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A BehaviorBased Intervention That Prevents Sexual Assault: the Results of a MatchedPairs, ClusterRandomized Study in Nairobi, Kenya
No full textA journal Article by Prof. Munyae Mulinge and Dr. Oscar Githua, Lecturers in the school of Humanities and Social Sciences at USIU- AfricaDesign The study’s design was a clusterrandomized, matchedpairs, parallel trial of a
behaviorbased sexual assault prevention intervention in the informal settlements.
Methods The participants were primary school girls aged 10–16. Classroombased
interventions for girls and boys were delivered by instructors from the same settlements, at the same time, over six 2h sessions. The girls’ program had components of empowerment, gender relations, and selfdefense.
The boys’program promotes healthy gender norms. The control arm of the study received a
health and hygiene curriculum. The primary outcome was the rate of sexual assault
in the prior 12 months at the cluster level (school level). Secondary outcomes included the generalized sel fefficacy scale, the distribution of number of times victims were sexually assaulted in the prior period, skills used, disclosure rates, and distribution of perpetrators. Difference indifferences estimates are reported with bootstrapped confidence intervals
Influence of Employee Involvement in Decision Making on Organizational Citizenship Behavior: A Case of Machakos County Government
No full textA Research Project Report Submitted to 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 identify factors impacting the employee involvement in decision making on organizational citizenship behavior and the research questions of the study were: to establish the impact of power factors on organizational citizenship behavior; and to establish the impact of reward factors on organizational citizenship behavior.
The research design was descriptive in nature. The dependent variable of the study was organizational citizenship behavior while the independent variables were power, social, and reward factors. The research was conducted among Machakos County Government. The sampling frame from this study was selected from a list of 150 (middle managers and supervisors) full time employees as provided by the Human Resource office electronic mails. A sample of 57 employees was targeted to represent the population of interest. This represent 99.99% response rate. The data gathered was edited and transformed into a quantitative form through coding. It was then entered into a computer. Univariate analysis like frequency distribution was adopted in the study. The analyzed data was presented inform of tables. SPSS was used to aid in data analysis.
The findings of this study were that majority of the middle managers and supervisors believed that organizational citizenship behavior was being affected by the three specific objectives: power factors; information factors; and reward satisfaction factors. The findings indicated that these three specific objectives were the main factors impacting employees to involve in decision making.
With regards to power factors on organizational citizenship behavior, the first major findings of the study was that the questions which were asked included amongst others on empowerment perspective, employee participation, and autonomy support. On empowerment perspective, contemporary business (47.4%) played major important role in employee involvement in decision making compared to the degree of flexibility (43.9%) and need for creativity (40.1%) on organizational citizenship behavior. On employee participation, organization’s objectives (56.1%) played major role in employee involvement in decision making compared to the competitive advantage (50.9%) and organizational goals (35.1%) on organizational citizenship behavior. On autonomy support, individual’s attitude (36.8%) played major important role in employee involvement in decision making compared to the significant others (35.1%) and paradigm shift (35.1%) on the organizational citizenship behavior. Thus, the researcher concluded that organization’s objectives had the higher ability to impact the employee involvement in decision making on organizational citizenship behavior.
With respect to information factors on organizational citizenship behavior the second major findings of this study indicated that the questions which were asked included amongst others on: workplace consultation, employee voice, and psychological attachment. On workplace consultation, private information (52.6%) played major role in employee involvement in decision making compared to the share information (42.1%) and workforce (38.6%) on the organizational citizenship behavior. On employee voice, productivity (54.79%) played major role in employee involvement in decision making compared to the dissatisfaction (42.1%) and management (40.35%) on organizational citizenship behavior. On psychological attachment, fostering creativity (47.4%) played major role in employee involvement compared to the proactive behaviors (43.9%) and bridging communication (38.59%) on organizational citizenship behavior. Thus, the researcher concluded that productivity had the higher ability to impact the employee involvement in decision making on organizational citizenship behavior.
