build his/her career. To enhance employee career development, the organization should create a flexible working environment at all times. The organizations might also install effective modern technology that might help employee progress and explore more opportunities and a certain field.
The study concludes that career success depend on individual behaviour, work outcome and individual determination. It was found from the study that to enhance career development, managers should match the employee’s traits with job characteristics. The study also concludes that employee social life determines career choices. The study confirms that childcare responsibilities affect employee’s career development choices. From the study, it was concluded that organizational life balance is the most key and determining component affecting a worker's career development choices.
The study recommends the executive and management of the Stanbic Bank to ensure that their employees achieve their personal life balance to enable them advance in their careers. The study also recommends personal planning because it determines career development choices. The study suggests the organizations to implement flexible work arrangements because it enhances employee career development choices
Effect of Loyalty Programs on Customer Retention: A Case of Nakumatt Supermarkets Kenya
No full textA Research Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)In the current world, a business offering quality products and better services will without a doubt have lead over the others. Loyalty programs are often considered value-sharing instruments and can enhance consumers’ perceptions of what a firm has to offer. Since the individuals are faced with a wide range of alternatives it is not clear whether the scheme has helped either of the supermarkets in ensuring that their customer base is loyal.
This study looked at the effect of loyalty programs on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarket in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to establish the effect of point system on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarket; to find out the effect of smart cards on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarket; to determine the effect of gift vouchers on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarket and to determine the effect of discounts on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarket.
Point’s systems begin through the issue of personal plastic cards to the clients. Loyalty programs (LPs) with consistent and direct compensating plans, individuals acquire a specific measure of LP money for every shilling spent and they pick when to redeem and what to redeem in light of their individual reward liking and the gathered balance of points. Nakumatt grocery store gives one point for each Ksh. 100 spent at Nakumatt when one uses their card. This study determined the effect of Nakumatt points system on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarkets in Kenya.
Studies have shown that shoppers spend more on unfortunate nourishment things when they pay with Visa cards than when using cash. A loyalty card can be stacked to smart telephones in electronic frame, as telephones are generally dependant with clients. Nakumatt supermarket permits use of cards, for example, Visa, Master Card and Eurocard in making buys inside the supermarket stores. This study looked at the effect of use of smart card on customer repeat purchases and the subsequent effect on customer retention.
A gift voucher can quicken the loyalty life cycle, empowering first-or second-year clients to carry on like an organization's most gainful tenth-year clients. Gift vouchers are connected with acquiring recurrence, so these sorts of programs are otherwise called visit buy programs. Nakumatt supermarket from time to time offers gifts to its customers. Some of the gifts require the customers to spend up to a certain amount after which they are presented with gifts. This study determined the effect of gifts on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarket in Kenya.
Discounts are more compelling in prompting stock heaping, and buy increasing speed, direct in brand exchange and new item trial in a specific order. Discount is the easiest strategy to offer an immediate decrease in the price tag with the offer plainly named on the bundle or purpose of procurement show. Nakumatt in conjunction with a few makers, for example, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Elliot’s, Delmonte, and P&G etc. choose to offer merchandise at a discount with an end goal to draw in more purchasers. This study determined the effect of discounts on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarkets in Kenya.
The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Using the design, both quantitative and qualitative data was collected. The target population was customers/clients of Nakumatt supermarket in Kenya. The study further narrowed down to customers within Nairobi city who are esteemed customers of Nakumatt supermarkets. Disproportional sampling was used to select the sample. The study used primary data since it’s suitable for obtaining reliable data from the customers. Both open-ended and closed-ended questions were used in collecting data. Quantitative data was analysed by use of SPSS version 20.0. A multiple regression analysis was further used to evaluate the effect of loyalty programs on customer retention in Nakumatt supermarket in Kenya.
