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An analysis of the factors influencing performance of physics in secondary schools in Othaya District.
No full textThe performance of science subjects is an important to achieve an industrialized nation. This study investigated the management factors that influence the performance and enrolment of physics as a science in Othaya District Central Province. Ex-Post facto research design was adopted. The study was carried out among physics teachers and Head of Departments, Principals and Members of the Board of Governors in 28 schools in Othaya District. Head of Departments' Questionnaire, Physics teachers' Questionnaire, and Principals' Questionnaire containing both closed and open ended items were used to collect data. Data was analyzed through the statistical package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S) version 10. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Tests of significance were performed at a 0.05. The results of the study indicated that there were challenges facing schools in management of physics ranging from lack of suitable and qualified laboratories technicians, lack of properly equipped laboratory and financial constraints. All these affect performance of physics. The results could therefore be useful to policy makers in the Ministry of Education and school administrations. This report may lead to the development of projects to equip the science laboratories to suit the needs of individual schools and also improve the existing ones. The results also provide an insight into an in-service training of laboratory technicians and assistants to allow quality services. The physics teacher student ratio will also assist the Teachers Service Commission (T.S.C) in recruitment of teachers to the schools that deserve. Lastly the study will add knowledge in the areas of education planning and development and hence be used as a basis to allocate development funds where need be
An investigation into factors affecting the adoption of electronic commerce among the textile enterprises. A survey of textile enterprises in Nairobi
No full textHF 5548.32.W3 2011This study sought to survey the factors affecting the adoption of e-commerce among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kenya. The main objectives of the study was to establish the organizational factors that influences the adoption of e- commerce in textile enterprises in
Kenya, to find out whether the knowledge level influences the adoption of e- commerce in textile enterprises in Kenya, to determine if Finances are a hindrance towards adoption of e-commerce in textile enterprises in Kenya and to identify the security issues which deter textile entrepreneurs from adopting e-commerce in Kenya. Data was collected using questionnaires. Questionnaires were analyzed using regression analysis to establish relationships between the variables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyze and present the data in form of pie charts, bar graphs and frequency tables. All the variables had a significance levels less than 0.05 thus all the null hypothesis were rejected and the alternative accepted the highest predictor of adoption of e-commerce was finances with a correlation value of +953, organizational factors with a correlation value of 303, security with a correlation value of+ 752 and knowledge level with a correlation value of 0.540. The study concluded that the adoption of e-commerce is affected by availability of finances, knowledge level, organizational factors and security. From the findings of the study it can be concluded that adoption of e-commerce is affected by availability of finances, the knowledge level, organizational factor and the security. The study recommends that legal and regulatory framework the government should get the regulatory infrastructure right for trust, security, consumer protection and privacy and essential issues of culture security to enhance trust in the use of e-commerce. The study also recommends an effective enforcement of privacy and consumer protection in combating cyber crime since e-commerce requires financial and banking frameworks that allow electronic payment and transfers
case study of selected savings and credit societies in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe cooperative movement in Kenya plays an important role in the country's economy. This is
evident in the continued growth of the sector with a recorded membership of over 6.1 million
people with domestic savings estimated at over Kshs 200 billion in 2007. In this sector, saving
and credit cooperative societies are the most vibrant organizations with most developing front
office service activities. With growth being experienced in these cooperatives, the study sought
to investigate the factors that affected their financial sustainability especially for those operating
in Nairobi.
To achieve this, a descriptive research design was adopted that employed a census survey to be
able to draw out the expected data. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential
statistics, which indicated that three of the selected variables, that is, competition, legislation and
capital base had a positive relationship to the financial sustainability of the cooperatives while
governance had a negative influence. Nonetheless, the regression results indicated that at least
69.4% of the variations in the factors influencing financial sustainability in cooperatives were
explained by the independent variables.
