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The Effect of Growth Strategies on the Perfomance of Small and Medium Eterprises in Kenya-A Case of the Good Food Company
No full textSmall and Medium Enterprises (SME‟s) play a major role in the growth of the Kenyan economy. Therefore, it is important to ensure that there is constant growth in the sector. The study was guided by three of the Ansoff‟s Matrix growth strategies. The main purpose of this study was to determine the impact of growth strategies on the performance of SME‟s in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine and find out if market penetration, product development and market development as growth strategies affect performance of SME‟s in Kenya. The beneficiaries of the study are the management of The Good Food Company, other SME‟s in the sector as well as other researchers.
The study used descriptive research design where a sample size of 95 employees was used from the population size of 126 employees. Questionnaires were the selected tool for data collection. The questionnaires were administered to the respondents by the researcher with the help of the human resource department. There was a response rate of 82% and the tool was valid and reliable. Data collected was analyzed using the SPSS software so as to get both inferential and descriptive statistical results. Data analyzed was presented using tables, pie charts and graphs.
The results and findings of the study indicated that market penetration, product development and market development had a positive effect on the performance of SME‟s. Market penetration strategies were used by these entities so as to increase the market share and subsequently product sales. Product development strategies mostly focused on innovation and creation of better products in order to stay ahead of the competition. The findings further indicate that having regular customer and product surveys is central to the success of the product development strategy. Market development strategies mostly involved taking advantage of technological advances to as to provide better quality products to the consumers and further increase market share by entering into new markets.
In conclusion, the study stated that there was a need for SME owners to become aware of the business environment. This enables them to make informed decisions that may positively impact the growth of the SME‟s. Furthermore, the information should be shared with employees. Finally, it was noted that employee participation should be encouraged and incentives given to those who come up with innovative ways of applying the growth strategies within the SME. Further area for research was how the vision and mission of an SME affects the selection of growth strategy used.
From the study the overall results suggest that strategic marketing strategies are drivers of organizational positioning in a dynamic environment, and that it helps to enhance the development of new product/service for existing markets. The findings of the study also imply that none of the strategies is better than the other; finding the right mix of both media can create the best communication/marketing strategy for the SMEs. The study revealed that there is a positive relationship between market penetration strategies and the performance of SMEs in Kenya. On the basis of this study, the following recommendations are made Market Penetration Strategy and Performance of SMEs: From the study, it is evident enough that the employees have knowledge concerning Market Penetration, the more it is practiced and the more returns it brings to the company
Strategies of Making Savings Banks Productive: The Case of Post Bank
No full textThe purpose of the study was to assess the strategies of making savings banks productive in the banking industry. The study aimed at assessing the factors that contribute to motivational strategies, strategic planning strategies and the effect of effectiveness strategies on savings bank productivity.
The study adopted a descriptive research design. The main goal of this research was to describe the data and characteristics of what was being studied. The target population in the study comprised of top level management, middle level management and operational staff of Post Bank headquarters. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 51 respondents as it was necessary for the nature of the subject. This technique allowed the researcher to ensure that each case in the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample. A questionnaire was the data collection tool used to collect the relevant information needed for analysis. Statistical analysis was used to extract findings and present results.
The study found that strategic planning strategies was the most influential factor that contributes to productivity. This was followed by changes in motivational strategies and effectiveness strategies. Most banks embrace motivational strategies in the process of enhancing their productivity’s.
The study supports that banking industry was a highly competitive industry that players are required to set appropriate motivational strategies to enhance competitive advantage. The study found that the way a bank sets its strategies to achieve the best productivity determines a lot strategic planning strategies was an important activity in achieving a competitive edge in a banking industry.
Motivational strategies was also another factor that enhances productivity of a banking institution. When employees’ knowledge and skills are developed, they critically think on different ways to improve the organizational performance. This leads to effective productivity’s that enhance competitive advantages. Motivational strategies understands the needs of the customers hence innovate products according to the preferences of the customers.
