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Assessment of factors influencing strategy implementation in Kenya Tea Development Agency Limited (KTDA) managed factories in Kenya
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of Master in Business Administration, Kenya Methodist UniversityStrategy implementation is the turning of plans and strategies into actions so as to accomplish set goals and objectives. Successful strategy implementation is a key for any organization’s survival. For implementation of strategic plans to be successful the business must be willing to commit enough funds and time. Additionally, organizations must make sure that the people charged with implementation are competent and skilled to support the strategic plan. The objective of this study was to assessing the factors influencing strategy implementation in KTDA managed factories. These factors are resources utilization, training and development, culture, and leadership. The study therefore sought to fill the gap and contribute to the body of knowledge by analyzing the factors influencing strategy implementation in KTDA managed factories. To answer the research questions, descriptive statistics was used where sample of 112 respondents from a target population of 378 managers within KTDA managed factories were given questionnaires. A simple random sampling method was used to identify the respondents who were given the questionnaires. The primary data that had been collected was grouped and analyzed using inferential statistics namely; correlation and regression and descriptive statistics and the results presented in charts, graphs, mean and percentages. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 22.0).The results provided statistical evidence that a positive and significant influence exists between strategy implementation and performance of KTDA managed factories. Specifically, four factors were tested in this study were found to be significant and positively influencing on the performance of KTDA managed factories. The study recommends that KTDA should provide enough financial resources that will allow the execution of a strategy because for a strategy to be successfully executed, enough funds should be available. The managers should also point out the unique resources that are in their factories and make a choice on the areas these resources should be used. On culture the study recommends that strategies that need to be implemented should be consistent with the firm’s culture so as to achieve the expected performance results. On training the study recommends that firms should have a structure which can support the implementation of the firm strategy which means the right employees to implement the strategy should be available; the firm should also reinforce the skills and capabilities in their employees through training and capacity building. On leadership the study recommends that coordination of activities, streamlining of processes, aligning the organizational structure, and keeping employees motivated and committed to strategy implementation are key responsibilities of the leadership. In their quest to implement a strategy successful leaders should make sure that the staff acquires the strategy and directs their effort in ensuring its successful implemented.
Influence of product differentiation strategies on the market share of selected bakeries in Meru County,Kenya.
No full textProduct differentiation strategies are thought to influence market share of larger and small bakeries even though there exist contradictory findings on the relationship between product differentiation strategies and market share of bakeries in Kenya. Based on this premise, the study sought to establish the influence of product differentiation strategies on market share of bakeries in Meru County. The first research objective that informed the study was to establish the influence of customer service delivery on market share of bakeries in Meru County. The second objective was to examine the influence of market segmentation on market share of bakeries. The third objective was to determine the influence of pricing strategies on market share of bakeries and the fourth objective was to establish the influence of unique product features on market share of bakeries in Meru County. The theories which the study utilized to inform variables of the study includes relationship marketing, brand equity, consumer utility and Porter's theory of competitive advantage Theories. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research 'design and the qualitative and quantitative approach in data analysis. The target population of the study was comprised of top managers of bakeries, supervisors' pastry chefs and customers who dealt with bakery products. The sample size of the study involved respondents selected from top managers, supervisors, pastry chefs and customers who dealt with bakery products. Stratified sampling was used to pick the respondents of the study since it provided equal opportunity to select respondents. Questionnaires, with open and closed-ended questions were used to collect data while an interview guide was used to collect data from the chefs in the study locale. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis method while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean scores, standard deviation and percentage. T-test analysis was adopted to establish the hypothetical relationship between each independent variable of the study on the dependent. The findings of the study revealed that there exists a positive significant relationship between product differentiation strategies and market share of bakeries in Meru County. The study concludes that bakeries are likely to enhance their performance in terms of market share by improving customer service delivery, developing brands that are difficult to imitate, establishing pricing tactics to stimulate more sales and rebranding their products to gain competitive edge in the market. The study recommends that for bakeries sustainability, top management of bakeries should not only focus on improving product quality but also conduct consumer satisfaction surveys to identify ways of positioning their products in the market using product, pricing, distribution and promotion dimensions
