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Effects of Innovation Strategy on Firm Performance in Telecommunications Industry: A Case of Safaricom Kenya Limited
No full textA Research Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA)The general objective of the study was to examine the effects of innovation strategy on firm performance in the telecommunication industry taking Safaricom (K) Limited as a case. The study was guided by three specific objectives. To determine the influence of product innovation strategy on performance in Safaricom Kenya Limited; establish the effect of process innovation strategy on performance in Safaricom Kenya Limited and determine the influence of market innovation strategy on performance in Safaricom Kenya Limited.
The research adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study was customer service departments at Safaricom (K) Limited. These included the Retail, Care Centre/ Customer Operations and Consumer Business departments. The stratified random sampling procedure was used for the study and the sample size was established at 181 staff. The questionnaire was adopted as the primary tool for data collection. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Data was presented in charts and tables and the researcher’s own interpretation.
The correlation analysis showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between product innovation strategy and performance. The multiple regression analysis confirmed an increase in product innovation led to an increase in performance and this was significant. That there was a positive association between process innovation and performance but this was not significant. Regression analysis confirmed that there was a linear relationship between process innovation and performance but this was not significant. That there was a positive and significant association between market innovation and performance and regression analysis confirmed that there was a strong and positive relationship between market innovation and performance.
The study concludes that among the innovation strategies included in the study, product innovation strategy had the most influence on performance of Safaricom (K) Limited. The concluded that process innovation had the least impact on performance of Safaricom (K) Limited. The study concluded that market innovation strategy was the second most significant innovation strategy to affect performance of Safaricom (K) Limited
Enhancing Accuracy In A Touch Operation Biometric System: A Case On The Android Pattern-Lock Scheme
No full textA Project Report Submitted to the School of Science and Technology in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Information Systems and TechnologyThe main objective of this research study is to enhance the functionality of an Android pattern lock application that through testing, can help determine whether the time elements of a touch operation, in particular Time on Dot (TOD) and Time Between Dot (TBD), can be accurately used as biometric identifier input. This is driven by the challenges that are inherent in existing pattern lock applications; such as, susceptibility to smudge attacks and shoulder surfing attacks. The hypotheses that are tested through this study are the following: H1: There is a correlation between the number of touchstroke features used and the accuracy of the touch operation biometric system; Ho1: There is no correlation between the number of touchstroke features used and the accuracy of the touch operation biometric system; H2: There is a correlation between pattern complexity and accuracy of the touch operation biometric system; Ho2: There is no correlation between pattern complexity and accuracy of the touch operation biometric system; H3: There is a correlation between user training and accuracy of the touch operation biometric system; Ho3: There is no correlation between user training and accuracy of the touch operation biometric system
The study used convenience sampling on a United States International University - Africa population. This excluded students and members of faculty in the School of Science and Technology who may have had a technical advantage over a common representative user in the population. A within-subjects design involving repeated measures was incorporated when testing H1, Ho1, H2 and Ho2 hypotheses - on a total of 8 subjects. Testing of H3 and Ho3 hypotheses involved the selection of a new set of 4 subjects to eliminate the possibility of training through exposure to previous procedures. This translated to an overall sample size of 12 subjects who gave a total of 2,096 feature extracted data. Analysis was done using the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) Algorithm of biometric accuracy.
Results for H1 revealed an increase in accuracy by lowering the False Rejection Rate (FRR) from 20% to 17% when an additional time feature was used. However, the False Acceptance Rates (FAR) increased from 34% to 39% leading to an overall decline in accuracy from 68% to 62%. This could be attributed to the DTW failing to manage the effect of outliers. The H1 hypothesis was therefore rejected.
Results for H2 when using two touchstroke features (Time Between Dot and Time on Dot) showed a 7% increase in accruracy from 62% in the case of a simple password to 69% when a complex password was used. The H2 hypothesis was therefore accepted.
