Co-operative University of Kenya Journals
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Effectiveness of Pop-Up Advertisements as Advertising Tools: The Case of the Co-operative University of Kenya
Full text linkPop-up ads have been associated with negative perceptions of annoyance, irritation and intrusiveness. Ironically, they are sold as being successful online advertising tools, and are claimed to be more effective than static banner advertisements. The current study investigated whether pop-up ads are effective advertising tools by conducting a case study of the Cooperative University of Kenya Students. The study sought to determine the effectiveness of pop-up ads on reach and creation of awareness, to establish the reliability of pop-ups in creation of brand awareness through recall, to determine the brand attitudes created as a result of pop-up ads, and to determine the influence of pop-up ads on purchase intention. The study used a case study research design. The study used stratified sampling technique to select 100 study respondents. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. The study established that pop up ads have little impact on purchase behavior of social media users due to the formed negative image towards them and that the ads are also seen as intrusive and ineffective. Based on the findings, this study recommends that advertisers and managers should therefore pay particular attention to pop-up ads that are user friendly and less obstructive. In order for pop-up ads to be useful for advertisers/marketers their effectiveness must be improved. To achieve this there is the need for pop-up ads to be designed to provide valuable information to online users
Capital Adequacy Requirements and Capital Efficiency of Deposit-Taking SACCOs (DTSS)
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In recent years, more stringent regulations governing Savings and Credit Co- operatives (SACCOs) have been adopted. One such regulation is capping of capital adequacy requirements which compel Deposit-Taking SACCOs (DTSs) to maintain a minimum of Ksh. 10 million of members’ deposit as core capital to cushion against losses that may result from operational risks. A key objective of this regulation is to enhance resilience of SACCOs to these risks. And while regulators pursue resilience, this often comes at a cost to efficiency. We undertook a study to examine the impact of the capital adequacy requirement on the efficiency of SACCO operations. In the study, we investigated the relationship between capital adequacy requirements and capital efficiency of DTSs. Adopting a positivism research philosophy and a correlational research design; we employed regression analysis to determine the relationship between capital adequacy requirements and the capital efficiency of DTSs. We measured the level of capital efficiency of each SACCO using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The study found DTSs capital efficiency to have a negative but not significant relationship with core capital. DTSs meeting the core capital of Ksh. 10M and more did not enjoy better efficiency compared to those not meeting the prescribed threshold despite not being significant. The findings imply that achieving compliance is negatively affecting the capital efficiency of DTSs. Imposing of strict regulations on DTSs hinders their ability to use inputs in optimal proportions to allocate their scarce resources resulting in lower returns. Furthermore, DTSs having a core capital of Ksh.10 Million and more have excess liquidity funds than they should hold. Holding of these idle funds may imply inefficient utilization of resources by the DTSs. We recommend that the regulator re-examine the capital adequacy requirements with the goal of establishing the most optimal levels that guarantees safety of members deposits and resilience of the SACCOs while optimizing on efficiency
COVID-19 Considerations: The Relationship between Opportunity related Aspects and the Performance of Primary Co-operatives in South Africa
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There is a history of business failure and vulnerability in the co-operative sector in South Africa, which economists anticipate will deteriorate with the advent of Covid-19. The aim of this paper is to investigate how primary co-operative entities can become more robust and sustainable under trying economic conditions- such as the current one triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Accordingly, this study establishes whether there is a statistical correlation between industry, market, and entrepreneurial team opportunity-related aspects on the one hand and the business performance of primary co-operatives in South Africa on the other. In this paper, the literature is considered to examine whether such a correlation, or relationship, exists. Furthermore, the paper utilizes data and findings of a study that collated data from 830 primary co-operatives in the South African economy using two separate methodologies. Firstly, a structured interview was used to acquire information on the opportunity-related aspects. Secondly, basic financial statements were produced for each co-operative enabling a rating on business performance. The primary data was then analysed to investigate the strength of the relationship between opportunity-related aspects and business performance. The findings extracted from the study’s primary data reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge as it relates to the relationship between opportunity- related aspects and business performance. However, there are also some interesting new insights that this paper presents, which are of particular interest in times of economic shock. These insights are highlighted, and recommendations are proposed to further a vibrant and meaningful co-operative sector
Contribution of Social Solidarity Economy to Poverty Eradication, Experience from Uasin- Gishu County, Kenya
