3673 research outputs found
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Effect Of Innovation On Competitive Advantage In Fast Moving Consumer Goods, A Case Of PZ Cussons East Africa Ltd
No full textA Research Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The general objective of this study was to establish the effect of innovation on the competitive advantage in the FMCG industry. This study was guided by three specific objectives: to establish the effect of product innovation on competitive advantage of PZ Cussons; to determine the effect of process Innovation on competitive advantage of PZ Cussons and to establish the effect of market innovation on competitive advantage of PZ Cussons.
This study adopted descriptive research design, the population involved in the study were employees atPZ Cussons East Africa Ltd. The target population of the study included the of employees at PZ Cussons East Africa Ltd headquarters, stratified random sampling was used to get 100 respondents for the study. Questionnaire were used as the instrument for data collection and data analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics. Data was presented in tables, graphs and charts.
The study findings on the effect of product innovation on competitive advantage revealed that in order to attain competitive advantage organizations introduced new product in the market, improved the existing product in the market, promoted innovation culture among employees while also afforded them resources to promote innovation, redesigns their product from time to time, product were developed to be unique in the market and also the organization placed product innovation as one of its key objectives. The findings however, could not establish whether newly introduced products and improved products were well received in the market.
The findings on the effect of process innovation on competitive advantage revealed that in order for the organization to attain competitive advantage, it placed process innovation was one of its main objectives and ensured that it is innovative with respect to organizational processes; employees were also encouraged in coming up with new ways of performing tasks and also the organization reviewed its processes from time to time. However,the results could not establish whether organizations adopted new ways of doing things from time to time.Again it was found out that organizations did not employ the use of newest technology in the production process to remain competitive. The findings could also not establish whether the organization was innovative in terms of its production process and if the production process was effective and efficient in helping the organization to remain competitive.
The findings on the effects of market innovation on competitive advantage revealed that in order to gain a competitive advantage, the organization engaged in innovative marketing activities and had changed its marketing techniques over the past year. However, it was found that organizational marketing activities were not adventurous, proactive, innovative, and value creating and that organization had not invested in market research and neither had the organization set aside resources for the process of market innovation. It was however not established whether the management supported the activities in market innovation meant to enhance its competitiveness.
The findings on the competitive advantage of the organization showed that organization’s innovation activities had enable it perform well in the market; gain a considerable market share; expand its customer base from time to time and compete favorably with competitors and even outperformthem. The findings however showed that the organization was more often not the trend setter in marketing activities and that product innovation did not raise the demand for company products. Finally, the study revealed that there exists strong positive relationship between competitive advantage and product innovation, process innovation and market innovation.
The study concludes that the competitive advantage of organizations in the FMCG is greatly influenced by the three types of innovationin this study that comprise of market innovation, product innovation and process innovation. Therefore, innovation activities in the organization makes it possible to for the organization to compete favorably with competitors, and similarly the organization innovation activities enables it to outperform its competitors on the market
The study recommends that organization should be innovative in order to perform well in the market, acquire a considerable market share, and expand its customer base, outperform its competitors and compete favorably. The study further, recommends for the organization to pursue product innovation, process innovation and market innovation in equal measure so as to enable it attain considerable competitive advantage over its competitor in the market
Factors Influencing the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya: A Case Study of Nairobi County
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 this study was to investigate the factors influencing the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County. The study was guided by three research questions which included: How does strategic positioning influence the growth of SMEs in Kenya? How does entrepreneurial competencies influence the growth of SMEs in Kenya? And lastly, how does access to finance influence the growth of SMEs in Kenya?
The study adopted a descriptive correlational research design. The population comprised of one thousand five hundred and thirty nine (1539) owner managers of SMEs in different trade areas that had been operating for the last five years in Nairobi County at the time of the study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of three hundred and eighteen (318) SMEs from the total population. The data collection instrument used in this study was a structured questionnaire. The study analyzed data using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistical analysis included frequencies and percentage distributions, mean and standard deviation while the inferential statistical analysis included Pearson Correlation, One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Regression analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used as a tool for statistical analysis and the results and were presented in figures and tables.