In relation to reward factors on organizational citizenship behavior, the third and last major findings of this study indicated that the questions which were asked included amongst others on: psychological well-being; procedural justice; and employee’s engagement. On psychological well-being, creative climate (47.4%) played major important role in employee involvement compared to performance (43.9%) and management philosophy (43.85). On procedural justice, employee trust (45.6%) played major important role in employee involvement compared to skills and expertise (36.8%) and supervisor (33.3%) on organizational citizenship behavior. On employ engagement, leader-member exchange (50.9%) played major important role in Y-Generation’s perception compared to employee’s potential (35.1%) and individual’s well-beings (31.6%) on organizational citizenship behavior. Thus, the researcher concluded that leader-member exchange for employee involvement in decision making had the higher ability to impact the employee involvement in decision making on organizational citizenship behavior.
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The study made several conclusions among them that firstly, with respect to the influence of power factors of employee’s involvement in decision making on organizational citizenship behavior, this study concluded that, organizations which promotes employee involvement, should benefit from increased organizational productivity due to the paradigm shift employees incur by having the opportunity to give their input. Therefore, this paradigm shift should be reflected in their behavior as they would consequently be more motivated to perform at a high standard to achieve goals that they had a part in setting.
Secondly, in regards to the influence of information factors of employee’s involvement in decision making on organizational citizenship behavior, this study concluded that involvement of workers in decision-making in teams, making system with greater labor-management, and trust resulting from these structures created a result in which decisions were seen as having greater legitimacy to workers. This legitimization effect contributed to the employees’ well-being.
Thirdly and final, in relations to reward factors of employees involvement in decision making on organizational citizenship behavior on work and well-being, this study concluded that, strong organizational climate implied a consensus on goals and how they should be attained, enhancing the organization’s performance. This implied a strong transformational leadership entity, creating a shared vision and goals. The current study examined whether these climate factors indeed correlated with an overall improved organizational climate and improve extra-role performance.
The study also made a recommendation that the study did not examine all the stakeholders involved in the research study due to time limit and financial constraints posing a comparison challenge. However a representative sample was obtained from the study population and in depth analysis of the factors was done thus ensuring that generalization of the study findings were possible. Furthermore, the location of this study is only confined to Machakos County Government. Thus, the sample and its responses may not be a representation of the employee involvement in decision making as the county government towards organizational citizenship behavior. Future research can improve on this limitation by increasing the sample size and performing future research across 47 counties in Kenya’s respondents
An Assessment of Customer Perspectives on Factors that have Influenced the Success of a MNC in the Kenyan Fast Food Industry: A case Study of KFC Vis-à-Vis Galito’s
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 general objective of the study was to assess customer perspectives on the success
of a MNC in the Kenyan fast food industry; with a comparative analysis between Alito’s and KFC.The study was guided by the following research questions: the ownership advantages KFC has over Galito’s, the firm specific location advantages of Galito’s that could be a potential hindrance to KFC’s success and the customer preferences of KFC products visàvis Galito’s.
The study adapted a descriptive survey research design with a focus on consumers at
KFC and Galito’s outlets at Garden city mall. Stratified sampling was utilized in data
collection. The study focused on 100 respondents, 50 from each outlet; who were seen
purchasing food from the outlets. Descriptive statistics was employed to determine the
frequency distribution for the demographic profiles of participants. Data that was
demographic was presented in percentages and frequencies; and interpreted and
presented in form of tables and graphical charts, through the use of statistical package
for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
Findings indicated that most consumers are in favor of KFC. Galito’s also received
favorable ratings which didn’t fall far behind KFC’s ratings. On ownership
advantages, respondents were of the opinion that KFC’s international recognition and
its’ long duration of operation in the global fast food industry; will greatly influence
its success in the Kenyan market. Consumers gave favorable ratings on the
convenience of the location of outlets and the uniformity of products sold by the firm.
Uniformity refers to the taste, color and presentation of the meals. However, there was
uncertainty captured as respondents tried to analyze whether Galito’s took measures
to shield its market position; once KFC penetrated the market.
On firm specific location factors, consumers were of the opinion that the long period
of operation of Galito’s in Kenya gives it an advantage over KFC.They were also of
the opinion that Galito’s has strong relationships with local suppliers and that their
staff are skilled in customer service.
However, majority of the respondents were not certain of Galito’s knowledge of the
East Africa market. Respondents were divided on the following issues. The impact of
Galito’s adjustment to the Kenyan market granting it an advantage over KFC; the
quality of former’s service techniques and similarities of products served in various
outlets.On customer perspectives of KFC and Galito’s products, consumers gave KFC high ratings on the following: inviting ambiance, warm and friendly staff, tasty and timely meals, sufficient space for family and friends, cleanliness, response to complaints and
sufficient information on products. Galito’s came in second in ratings with consumers
rating the organization higher than KFC on the following: home delivery services and
affordability of meals.
