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    Establishing the Causal Relationship between Inflation and Yield Curve Movements in Kenya for the Period Between 2010 to 2016

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    Research project submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of the research was to establish the causal relationship between changes in inflation and yield curve movements in Kenya. The study aimed to explore whether the theories explaining the movement of the yield curve support the curve movements in Kenya and if changes in the consumer price index affect the yield curve. It further aimed to establish if changes in the consumer price index affected interest rates. Additionally, the study sought to establish the correlation in the changes of the consumer price index and the movement of the yield curve. The study intended to establish if the relationship between changes in the consumer price index and changes in the yield curve can be used to measure bond efficiency in Kenya. The research methodology utilized the sampling technique in establishing area of study for further analysis. The study used secondary data from various sources and was augmented by primary data in the form of questionnaires to respondents in the industry. The research used excel and SPPS for data analysis with various measures of central tendency and inferential tests used in establishing pattern, trends and relationships in the data. Descriptive tests were conducted in the study through frequency distributions, means and standard deviations. Inferential tests were also undertaken. Pearson’s Correlation coefficient was utilized in the study and tested the relationship between the various variables. The study found that theories explaining the movement of the yield curve were applicable in the Kenyan bond market. Results from the research indicated that changes in consumer price index affected interest rates. The study also established that there was a positive correlation between the movements of the consumer price index and the yield curve. Further analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between the 2 year bond and inflation at 0.587 while the least was recorded with the 20 year bond at 0.328. Finally results of the study indicated that the relationship between changes in the consumer price index and changes in the yield curve cannot be used to measure bond market efficiency in Kenya. In conclusion from the results of the study, the movement of the yield curve in Kenya was primarily driven by the liquidity and pure expectations theory. It was further established that changes in consumer price index affect interest rates particularly on the short end of the yield curve. Findings from the research also concluded that the relationship between changes in the consumer price index and changes in the yield curve cannot be used as a proxy to measure market efficiency due to various other intervening factors that cause movement of the yield curve. Through analysis of the Fisher Effect to measure market efficiency, it was concluded that Kenya like many other developing economies exhibited a weak form market efficiency hypothesis. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between inflation and yield curve movements in Kenya. However the causal relationship is primarily driven by the nature of factors causing the inflation movements. One of the key recommendations was that the CBK maintain a consistent, predictable and measured approach in managing inflationary pressures that reduces uncertainty and volatility in the market fostering a more stable market that ensures flow of credit to productive sectors of the economy thereby raising economic output. In light of the findings, the researcher recommends further study of the slope of the yield curve in Kenya and its potential to predict future changes in inflation. It was also noted in the course of the research that the Central Bank Rate (CBR) as a tool for monetary transmission could be affected by the recently enacted legislation capping interest rates. It was recommended that further studies be conducted to establish to what extent the new legislation will influence monetary policy guidance going forward

    The Effect of Mobile Phone Branding On Consumer Buying Behavior: A Case Study of USIU-Africa Students

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    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 general objective of this study was to analyze the effect of mobile phones branding on consumer buying behavior. This study was guided by the following specific objectives: to identify the effect of brand awareness, brand loyalty and brand image on consumer buying behavior. The target population under the study were the students of the United States International University- Africa. A descriptive research design was used in this study, that is, this research design involved the observation and description of the behavior of a subject without influencing the outcome of the respondent in any way. The study adopted a stratified sampling technique. A sample of 138 respondents was selected from the stratus and 129 questionnaires were filled and returned hence representing a response rate of 93.48%. This technique was used to obtain responses from the specified schools. Data collection tool that was used to collect the relevant information needed for analysis were the questionnaires. To ensure effective and efficient data analysis process, the data was coded, sorted and analyzed using descriptive analysis where frequencies, percentages and inferential where correlation tables and regression table were generated and interpreted. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analysis. Presentation of data was in form of tables and figures. On the relationship between brand loyalty and consumer buying behaviour, the vast majority of respondents will be motivated to switch to other brands in the market; respondent will buy a brand because one of their friend has recommended it to them and respondent will always buy their phone brand even if another brand comes along with a better offer were found to be highly significant. Finally on the relationship between brand image and consumer buying behaviour. The study established that: Whether information on the label influences respondent's choice of a brand; if products of good quality influences respondents purchase decisions; and whether a good innovative brand name influences respondent's choice of a mobile phone were the highly significant factors. A positive significant correlation was obtained among the factors sought in this section. The study concluded that indeed branding is very important in understanding the consumer buying behavior. It concluded that promotions and ensuring that consumer had all the relevant information at all times about their brands was very key in influencing their choice of mobile phone brand. Loyalty ensures consumers will keep buying your products hence the need for marketers to ensure that the mobile phones that they were giving to the consumers had all the features they needed. The study also concluded that a good brand image that consumers relate to also influenced their buying behavior. Pricing and product package were some of the factors consumers looked at when choosing a mobile phone to buy. The study recommends that the management of these university to use avenues such as television programs as it is a good source of information about mobile brands. In addition firms should learn and integrate new brand awareness platforms that are emerging due to advanced technology and increased networking like internet marketing, multilevel marketing and ad-funded applications and software. With the dynamic telephone industry firms should invest in research and design as well as innovation to ensure that their phone brand completely satisfy the clients. This study finally recommends that further studies be carried out on a similar study in other private and public universities in order to increase the reliable results