Results for H3, when using the Time Between Dot touchstroke feature, showed a 26% increase in accruracy from 56% in the case of no training to 82% when training was introduced. An interesting thing to note about the results for H3 is that using two touchstroke features (Time Between Dot and Time on Dot) showed a 8% decrease in accruracy from 69% in the case of no training to 61% when training was introduced. The H3 hypothesis was therefore accepted for the case of one touchstroke feature.
The contribution made through this research study was that it was shown that the extraction of an additional touchstroke feature (Time Between Dot), coupled with pattern complexity and user training was able to yield high average accuracy levels of up to 82% in a touch operation biometric system. This study was done on low-end smart devices with average processing capabilities. This builds a case for the introduction of touch operation biometrics onto regular smart devices thereby providing stronger authentication without increasing system performance overheads or cost. For future work, it is recommended that more work be done by applying other algorithms to the existing data set and comparing their results with those obtained with DTW. Additionally, further research can explore whether the use of other touchstroke biometric features can have a better impact on accuracy
Internal Factors Influencing the Implementation of Strategic Plans in Organizations: A Case Study of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company
No full textA Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Business administration (MBA)The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of internal factors on the Implementation of Strategic Plans in organizations for the case of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. The research was guided by the following research questions: How does organizational structure influence implementation of strategic plans in organizations? How does resource allocation influence implementation of strategic plans in organizations? How does leadership influence implementation of strategic plans in organizations?
The study applied the descriptive research design. The target population of the study entailed the top, middle level managers and employees in different departments of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company a population of 360 managers. The top level managers were 30 in number and 330 middle level managers .Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the intended sample size of 108 respondents from the two levels. However only 81 responded giving a response rate of 75%.Data was collected through a questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to the different respondents by hand and through electronic mail and thereafter collected after submission. The demographic data was tabulated using frequency and percentages. Pearson’s correlation was used to describe the data. The sampled data was then presented in form of tables based on the research questions by the use of Statistical Product and Services Solutions (SPSS).
The study was significant to NCWSC as it revealed that a majority of the employees were well vast with the strategies being implemented at any time and that they were also involved in the early formulation of the strategies. In doing so, both the performance of employees and revenue generation for the organization increased. The study also showed the need for organization to formulate strategies that were formidable and objective to ensure increased performance by the employees. Further to these, the study also provided the background information to research organizations and scholars who would be interested in carrying out further research in this area. Finally, the study facilitated individual researchers to identify gaps in the current research and carry out research in those areas. The study findings revealed that opinions, feedback and creativity on best practices were discouraged and that NCWSC had not fully embraced the core values of communication.
From the study it can be concluded that, structural stability provides the capacity that an organization requires to consistently manage its daily work routines and that structural flexibility provides the opportunity to allocate resources to activities that shape the competitive advantages of the firm. It can be concluded that NCWSC Resources are planned accordingly to cater for the efficient running of the various departments and ensure success .Further, delegation of duties motivates employees to improve their output. In addition financial resources and capabilities of a firm are considered while setting long term goals. From the study mobilization of organizational capabilities enables the firm to gain competitive advantage in strategic opportunities. Mobilization of organizational capabilities enables the firm to gain competitive advantage in strategic opportunities
In light of the findings, it was recommended that Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company should further monitor and oversee its organizational design process to achieve superior performance and overall profitability. The organization should also prioritize utilization of resources to the company’s advantage to eliminate wastage and hindrances of effective strategy implementation. The study further recommends that the organization establishes communication program that can describe what should be communicated by whom and how often .These will consequently ensure ease in communication of goals ,challenges and drive the organization towards successful implementation of strategic plan
Factors Affecting Non-Financial Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya: A Case of Aar Insurance Company in Nairobi
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 Business Administration (MBA)The general purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing the performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The study was guided by below research questions; how does a firm’s size affect performance of insurance companies in Kenya? How does a firm’s structure affect performance of insurance companies in Kenya? How does leadership affect performance of insurance companies in Kenya? The primary population of study selected for this research was limited to AAR Insurance Company of Kenya Limited.