In conclusion, KFC has received much favorable ratings from consumer. However,
Galito’s record on performance was not too far from KFC’s. There’s a possibility that
KFC is at the peak of its’ performance which can be attributed to the high ratings
from consumers. There’s clearly more need for research as the firm opens new outlets
and the fast food industry keeps becoming more competitive.
KFC is a new player in the market and should strive to attain customer loyalty
through developmental programs. KFC can capture the next elections and offer free
meals to the election clerks’ or mothers waiting in queue to vote. Galito’s should
work on programs that strengthen its’ relationships with the government and key
players in the fast food industry. The firm can support programs on the training of
farmers in chicken rearing. While KFC will create beneficial links that promote
revenue generation; Galito’s strategies will ensure it secures its’ market share and
maintains its’ position as a competitive player in the industry. Further research should
include outlets all over Nairobi and East Africa. The data captured will be more
diversified and advantageous to the academicians, investors and other stakeholders.
More research on the Kenyan fast food industry needs to be conducted as the
dynamics of the Kenyan market are rapidly changing. The fast food industry in Kenya is experiencing a surge of investments in different types of industries. As the hub of East Africa’s political and economic transactions; there’s so much promise for investors. Research done will influence the view of the world towards the Kenyan market and encourage more investments in not only the fast food industry but other industries
Impact of Mobile Phone Communication on SME Perfomance: A Case of Selected Units
No full textA RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AWARD OF A DEGREE IN MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITYThe purpose of the research was to get a clearer picture on the impact of mobile phone communication on SME performance; a case of selected units. The research questions were directed at finding out the impact of technology, costs, security and regulatory framework has on SME performance. The importance of this study was beneficial to the management of organizations, the Kenyan government, academicians and researchers; scope of the study was focused on geographical scope where the research will be carried out within African Boarders, while the population scope in focus was one of Kenya’s economic hub and capital, Nairobi County, with its SMEs forming the target. The study was conducted from the month of November 2014 - January 2015 and in conclusion definitions of the terms are stated. An explanatory research design was used. The target of the study was 4380 business units within Nairobi County, out of which 129 SMEs were sampled. Primary data was sourced through the use of a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed through the use of both descriptive (mean and standard deviation) as well as inferential (correlation and regression) analysis.
The study found that all the three independent variables have a significant influence on SME performance, with operational costs affecting SME performance negatively while efficiency of business operations and marketing and sales affect it positively. The independent variables explain a significant 18.42% of the changes in SME performance in Nairobi County, with a good fit for the model as were indicated by an F-value of 8.888 reliable up to 97.5% level.
The study concluded that the continued use of mobile phone communications by SMEs in Nairobi County and the wider nation can boost the overall performance and profitability of the SMEs. There is low participation by SMEs in developing mobile phone business applications, and this increases their operating costs. The use of mobile money transfers in the SME sector is widespread. Additionally, SMEs use the cheap mobile platform for relying relevant product and market information to customers which reduces operational costs while increasing sales. Moreover, use of mobile phone communication ensures that customer confidence in the selling process is in its highest, while at times reducing delays, with increased efficiency and effectiveness.
The study recommends that the government takes regulatory measures to provide universal access of mobile communications network coverage. Further, the government should also be more proactive with the provision of better learning facilities where small business owners can learn new trade tricks that would enhance their operations and increase creativity. ICT policy makers need to address initiatives that would support eradication of mass illiteracy among the disadvantaged/poor. The policy initiatives should encompass basic computer/internet training, information processing management and creation of more awareness about the potentials of ICT in improving the quality of life
The role of organizational culture , structure and leadership in stratetegy implementation; a case study of kenya pileline company KPC limited
No full textThis resaerch is forcused on the implementation stage on the strategic management process with respect to internal organizational capability for strategy implementation
Study of key success factors in the management of youth affirmative action funds in Kenya
No full textA paper Presentation during the EAMARC III Conference held at USIU-Africa from 15th November to 17th November 2016Affirmative Action Funds in Kenya have been funds which have been set aside for the development of the youth.