From the findings, the study recommended that the cooperatives could lobby for improved
legislation in the sector to ensure their protection, operations and enable them to diversify their
products. The study further recommended that the cooperatives could also improve on their
current products and develop new ones in order to attract and retain new clients that in turn
would result in an increase in their respective capital base and improve their competitiveness.
For the cooperatives to remain financially stable they need to improve capital base by either
introducing additional attractive savings products, increasing membership, raising minimum
monthly contributions, giving good returns on members investments and giving assurance
shareholders of security of their funds. In addition, the cooperatives could also improve the good
governance structures to enhance shareholders confidence in the institutions, which in turn will
attract more clients resulting to financial sustainability and growth. The study suggested that
further research be conducted in this field on the rural based SACCOs and on those which do
not offer FOSA to determine whether similar traits will be recorded or not
A case of five Kenyan banks.
No full textRelationship marketing comprises all the activities that are designed to establish, develop and maintain successful relationship with customers. Therefore relationship marketing has become more and more important since the last decade of 20th century in the banking industry, geared towards gaining a competitive edge in a highly competitive environment.
This study sought to establish the influence of relationship marketing on customer loyalty in five Kenyan banks, precisely focusing on five dimensions of relationship marketing namely trust, empathy, conflict handling, switching costs and value perception.
A descriptive cross sectional survey of 175 customers from five Kenyan banks was conducted using structured self administered questionnaires as data collection instruments. Data was analyzed by use of a computer software package SPSS and results reported in tables, charts and coefficient of correlation and regression interpretations.
The findings were that while switching costs and trust positively and significantly influenced customer loyalty among the banks that were studied, perceived value, empathy and conflict handling did not have a significant influence on the loyalty of customers. Further, the results showed that gender and bank type did not significantly influence customer loyalty
An analysis of factors influencing the brand choice of a bank among small and medium enterprises based in Nairobi.
No full textIn today's financial services marketplace characterized by the emergence of deposit taking microfinance institutions and savings and credit organizations, banks need to set up effective ways to stay ahead on competition. Depending on the key market segment, banks have increasingly offered new products, varied the product pricing in some occasions and invested in branding. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the factors that influence medium enterprises perceive in the brand choice of bank for obtaining financial services. The study contains literature review which includes the relevant theory and empirical review or studies done by other scholars that this research is based on. To fulfill the purpose, this research was investigative in nature thus applied a descriptive research design. The target population was small and medium enterprises located within the Ngara shopping centre in Nairobi and accessing financial services from banks. Data was collected from a sample of 72 respondents out of the target population. Both primary and secondary data were used. The obtained data was carefully analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential statistics.
The study found that the most influencing factors for brand choice of a bank by SME are related to awareness, associations and attitude towards the brand of the bank. A personal relationship with the bank is the most important part according to the findings in this research. However, it is notable that the bank sector of today is moving further away from a personal relationship with customers. The number of electronic touch points has increased in Kenya over the last decade to the extent that deposit transactions can be made through automated teller machines. The study also revealed that Internet banking is on the rise. This presents the risk that customers may feel less connection and loyalty to the bank as the personal relationship disappears. Banks should make customers feel something about doing business with them . The study recommends that commercial banks should embrace personal relationship with the customers as it is an important part that will help them in creating their brand awareness, improve association and increase the customer attitude towards their product. The study also recommends that commercial banks in Kenya should alter the perceptions and create consumer preference for a particular bank, calls for similar branding strategy employed in traditional packaged goods. The established regression equation was
Y = 1.961 + 0.493 Xi + 0.314 X2 + 0.267 X3 ± 0.453 X4 + 0.374 X5.