Determinants of financial sustainability of housing cooperatives in Kenya: (A survey of housing cooperatives in Nyeri County)
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of degree of Master of Science in Finance and Investment of Kenya Methodist UniversityHousing not only provides shelter, but also housing has a significant impact on the lives of the inhabitants as it is the cornerstone of community life, it brings societal esteem, it is a source of income generation, the center of family activities and most valuable asset for the households. Housing cooperatives offer affordability, a sense of empowerment in that resident has control of their own living situations, and the permanence and stability that comes with home ownership. However, housing cooperatives face many challenges in achieving this dream. Many housing cooperatives such as Posta Investment Co-operative Society, Ukulima Housing Co-operative Housing Society, and Romokia Housing have collapsed while others such as Kamuthi Housing and Chai Housing Society are in financial problems. The study sought to establish the determinants of financial sustainability of housing cooperatives in real estate development in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of funding, government financial policy, financial accountability and investments on sustainability of housing cooperatives. The study was anchored in the resource-based view of the firm, contingency theory, agency theory and modern portfolio theory. This research used the descriptive survey research design. The study targeted housing cooperatives in Nyeri County. Senior management members of housing cooperatives were the respondents in the study. Slovins formula was used to come up with a sample of 152 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit respondents in the study. Data was collected by use of self-administered questionnaires. Univariate analysis for each variable was done so as to yield descriptive statistics that will be used to describe the variables. Regression analysis was conducted with the help of SPSS. Presentation of the findings was done through tables and graphs. The study found that the main source of funding was members’ deposits. Majority of the housing cooperatives had a capital base of between KES 1M and KES 50M. There was a strong positive correlation (r=0.796) between the independent variables (funding, government policy, accountability and investments) and financial sustainability of housing cooperatives in Kenya. The findings show that 63.3% of the financial sustainability of housing cooperatives in Kenya can be attributed to the independent variables. The findings show that funding (p=0.007), financial accountability (p=0.02) and investments (p=0.000) were significant. The study concluded that funding is the main determinant of financial sustainability of housing cooperatives. The study recommended that housing cooperatives review their strategies and fix gaps to ensure that are attractive organizations to banks who can lend them monies to enhance their investments
Impact of implementing information technology on teaching and learning in public secondary schools in Mbeere South, Embu county, Kenya.
No full textoai:repository.kemu.ac.ke:123456789/378The significant role of information and communication technology (ICT) in education has been improving and many countries have invested heavily in increasing the number of computers in learning institutions. The Kenyan Government has developed policies and initiatives to institute the use of ICTs in schools. The objective of the study was to evaluate the strategies used in implementing the use of ICT in teaching and learning in public secondary schools in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County. The study examined the learner related, teacher-related and school-related strategies used in implementing the use of ICT in teaching and learning in selected public secondary schools in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The target population for the study was 53 public secondary schools, 756 teachers and 2860 form two students in the public secondary schools in Mbeere South Sub County. The researcher employed purposive sampling techniques that focused on the six ( 6) schools which comprised of 10% of the target population where ICT programs were implemented. The study obtained quantitative data which was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that although the government established ICT policy and other initiatives such as Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) to enhance the use of ICT, secondary schools in Mbeere South Sub County have not adequately implemented ICT in teaching and learning. Further findings were that teachers lacked the necessary skills for the ICT uptake. The schools studied showed that they have the will and commitment to roll out the ICT policy as directed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. This was depicted by the findings that all the sampled schools had included ICT policies in their strategic plans. The study recommended that teachers need to be supported through in-service training on ICT skills that are necessary for teaching and learning. In regard to this, the study further recommends the development of ICT Training Institutions where teachers may enrol and acquire relevant skills. Further recommendations were that, computer applications to form part of the teacher training curriculum so that they are able to apply the learnt skills
in teaching
An analysis of the implementation of management strategies for teachers safety at the workplace in public secondary schools in Kenya: a case of Mombasa county, Kenya.