The study found that strategic planning strategies contributes to productivity of banking institution in different ways planning strategies helps an institution to long and short-term strategic planning by having a central planning department. This was done by being unique in its operations hence draws the market attention and captures more market share. Strategic planning strategies enhances quality standards within the organization thereby enabling efficiency within the organization. The organizations use strategic planning strategies to change their employees’ approaches and ways of doing things.
The study concluded that motivational strategies were very important aspects of a banking institution in achieving productivity. The study also concluded that strategic planning plays a very crucial role in helping banks attain their bank productivity over other competitors. Through the use of strategic planning programmes, training and by having a central planning department as critical factors that enhance strategic planning strategies. The study also concluded that motivational strategies, management support, improved service delivery and high quality of service were factors that contribute to productivity processes in banks.
The study recommends the banking institutions to encourage and sponsor employee learning and knowledge development. The benefit of this, according to the study trickles back to the respective organizations. The study also recommends that productivity in the banking sector should be all round. It should be in processes and in products. The study found that, processes productivity’s lead to production time shortening and speed up new product development
The Influence of Organizational Justice on Employee Engagement in Energy Solution Providers in Kenya: A Case Study of Premier Gas Company Limited
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Organizational Development (MOD)The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of organizational justice on employee engagement at Premier Gas Limited. The study was guided by the following research questions: To what extent does procedural justice affect employees’ levels of engagement at Premier Gas Limited? To what extent does distributive justice affect employees’ level of engagement at Premier Gas Limited? And to what extent does interactional justice affect employees’ level of engagement at Premier Gas Limited?
This study adopted a descriptive research design so as to enable for the findings to be generalised to the larger population. The target population for the study was all 80 full time employees of Premier Gas based at the head office in Nairobi. The study adopted a census sampling technique. The sample size which was used in the study was thus 80. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive analysis involved the measures of central tendency such as the mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages. For inferential statistics, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were computed to draw inferences. Tables and figures were used to present data for ease of understanding.
The study findings on procedural justice and employee engagement revealed that in terms of the procedures and processes line managers use to make decisions, most respondents agreed that they were given an opportunity to express their views, and they had the ability to influence decisions that were arrived at in the organization which in turn increased employee engagement. Most respondents indicated that procedures applied at Premier Gas were applied consistently to all employees, and these procedures were free from the line managers’ personal interests and biasness. A majority of respondents indicated that employee voice was heard in the organization and so was the ability to appeal decisions arrived at although a significant number disagreed on the same. Majority of respondents agreed that the organization’s procedures upheld ethical and moral standards which led to higher levels of employee engagement.
Findings on distributive justice and employee engagement indicated that outcomes employees at Premier Gas received from the organization were reward related. A majority of respondents indicated that their line manager ensured fair work norms and fair distribution of outcomes and most respondents were of the opinion that outcomes are relevant to one’s job duties which led to higher levels of employee engagement.
The study findings on interactional justice and employee engagement showed that line managers at Premier Gas treated employees in a courteous manner and with dignity. Most respondents indicated that line managers also treated them with respect. A majority of respondents agreed that line managers were candid when communicating with employees, and they explained their decision-making procedures to employees thoroughly leading to higher levels of employee engagement. The explanations made by line managers regarding the organization’s procedures were reasonable to employees, and it can be observed that line managers at Premier Gas communicated details to employees in a timely manner.