On the first research question regarding the influence of strategic positioning on the growth of SMEs, the male respondents who felt that strategic positioning had extremely influenced the growth of SMEs accounted for 32% while female respondents accounted for 25%. Findings from Pearson Correlation test indicated that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between strategic positioning and the growth of SMEs; r(264) = .75, p < .05. One Way ANOVA results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference by gender F(1, 262) = 7.03, p < .05; nature of business F(2, 261) = 5.46, p < .05 and the years of business operation F(1, 262) = 6.59, p < .05. Linear regression analysis indicated that strategic positioning explained 81.5% of the variability in the growth of SMEs, R2 = .815 and statistically significantly predicted the the growth of SMEs, F(1, 262) = 16.18, p < .05.
On the second research question concerning the influence of entrepreneurial competencies on the growth of SMEs, the proportion of female respondents who felt that entrepreneurial competencies influenced the growth of SMEs moderately accounted for 24% while male respondents were 15%. Pearson Correlation test results indicated that entrepreneurial competencies was strongly correlated to the growth of SMEs; r(264) = .84, p < .05. One Way ANOVA test showed that there was a statistically significant difference by gender F(1, 262) = 7.77, p < .05 and the nature of business F(2, 261) = 12.15, p < .05. The linear regression analysis revealed that entrepreneurial competencies explained 64.2% of the variability in the growth of SMEs, R2= 0.642 and statistically significantly predicted the growth of SMEs, F(1, 262) = 8.63, p < .05.
Regarding the third research question, with respect to access to finance and its influence of the growth of SMEs, the proportion of female respondents who felt that access to finance influenced the growth of SMEs slightly accounted for 14% while male respondents was 13%. Pearson Correlation test showed that access to finance was statistically significantly correlated to the growth of SMEs; r(264) = .80, p < .05. The results from One Way ANOVA revealed that there was a significant difference by gender F(1, 262) = 15.47, p < .05; nature of business F(2, 261) = 14.62, p < .05 and years of business operation F(1, 262) = 5.16, p < .05. The linear regression analysis indicated that access to finance explained 62.6% of the variability in the growth of SMEs, R2= 0.626 and statistically significantly predicted the growth of SMEs, F(1, 262) = 3.41, p < .05.
Strategic positioning based on product innovation, product promotion and market niche significantly influenced the growth of SMEs in terms of profit margin while the business was operational. Entrepreneurial competencies based on networking and marketing skills significantly influenced the growth of SMEs in terms of sales turnover. The study concluded that access to finance played a critical role and significantly influenced the growth of SMEs especially flexibility in credit access from financial institutions. The study recommends the need for government to develop policies that enhance credit guarantee services for SMEs to access financing in Kenya. The study also recommends that further studies should be conducted on the impact of access to credit information on the growth of SMEs in other areas in Kenya other than Nairobi County
The Influence of Product Packaging On The Millennial Consumer’s Buying Behaviour – A Case Study of the Juice, Nectar and Still Drinks Category in 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)Research has been done in both the academic and professional worlds in what the
influence various packaging elements have on consumer perception and by extension
the power it has on consumer buying behaviour. The millennial consumer’s buying
behaviour is of great interest to researchers, both academic and professional alike
however not much has been done on the influence packaging has on the millennial
consumers’ choice of juice, nectar and still drinks.
The purpose of this research was to assess the effect packaging has on the millennial
consumer’s choice of juice, nectar, and still drinks in Nairobi. More specifically, the
research was guided by three research questions: How does the packaging material
used influence the millennial consumer buying behaviour of Juices Nectar and Still
Dinks? How does package functionality influence the millennial consumer’s buying
behaviour of Juices Nectar and Still drinks? How do the elements of design of the
package influence the millennial consumer’s buying behaviour of Juice, Nectar and
Still Drinks?
The research employed a descriptive design and utilized the United States
International University-Africa students as the population for this study. A sample
size of 357 students was selected through a probability sampling design (stratified and
systematic sampling), and was furnished with questionnaires to facilitate data
collection. Relationships were drawn on the cause of different elements of packaging
and effects on choice. The information was then analysed and subjected to
interpretation to further understand the association between different packaging types
and the effects on millennial consumer choice of juice, nectar and still drinks brands.
Descriptive and inferential statistics was utilized in data analysis. This involved
frequency, percentages and chi square tests. Tables and figures provided pictorial
representation of the data for the research. Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) were used in data analysis
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From the study, packaging material emanates as having a great influence on
millennial consumer buying behaviour of juices, nectar, and still drinks. Health
concerns related to packaging material as well as environmental concerns related to
the packaging material have the greatest influence on decisions made by the
millennial consumers when they are shopping for juice, nectar, and still drinks.