No full textThis study sought to analyze the implementation of management strategies for teachers’ safety in public secondary schools in Mombasa County, Kenya. Serious cases of teacher’ safety have been reported in Kenya and world over in the recent past. The study was based on the stakeholder’s theory and was carried out between 2010 and 2015. The area of study was Mombasa County which is a cosmopolitan town which had instances of teachers’ insecurity. Teachers’ safety was the dependent variable while the implementation of the management strategies was the independent variable. The researcher used a descriptive research study design to source information in its real life situation without having to manipulate the variables. The number of the study units in this study were thirty three (33) public secondary schools in the County. The population of this study was a total of 562 teachers distributed in 33 public secondary schools across the entire geographical area. Disproportionate stratified sampling was used in identifying the respondents in this study to ensure representativeness. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire accompanied by an observation checklist administered concurrently to ensure content validity. The data collected was analyzed using the descriptive data analysis technique and presented using histograms, frequency tables, graphs and pie-charts. The research findings were that implementation of training strategy was at 44%, Safety of equipment and staff rooms at 55%, communication strategy at 15% and the general perception of teachers’ safety in respect to principal’s commitment was at 12%. Data was presented using histograms, frequency tables, graphs and pie-charts. The researcher concluded that teachers’ safety in public secondary schools in Mombasa County is wanting. Managers do not fully implement the recommended strategies from the occupation health and safety Act 2007. Further research work was recommended in analyzing the correlation between teachers’ safety and teachers’ turnover in public schools
An assessment of organizational factors influencing staff performance in county assemblies in Kenya
No full textHF 5438 .N74 2017ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research was to establish the factors affecting staff performance in devolved government. The study was based on the following objectives: to establish the effects of training on staff outcome, to find out the effects of politics on staff performance, to investigate the effects ofleadership in accordance with staff performance and to establish the effect of institution support in regards to worker job-performance in Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Meru County Assemblies. The study was formed in aligmnent with human capital theory , Adams (1963) Equity Theory, Spillover Approach and Work-Family Enrichment' (WFE) theory. This study used a survey study form of research design. The target population for the study was all the 183 permanent and pensionable staff members of the Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Meru county assemblies, in all the 9 departments of each assembly. All the workers excluding the MCAs were purposively sampled for the study. The study utilized a questionnaire for the staff. The content validity of the instruments was determined through the help of the research supervisor. Before the actual data collection, the researcher tested the instruments using a test-retest technique and tested the results using Cronbach Alpha method. The researcher sought an introductory letter from Kenya Methodist University and further applied and obtained a research permit from National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovations. The data was analysed using 'Statistical Package for Social Sciences' (SPSS) Version 21 for windows. Pearson product moment analysis was applied to establish if there was relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. Qualitative data obtained from the interview was analysed and discussed thematically. This data was used for the reinforcement of the quantitative findings, and to offer an elaboration about the obtained concepts. Quantitative analysis involves the analyzing of numbers about a situation by choosing specific aspects, which are associated with situation. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the quantitative data obtained. The study established that the level of staff training had a positive influence on worker job-performance in the county assemblies, particularly, in the echelons of skilled sectors. However, it can further be concluded that some chores depended less on technical training; hence the training was not significant. The study further concludes that the politics had a negative influence on the staff work performance in the county assemblies, where the politicians tried to dictate their ways and wills to the workers of the county assemblies, through their influence. The study concludes that the leadership styles that were applied in the county assemblies were not fully effective in enhancing the staff work performance, as the majority of the workers felt dissatisfied with the leadership styles applied. The institution support provided to the workers by the county assemblies had a positive influence on worker performance, and overall effectiveness of the institutions. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that; the human resource managers should allocate substantial budgetary funds so as to facilitate worker training, which enhances skill development towards work performance, effectiveness of feedback services, and service delivery. The Hon Speakers of the respective county assemblies should ensure that there are minimum influences of political interference between the politicians and workers. The top management of the county assemblies should be taken for leadership trainings concerning the emerging issues in the management sectors and the devolved governance
Effectiveness of head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education in public primary schools in Meru County, Kenya
Get PDFLB 1735.5 .M85 2017Head teacher-parent collaboration plays a crucial role in the improvement of inclusive education. The study was set to analyse the effectiveness of the head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education in public primary schools, in Meru County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to analyse the use of head teacher-parent collaboration context for the improvement of inclusive education; to examine the efficiency of the nature of head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education and to explore the value of head teacher-parent collaboration inputs for the improvement of inclusive education. The study was guided by Bronfenbrenner's bio-ecological systems theory and Peters' input-process-outcome¬context framework of Inclusive Education. The study used mixed research approach methods. Descriptive survey and phenomenology research designs, under quantitative and qualitative research approach methods respectively, were used. Qualitative research approach method was predominantly used. The target population was 101,612 (772 head teachers, 6,840 teachers and 94,000 parents). Out of the target population, there was a unique target population of 218 (77 head teachers, 68 teachers and 73 parents) who were actively involved in inclusive education in 77 inclusive public primary schools in Meru County. Through purposive and proportionate stratified random sampling, a number of eight (8) regular public primary schools and a sample size of 24 participants were selected from the unique target population. The study instruments used included; questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussion guide, observations and documents' analysis schedules. The tools were piloted for reliability and validity in Isiolo County, Kenya. Data was collected by the researcher through meeting with the participants face-to-face, which ensured whole response return rates. Quantitative data was analysed with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, while qualitative data analysis was done with the help of computer package, ATLAS. ti. The study findings were presented using descriptive statistics and narratives within themes generated from the collected data. The findings indicated that head teacher-parent collaboration context (policies, leadership and its structure) enhanced the improvement of inclusive education. Most of the schools used informal policies. The nature (teamwork, communication and cooperation) of head teacher-parent collaboration was inadequate and ineffective for the improvement of inclusive education. Head teacher-parent collaboration inputs (resources and strategies) were useful but inadequate for the improvement of inclusive education. Head teacher-parent collaboration facilitated the improvement of inclusive education in a remote and insincere manner. Head teacher-¬parent collaboration made dismal improvement in inclusive education. It was concluded that, head teacher-parent collaboration is crucial to the improvement of all schools. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education should formulate appropriate inclusive education policies. All schools should practice democratic leadership and ensure that teamwork, communication and cooperation improve in schools. The government and all education stakeholders should provide more resources to improve the effectiveness of head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education. The Teachers Service Commission should appoint head teachers who are positive about inclusive education and with the ability to work together with all parents to improve inclusive education
Gender based challenges encountered by female students in school based Bachelor of Education programme at Kenyan private universities, Kenya.