The study concludes that organizational justice has a significant influence on employee engagement at Premier Gas. The organization exhibits procedural justice, and distributive justice and line managers are especially perceived to demonstrate high levels of interactional justice. This study recommends the following; that Premier Gas increase its efforts in ensuring the consistent application of procedures and processes and that it improves its appeals mechanisms, that the decisional context and culture be taken into account when determining the suitable allocation norm, that Premier Gas document the positive interactions line managers have with employees and incentivise justice efforts and finally, that similar studies be conducted on other organizations in Kenya given that this is the. Further, studies on the perceptions of the different allocation norms in Kenyan organizations would add to the wider body of research
An Assessment Of Strategy Implementation In Organizations: Impact of Technology (Mobile Banking) On Kenya’s Banking Sector Growth
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA)This study focuses on identifying the impact of technology (mobile banking) on Kenya’s banking sector growth in Kenya. Therefore, the objective of the study is aimed at solving the problem of banks preference on traditional transaction method to the modern technology reflected through mobile phone banking. This transition assists the bank in improving their growth margin in the Kenyan economy. The study therefore intends to determine the level of mobile services adoption in the Kenya’s banking sector, determine mobile money investment and revenues in banking sector in Kenya; and determining the constraining and driving factor in mobile banking in Kenya’s banking sector. The study incorporated a survey design type of research design which used a descriptive perspective. Therefore, the study focused on analyzing the impact of mobile banking technology in impacting banking industry growth. The population in focus in this study is the banking products offered through mobile platform by various banks in Kenya (Co-operative Bank, KCB, Equity, Family, and other banks operating locally... The study targeted a total population of 140 clients and staff of various banks operating as students in United States International University. This population made it easier to obtain sample population required for the study. A comparative analysis between various mobile banking models was used by various banks to reach at more customers towards enhancing their growth. The study therefore, involved staffs and customers from Co-operative bank, Equity Bank, KCB, Family, and other banks operating mobile banking platform to provide their services. The involvement of staffs and clients who are USIU students possessing knowledge on mobile banking, and own a bank account in various banks provided reliable and accurate information for the study.
A stratified sampling technique involving division of a population into sub set (strata) enables easy development of an exceptional population sample retrieved from different identified strata for the study. Therefore, stratified sampling was noted as the most preferred technique required for the study. The financial institutions models preferred in mobile banking platform was stratified in accordance with model type, bank oriented model; joint venture type of orientation; not oriented towards banks; and bank driven models. This brought out deposits ownership, dominant brand, financial accessibility, voice over payment transaction, and types of models involved (Eazy 247, M-kesho, ATM withdrawal through M-pesa etc.). The study focused on a sample not exceeding 30 per cent of the sample size due to the fact that representation falling between 10 per cent to 30 per cent gives a wholesome representation of the general population. This presents a reliable data not exceeding 30% or falling below 10%. This has led to the study focusing on a 28participant’s
The study used primary data gathering method enhanced through questionnaires which were administered to willing participant (USIU students who own banks account, operate m-banking, or work in banking institution) within USIU environment and possess Mobile banking knowledge as well as own bank accounts or work in the banking sector. The questionnaires was preferred as the best tool for gathering information from the USIU fraternity who work at financial institution, operate a bank account, or use mobile banking services platform offered by their respective banks. The study found out that among diverse elements associated as impacting or influencing mobile banking, elements such as convenience was highly rated by the participants. This vice was closely followed by service knowledge as well as the ability to operate the mobile handset. The findings will enable to bank to encourage the general public on the importance of using mobile banking or transaction towards enhancing their business operations. The major reason and finding was linked with the ability to create available service to customers through awareness of products presented by the banks and their module linked mobile banking services and ease of use of technology advancement serve to the elderly and the customers using the platform. The conclusion as well as the recommendation presented in the study is in accordance to addressing the research objective aiming at assessing of strategies implemented in organizations in relation to impact of technology (mobile banking) on Kenya’s banking sector growth
The Effectiveness of Strategic Technology Forecasting In the Telecommunication Industry in Africa: A Case of West Indian Ocean Cable Company
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategic technology forecasting techniques used at WIOCC and their impact on the delivery of robust and creative technology solutions across Africa. The study specifically sought to establish how expert opinion as a technology forecasting method affects the technology solutions provided at WIOCC, how technology monitoring and market intelligence affects the technology solutions provided at WIOCC and what other technology forecasting techniques or methods can be used to enhance the technology solutions provided at WIOCC.
A descriptive research was used and the study used questionnaires to collect data. The target population was determined by the case study organisation, WIOCC and was the WIOCC employees in a management position. The target population was 54 but a sample of 48 respondents was used. 48 questionnaires were distributed and only 40 were filled and returned. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics where the percentages and means of the variables was computed. For the inferential statistics a correlation analysis was done for the dependent and independent variable by using SPSS and the results were presented in figures and tables.