The study also found that packaging functionality has a great influence on millennial
consumer buying behaviour of juices, nectars, and still drinks. The ability of the
packaging to preserve the product, handling efficiency, storage, and learning about the
product from the packaging (communication) are the most influential packaging
functionality factors on millennial consumers buying behaviour.
In addition to the packaging material and functionality, the study concludes that
elements of packaging design have a great influence on millennial consumer buying
behaviour of juices, nectars, and still drinks. Packaging colour, graphics, and package
labelling are the most important elements of packaging design considered by
millennial consumers when purchasing products. Millennial consumers prefer
purchasing products that have attractive packaging.
A major recommendation emanating from this study is that organizations should
focus on packaging material that doesn’t contain chemical substances that have
negative effects on the health of the consumers in the long run. The organizations
should also use packaging material that is environmental friendly and should also be
recyclable in order to reach more millennial consumers who are keen on recycling and
are greatly concerned with green purchasing as well as packaging that communicates
the health benefits of taking the drink.
The study also recommends further academic research into other factors that influence
the millennial consumers buying decision on product packaging and other factors that
may influence the millennial consumers’ buying behaviour of beverages in Keny
Factors That Affect the Performance of Collective Investment Schemes in Kenya
No full textA 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 study sought to investigate the factors that affect the performance of Collective Investment Schemes in Kenya. The objectives of this research were to establish the factors influencing the profitability of collective investment schemes in Kenya. The objectives of this research were; to establish institutional factors influence the profitability of collective investment schemes in Kenya, to find out the products offered in collective investment schemes in Kenya and the challenges and facing the collective investment schemes in Kenya.
In this study, the researcher used primary data due to the nature of the variables generated and the type of population characteristics. Primary data was both quantitative and qualitative. The target population contributed to the collection of primary data. There were questionnaires to be answered by the respondents themselves. The questionnaires had questions based to establish the factors influencing the profitability of collective investment schemes in Kenya. In this research, no sampling method was engaged since it was a case study. The data collected was edited, coded, classified and analysed using Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and later presented in frequency tables and figures. Both qualitative techniques and quantitative techniques procedures were applied by the researcher.
From the analysis, it was noted that there was a significant and positive correlation (R square= 0.661, 0.630 and 0.629) in all the variables respectively and the significance level in all is below 0.05 (p< 0.05) implying that the relationship between them and Performance of Collective Investment Schemes is strong positive relationship. The findings of this study revealed that the products offered in collective investment schemes in Kenya are commendable as shown by the total aggregate mean on the products offered was 3.484 implying that majority of the respondents agreed and while a standard deviation of .6689 implying that their responses were coherent. In objective two whether institutional factors influence the profitability of collective investment schemes in Kenya, as shown by the total aggregate mean at 4.200 implying that majority of the respondents strongly agreed and while a standard deviation of .2979 implies that their responses were coherent. The last objective was on the challenges and facing the collective investment schemes in Kenya with the total aggregate mean on the of 4.481 implied that majority of the respondents strongly agreed and while a standard deviation of .3711 implied that their responses were coherent.
The study concluded that the findings of this study reveals that the products offered are commendable, the rules set up in the maintenance of the Schemes are stringent and the information available on Investment Funds is very helpful and can help one make informed decision on the investment schemes. Institutional factors influence the profitability of collective investment schemes in Kenya for instance the past performance of the scheme, the level of disposable income, personal investment objectives, education level and reputation of the fund manager influence the performance of the scheme. Lastly collective investment schemes in Kenya face a number of challenges which prevent them from properly performing this include insufficient investor protection laws and screening rules for entrants into the CIS industry limits institution.
From the summary and conclusion, the study recommends the policy makers to set up sound legal and regulatory frame that encourages the development of an environment conducive to informed risk-taking. The NSE should educate the public and investors on the CIS and how to invest in them to boost performance since the products offered are commendable. Finally, CIS to put in place corporate governance procedures to ensure that investors can judge the performance of the fund managers, preventing errors in valuation or manipulation of reserve asset prices on which assessments are based thus protect existing or potential investors from making investment decisions based on misleading or even fraudulent information
Innovation and Use of Technology as Strategic Tools in Small and Medium Enterprises Operating In Turbulent Environments
No full textA Project Report Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to investigate innovation and technology as a strategic adaptation towards turbulent environments in SMEs. The objectives used in the study were to determine the business owners experience with turbulence, to find out how they use innovation and technology as a strategy to cope with turbulence in SMEs, the major challenges faced when it comes to implementing innovation and technology as a strategy and what other strategies that are commonly used to cope with the turbulence in the environment.