No full textSchool based education programmes are becoming a common way to acquire knowledge different from the traditional method of attending the classroom. This programme is being promoted by many universities as a way to cater for the needs of professional development of teachers, as well as to conserve academic and administrative resources such as classroom space, capacity and time. Because of traditional, social, religious affiliations the school based programme has been seen as a potential solution to help women achieve their educational goals. However, to date women students still encounter gender related problems in the bachelor of education in the school based in programme in Kenya Methodist University. The purpose of the intended study was to find out gender related problems encountered by female students enrolled in the school based bachelor of education programme at Kenyan private universities. The objectives of the study were to; find out institutional, situational and dispositional challenges encountered by female students and suggest intervention measures that can be put in place. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of all female learners enrolled in the school based Bachelor of Education programmes in private universities. The study employed simple random and purposive sampling technique to sample a total of 340 respondents from 10 universities that offer school based education Bachelor of Education programmes. The number of respondents to be included in the study was calculated according to the population of each respective university. Data was collected using self-scoring questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted to ascertain the reliability and expert judgment was used to establish validity of the instruments. Data collected from respondents was be analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential with the help of the computer package, SPSS. The findings of the study were presented in form of frequency distributions, graphs and tables. The study findings were; private universities lack appropriate management structural frameworks to implement gender policies. On institutional challenges 59.6% indicated that hostel services were not responsive to expectant and lactating students while 68.5% said that school based teaching schedules were not sensitive to gender needs. Situational challenges include; lack of adequate time for studies (44.3%), lack support from employers (20.2%) and lack of flexible time schedules (28.0%) Dispositional challenges include; having attitudes that inhibit participation in learning (85. 7%), I 00% of the students had poor academic background and lack peers to emulate in the community. The findings of this study may provide useful information to address gender related issues affecting learners enrolled in the school based Bachelor of Education programmes in private universities. The study recommends need for the private universities' management to put physical and social services responsive to gender needs of female students in the school based programme
The link between strategy adoption and performance of insurance firms in Meru county
No full textHF 5549.5 .P37 2017ABSTRACT
This study focused on the link between strategy adoption and performance of insurance firms in Meru County, Kenya. It was carried out in the backdrop of increased competition due to the emergence of many insurance companies in Kenya which has led to reduced performance in these firms. Insurance uptake is still very low in Kenya, regardless of it being practiced world over for a thousand years. There have also been unsustainable premiums charged by insurers due to many competitors in the industry that has created price wars. Consequently, the delivery of services has been compromised since companies are not able to fund for good settlement of claims and deliverance of services to their clients. Low penetration characterized limited markets as compared to other countries outside Africa, are competed upon by over 40 licensed insurance companies. This has resulted to entrant of other players such as banks into the insurance industry. The emergence of bank-assurance poses a great challenge to insurance as banks provide insurance services and encourages their customers to purchase directly from them. This raises fundamental question on the nature of strategies adopted and implemented by insurance companies in Kenya to ensure sustainable performance in highly volatile environment. These problems were addressed by examining the link between growth strategy, differentiation strategy, merger and acquisition strategy and strategic alliance strategies and performance of insurance firms in Meru County, Kenya. The target population comprised of the insurance firms registered by the National Chamber of commerce and industry in Meru County, Kenya. The sample population was 39 managers and unit managers of these insurance firms in Meru County, Kenya. Closed ended questionnaires were used as the main instrument to collect data which were self¬administered to the respondents. The study used logistic regression to show the relationship between the dependent variable, performance of insurance firms and independent variable growths strategy, differentiation strategy, merger strategy and strategic alliance. The study adopted descriptive research design and correlational study design. The study found that growth strategy and differentiation strategy had significant relationship with performance of insurance firms while merger and acquisition strategy and strategic alliance were found not to have a significant relationship with performance of insurance firms in Meru County Kenya. The study recommended that insurance firms ought to adopt growth strategy for them to be able to gain competitive advantage in addition to being a means of assessing returns of research and development. In addition, differentiation strategy was recommended for insurance firms since it commands a premium price for a product, increases sales because of additional buyers. who are won over by the differentiating features