The descriptive research design was selected for this study as it is concerned with finding out who, what, where, when or how much and also tries to measure the types of activities; how often, when, where and by whom. Stratified random sampling was used to generate the sample size. In stratified random sampling, the population is divided into two or more strata, when the population is heterogeneous with regard to the characteristics or variables under study. The data collection method was based on a structured approach due to the target population and their nature of work. The examination information was broken down using Microsoft excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program and presented using tables and figures to give a clear picture of the research findings at a glance. To ensure ease in analysis, the questionnaires was coded accordingly to each variable of the study and entered into the SPSS program. The quantitative tools employed were descriptive statistics which included measures of central tendencies. These tools of analysis used to determine views of commonality and deviations from commonality. Correlation was another useful statistic tool that described the degree of relationship between the variables used. The output after analysis were presented using frequency tables, graphic presentations and inferential statistics outputs.
The study revealed that AAR had not reported high loss ratios, and the organization did not rely on investment income to act as a cushion for its underwriting results. Firm size is an important determinant of an insurance company’s performance, and the control of managers pursuing self-interested goals has the ability to alter profit maximization as the firm’s objective function. The study indicated that large firms enjoy economies of scale and their average cost of production is low ensuring efficient operational activities, that they face less difficulty in getting access to credit facilities from financial institutions, thus achieve greater strategic diversification.
The study showed that organizational structure affects the performance of insurance companies through innovation and organizational learning. AAR has a high trust environment that produces accurate results in the least amount of time and its organizational structures create vertical and horizontal structures that facilitate communication. The study revealed that AAR’s organizational structure is not complex and facilitates as well as encourages employee creativity, and the organizational controls include: target setting, measuring or monitoring, use of feedback, rules, standards, and internal procedures.
The study revealed that leadership style in an organization is significant in enhancing or retarding the interest and commitment of employees, and it is critical in encouraging employees towards a common goal. Leadership in AAR focuses on the development of employees and their needs, and it determines the organizational values, culture, change tolerance and employee motivation. AAR’s leadership is seen as a potent source of the development and sustenance of the organization’s competitive advantage.
The study also concludes that large firms are more stable and mature, therefore generate greater sales because of their great production capacity. AAR’s organizational structure is not complex and facilitates as well as encourages employee creativity, and the organizational controls include: target setting, measuring or monitoring, use of feedback, rules, standards, and internal procedures. AAR leaders demonstrate concern, care and respect for employees, thus increasing employees’ interest in their work facilitating better performance.
The study recommends AAR management to increase the organization’s assets because the study has revealed that firm size is significant to insurance company performance. Increase of the organization’s assets will improve the company’s competitive power, which will facilitate its competitive edge in highly competitive markets
Strategic Factors Influencing SMEs’ Participation In The Securities Exchange
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The objective of this study was to find out the key strategic factors influencing SMEs participation in the NSE with specific focus on the top one hundred in Nairobi Kenya. The study was guided by specific objectives that sought to: establish the scope of operation of small and medium size enterprises necessary for their participation on the bourse, assess the systems and processes in small and medium enterprises, and to determine the effect of corporate governance requirements on participation of small and medium enterprises on the bourse.
The study adopted a descriptive research design. The approach was deemed appropriate and useful towards assessing of the elements influencing listing of SME firms on the securities exchange. The population of the study included both the Top one hundred Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County and thirteen SMEs listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The sampling frame included a list of eligible SMEs listed on the NSE. Stratified sampling technique was used for the study where random sampled quotas were selected from both listed and non-listed SME’s. The sample size of SMEs was determined based on Yamen’s formula (Yamane, 1967) that derived 50 companies and all the 13 listed SMEs were considered for sampling. Primary data was used to obtain information in this study using questionnaires. The questionnaires were pretested by the researcher to ascertain suitability of the tool before actual administration. The researcher used quantitative analysis. Correlation and regression analysis was used to examine existing relationships between the variables.