Among such funds in Kenya have been the Youth Enterprise development fund (YEDF) meant to help the youth engage in development activities to uplift their standard of living.
The UWEZO fund was rolled to fund youth small enterprise. These funds have been so beneficial to the youth as they have been able to take loans and grants from the funds to uplift their lives.
The current study will dwell much on establishing the key success factors in the management of the youth affirmative action funds in Keny
The Impact Of Independent Oil Dealerson Marketing Activities Of Multinational Oil Corporations In Kenya
No full textA paper presentation at the 3rd East African Multidisciplinary Research Conference (EAMARC III) held at the United States International University- Africa, 15th -17th November, 2016.PRE-LIBERALIZATION (1994) ONLY 6 MNC’S EXISTED (SHELL, BP, TOTAL, MOBIL, CALTEX + KOBIL) –MOE, 1995.
2016- 77 OIL REGISTERED COMPANIES IN KENYA. (PIEA, 2016)
76% OF THE MARKET SHARE CONTROLLED BY 6 CO’S.
4 MNC’S EXIT THE KENYAN MARKET POST LIBERALIZATION (SHELL, CALTEX, MOBIL, BP).
Hypothesis 0 1: Independent oil dealers have led to changes in the product line and product mix strategies for the multinational oil corporations.
Hypothesis 2: Independent oil dealers have led to changes in pricing strategies for the multinational oil corporations.
Hypothesis 3: Independent oil dealers have led to changes in distribution strategies for the Multinational Oil Corporations.
Hypothesis 4: Independent oil dealers have led to changes in the promotional mix strategies for the multinational oil corporations
descriptive survey research design which enables a researcher to generate broad range of data from which to draw comparisons and differences
Population- All the multinational oil Companies (7) were considered.
The key respondents were the senior managers of the MNCs that included chief executive officers and heads of departments (Iravo, 2011)
The questionnaire and interview guides were used as the main data collection instruments in order to gather accurate, less biased data and increase quality of the data collected (Oloko and Ogutu, 2012).
Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interview guides, secondary data review and computer-based data review(Olsen, 2004 and Mugenda and Mugenda, 2003).
A 5 Likert type scale was used, ranging from 5 – strongly agree to 1- strongly disagree, to indicate the extent to which the respondents agreed with the statements that were given. Such method was used by Oloko and Ogutu (2012) and showed a reliability coefficient of more than 0.70
Global Environmental Change In the Anthropocene
No full textA paper presentation at the 3rd East African Multidisciplinary Research Conference (EAMARC III) held at the United States International University- Africa, 15th -17th November, 2016.Introduction; What is Climate Change?
Climate change is a long-term process that acts in a context of climate variability in the short term, and with many influences on environment and humankind. It takes place at the regional and global scale.
Historically, climate variability existed before and was produced by natural events, like volcanic eruptions and sun activity.
Nevertheless, climate change is currently associated with human impacts on Earth
Anthropocene; which relates to environmental changes induced and produced predominantly by human interventions.
This work addresses the complex interrelations and feedbacks between the environment system and the human system. It explores the potential of multilateral negotiations among governments, organized society, and business community on long-term sustainable development goals
Metric Scope For Indexing University Information Technology Professionals’ Continuous Improvement In Ict Integration
No full textA paper presentation at the 3rd East African Multidisciplinary Research Conference (EAMARC III) held at the United States International University- Africa, 15th -17th November, 2016.There is progress in the development of ICT integration indices to support management of teaching in institutions,
little empirical research on metrics for continuous improvement in ICT integration indexing of university information technology teaching professionals (UITTP)
However, UITTP continuous improvement indexes can offer leadership role
The UITTPs index of ICT integration can improve the graduates’ ability’s effective use of ICTs.
The UITTPs with higher index will expose students to relevant ICT experiences during their teaching.
The UITTPs with better ICT integration index can have better influence to the graduates’ ICT integration level .
The aim of this study was to derive a metric scope for indexing continuous improvement of ICT integration by UITTP.
In particular the study involved survey:
(a) to examine the current ICT integration Indexes based on Wan et.al(2009) ICT integration four levels model.
b) to establish the extent to which use is made of existing metrics.
c) Establish Experts view on Suitability of the existing metric