The researcher used a descriptive survey to ensure that the research problem is well constructed and understood. The study employed the use of questionnaires to extract significant data from participants of the study. The study focused on 250 participants and through use of random, Convenience and Judgmental sampling to establish the sample size of 153 respondents out of which 140 responded giving a response rate of 93%.
The research based on the objectives revealed that social and technology factors had the most effect on competition in the SMEs whilst availability of credit and credit rating had a huge influence on performance. Respondents agreed that adopting latest technology to some very great extent was vital to maintain competition. It was also revealed that management capability determines the effectiveness of innovation and technology applied. Access to funding has also limited the uptake of innovation, lack of strategic planning to some moderate extent caused poor innovation uptake.
The study concluded that due to turbulence changes that are taking place in the environment, SMEs are experiencing intense completion due to social and technological factors, competition from competitors due to their position in the market, product diversification, and location. However, SMES are able to achieve a competitive advantage by creating a relationship with their suppliers hence being able to get resources of high quality. It was also concluded that the use of latest technology has played a big role in maintain a competitive advantage. In addition, innovation strategies also enable SMEs to come up, customer care, product and service innovation strategies that they can use to become more competitive hence increase is quality of products and services. It was also concluded that management capability determines the effectiveness of innovation and technology applied. Lack of funds can also hinder the use of innovation strategy hence affecting strategy planning and implementation.
It was recommended that Social, technological, political, ecological and economic factors are examples of challenges SMEs faces. SMEs should be more aware of ecological changes that are taking place in the environment hence become more competitive and adapt to turbulence environment. It was also recommended that SMEs should become more innovative and develop marketing innovation strategies that will enable them make customer aware of their products hence increase in profit. Through product innovation strategies, SMEs will also be able to increase their product and service quality and respond to customers taste and preference. SMEs should ensure that it has sufficient funds and management capabilities to enable them become more innovative and develop use of technology hence, becoming more competitive. SMEs should also facilitate export competitiveness by increasing global market and strengthen global value chains.
The study recommends that further studies should be done to identify other factors that affect innovation and use of technology as a strategic tool operating in turbulent environment. Furthermore, this study was based on SMEs only. It is therefore recommended that a similar research is done in other organizations to determine whether the factors affecting innovation and use of technology in SMEs are similar to another
Asset-Based Financing Solutions and the Growth of Manufacturing (Sme) In Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the United States International University School of Business Administration in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)Although several studies have been undertaken focusing on the sources of business financing, very few have specifically dealt with alternative sources of finance, especially the existing asset-based financing solutions and their influence on the growth of manufacturing small and medium enterprises. This study therefore sought to investigate the existing asset-based financing solutions and how they influence the growth of manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Nairobi County.
This study adopted a causal research design with the target population of the study comprising of 2,000 manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi and its environs namely Thika, Athi River and Limuru. Using systematic random sampling, a sample size of 100 was attained proportionally from the three strata of agro-based, chemical and mining and engineering and construction enterprises. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires while secondary data was collected from relevant published materials both in print and online. The data was then analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis entailed computation of descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) presented in the form of tables and charts.
The findings of this study showed that the growth of SMEs had different effects on the economy including leading to an increase in employment opportunities and overall economic growth. The most preferred sources of SME financing were identified as microfinance institutions, government funding, SACCOs and community savings groups (ROSCAs, Chamas, etc.), with commercial banks being less preferred. The main barriers to accessing financing by SMEs were found to include restrictive requirements, low awareness of available financing options, lack of reliable business plans, high interest rates for financing solutions and poor record-keeping by SMEs. On the specific asset-based financing solutions, the survey found that LPO financing had significant influence on SME growth including enhancing technology adoption, providing working capital, helping them acquire workforce and ensuring faster delivery of goods and services. Similarly, cheque discounting had different benefits including ensuring SMEs had high liquidity which was essential for future viability of the businesses and enabling them bargain for better prices and discounts when paying in cash. Further, leasing offered SMEs different benefits including the fact that leased assets were paid off over time with income they generated, required no collateral, incorporated an insurance policy that reduced risk and loans were utilized only for their specified purpose. The survey also provided strong evidence that LPO financing, cheque discounting and leasing financing solutions had a significant influence on the growth of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi County.