The study revealed that, SME firms developed and exploited new products, technologies, and services that brought changes in the economy, and to increase the size of the SME firms, financial support was obtained from outside the business to cover the additional investment required. The study showed that the decision-making process in SMEs goes through the manager, and through trusted assistants. The study revealed that, formalized strategic planning, human resource management, marketing research, financial planning and control do guarantee market success, and human resource development is driven by operational needs and priorities. The study showed that outside director(s) of the firm had resources that were complementary to those of inside directors. The role of the firm’s board members was to provide legitimacy, to administer advice and counsel, to act as a link to important stakeholders or other significant bodies, and to facilitate access to resources such as capital and building external relations.
The study concludes that, family members of SME owners do not have advantages with regard to firm specific knowledge, lack outside experience, and general business knowledge.
Informality is considered a function of lack of managerial resources and expertise to identify skill deficiencies in SMEs, and appointments are beneficial to the firm in terms of enhancing external resources, and trust in the firm is considered a critical element in enhancing the quality of information and enhancing various types of network exchange.
This study recommends SMEs to explore supplementing their public securities exchanges with private securities exchanges similar to those that exist in Taiwan and the United States (US) because these can provide more platforms for enterprises and entrepreneurs to raise capital and allow investors with different risk appetites to participate. These can also provide more platforms for enterprises to raise risk capital for business innovation
Role and Impact of EPZ in Attracting FDI in EPZ Apparel and Textile Industry in 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 main objective of this study was to investigate the role and impact of EPZ in attracting FDI in EPZ apparel and textile industry in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To establish the determinants of foreign direct investments in apparel and textile industry, to identify the barriers of foreign direct investments in apparel and textile industry and to examine the implications of foreign direct investments in apparel and textile industry.
Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The study adopted a survey research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population of this study comprised of 366 EPZ employees from 17 companies that deal with apparel and textile. One hundred and eighty nine (189) employees was selected as a sample for this study. Questionnaires were used to gather research information. Some of the tools used for analysis included mean, percentages. The advantage of descriptive statistics is that they enable the researcher to use one or more numbers (for example mean and standard deviation) to indicate the average score and variability of scores of a sample. Inferential statistics was used to analyze relationship between variables. This was done through correlation and regression analysis.
The findings on the determinants of foreign direct investments in apparel and textile industry indicated that tax incentives are among the most outstanding investment promotion initiative made available for FDIs. FDIs may seek to partner with governments when seeking alternate sources of capital or expertise to fund and operate large infrastructure projects or to seed with more established corporations. The development of conducive economic and legal framework attracts FDIs. The availability of physical infrastructure affects the decision of FDIs in selecting the investment place. Also, FDIs may be undertaken to exploit new markets.
The findings on the barriers of foreign direct investments in apparel and textile industry indicate that there is lack sound financial base. The fluctuation of exchange rates can have a significant bearing on the cost of delivering a project among FDIs. High inflation will lead to a rise in production cost. Long term survival of FDIs ventures is affected by corruption. Corruption can also have undesirable consequences on both the revenue and
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expenditure of FDIs. The lack of technical capabilities is evidently the reason of why major construction projects are awarded to the few large foreign contractors. FDIs also face cultural differences as a barrier to organizational performance.
The findings on the implications of foreign direct investments in apparel and textile industry established that there is advanced managerial skill and enhances internal efficiency and international competitiveness. FDIs are important in creating more employment and lead to economic growth. FDIs firms have a higher level of labour quality in their employment composition than domestic firms. FDIs play an important role in poverty alleviation through the provision of higher wages. FDIs advance managerial skills which are important for the economic development of companies. FDIs significantly drive the delivery of project management capabilities leading to a significant growth as compared domestic investment.