The study concludes that there is a positive significant relationship between point systems and customer retention. The findings also conclude that there is a positive significant relationship between smart cards and customer retention. The study also concludes that there is a positive significant relationship between gift vouchers and customer retention. Finally the study concludes that there is a positive significant relationship between gift vouchers and customer retention.
The study recommends application of point system in all the stores since it was noted as one of the reason that customers make repeat purchases from the supermarket. The points accumulated by the customers should be redeemed quite often in order to encourage and motivate loyal customers. The study further recognizes the use of smart cards thus recommending retail stores to increase the use of smart cards especially for middle and high income earners in Kenya.
The study finally recommends that retail stores across the country should make use of discounts frequently in order to attract more customers who come for speculation hence higher sales and resultant customer retention
Competitive Strategies Influencing Growth of Selected Public Universities in Kenya
No full textA Project submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The current operational set up in Kenya’s higher education sector is a dynamic one and highly competitive with the emergence of many private universities. Competitive strategies employed by firms in their operations vary widely depending on the operating environment. Limited studies have been done to determine the competitive strategies influencing growth on public universities in Kenya. As a result there have been inadequate government policies which has ultimately seen sprouting of many private universities, public universities have been undergoing challenges to survive and compete ineffectively and more technical colleges were awarded charters to become fully fledged universities. Against this backdrop, the study sought to carry out an analysis to establish how Competitive Strategies influence growth in the selected public Universities. More specifically, the study sought to answer the questions, does technology influence growth in public universities? Does diversification influence growth in public universities? And does innovation influence growth in public universities? The study adopted the descriptive research design. There were three selected public Universities where the research was carried out. The target population was drawn from the senior management levels selected on a stratified sampling technique. The sample was 114, arrived at as guided by Yamane’s formula. The researcher used primary data to accomplish the research objectives. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. Findings reveal that technology has to a great extent influenced the growth of a majority of the selected public universities surveyed. It was also established that a majority of the selected universities surveyed employs diversification as a means of not only survival and sustenance of the institutions through building synergies in resource utilization and spreading risk, but also as a means of enhancing growth. The study further found that the growth exhibited in the selected universities can to a large extent be attributed to innovation thereof. Most notably, expansion of the respective universities and introduction of new programs has significantly attributed to research and development in innovation. The study concludes that the adoption of innovation, diversification and technology strategies among the selected universities have led to significant growth across the institutions.
Study recommends that public universities work on creating adopting more recent technological innovations that will assist in the service delivery and therefore lead to reduced cost of operations. Greater diversification should be encouraged instead of relying on government funding as this will enable Universities be more self sufficient and will in turn spur growth. Consequently, it is recommended that Universities adopt cutting edge technology that will help in the dissemination of knowledge away from the brick and mortar classroom that has been the traditional way of delivering knowledge as the output of qualified graduates is a key measure of measuring growth in Universities
Exploring Migration Crisis in Europe 1995-2016
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities And Social Science In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirement For Master’s Degree in International Relations.To escape political and economic challenges in the Middle East and Africa, many refugees and migrant are fleeing to seek asylum in Europe. Thus, Europe became overwhelmed with large influx of refugees in the last decades. The European Union (EU) member states have recently scrambled policy action to curb the increasing migrants entering Europe through the East, West, and Central Mediterranean Sea. The division in the European Union has led to the reemergence of nationalism which has weakened the foundation principle of the EU as a bloc.
In the effort to contribute to the scholarly literature on migration crisis in Europe, this thesis aims to discover the current divide and attitude on migrant between members of the EU and how it threatens the stability of the EU. A combination of secondary and primary data was used to gather information. Articles, journals, newspapers, books, and unstructured interviews were used respectively. Based on the findings of this study, there are challenges in differentiating between refugees and migrants. Secondly, there is absence of cohesiveness in EU migration policies, and restoration of national identity among the EU members which has led to anti-immigrant perception.
This study is of the idea that there is need to have common path to build strong EU policies. Additionally, the member states need to appreciate their differences and formulate mutual migration policies