This shows that there is a positive relationship between brand choice of a bank and brand awareness, brand association, brand loyalty, activity and brand attitude. From the regression analysis the study found that there was a strong correlation between the study variable as shown by correlation coefficient (R) of 0.891
Investigation of factors affecting implementation of balanced scorecard
Get PDFHF 5549.5 .K3 2010 C2ABSTRACT
Balanced Scorecard has turned out to be the custom m the current world. This has been
necessitated by poor performance of the enterprises both private and public and therefore becoming load both financially and administratively. Tax payers have come out honestly demanding the value for their money i.e. efficient, effective and ethical delivery of service to the citizens. Also due to high competitions experienced, there is need for the organizations to manage their performance and let individual performance to be accountable. In Kenyan banks, reforms have been embraced partly through signing of Balanced Scorecard as a tool of performance management. It has not been easy to implement this tool; therefore this research paper focused on the factors affecting implementation of Balanced Scorecard as a tool of performance management in Kenyan banks, with a special focus on selected commercial banks in Meru town. It tried to find out whether the process of implementation is not followed and whether there are other variables which the banks needs to check in order to have smooth implementation. These independent variables include lack of clear job descriptions, lack of top management commitment, lack of baseline data, organizational culture, poor communication, immeasurable targets among other variable outlined in the conceptual framework as a guide. There is also dependent variable which is implementation of Balanced scorecard. This research employed both descriptive research design and causal comparative design which answered the question; 'what are the factors affecting implementation of Balanced Scorecard?' target population was commercial banks in Meru town. A stratified random sampling was employed to ensure that there is equal representation in all the banks. Primary data was used and collected using questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression with an aid of statistics Program for social sciences (SPSS). The data is presented through frequencies and percentages that give information to users and easier interpretation to non users. A population of 105 respondents was considered. Probability sampling was used to identify the sample size. The result of this research will help to improve implementation of Balanced Scorecard. The policy makers who are the management will use the information when deciding on policies geared toward implementation of this tool. Due to many limitations encountered in gathering some data, this was overcome by consulting the officers of Central Bank, at an extra cost of time and money. There was also hesitant in giving the data until permission granted by Directors/Managers from the head offices. Justifications of the project are outlined as well as the objectives. This paper encompasses both theoritical and empirical literature review, showing what others views Balanced Scorecard. The study found that top management commitment, baseline data, supervision, communication, among other variable outlined in the conceptual framework were very significant to the majority of the banks surveyed, but job descriptions was found not to be significant to the implementation of balanced scorecard in Kenyan banks. A simple regression analysis ascertained that those factors are significant to the implementation of the balanced scorecard. The study recommends that any employer who wants to introduce Balanced Scorecard for his employees should ensure that other factors which may hinder Balanced Scorecard implementation are addressed. These include both financial and other related working tools which should be availed in time. Working environment must also be addressed for better results and targets set between the employer and the employee must be SMART and negotiated. A solid legal framework, setting out the basic premises and the status of the Balanced Scorecard should established. This avoids adhoc and fragmented solutions and the eventual court cases. Management must respect the operational autonomy of the contracted departments. This calls for interference being kept out of performance. Organizational structure is supposed change to match with scorecard. The contract management should be carried out before a Balanced Scorecard is implemented. Degree of tolerance in the early years of Balanced Scorecard is necessary as mistakes are likely made but what is critical is drawing lessons for innovations and creativity for future perfomance.