The study concludes that tax incentives available may have a significant impact in attracting foreign direct investments. The barriers of foreign direct investments in apparel and textile industry indicate that there is lack sound financial base. Corruption can also have undesirable consequences on both the revenue and expenditure of FDIs. FDIs are important in creating more employment and lead to economic growth. The study recommends that tax incentives should be intensively used to attract FDIs. Sound financial base is an important factor for the survival of FDIs. The transfer of technology and acquisition of advanced managerial skill should be emphasized to enhance international competitiveness of the business alliance
The Effect of Entrepreneurial Competencies on Business Performance: A Case of Kenya's Public Transport Industry.
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)Entrepreneurial competencies have been illustrated to have an impact on business performance and growth. The purpose of this paper is therefore to establish the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on business performance in Kenya's Public transport industry, so as to provide an integrated account of contributions relating to entrepreneurial competencies, develop an agenda for future research, and practice in relation to entrepreneurial competencies.
The focus of the research is to measure the entrepreneurs competencies exhibited through innovativeness, creativity and risk taking and how these attributes contribute to the performance of a business enterprise. The research focused on a sample population of 150 entrepreneurs in the public transport industry who were selected through stratified random sampling method. A questionnaire with 40 questions was used to collect the data and the SPSS software was used by the researcher to run a descriptive and inferential statistics which included discriminant and convergent validity and structural model estimation.
The study findings revealed that innovativeness, creativity and risk taking, are positively and statistically significant to performance in the public transport industry. This means that increase in the extent of innovativeness, creativity and risk taking, has a positive effect to performance, with a coefficient estimate of 0.316 and at significance of 5% level. This means if the three entrepreneurial competencies increase by 1, business performance will increase by 0.316, and that an increase in entrepreneurial competencies would lead to improved performance.
The recommendations from the research were that fostering entrepreneurial education on innovativeness in the industry should be adopted as it is an important step towards growing the industry. This will expose players and stakeholders to efficient and effective ways to handle industry parameters which in turn will make the industry more competitive, and improve performance as a consequence. Key stakeholders in the industry should also strategize on how to incorporate creativity. Each industry should come up with unique creative ways in which they can gain competitive advantages and increase on performance as a consequence. Risk diversification in the industry could be pursued by the entrepreneurs, to cushion against unexpected and un- mitigated slumps in the industry. Entrepreneurs should also plan on potential risk implications on every venture they invest in by under taking surveys, conducting due diligence on these ventures and taking out insurance policies to act as buffers in times of depression and decreased business performance.
A key element of the study was that it was based on business performance and not on the individual entrepreneurs competency set. Future studies were therefore recommended to incorporate individual competencies to business performance. The study used subjective data in measuring business performance as all the respondents are from one area. Objective data from other entrepreneurs could be used to mitigate the subjectivity of the study findings
Analysis on Pastoralists Financial Products and Models in Kenya
No full textJournal ArticleThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the financial products that are available to the pastoralists and the models being used by the financial service providers to extend the financial products to the pastoralists. The motivation of this critical review is based on the fact that pastoralists are found to be unattractive for the financial institutions to extend financial products to them. The author’s own critical evaluation on financial products which can be extended to the pastoralists and current financial models used to extend such financial products to the pastoralists in Kenya are captured in this research. The research is based on the author’s own critical thinking and vast previous interactions with the financial service providers, various stakeholders and the beneficiaries (pastoralists). The paper starts with the definition of financial products which the pastoralists can enjoy. Types of financial services which pastoralists can benefit from are explained in this document from both the supply and demand side of the value chain (livestock and livestock products along the value chain). Models used in providing such financial products are postulated. The models can be used as theories by other researchers in the financial products provision field. In addition, the actual financial products provided and gaps are contained in this paper, and how the gaps can be filled up.Challenges/gaps and some enabling policies are captured in this paper