    Personal and Contextual Factors That May Influence Compassion Fatigue As Experienced By Counselors Practicing In Nairobi, Kenya

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    A Thesis submitted to the School of Humanities & social sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts in Counselling PsychologyCompassion fatigue occurs when counsellorsamong other health professionals begin to experience the pain and suffering of the people whom they serve. Although there is substantial literature supporting that, people who work with trauma clients are impacted positively and negatively, most of the studies have focused on the positive impact of work and the qualitative evidence is inconsistent. Further, most research has been conducted outside Kenya and most of the research has been carried out immediately after a traumatic event. This research study sought to investigate the presence of compassion fatigue and identify the personal and contextual factors that may influence compassion fatigue as experienced by a group of counsellors working in different environments in Nairobi, Kenya. A sample of 106 counsellors with different levels of training and working in diverse settings participated voluntarily. The research used the professional quality of life (Proqol) model to provide a theoretical understanding of the development of compassion fatigue. A self-administered questionnaire developed using The Professional Quality of Life Scale (version 5) to assess compassion fatigue, collect demographics and other pertinent information was used. The results show that 50.2 % of the counsellors surveyed were satisfied with their work, while 25.5 % had compassion fatigue. Female counsellorshad slightly elevated levels of compassion fatigue compared to the males. This study therefore, shows that it is normal for counsellors to have negative feelings towards their clients but it does not in any way minimize the satisfaction they also experience from helping

    Analyzing The Dimension of Women’s Participation in Conflict Resolution in South Sudan

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    Thesis Submitted To the School Of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of Master of Arts in International Relations (MIR)Based on the prevalent under-representation of women in peace processes, this study analyses why women’s participation in conflict resolution is crucial particularly in South Sudan. South Sudan as one of the youngest nations in the world, is experiencing a period of civil war where the level of women’s participation in conflict resolution has been very low in past years. The Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCISS) offers an opportunity for women’s participation in peace processes and peacebuilding efforts. As such, South Sudan offers a vivid picture of the necessity to include women in conflict resolution processes. This study examines the different ways in which women participate in conflict resolution processes by exploring the dimensions of their participation. It does this by analyzing three dimensions of participation which include; the political dimension, which explores the rights of women to participate in policy formulation and governance. This dimension examines women’s role in the political, civil and family life in relation to conflict resolution and the legal protection as a method of encouraging conflict resolution. The social dimension mainly focuses on women’s maternal role in peace negotiations particularly the role of women in mobilizing and organizing of women for peace activities as peace ambassadors, and their involvement in matters of health and civic education through projects that empower them. The final dimension is the economic dimension which looks at the inclusion of women’s economic rights and the availability of economic opportunities for women that aid in the rebuilding of South Sudan’s economy. The study also presents the challenges faced by women during conflict resolution processes especially in South Sudan and concludes by providing viable recommendations on how to empower, increase and encourage women’s participation in conflict resolution processes

    The Relationship Between The Level Of Marital Satisfaction And Marital Infidelity In Nairobi County, Kenya