The findings revealed that monitoring and intelligence methods had the highest rating followed by expert opinion, trend analysis and creativity. It was also established that technology forecasting has enabled WIOCC to have competitive products and the firm has had improved performance attributed to technology forecasting. It was also revealed that technology forecasting has resulted into effectiveness. To establish the role of expert opinion in technology forecasting the study revealed that WIOCC makes use of varied technologies in the delivery of its technology solution and engages.
The findings revealed that technology monitoring is considered vital in technology and innovation management at WIOCC, and technology monitoring has enabled WIOCC strategically position itself against competitors. There was uncertainty on whether the firm has allocated necessary resources to effectively detect and monitor technology trends or if it continuously observes technologies and markets over a period of time to determine trends. It was also revealed that the firm undertakes constant evaluations on its technological core competencies and external developments and it considers insights from internal and external
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customers who may have information on potential opportunities and threats. The findings also showed that through monitoring and intelligence, WIOCC has minimised risk in strategic planning.
The findings revealed that additional technology forecasting techniques have enabled researchers to document their findings in relation to the phenomenon of interest. Additional technology forecasting techniques applied have also resulted in timely and technology-specific solutions, despite having additional technology forecasting techniques many respondents were not sure if firms’ technology innovation at WIOCC is still unstructured and unsystematic. In addition, technology forecasting techniques have created an opportunity for improvement.
As per the findings, at WIOCC, monitoring and intelligence methods are the most pronounced followed by expert opinion, trend analysis and creativity. Use of technology forecasting has enabled the firm to have very competitive products that have resulted in overall improved performance and organizational effectiveness. At WIOCC, technology monitoring is considered very vital as the nature of the industry demands use of technology to remain relevant in the market and to guarantee this, the firm has to pursue continuous evaluations on its technological core competencies to deter potential threats. There is awareness on access to a variety of techniques that can be developed for technological forecasting and use of past events to predict the future. This has been made possible by the use of additional technology forecasting techniques that have enabled researchers to document their findings in relation to the phenomenon of interest.
The study recommended that WIOCC needs to undertake a thorough evaluation of its system to establish whether its efficiency is attributed to technology forecasting. Also, it is necessary for WIOCC to have in place policies to guarantee the same. There is a need of setting up a clear policy guideline on technology forecasting techniques and the firm needs to gain access to a variety of techniques that can be developed for technological forecasting.
More studies need to be done on related firms in order to be able to generalize the findings, there is also a need to undertake further studies to determine the challenges facing technology forecasting at WIOCC
Factors Affecting Entry of Telecommunication Companies in Kenya: A Case of Huawei
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 analyze factors affecting entry of telecommunication industry in Kenya: a case of Huawei. The study was guided by the following research objectives; to establish the impact of marketing mix on entry Strategies in the telecommunication sector, to analyze the effects of macroeconomic factors on the performance of firms in the telecommunication industry in Kenya and to analyze the effect of microeconomic factors on the performance of firms in the telecommunication industry in Kenya.
A descriptive research design and qualitative and quantitative data was used to analyze descriptive statistics. The total population of this study comprised of 88 managers in Huawei Outlets in Nairobi and a total census was done. Data was collected using well-structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and excel. Percentages, means, standard deviations, frequencies was used to present results.
The findings from the first objective revealed that Huawei has used product differentiation in Kenya, and the use of point of purchase has created a link between consumer sales promotion and trade sales promotion. It was also revealed that Huawei has lowered prices and increased promotions when faced with threat from competitors, and Huawei has ensured that customers have ease of access to products. The study also revealed that at Huawei, retail location is considered to be an important element of the retail mix and prices have been changed based on the prices of competitors. The findings also revealed that Huawei products are perceived of high quality and affordable.
From the analysis, the findings from the second objective revealed that social and cultural issues have affected Huawei performance. It was also revealed that while economic factors such as inflation and availability of disposable income influence performance of the company. It was also established that suppliers, buyers, product substitutes and increase in competition among other companies affects Huawei’s performance and heavy taxation on mobile operators has led to unnecessary excessive cost of services for consumers. Huawei has used low price strategy to price its products while existence of anti-competitive practices has affected its competition.