This study was able to derive different conclusions in line with the main objectives of the study. First, the study identified the key measures of SME growth as including profits, sales and positive cash flows as indicators of financial growth, skills development, teamwork, organizational structure and number of employees as indicators of workforce growth as well as availability of machinery, customer relations management systems and computerized processes as indicators of technology adoption. The the main influences of the growth of SMEs within an economy included increase in employment opportunities and overall economic growth. The study also revealed that financing solutions offered by commercial banks were not easily accessible by SMEs. Further, the survey provided strong evidence that there was a significant correlation between the independent variables (purchase order financing, cheque discounting and lease financing) and the dependent variable (growth of SMEs), indicating that these asset-based financing solutions had a significant influence on the growth of SMEs.
Finally, this survey offered different recommendations that can help enhance access to asset-based financing solutions by SMEs. First, the government and financial service providers may consider developing customized financial facilities for SMEs so as to facilitate their access to financing and ultimately enhancing the growth of SMEs. Service provider can also seek for ways to address different barriers such as interest rates and restrictive requirements. Further, internal barriers can be addressed through offering SMEs financial trainings that may ensure they can develop better and fundable business plans and have better record-keeping skills among other skills. Finally, this study recommends that other academic research projects be undertaken to determine the influence of asset-based financing solutions within the manufacturing SMEs in the whole country or even within the whole SME sector so as to enhance or back up the findings of this study hence offering further knowledge within the academia
Business Process Outsourcing in Kenya
No full textResearch Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)-Strategic ManagementThe purpose of the study was to enhance understanding of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector in Kenya. The study was guided by four specific objectives: To analyze strategic planning for BPO in Kenya; examine the development of BPO industry in Kenya; explore factors affecting the growth of BPO firms, and examine impact of BPO in Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive study design. The target population of the study was staff of 18 BPO firms. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique that selected top, middle and low levels of management staff in BPO sector. The researcher selected 10 % of the population in each category to be included in the final sample size for the study. The sample size for the study was 131 respondents. The study used primary data which was done by drop-and-pick administration of the questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 was used to run descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages so as to present the quantitative data in form of tables and graphs based on the major research objectives.
The findings showed that strategic plan initiation had the highest ranked strategic planning for BPO sector in Kenya, that human capital was the largest factor influencing BPO sector in Kenya, that majority of firms did off-shore business and call centers was the most practiced BPO service and that greatest impact of the BPO sector was in IT investment. The study concludes that strategic plan initiation influenced the strategic planning for BPO in Kenya. The study recommends that there should be more consultation between stakeholders in the BPO sector, that there should be more support on on-shore BPO in the country to enhance the growth of the BPO sector in Kenya, that this improvement should include providing education and training in BPO in colleges and higher institutions of learning and that the government and stakeholders in the BPO sector should be engaged in investments in ICT sector such as the proposed Konza City to attract foreign firms’ investment in the nation’s BPO sector.
In terms of further studies, there is need to conduct studies on the BPO sector in Kenya in terms of financial performance of BPO firms in Kenya. There is also need to conduct further study on the challenges and constraints facing the BPO sector in Kenya
The Influence of Board Composition on Perfomance on the Banking Industry in Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of board composition on performance in the banking industry. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine how board member qualifications and experience influence performance, to analyze the effect of board gender diversity on performance and to ascertain if board independence has an effect on commercial banks performance.
The study adopted a descriptive and explanatory research method in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. The descriptive research method was the best for this study because it focused on the relationship between organizational board composition and performance of commercial banks. The study used questionnaires to get data from respondents. The study focused on 127 Executive Officers (CEOs), Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and Company Secretaries in the eleven commercial banks in Kenya that are listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The study used census approach on the targeted population. The study adopted descriptive and inferential statistics in data analysis and presentation. The research data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel programs. Tables were used in data presentation.