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    Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Counseling PsychologyMarriage is the main fabric of society. As such factors that influence marriage negatively should be dealt with effectively to ensure that marriage is preserved. This research sought to establish the relationship between marital satisfaction and marital infidelity. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative design methods for data collection and analysis. The population was married individuals from Nairobi County. The sample comprised 102 respondents from Central Nairobi who work and live in Nairobi County. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed out that the duration of marriage plays a big role in marital satisfaction. Gender, age, duration of marriage and the level of education have an impact on marital infidelity. The study also found out that men engaged in infidelity more than women. Infidelity was found to be low when couples are young but that changed as people got to their 40s. Longer duration of marriage as well as higher levels of education led to more infidelity. The study concluded that low level of marital satisfaction has a negative relationship with marital infidelity. The study recommends intervention programs for married couples as well as those preparing for marriage in pre-marital counseling. Awareness on how to improve the marriage institution can be done in the workplace, church and through marriage and family therapists

    Factors Affecting Online Consumer Buying Behavior a Case Study of Jumia

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    A Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria school of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Business AdministrationThe purpose of this study was to analyze factors affecting online consumer buying behavior that might be one of the most important issues of e-commerce and marketing field today. However, there is very limited knowledge about online consumer behavior because it is a complicated socio technical phenomenon and involves too many factors. The study was guided by the following research questions; how do perceived Risks, perceived behavioral control, and domain specific innovativeness affect online consumer buying behavior a case of Jumia. The study adopted descriptive research design which was deemed appropriate, as it permitted the researcher to describe the factors affecting online consumer buying behavior. The population for this study was online customers of Jumia stores and specifically in Nairobi County. This population was comprised of 50 individuals who were considered to possess the relevant information that the researcher needed for the study. The study used the 50 online consumers and therefore a census was conducted. Data was collected from the 50 respondents by use of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was pilot tested in order to ensure consistency of the data collected. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data where mean and standard deviations were considered. Reliability of data was tested through the use of Cronbach’s alpha which informed the researcher whether the data is reliable or not. The results showed that the four variables meet the threshold as follows, customer buying behavior had a significant coefficient of 0.870, perceived risk 0.813, perceived behavioral control 0.728 and domain innovativeness had 0.741. Normality test was conducted to show the distribution of the dependent variable. The data was not normally distributed and therefore Kolmogorov smirnov test was used to normalize the dependent variable. Correlation analysis was done to test the relationship between the three independent variables that is; Perceived risk, perceived behavioral control, domain specific innovativeness and the dependent variable online consumer buying behavior. The results showed that Perceived behavioral control (X2) had a significant positive linear relationship with the customer buying behavior at 5% level of significance, r = 0.457; p= 0.003. Domain specific innovativeness (X3) was also found to have a positive linear relationship with the customer buying behavior at 5% level of significance, r = 0.408; p= 0.007. However, Perceived risks (X1) was found to have an insignificant linear relationship with customer buying behavior at 5% level of significance as indicated by a Pearson’s correlation value of 0.052 and a p-value of 0.740. Regression analysis was also conducted and the results indicated that the independent variables(X1, X2 and X3) were found to explain 34.1% of the variation in the Customer buying behavior as indicated by a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.341. It can therefore be concluded that the perceived risk has a positive but insignificant relationship with consumer buying behavior. The other two variables were positive and significant. As per the results it can be recommended that as much as the respondents felt that perceived risk has a positive and insignificant relationship with their buying behavior it should not be ignored and therefore the respondents’ needs to be sensitized about the inherent risks involved in customer buying behavior. The study recommended that consumer buying behavior is influenced by perceived risk of the consumers though this was a positive but insignificant relationship. Therefore this is a variable that cannot be ignored in online platforms. On the other hand, perceived behavior control that had a positive and significant relationship recommends that the behavior of online users is critical when using online platforms for buying products. Finally domain specific innovativeness is also very critical since this is what defines whether an individual has any intention to use online platforms in buying the products that they require. The study therefore recommends that whenever consumers are using online platforms to buy their products the three major variables ought to be considered in order to succeed. The study also recommends other variables to be explored that are likely to influence the online consumer buying behavior

    Youth Unemployment and Insecurity in the Greater Horn of Africa: A Case Study of Munuki Payam In South Sudan