ABSTRACT
Balanced Scorecard has turned out to be the custom m the current world. This has been
necessitated by poor performance of the enterprises both private and public and therefore becoming load both financially and administratively. Tax payers have come out honestly demanding the value for their money i.e. efficient, effective and ethical delivery of service to the citizens. Also due to high competitions experienced, there is need for the organizations to manage their performance and let individual performance to be accountable. In Kenyan banks, reforms have been embraced partly through signing of Balanced Scorecard as a tool of performance management. It has not been easy to implement this tool; therefore this research paper focused on the factors affecting implementation of Balanced Scorecard as a tool of performance management in Kenyan banks, with a special focus on selected commercial banks in Meru town. It tried to find out whether the process of implementation is not followed and whether there are other variables which the banks needs to check in order to have smooth implementation. These independent variables include lack of clear job descriptions, lack of top management commitment, lack of baseline data, organizational culture, poor communication, immeasurable targets among other variable outlined in the conceptual framework as a guide. There is also dependent variable which is implementation of Balanced scorecard. This research employed both descriptive research design and causal comparative design which answered the question; 'what are the factors affecting implementation of Balanced Scorecard?' target population was commercial banks in Meru town. A stratified random sampling was employed to ensure that there is equal representation in all the banks. Primary data was used and collected using questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression with an aid of statistics Program for social sciences (SPSS). The data is presented through frequencies and percentages that give information to users and easier interpretation to non users. A population of 105 respondents was considered. Probability sampling was used to identify the sample size. The result of this research will help to improve implementation of Balanced Scorecard. The policy makers who are the management will use the information when deciding on policies geared toward implementation of this tool. Due to many limitations encountered in gathering some data, this was overcome by consulting the officers of Central Bank, at an extra cost of time and money. There was also hesitant in giving the data until permission granted by Directors/Managers from the head offices. Justifications of the project are outlined as well as the objectives. This paper encompasses both theoritical and empirical literature review, showing what others views Balanced Scorecard. The study found that top management commitment, baseline data, supervision, communication, among other variable outlined in the conceptual framework were very significant to the majority of the banks surveyed, but job descriptions was found not to be significant to the implementation of balanced scorecard in Kenyan banks. A simple regression analysis ascertained that those factors are significant to the implementation of the balanced scorecard. The study recommends that any employer who wants to introduce Balanced Scorecard for his employees should ensure that other factors which may hinder Balanced Scorecard implementation are addressed. These include both financial and other related working tools which should be availed in time. Working environment must also be addressed for better results and targets set between the employer and the employee must be SMART and negotiated. A solid legal framework, setting out the basic premises and the status of the Balanced Scorecard should established. This avoids adhoc and fragmented solutions and the eventual court cases. Management must respect the operational autonomy of the contracted departments. This calls for interference being kept out of performance. Organizational structure is supposed change to match with scorecard. The contract management should be carried out before a Balanced Scorecard is implemented. Degree of tolerance in the early years of Balanced Scorecard is necessary as mistakes are likely made but what is critical is drawing lessons for innovations and creativity for future perfomance.
ABSTRACT
Balanced Scorecard has turned out to be the custom m the current world. This has been
necessitated by poor performance of the enterprises both private and public and therefore becoming load both financially and administratively. Tax payers have come out honestly demanding the value for their money i.e. efficient, effective and ethical delivery of service to the citizens. Also due to high competitions experienced, there is need for the organizations to manage their performance and let individual performance to be accountable. In Kenyan banks, reforms have been embraced partly through signing of Balanced Scorecard as a tool of performance management. It has not been easy to implement this tool; therefore this research paper focused on the factors affecting implementation of Balanced Scorecard as a tool of performance management in Kenyan banks, with a special focus on selected commercial banks in Meru town. It tried to find out whether the process of implementation is not followed and whether there are other variables which the banks needs to check in order to have smooth implementation. These independent variables include lack of clear job descriptions, lack of top management commitment, lack of baseline data, organizational culture, poor communication, immeasurable targets among other variable outlined in the conceptual framework as a guide. There is also dependent variable which is implementation of Balanced scorecard. This research employed both descriptive research design and causal comparative design which answered the question; 'what are the factors affecting implementation of Balanced