The study examined how board member experience and qualification affects an organization’s performance. The study found that board members with high number of years of experience in various industries have a broader understanding of the industry. It was also evident that Non- Kenyan board members contribute positively to a firm’s value and the effectiveness of the board. The study revealed how board gender diversity affects the performance of commercial banks. The study found that the presence of women on the board brings an additional perspective to board decision making. Banks with nomination committees have more women on the board. The study found that women on the board have a positive influence on banks level of entrepreneurship because they frequently ask questions to stimulate constructive and creative discussions. The study examined the effect of board independence on commercial banks performance. The study reveals that the higher the number of Non-Executive board members the better the performance of the bank. The study confirms that separation of the role of the CEO and Board Chairman has promoted
accountability and facilitated division of responsibility in influencing performance of the firm. The study concludes that board members with high number of years of experience in various industries have a broader understanding of the industry. Also board members with international experience have a positive impact on the effectiveness of the board; hence it concluded that Non- Kenyan board members contribute positively to a firm’s value and the effectiveness of the board. Women on the board frequently ask questions to stimulate constructive and creative discussions hence they pose a positive influence on banks level of entrepreneurship. The study concludes that the higher the number of Non – Executive board members the better the performance of the bank. In addition, separating the board chair and CEO roles has reduced conflict of interest; hence the study concludes that the role of the CEO and Board Chairman has positively impacted the banks’ performance. The study recommends commercial banks to include on their board, members that have high number of years of experience in various industries because they have broader understanding of the industry. Women on the board frequently ask questions to stimulate constructive and creative discussions, hence they have a positive influence on banks level of entrepreneurship. The study therefore recommends that the number of women in boards should be increased. Non-Executive board members express multiple points of view and are more effective monitors of management. This increases the effectiveness of the board hence the study recommends an increase in the number of Non-Executive directors and having a chairman of the board as a Non-Executive director improves the effectiveness of the board in influencing the performance of the bank
The Effectiveness of Social Media Marketing In Small Business Performance: A Case Study of Central Business District Nairobi
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted To the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)Social media marketing is an online communication or an e-commerce that businesses interact with customers in an exchange of goods and services. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of social media marketing in small and medium enterprises. The researcher came up with objectives which were; to determine the effectiveness of Facebook to market accessibility for small businesses performance, to determine the effectiveness of Instagram to market accessibility for small businesses performance and to determine the effectiveness of twitter to the optimization for small businesses performance.
This study adopted descriptive research design, which is an approach that attempts to identify and explain the variables that exist in a given situation and describe the relationship that exist between the variables. A sample size of 100 businesses was selected from a target population of 12,500 businesses. Data collection was done using both open and closed ended questionnaires. The sampling frame included small business owners that were present at the time of administering the questionnaires. Instruments that were used included explanatory questions, dichotomous questions, objective questions, ranking and questions based on an interval scale. The interval scale was a 1 – 5 likert scale, where 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree and 5 = strongly agree. The researcher observed highest degree of ethical consideration during the period of data collection.
On the effect of Facebook to the market accessibility on small business performance, majority of the respondents agreed that the Facebook enables business to discover what the society needs and majority of respondents strongly agreed that Facebook has enable increase in brand awareness of your products and services. A large proportion of respondents agreed that Customers visit different business pages before purchasing a product. Moreover, a larger number of respondents to a high extent agreed that promotions and discounts displayed on the business Facebook page increases sales. On the other hand, a large number of respondents disagreed Facebook has led to less environmental use in conducting your business. Many respondents were in agreement that Facebook has increase close customer relationship with your business.
Regarding implication of Instagram to the market accessibility for small businesses performance. Respondents agreed Instagram enables business to connect deeper with the consumer. Moreover, they agreed that business should entertainment and information posts for customers to engage. However, majority of respondents disagreed Instagram has enable your business to engage easily with customers by sending samples, adverts. Majority of respondents agreed that Instagram has modify your marketing strategies and push to internet marketing. On the other hand, respondents strongly disagreed that Consumers uses business post for their next purchases. A large number of respondents agreed that use of Instagram has pushed your business towards E-commerce use in conducting business such as internet advertisements. Moreover, a large proportion of respondents it is easy to connect with your customers through Instagram when passing marketing information
The findings on the effect of twitter to the optimization of small businesses performance, majority of respondents agreed that Customers could influence products through twitter. A large proportion of respondents disagreed Twitter has increase the consumer purchasing decision in your business. Majority of respondents disagreed that using Twitter in Business has cut down the cost of operation. A large number of respondents disagreed Twitter enables easy interaction with customers and majority of respondents strongly disagreed using Twitter to market for your business is inconvenient especially with the environment you live.