Ethical Leadership and Organizational Culture: Literature Perspective
No full textJournal ArticleEthical leadership begins at the top with the chief executives championing every ethical activity for then followers to emulate them and respect the ethical behaviour within an organization. Ethical leadership has been found to be positively and significantly associated with transformational leadership and transformational culture of the organization. This comes in the background of unethical and financial scandals and leadership failures of nations in recent history. Organizational culture in this study refers to the underlying assumptions, beliefs, values, attitudes and expectations shared by an organization’s members, including unwritten codes of conduct and behaviour. The study examines ethical leadership in relationship to organizational culture. A detailed review of extant literature is undertaken relevant to ethical leadership and organizational culture. Underpinning theories aligned to the study topic are examined and a conceptual model described. The study culminates with suggestions on the benefits of ethical leadership
Determinants of Customer Retention in Kenyan Commercial Banks: A Case of KCB Bank Kenya Limited
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of the study was to investigate various factors that determined customer retention rates at KCB Bank Kenya Limited (KCB). To achieve this, the study sought to analyze the effect of service quality levels on customer retention, to investigate the effect of service or product delivery channels on customer retention and finally examined the effect of service cost on customer retention rates at KCB.
The study adopted a descriptive research design using a quantitative methodology using KCB as the case of the study. The population of the study was drawn from KCB customers with accounts that had been both active in May and June 2017. Using a stratified random sampling technique, customers were selected for use in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was personally administered by the researcher for ease of data collection and for purposes of explaining contents of the questionnaire to customers. Data collected was edited and coded in SmartPLS 2.0 and SPSS vs. 23 for analysis using descriptive statistics such as means, modes, minimums, maximums and frequency distributions. Analyzed data was presented using tables and figures.
Key findings of this study revealed that most of KCB customers perceived customer service quality levels to be good. Consequently this enhanced the bank’s customer retention rates. It was also viewed that the bank boasted of customer responsive products and services. The use of technology in service delivery was also popular amongst customers. A large majority of customers expressed that they enjoyed a good relationship with the bank; the bank was reliable, staff friendly and helpful. The relationship between the bank and customers was also key in improving customer retention rates.
Distribution channels had a positive relationship with customer retention rates. The availability of multiple product distribution channels improved customer retention rates. The study revealed that staff at branches were friendly, the use and accessibility of technologies such as mobile phones, ATMs and the internet further increased retention. Others factors that enhanced retention include faster customer service delivery at branches as well as neat branches, customer friendly and knowledgeable employees.
The cost of services is also a major significant factor influencing customer retention at KCB. Customers perceived charges at KCB to be average and fair. The findings show that overall customers incurred average costs in accessing banking services and products at KCB. Nevertheless, customers also significantly opined that the queues at KCB are very long which leads to them wasting a lot of time, and that KCB charges to access services via platforms such mobile phone are too high.
The findings on retention revealed that a majority of customers are likely to say positive things about KCB to other people and recommend KCB to someone who seeks their advice. This study concluded that there exists a positive relationship between the levels of customer service and customer retention rates. The higher the customer service quality levels the higher the retention rate for KCB customers. The study concluded that use of technology in delivery of banking products and services enhances customer retention rates. The technologies in use include use of mobile telephony, internet banking, automated teller machines (ATM) and Point of Sale (POS) machines. While technology use in service delivery is key, the use of branches still remains vital for customer service delivery.
This study recommended that KCB should continually improve its customer service levels. This can be done through training of employees to be fast, knowledgeable and friendly to customers. In addition, the study recommended that KCB continually invests in modern, new and innovative platforms to deliver banking products and services; multichannel delivery of services and products to enhance customer retention rates. This study recommended that substantial customer awareness and education campaigns be launched on the use of Mtaani agents. Finally, KCB should put in place strategies to reduce long queues in branches, initiatives which have already commenced by implementing queuing systems