Scorecard?' target population was commercial banks in Meru town. A stratified random sampling was employed to ensure that there is equal representation in all the banks. Primary data was used and collected using questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression with an aid of statistics Program for social sciences (SPSS). The data is presented through frequencies and percentages that give information to users and easier interpretation to non users. A population of 105 respondents was considered. Probability sampling was used to identify the sample size. The result of this research will help to improve implementation of Balanced Scorecard. The policy makers who are the management will use the information when deciding on policies geared toward implementation of this tool. Due to many limitations encountered in gathering some data, this was overcome by consulting the officers of Central Bank, at an extra cost of time and money. There was also hesitant in giving the data until permission granted by Directors/Managers from the head offices. Justifications of the project are outlined as well as the objectives. This paper encompasses both theoritical and empirical literature review, showing what others views Balanced Scorecard. The study found that top management commitment, baseline data, supervision, communication, among other variable outlined in the conceptual framework were very significant to the majority of the banks surveyed, but job descriptions was found not to be significant to the implementation of balanced scorecard in Kenyan banks. A simple regression analysis ascertained that those factors are significant to the implementation of the balanced scorecard. The study recommends that any employer who wants to introduce Balanced Scorecard for his employees should ensure that other factors which may hinder Balanced Scorecard implementation are addressed. These include both financial and other related working tools which should be availed in time. Working environment must also be addressed for better results and targets set between the employer and the employee must be SMART and negotiated. A solid legal framework, setting out the basic premises and the status of the Balanced Scorecard should established. This avoids adhoc and fragmented solutions and the eventual court cases. Management must respect the operational autonomy of the contracted departments. This calls for interference being kept out of performance. Organizational structure is supposed change to match with scorecard. The contract management should be carried out before a Balanced Scorecard is implemented. Degree of tolerance in the early years of Balanced Scorecard is necessary as mistakes are likely made but what is critical is drawing lessons for innovations and creativity for future perfomance
The role of strategic planning in the growth of small and medium enterprises:A survey of manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Meru municipality
No full textManufacturing Small and Medium enterprises have been identified as an integral Component of the Kenya's initiatives to be a globally competitive and prosperous nation by year 2030.To. Be globally competitive these enterprises must embrace the new technology and develop superior quality products, markets and customer care through proper planning for the future. Manufacturers need to address their internal weakness by upgrading technology and labor retrained. Research has consistently shown that most SMEs do not engage in strategic planning. This is at odds with much of the strategy literature that dictates that enterprises "must actively plan for the future" to compete effectively and survive and by neglecting strategic planning, SMEs may not achieve their full performance and growth potentials, and their survival could be placed at risk. This research employed descriptive research design which answered the questions of where and how strategic planning affects the growth of SMEs. The target population was all the manufacturing SMEs in Meru Municipality and all the manufacturing SMEs contained in the Ministry of Industrialization Meru data base formed the sampling frame. A stratified random sampling technique was employed that ensured equal representation in the three sub-sectors of this industry. Both primary and secondary data was used where primary data was collected through questionnaires and interview schedules. Cronbach's alpha method was used to test reliability and content validity tested the validity of the questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics and a computer based program, that is, the Statistics Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. The study found out that strategic planning has a role in the growth of SMEs. Education level attained, having a mission statement, the number of years in the business, setting of long term objectives, handling of consumers' complains, having an organizational structure, subordinates not taking decisions without consulting their managers, and staff having the right skills were found to be of great significance to majority of the firms surveyed. A binary logit model ascertained that factors contained in the independent variables namely: management styles, marketing strategies, human resources strategies, finance strategies, and research & development strategies were all significant to the growth of the SMEs which reported growth. The study recommends that small firms need to develop their internal organizational structure in ways that enables the leader of the firm to delegate responsibility for operational tasks to become more focused on strategic level functions. The SMEs need to be keen to their approach to product and market development. The entrepreneurs should develop high-potential employees that can perform multiple roles under various stages of organizational growth and the matching of people to the organizational culture. The SMEs should be ready to finance and plan their growth. They should be ready to expand their products portfolio and market coverage. Due to the high rate of globalization the SMEs firms should undertake innovation through investing in R&D