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The last objective revealed that Huawei has participated in trade associations and use of marketing intelligence has helped the firm achieve a competitive advantage. It was also revealed that the company motivates its employees and has used management practices to boost employee morale. It was also noted that Huawei practiced best management practice and networking has improved Huawei’s performance. It was also noted that the firm has used market intelligent to develop market and get more knowledge on external environment.
The study concluded that in the telecommunication industry, there is a wide variety of consumers and therefore adoption of differentiation is vital. In addition, there is a rampant competition between the various companies, and price matters a lot, therefore, Huawei has lowered prices and increased promotions when faced with threat from competitor. It was also concluded that social and cultural environment in the market affects Huawei performance. Similarly, economic factors such as inflation and availability of disposable income has influenced the performance of the company. Lastly it was concluded that to market its products the company has participated in trade associations and adopted the use of marketing intelligence to achieve a competitive advantage. The company also knows the value of its employees and thus undertake motivation and boost employee morale.
It was recommended that Huawei should continue utilizing product differentiation in Kenya so as to serve the various classes of consumers. Huawei also need to establish reasonable prices to avoid lowering prices when faced with threat from competitors. Huawei also need to ensure customers have increased access to products. Secondly it was recommended that Huawei needs to undertake an effective situation analysis and create a good relationship with suppliers and buyers, as well as invest a lot in research and development in order to compete effectively in the dynamic market. Lastly, Huawei needs to continue its participation in trade associations and exhibition to boost its sales and market growth. The firm should also increase that use of marketing intelligence to remain competitive in the market. There should be an increased motivation of employees to guarantee continuous efficiency. It was also recommended that further studies should be done in other companies in the sector in order to generalize the findings
Effect of Marketing Communications on Consumer Purchase Behavior of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) In Kenya
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA)This project report discusses the findings from investigating the effectiveness of marketing communication to consumer purchase behavior on Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). The four objectives covered by this study were: the effects of advertising on consumer purchase decisions, the effects of sales promotions on consumer purchase decisions, the effects of personal selling on consumer purchase decisions, and the effects of social media on consumer purchase decisions. The research was covered amongst purchase decision makers of FMCG products in middle income households in Nairobi. A sample of 395 was covered. Descriptive statistics such as: mean, standard deviation, correlation, and regression were used to measure results.
Results for the first objective, effects of advertising on consumer purchase decisions, show that trial purchase is most influenced by recommendation from friends or family. Marketers refer to this as word of mouth advertisement. A correlation analysis was run between the advertisement channels and purchase decision and it revealed that the Pearson’s r value for all was below 0.5 denoting weak, positive association. A regression analysis was run and results showed R2 is 0.235, which means that 23.5 percent of the total variation in purchase is explained by variability in advertisement channels. A correlation analysis was also done for advertising elements the Pearson r relationship between ‘Celebrities / famous people’ and purchase decision scored 0.522 which was the only strong, positive association.
The second objective investigated the effects of sales promotions on consumer purchase decisions. Results reveal that price discounts are the most used type of sales promotion. Sales promotions also induce temporary switching as ‘The promotion makes me temporarily change brands’ had the highest mean amongst the influence factors tested. A regression analysis was done and R2 is 0.124, which means that 12.4 percent of the total variation in purchase decision is explained by variability in sales promotions. A correlation analysis was run between the sales promotion and purchase decision. The Pearson’s r value for all relationships between ‘all sales promotion types’ and purchase decision, are above zero but below 0.5 denoting a weak, positive associations.
The third objective covered the effects of personal selling on purchase decisions. About 90% have interacted sales persons in supermarkets. A correlation analysis was run between the sales persons and purchase decision and the Pearson’s r relationship between ‘sales women in the supermarket’ and purchase decision was the strongest implying that women have a higher influence than men.