The study concluded that majority of respondents in this study disagree that Facebook leads to brand awareness of small business only the large companies. Majority of respondents agreed that customers visit different business pages before purchasing a product and promotions and discounts displayed on the business Facebook page increases sales. The findings implied that Facebook leads to environmental preservation and majority of respondents agreed that Facebook leads to customer relationship. Instagram leads to engagement with customers and leads to modification of marketing strategies.Respondents agreed that Instagram leads to influencing buying decision. Respondents also agreed that it is easy to connect with your customers through Instagram when passing marketing information. This indicate that Instagram has lead to incrrease of e-commerce. Moreover majority of respondents agreed that Using Twitter encourage better understanding of customer’s needs. Moreover, respondents strongly disagreed that twitter has increase the consumer purchasing decision in your business this indicates that twitter does not help business to reach their customers.
Thus majority of respondents disagreed that Twitter enables interaction with customers.
The study recommended that for small business to succeed, Facebook should be used as a marketing tool for products and services. Customers spend most of their time on Facebook and it is where business will meet new customers getting feedback on how the customers want to be satisfied. Satisfactions of customers always come from their expectation and not every business know if they meet that satisfaction unless they get feedback from the customers. Small business should make sure that the complaints of the customers through Instagram are answered and changes should be made to satisfy the customers and not to destroy company’s image. Small businesses need to learn more on how to communicate with their customers and the usage of Twitter. Small businesses can use examples of big businesses that use Twitter to market their services and products
Factors Affecting Strategy Implementation in the Geospatial Industry: A Study of Ramani Geosystems Group
No full textA Research Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)This study sought to identify the factors that affect strategy implementation in the geospatial industry in Kenya with a key focus on Ramani Geosystems Group. The specific objectives that guided the study were: to determine the nature and scope of strategic management and strategy implementation; to determine the effect of organizational communication on strategy implementation; to determine the effect of organization culture on strategy implementation; and to determine the effect of organization structure on strategy implementation.
The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population of this study composed of the directors, managers and regular employees working in Ramani Geosystems Group in Nairobi who were 82 in total. The sampling frame of this study was the list of all employees, and was sourced from Human Resource department. The study employed stratified random sampling to ensure all parts of the population were represented and to reduce the error in estimation. The Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size which was 75 employees. The study used primary data that was collected using questionnaires. Completed questionnaires were edited to ensure consistency and completeness. Data was coded into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics analyzed the mean, standard deviation, and distribution among certain parameters. Inferential statistics was carried out to determine the influence of organizational communication, organizational culture and organizational culture on strategy implementation. The equation used was . Results were presented in the form of tables and figures.
The study revealed that, Ramani Geosystems Group had mobilized and motivated its employees and managers to put formulated strategies into action, as well as stimulated them to work with pride and enthusiasm toward achieving its goals and objectives. The study reveals that the organization had failed in terms of motivating strategy implementation through employee involvement in the decision-making process.
The study showed that there was clarity of the organization’s vision, mission and values among all staff, and the communication practices of the organization were a hindrance to strategy implementation. The organization’s leadership did not encourage feedback from the staff, and communication in the organization was top-to-bottom. The study also showed that, the organization’s management did not communicate with subordinates regularly on strategy matters, even though the communication was geared towards getting the staff to work towards a common goal.
The study revealed that, the organization had a mission statement and a vision which it stuck to and followed, however, the organization’s management was not open to new ideas from all levels of staff. The company’s staff attitudes were closely aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives, and they understood their roles, and they also worked together to attain the organization’s vision. The study showed that, staff in the organization were motivated and enthusiastic about achieving the organization’s vision, however, they were not able to approach the management with new ideas.
The study showed that, the organization’s structure was bureaucratic, and it had clear lines of authority. The organizational structure enhanced the organization’s effectiveness and flexibility, but it did not encourage employee participation in decision making. The organizational structure gave clear procedures, responsibilities and guidelines to staff in strategy implementation, and it did aid the free flow of information crucial to strategy implementation from top-to-bottom. However, the organization’s structure was rigid and inhibited change, and the organization’s management did not relate well with staff members from the lower levels of management.
This study recommends the organization to improve its communication with employees in terms of strategic plans and decisions, so that the entire organization (management and employees) can work towards a common goal. It recommends the organization to create a feedback system from the employees so that it may have a better foundation in adjusting its implementation plans that will results in lower costs of implementation, as a result of proper resource allocation