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    A Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts in International RelationsThis thesis investigates the relationship between youth unemployment and insecurity in Munuki Payam, a suburb in Juba county of South Sudan. The youth of South Sudan live in a precarious state characterized by limited access to education, abject poverty and inadequate economic opportunities; they constitute over 70% of the country’s population. Unfortunately, the country’s independence in 2011 did not change the situation as many young lives are spent in violence and illegal activities that create a security challenge. Hence, in such a historically volatile environment where causes of violence are always changing, it is important to explore and understand the different elements that cause violence and insecurity in the country. The research used the survey method of data collection. Out of 100 respondents selected for the interview, only 97 completed the questionnaires. The study also relied on secondary data sources that included the University library, academic journals, previously published theses and internet. For data analysis, the research study used tables, pie-charts and bar charts. The research findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between youth unemployment and insecurity in Munuki Payam, thus there should be sustained effort by the Government of South Sudan to address the issue of youth unemployment as a growing challenge in the Payam and nation wide. The study recommends further research on the role of youth in post-conflict reconstruction and development in South Sudan

    Strategic Competency That Influence Financial Performance in Organizations

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    A Research Project Report Submitted to Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of the study was to establish the strategic leadership competencies that influence financial performance in an organization. The study was guided by the following research questions: To what extent does leader's mentorship influence the financial performance in an organization? To what extent does leader's relationship with team influence the financial performance in an organization? And to what extent does leader's mindset influence the financial performance in an organization? The target population under the study was the management of the following banks: StanBic Bank, Diamond Trust, Chase Bank, Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) and Barcyles Bank. The study adopted a stratified sampling technique. A sample of 60 respondents was selected from the stratus where 44 responses was obtained representing 73.33% response rare. This technique was used to obtain responses from the specified banks. Questionnaires were the data collection tool used to collect the relevant data needed for analysis. To ensure effective and efficient data analysis process, the data was coded, sorted and analyzed using descriptive analysis where frequencies, percentages and correlation tables was generated and interpreted. Presentation of data was in form of tables and figures. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for analysis. Responses to factors on relationship between leader's mentorship influence and financial performance in an organization were graded as "strongly agree", "agree", "neutral", "disagree" and "strongly disagree". Leaders view organization's employee as a critical resource and leaders and employees work indecently to achieve organizational goals were significant. On the relationship between leader's relationship with team and financial performance in an organization, the study established that: The team is responsible for monitoring their performance and progress; leadership help in achieving team effectiveness and organizational performance which in turn leads high financial results and high degrees of goal congruence facilitate followers to reach organizational goals and hence improve performance were highly significant to the study. Finally on the relationship between leader's mindset and financial performance in an organization. The relationship between the board and the executive team is key to organizational success and organization performance is solely based on the strategies formulated were the significant factors. This study concludes that leader's mentorship influence is crucial to the advancement of the financial performance and that leader's relationship with team is equally vital to the promotion of financial performance and leaders - employee trust is key for an organization to achieve a high financial performance. The study recommends that the management of should ensure that leadership mentoring programs is entrenched in the organization's policies with enough budgetary allocation and empowering leaders to formulate and implement strategies that are aimed at improving financial performance of their organization. The study also recommends that further studies be carried out on the strategies employed by commercial banks to maintain a competitive edge over others

    Effects of Strategy Implementation on the Performance of Digital Media Industry in Kenya