The fourth and last objective studies the effects of social media on purchase decisions. Findings revealed that Facebook followed by WhatsApp are the most used social media networks. Respondents are most satisfied with product information provided on Facebook followed by Twitter. A correlation analysis was done on the different types of information and purchase decision, it was discovered that information on promotions had the strongest positive association. Social media marketing is also found more creative and attractive compared to others
The study provides key conclusions for each marketing strategy. Advertising has more influence on TV and internet channels, positive word of mouth which is a key factor for trial purchase, and use of celebrities has the strongest positive correlation on purchase influence. Sales promotions are driven by price discounts which are the most used, they help customers make after purchase decisions, and they drive temporary brand switching. Personal selling is effective as customer frequently encounter them, are satisfied with information given, and increase brand trust and image. Use of women in personal selling has a higher influence than men. Social media marketing is most effective on Facebook which is the most widely used and social media platforms provide adequate product information.
The main recommendations for each marketing strategy was provided. Advertising budgets should be focused TV and internet. Internet can be used to drive positive word of mouth which promotes trial purchase and TV advertisements should take advantage of celebrity advertising. Marketers should use price discounts to drive temporary switching when they need to boost their sales. Emphasis should be placed on women when selecting sales representatives in supermarkets because they have more influence on purchase. Social media marketing should leverage on Facebook more than other platforms. The recommendation on further studies is that the research should be done on counties outside Nairobi to identify disparities in purchase behavior and get a nationally representative view of the findings
A Low Cost System for Logon Anomaly Detection Based On Time and Location of Users
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 purpose of this research was to develop a low cost system for identifying logon anomalies based on the time a user provides login credentials and also the physical location of the workstation on the LAN. The specific objectives of the project were (i) to evaluate how logon anomalies based on physical locations have been addressed in the literature (ii) to develop specifications, design and implement a solution to address the problem of determining the physical location of a logon event as well as determine the validity of such an event (iii) to evaluate the designed solution by analyzing the logon patterns of the users based on valid attempts in order to identify logon anomalies.
The methodology used by this research involved collecting logon event data from a live Windows Active Directory environment. The Windows Active Directory Domain had three Domain Controllers, about 400 client workstations and about 960 active users. The geographical campus where the data was collected constituted of several network administration areas each hosting one or more network switches. Each administration area is referred to as a physical location and was allocated a unique VLAN ID and network subnet. Access Rules were then created for each physical location that defined the acceptable logon times that users logged on to the workstations and based on the time of access, the logon event was either valid or anomalous.
Descriptive data analysis was used to analyze the data collected by considering the average number of anomalies detected, top physical locations where the anomalies originated from, day of the week with the highest anomalies and top users and workstations causing the anomalies. This analysis was done on the data collected by the system for a duration of three months from December to February. From the top five users who generated the highest number of anomalous logon events, the administrator user account had the most number of anomalies and this was because the account accessed the production servers’ VLAN for which all logon events were captured and processed as anomalous. The workstation that had the highest number of anomalous logon events was located in a physical location that operated for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while the source of the highest number of logon anomalies were generated
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from the physical location where this workstation was connected to. The day of the week that had the highest number of anomalies was Friday.
For Specific Objective 1, the literature concluded that implementation of SIEM solutions provided the most accurate approach of identification of the physical location of both users and workstations on a LAN. The system developed by this research was able to address Specific Objective 2 by ensuring that it only captured log data that was specific to anomalous logon events. The system also met the functional and non-function requirements and thus achieved Specific Objective 3. In addition, this system met the criteria of open-source SIEM solutions based on the academic literature. The system developed by this research therefore identifies anomalous logon events based on time and physical location of the users and take remedial action of alerting the administrator. The remedial action taken by the system can be extended to include disabling of the switch port the workstation is connected to immediately an anomalous event is detected. This would provide the most efficient and effective counter measure of dealing with a violation which is also proactive instead of reactive
Applying Location Based Service Using USSD on Low-End Phones (Mulikalocation)
No full textA Project Proposal 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 TechnologyLocation-Based Services (LBSs) are rapidly expanding in both number and variety. LBSs are services provided via mobile applications with the help of network connectivity and the ability to detect the location of the user. LBSs offer a wide range of services; navigation tools to help you reach your destination (e.g., MapQuest); local search to help you find nearby businesses or events (e.g., Yelp); friend finders and social networking (e.g. Loopt and Google Buzz); applications that allow you to check in at certain locations (e.g., foursquare); and applications that can link your location to other activities (e.g., Twitter and Facebook). Many users currently access LBS through mobile phones that are more technologically advanced.