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Increased economic crisis and the rise in poverty levels has prompted a global debate on the best model to eradicate poverty. Although some scholars have hinted at Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) approach as a solution, there is scarcity of supporting empirical evidence. This study contributes to this debate by exploring the contribution of SSE to poverty eradication. The study was carried out in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya following a cross-sectional research design. The target population were all the people who have joined social- economic associations to improve their economic status. 384 respondents provided views on their economic status before and after joining an association. The study was anchored on epistemological SSE theory that prioritizes ethical and value-based economy placing members at the center of decision-making. Simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through survey method. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis technique. The findings show that SSE was statistically significant to poverty eradication (P< 0.05). In addition, the study found that co-operatives were much more statistically significant compared to other forms of associations. The study highlights the importance of co-operatives and other forms of social economic associations. The findings shall be useful to various stakeholders
Mobile Banking Service Quality, Customer Perceived Value and Customer Retention in the Kenyan Banking Industry
Full text linkCustomer retention is increasingly becoming an important managerial issue, especially in this era which is characterized by high levels of competition and assertive customers who make stay or switch decisions guided by their rational and emotional influences. Moreover, customers are increasingly becoming quality conscious and value driven. To date, there is limited evidence of studies that investigated the effects of mobile banking service quality, customer perceived value and customer retention constructs in a single framework, hence, the study seeks to fill the gap. This study examines the effect of mobile banking service quality, customer perceived value on customer retention. Additionally, the study examines the mediating effect of customer perceived value on the relationship between mobile banking service quality and customer retention. The study was guided by the ‘leaky bucket theory’ of marketing and the MS-QUAL model. An explanatory research design was adopted, employing multistage, simple random and systematic sampling techniques in collecting data from a sample size of 400 university staff drawn from two public and two private universities based in Nairobi City County who are consumers of mobile banking services. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Hierarchical and multiple regression models using Hayes Process macro were used to analyze data obtained and to test the hypotheses. The study found that: mobile banking service quality (β= 0.565, p = 0. 000), perceived customer value (β= 0.363, p = 0.000), significantly affect customer retention. Additionally, the results show that customer perceived value mediates the relationship between mobile banking service quality and customer retention (β =. 193, CI = .127, .266). This study concludes that, customers will remain committed to patronize a bank whose services are deemed of high quality and with a high value. The study contributes to knowledge by revealing customer perceived value mediates the relationship between mobile banking service quality and customer retention. Bank management and policy makers should; develop quality assurance policies and devise value-centered strategies that focus on customer perceived value in order to enhance customer retention rates
Empowering Youth in Agriculture in Northern Uganda through Mentorship: Implications for Enhancing Inclusivity by SSE Organizations
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After two decades of civil conflict in Northern Uganda, Ugandans are now returning to their communities to reestablish their livelihoods. Most youth don’t have skills to venture into Agriculture. MasterCard Foundation was interested in finding replicable approaches to getting youth involved in Agriculture. Qualitative methods were used in this study. 415 youth from the project were sampled out through simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Cleaned data was coded and analyzed with the help of a computer package ATLAS. In each district, two Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were held with sampled youth from project beneficiaries each Focused group discussion was comprised of five female and five male youth. Four Key Informant Interviews were also held, one per district. Findings from these interviews were triangulated with program reports, as well as staff reflections and experiences. This study adopted experiential learning theory which presents a cyclical learning model, consisting of four learning stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation leading to active experimentation and choice of new experience. The study sought to find out the role played by mentors in the success of the project. The research identified the following benefits of mentors: Mentors supported in Mobilizing and registration of Youth Associations with government, provided technical advice, resolved youth conflicts, supported youth access agricultural land and training to youth, linked youth to markets etc. This study is important to policy makers as youth unemployment is a concern in developing Nations