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    A Research Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)The increasing competition of digital media space and the high demand of real time news content has completely changed the media industry as we traditionally knew it. The change has brought about new challenges which has resulted in formulation and implementation of digital media strategies to help cope with these challenges. One Key area that the media houses have used to rate the effects i f these strategies on performance of their digital platform is analyzing their platforms financial performance in terms of sales level. This formed the basis of this study with the purpose* of the study being to determine the effect of digital strategy implementation on organizational performance looking at the digital media industry also known as online news platforms. The study is guided by the following specific objectives; to determine the extent to which innovative digital ad tools affects digital media sales, to establish how online market share affects sales volume and to determine how internal processes affects sales turnover. The study was limited to twenty (20) online publishers all located within Nairobi, Kenya. The study was conducted for a period of 3 weeks beginning 27"^ March 2017 to 17'*' April 2017. Confidentiality of the respondents' questionnaire was maintained for accuracy by ensuring only the researcher and the assistant have access to the data. The study adopted descriptive research design. The population of interest will consists of 140 employees of online media companies. A sample size of 104 was selected using strafified sampling method. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) into fi-equency distribufion and percentages. The data was then presented using tables and charts. The study established that innovation is key in boosting sales volume for online media companies. The study revealed that online media companies ensure that their platforms are fully optimized and accessible on all internet enabled devices-desktops, tablets & smartphones,this enhances sales level as their platform can be viewed across all devices. The ad tools apart from acting as display tools also served other functions such as tracking consumer behavior, measuring conversion rates, measuring sales volume as well as help to project ftiture sales. The study also revealed that market opportunity and past buyer behavior should be the guiding factor while coming up with innovative ad tools ads. As opposed to benchmarking competitors. The study established that large volurne of traffic on a website is key. The traffic on the webpage is the market share. Much traffic on an online platform means that advertisers want to advertise on the page as they are assured of views. The study is able to establish that most online news platform leverage on their social media pages to drive traffic to their actual news webpage as indicated by 72.2 % of the respondents. The study also reveals that partnering with the right partners helps increase the market share as indicated by 61.1% of the respondent as the partners drive member traffic to the webpage as well as place ad on the page which generates traffic for the company. The period of time a user spends on a webpage -Bounce rate- was also revealed to be key as advertisers are looking to advertise on a site with low bounce rate. Finally the research was able to establish that content is key in determining the market share as indicated by 60% of the respondents as the right content will keep the reader coming back. The study established that internal processes determine whether or not a company is successful. The study reveals that it is a company's resources and capabilities that ensure either directly or indirectly that the sales targets are achieved. The various systems in place should always ensure customer satisfaction as indicated by 78% of the respondents, employee motivation as indicated by 95% of the respondents, quality assurance as indicated by 74% of the respondents, asset utilization as indicated by 93% of the respondents and finally structures and policies should be in place to ensure the above mentioned are well facilitated, this will lead to productivity which can be directly or indirectly felt through sales volume. The study concludes that strategy implementation process is important on the performance of digital media in Kenya as many individuals are relying on online news platform to presents them with real time news article this which has been made possible by the availability in internet. Also online media companies are heavily relying on technology thus a great need to implement the digital strategy and also a lot of opportunities have cropped up with the emergent of this new. The study recommends utmost flexibility in innovation adoption for the media industry as a whole with the audiences need as the reason for innovation as that's where opportunity lies. Encouraging Creativity is also recommended as a key component in the innovation process for the effect of innovative digital ad tool to online market share research objective. The study also recommends, well thought strategies to be put in place to ensure increase in market share e.g. production of unique, quality content, increased online presence through ways like sponsored ads and Partnerships for the effect of online market share on digital media sales objective.And finally the study recommends day to day monitoring, evaluation of internal functions and resources to ensure efficiency for the effect of internal processes in digital media sales objective. For further research, the researcher recommends application of the same research objectives to determine the effects of strategy implementation on the performance of the banking industry in Kenya as it is another industry that has been greatly affected by adoption of the technolog

    The Effect of Grief and Loss of Close Family Member(S) On Children Aged 8 14 Years: A Case of Nairobi County

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    A Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts in Counseling PsychologyDeath is an inevitable phenomena, which occurs to all human beings, adults and children alike. This study explores the impact of loss and grief among children, particularly of a close family member. Because children do not know how to express their grief, they often are ignored, misinformed or left out during the time of grief This study seeks to challenge and bring awareness to parents, caregivers, adults, policy makers and heads of children's institutions so that they ein support, inform, involve and comfort children during times bereavement. The method used in this study was descriptive. The research was both quantitative and qualitative. The questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended questions that were answered by the children, teachers, and parents/caregivers. The research used convenient sampling method and participants consented to participate in the study. Debrief forms were provided to the participants to offer information on available counseling services should be needed by the participants. This study arrived at the conclusion that children, experience loss in the same way adults do and they go through the same emotions but they are unable to express themselves. In order to cope with loss, children rely on adults in their lives for the support during the of loss. The study also revealed that there is a relationship between the way children are handled at the time of loss and the way they adjust to the loss. Most children are not adequately informed and involved in what goes on in relation to burial arrangements and preparations. It is also noted that children are resilient and move on with their lives after experiencing loss. Teamwork between teachers, parents and other caregivers is necessary order to enhance the emotional well-being of childre

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