However, a significant number of mobile phones in the world especially in developing countries are used without built in location sensor techniques and are unable to transfer their location information over the network. These phones are called Low-End Mobile Phones (LEMPs).
After survey of the available location based applications in the market, it seems that there is lack in terms of addressing the needs of locating mobile subscribers via the LEMPs. Recent technology mainly supports the high end mobile users. As a result, this research sought to explore the development of a service to locate mobile subscribers using LEMPs via USSD and SMS technology.
The main purpose of this study was to develop a USSD and SMS-based mobile solution that could track or locate mobile subscribers using the Low-End Mobile Phones & especially those running on 2G technology. The Research Questions that were satisfied for this study were;
i. Is location based service possible without using the internet?
ii. Is location based service functional in low end phones?
iii. Is it cost effective to implement location based service on low end phones?
The first research objective aimed at establishing if location based service was possible without using the internet. The findings regarding the first research study depicted that majority of the respondents, 90% declaring that it was not possible to locate the location of a subscriber on a low end phone using USSD. Findings further revealed that majority of the
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users not only implied that could not get the location of a subscriber from a low end phone but also the fact that internet was required to facilitate in the location of a subscriber. The study exposed that 83% of the respondents disagreed that internet connection was not necessary to get the location of a subscriber. Thus, the view that majority of the respondents implied that internet was required for location based service, in fact, no respondent agreed that internet was not required.
The second research objective aimed at establishing if location based service was functional in low end phones. Findings from the second research objective revealed that majority of the respondents disagreed that the implemented MulikaLocation solution to have location based service on low end phones required an installation of an external application. 77% of the respondents disagreed that there was need to install an external application in order to use the USSD implementation for location based service on low end phones. Moreover, the study further revealed that whether a subscriber was using a low end phone or a high end phone, there was no need to install an external application to enable results display in USSD. In addition to that, the study revealed that the procedure to use the USSD solution implementation (MulikaLocation) for low end phones was same as that of high end phones. Only 3% of the respondents implied that the procedure in low end phone to search the location of a subscriber was different from that of a high end phone.
The third research objective aimed at establishing the cost effectiveness of implementing location based service on low end phones. Findings of the third research objective revealed that with the implementation of the MulikaLocation, there was no need to purchase a high end phone. From the respondents, the study exposed that a total of 97% of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed that there was no need to purchase a high end phone. Furthermore, the study revealed that 100% of the respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed that there was need to have an upgrade of the operating system on low end phones in order to enjoy MulikaLocation location based service.
Even though LEMPs cannot access all types of LBSs, it is possible to design LBS based on USSD text channel and SMS. In this research project, we designed LBS that could be accessible from LEMPs and 2G network. One of the requirement was to enable the LEMPs to communicate with the application server over the network. Since these phones have no
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internet capability, the communication could be built via the USSD text channel. The whitelisted database aptly formatted and the USSD query applied. The response in form of a Flash text is generated. Google API via the networks was used to fetch for location coordinates. The response gave a link SMS that could be accessed later when user got an internet connection.
A quantitative descriptive research design was used in this study, whereby the population consisted of 33 mobile operator employees out of which a sample size of 30 respondents was obtained and spread out across various divisions of the technology department. The researcher applied the probability method to select employees from the various divisions of the technology department. The elements selected from the population had interacted with low-end phones as well as high end phones particularly USSD service and were well qualified to respond to the research questions.