Alcohol, tobacco and other Drug Use and Bullying among High School Students in Nakuru District, Kenya
No full textp. 75 - 82The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) use among secondary school students in Nakuru District, Kenya, and its association with bullying. A total of 1000 form one to four male and female students aged between 13 and 19 years were selected from 40 private and 45 public secondary schools were surveyed between January and June, 2009. The mean or median age for male students was 14 (SD=4.90) and for female students 13.8 (SD=4.8). GSHS was used to collect data which was analyzed by frequencies, chi-square and logistic regressions. In the study, 33.7% of students reported having been bullied by students abusing ATOD in the last 30 days preceding the survey and 15.9% reported the use of alcohol, 12% cigarettes and 8% smokeless tobacco in the last 30 days preceding the survey. Cumulatively, 9.6% of students recorded having used other drugs. There was a significant relationship between alcohol and tobacco use with bullying. However, there was no statistically significant association between the use of other drugs and bullying (X2 = 3.583, df= 1, p=0.058). The prevention of ATOD and bullying among students represents an essential public health measure that may allow for total children's development, qualifying them for a healthy and safe social coexistence. The researchers recommend that focus on prevention programs against alcohol and drug use in secondary schools in general should be mounted to reduce or eliminate bullying altogether
Factors affecting the reporting of human capital in financial statements of public firms listed at Nairobi stock exchange
No full textThe study sought to establish factors affecting the reporting of human capital in financial statements of firms listed at Nairobi Stock Exchange. Specifically, the study sought to establish how valuation of human capital, accounting principles and standards, company policies and corporate governance disclosure requirements affect the inclusion of human capital in annual financial statements of listed firms at NSE. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A survey of 45 listed firms forming the target population was studied. Data was collected by use of interview and questionnaire methods and retrieval of secondary information. Data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics. The Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated the bi-variate correlation between variables while further regression of variables was done and the beta coefficient computed to indicate the slope or the size of the regression coefficient .Data presentation was by tables, pie charts and graphs.
The study found that while reporting of human capital is done by the listed firms at NSE, majority of them (more than 50%), zero in on the mandatory aspects of human capital which requires reporting on the obligations of the firm towards its employees but only a limited number of the firms undertake voluntary disclosure (37.5%). Of the four factors, Valuation of human capital variable influences most of the variance in the inclusion of human capital (is the most important) according to the un-standardized beta coefficients (beta =.-747, p = .019) which was statistically significant at 5% level. The study recommends .that accounting standards should clearly define human capital to ease classification in the financial statements and valuation. Further they should guide on how human capital can be reported in the financial statements to give it the right treatment
Factors affecting implementation of performance contract initiative at municipal council of Maua
Get PDFHF 5549.5 .K3 2010 C1ABSTRACT
Drastic and fundamental changes are increasingly occurring in the environment which organizations operate. An obvious manifestation of the responses towards this turbulent environment is the introduction of performance contracting as part of the broader public sector reforms aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in the management of the services.
The main objectives of this study were to determine factors affecting implementation of performance contracts initiative at municipal council of Maua. The purpose of this study was to find out factors affecting implementation performance contract initiative at
municipal council of Maua. The scope of the study was limited to the effect of performance contract implementation on business leaving out aspects like human and financial resources. Members of staff involved provided research data needed for study. Study targeted licensed service recipients. Study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design in which qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The target population was the employees and business owners in the Municipality. A random sample of 56 employees and 150 business owners was collected through stratified sampling. Questionnaires and personal interviews were utilized to collect primary data from respondents. Secondary data was gathered from Municipal Council of Maua offices and other sources. Data collected was entered into statistics package of social science SPSS 10.0 Computer package and before analysis; data was cleaned and presented using tables and charts. Further, data analysis was carried to determine descriptive statistics. The study findings showed a general profile of business owners and employees within the jurisdiction of MCM and majority of them were satisfied with service delivery since P.Cs initiatives were introduced. Hypothesis testing showed that it is significant that majority of service recipients do not know about PC. More research should be carried out to study impact of performance contract initiative at MCM by repeating the study on implementation of performance contract on the same group of business owners and employees two years from now and results compared with these findings