Examining the Effect of Risk Prevention Practices on Financial Competitiveness of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Full text linkDespite the existence of SASRA regulation, many SACCOs are experiencing challenges related to risk management system. This study sought to investigate risk prevention practices adopted by SACCOs in Kirinyaga County to enhance their financial competitiveness and help them overcome the risk management system related challenges. The specific objective of this study was to determine the risk prevention practices employed by deposit taking SACCOs in Kirinyaga County. The study is premised on Financial Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design that helped in describing the phenomena of risk prevention practices in SACCOs. Information was collected from 23 SACCOs operating in Kirinyaga County. Primary data was collected from the top management of the SACCOs using a questionnaire. The study established a positive and significant relationship between risk prevention practices and the financial competitiveness of SACCOs within Kirinyaga County. The coefficient of determination was at 83.1%, an indicator that the explanatory variable explained more than eighty percent of variance in the financial competitiveness of SACCOs in Kirinyaga County. The p-value and regression coefficient generated after running the regression model for risk prevention practices was (β= 0.471, p = 0.012). The study concluded that risk prevention practices plays and important role in influencing the financial competitiveness of SACCOs. The implementation of risk management strategies in all the SACCOs in order to improve the financial competitiveness is recommended
Riding for a Living: Youth Bicycle Enterprising in Shinyanga and Tabora Towns, Tanzania
Full text linkThis study profiles the bicycle taxi business and its role in enhancing the livelihoods of young people in Shinyanga and Tabora towns, Tanzania. 405 bicycle taxi operators were randomly selected, and data were primarily collected through questionnaires. Additionally, a checklist for conducting interviews was developed to gather qualitative data in conjunction with the quantitative data. Descriptive data were analyzed on demographics, bicycle possession, income, and livelihood strategies. The relationship between nominal variables was tested using chi-square. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age, current residence, and bicycle ownership status all affected the daily income. By far, the most important indicator of bicycle taxi earnings was age. Additionally, the study revealed a significant relationship between bicycle taxi operations and the purchasing of mobile phones, cattle, and crop farm inputs. It is probably crucial to strengthen this sector by creating an atmosphere conducive to development, especially in towns with limited public transportation options. The second is to avail support to youth on financial management and entrepreneurship. This may help young people diversify income sources and refocus on productive sectors with the potential for growth and reliable employment generatio
Members’ Awareness and Perspectives on Governance Practices among Horizontally Integrated Rural Co-operative Societies in Mbinga District, Tanzania
Full text linkAbstractCo-operative societies cater for production, marketing and financial needs of members. As a strategy for achieving maximum benefits, co-operative models such as the horizontal integration of production and financial oriented co-operatives have been adopted. However, empirical studies indicate that members hardly achieve the expected benefits from the co-operatives as expected due to poor governance, fraud and embezzlement of funds by unethical staff and leaders. This study examines members’ perspectives on governance practices among the horizontally integrated co-operative societies and identifies benefits arising from integration practices. A cross-sectional research design was adopted with KIMULI and Muungano Co-operative Societies as the focal study areas. 81 members ofselected co-operative societies identified through a simple random technique were interviewed. A survey questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Findings show that good leadership and management, transparency and democracy were important for successful operations of horizontally integrated co-operatives. There was a significant difference in members’ perspectives on the governance practices of AMCOs (M =7.366; SD = 3.385; p = 0.077) and SACCOs (M = 9.171; SD = 2.609; p = 0.005) which implies that governance in SACCOs is significant unlike in AMCOs. Efficient governance organs and enhanced members’ participation in decision making were the underlying success factors in SACCOs compared to AMCOs. Thus, there is need for sensitization of good governance practices in AMCOs and members should actively participate in elections and decision meetings crucial for AMCOs performance and survival
Influence of Cash Transfer Program on Social Networks of Households in Bungoma County: Lessons for Use of Social Safety-Nets for Disaster Vulnerability Reduction
Full text linkImpact of disasters on vulnerable populations remain a concern world over which has created the need to reduce vulnerabilities to disasters a key focus at different global fora on disaster reduction. While Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 underscore the need for implementation of social safety-net mechanisms to assist vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by disasters, there is scanty information on how social safety-nets implemented in different parts of Kenya have impacted the socio-economic wellbeing of households. This study evaluated the influence of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Cash Transfer (OVC-CT) program on social networks of households, social engagement of beneficiary households, and assessed beneficiaries’ perception of community members’ feelings about their benefiting from OVC-CT program. The study, based on Putman’s 1995 theory of Social Capital, adopted a descriptive research design. The study involved 75 caregivers selected through multistage sampling. Data, collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions, was analyzed descriptively. While the study revealed positive influence of OVC-CT on social engagement of beneficiary households, it also showed that the program had contributed to perceived deep jealousy against beneficiary households. Although the OVC-CT program had enhanced social engagement of beneficiary households, it could weaken social capital in areas where it was implemented. It is recommended that for social safety-net programs to contribute to reducing vulnerability in communities, their implementation should as a policy entail strong element of community sensitization and community-based targeting processes in selecting beneficiaries to reduce hostility against beneficiary households