They were issued with questionnaires that captured their demographic characteristics as well as their experience and feedback on the MulikaLocation service based on the Research Questions above. From the responses majority of the users had a difficult time locating a subscriber without an internet connection. However, with the MulikaLocation, they were able to do so without internet. Many of the respondents also seemed to agree that MulikaLocation was easy to use since little training was needed to grasp the application. They also did not need to upgrade their phone operating systems to use MulikaLocation hence making a lot of economic sense for many of them.
It is also worthy to note, in some instances the respondents did not agree or disagree i.e. they took a neutral approach when answering. This could be attributed to lack of adequate knowledge of Location Based Systems and their technical operations.
In conclusion, the study has portrayed that value add services and even premium services could be achieved on the low end phones. The value add services could still give the same great experience as that enjoyed in high end phones
Intellectual Property Management is a multidimensional discipline that covers an extensive scope. In this study, only one department was interviewed and very few people. It is suggested
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that multiple informants be interviewed. This would include the public sector and provide more validity for this research.
This study focused on Telecommunications firm in Kenya and cannot be generalized to other industries. Hence as a recommendation, researchers should conduct studies in other industries and compare their similarity and dissimilarity. By doing so, the data gathered can yield rich interdisciplinary results, thus enhancing the usefulness of the study
Factors Influencing Effective Strategy Implementation in Sameer Africa Limited
No full textA Research Project Submitted to Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)The study aimed at establishing factors influencing successful strategy implementation, a case of Sameer Africa limited, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the effect of managerial competence, resource allocation and organization structure in implementation of strategy. The study adopted the research questions: To what extent does managerial competence influence effective strategy implementation at Sameer Africa limited? Does resource allocation have an influence on effective strategy implementation at Sameer Africa limited? To what extent does organization structure influence effective strategy implementation at Sameer Africa limited? The study’s main purpose was to acknowledge the contribution of others on the study area and to deepen the researchers understanding of the study which was to identify factors that influence effective strategy implementation in Sameer Africa Limited. The study was guided by open systems theory.
A descriptive survey research design has been adopted for the study. A sample of 52 respondents was drawn from the study population. The researcher used census sampling technique to develop the sample size. The study employs a set of structured questionnaires to collect data. A pilot study is to be carried out before the main study in order to assess both the validity and reliability of the research instrument. Data was collected from the respondents after obtaining consents and permits from the relevant authority. The data collected will be subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 software. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics calculated as frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations
The study findings established that organization structure had a positive relationship with strategy implementation. Organizations with a good structure are more likely to be good strategy implementers. The findings also established that managerial competence was significantly and positively related to strategy implementation. The study findings indicated that organization’s with competent leadership and management that is trusted by all the employees are good strategy plan implementers.
In the study findings on effects of resources allocation on strategy implementation; both financial and human resources were found to have a positive influence on the success of strategy implementation. Finally, the findings of this study revealed that organization structure had positive effects on strategy implementation. Communication channels and board composition were structural factors that had impacts on strategy implementation.
The study concluded that an organization with a structure where employees understands the core values, belief and principles of an organization is crucial to the success of strategy implementation. The study also concluded that organizations with competent management always succeed in strategy implementation than those without competent managers. Competence is an attitude and a work ethic that empowers an individual in any role to lead from the top, middle, or bottom of an organization. Competence from board of directors, top management, supervisors are important in the progress of organizations effective strategy implementation must be spearheaded by strong leadership that is able to consolidate all the necessary efforts and direct them toward the organization goals. Further, organizations should have properly working structures for successful strategy implementation since, the manner in which people, department and all other organizational systems co-ordinate with each other and how employees are supervised in an organization is also critical in strategy implementation. To successful implement strategies organizations need also resources both human resources and financial resources. Strategy implementation involves organization of the firm's resources and motivation of the staff to achieve objectives.
The study recommended that organizations should be structured such that there is timely and effective flow of information both vertically and horizontal within the organization. The study also recommended that organizations should strive to look for competent managers and staff who have the qualities to imbued, motivate, inspire and equip other staff with the vision of the future in order to attain the set objectives. Individuals mandated with the responsibilities to lead other must understand that the success of the organization depended on their abilities to coordinate all the system in an efficient manner