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Supply Chain Risk Management and Business Performance of Selected Oil and Gas Marketing Companies in Lagos State, Nigeria: Moderating Role of Firms' Size
No full textThe oil and gas marketing firms in Lagos State are faced with issues such as natural disasters (pandemic), man-made hazards (pipeline vandalization and oil theft) and macro-economic events (economic downturn, high inflation and foreign exchange volatility). These challenges have critically affected consumers purchasing power, causing an increasingly high cost of operations, dwindling revenue and consequently a decline in the operating performance of oil and gas companies, especially oil and gas marketing firms. This study investigated the effect of supply chain risk management strategy on the business performance of oil and gas marketing companies in Lagos, Nigeria as moderated by firm size. The study adopted a survey research design. The study population study was 1,044 full-time employees of five selected oil and gas marketing companies in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry in Nigeria where a sample size of 362 employees was selected. The study adopted purposive, stratified and proportionate sampling techniques. An adapted and validated questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and hierarchical multiple regression techniques. Findings indicate supply chain risk management strategy had a significant effect on the business performance of oil and gas marketing companies in Lagos, Nigeria. The finding further revealed that firm size significantly moderated the relationship between supply chain risk management strategy and business performance among oil and gas marketing companies in Lagos, Nigeria. The study recommended that the management of oil and gas marketing companies need to employ strategic agility measures to thoroughly understand the Nigerian oil and gas business environment which is germane for oil and gas marketers to enable them to build a framework that will enable them to survive the changing environment and gain overall performance.
Keywords: Firm Size, Food and Beverage Companies, Business Performance, Supply Chain Risk Management Strategy, Lagos State
 
Effects of Payment Cards on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textSince 2009, Kenya's financial system has experienced remarkable financial innovation with possible implications on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Increase in financial literacy in Kenya has increased the use of payment cards and also infrastructural expansion of commercial banks led to increase in the number of points of sales. However, later with the adverse effect of financial crisis since 2008, most banks were forced to close down some of their branches and points of sales as a cost cutting measure, some became victims of mergers and acquisitions. This led to decrease in the number of payment card transactions. Though ATMs have contributed a lot in improving the efficiency of banking to customers, they have a high fixed and maintenance cost. The study sort to establish the relationship between payment cards and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was used. The population of this study was 42 commercial banks licensed by the Central bank of Kenya from 2011 to 2020. The study used secondary data obtained from the 42 banks’ annual financial reports for a ten years’ time period from 2011 to 2020. The study was guided by Coase Theorem, Constraint Induced Financial Innovation Theory, Circumvention Innovation Theory and Innovation Diffusion Theory. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and panel model. The results indicate that Debit card on ATM had a positive significant relationship with ROA at 5% significance level. The Credit Cards on ATM and POS Machines were also positively related to ROA but were not statistically significant while Prepaid Cards ATM was negatively related to ROA and non-significant. The study recommends that commercial banks should continue investing in innovation delivery channels because they are able to control their costs much better as compared to investment on physical branches. The findings contributed to new knowledge to literature and theory
Internal Control System and Performance of Financial Institutions in Rwanda: A Case of Bank of Kigali in Nyarugenge District
No full textThe general objective of the study was to analyze the effects of internal control system on financial performance in Bank of Kigali. In methodology, descriptive research design was used to accumulate quantitative and qualitative information. The target populations of 398 BK personnel of headquarter where 191 respondents were selected by the formula of Krejcie and Morgan (1970). The data collection instrument such as questionnaires was used to accumulate information from the field. After processing the data, the last closing end result summarized in the structure of statistical tables such as descriptive statistical tables, regression tables and correlation analyzes for the use of the SPSS version 21.0 and the researcher gave an interpretation of the results. The study findings have proved a positive and significant relationship internal control system and financial performance because all calculated p-values are less than 0.01 significance level for instance the relationship between risk assessment and return on asset with B=.962 and sig=.000, between risk assessment and return on investment with B=.872 and sig=.000, between control activities and monitoring of operation with B=.917 and sig=.000, between control activities and return on equity with B=.937 and sig=.000, between control activities and return on asset with B=900 and sig=.000, between monitoring of operations and return on investment with B= 877 and sig=.000, between return on asset and return on investment with B=.889 and sig=.000, between return on asset and return on equity with B=.922 and sig=.000. Thus, implies that internal control system has an impact on financial performance in Bank of Kigali. Basing on the findings the research recommends BK to tackle all factors of internal control system in order to gather the information to enhance financial performance of Bank of Kigali.
Keywords: Internal control system, Performance, financial institutions, Bank of Kigali, Rwand
Regulatory Framework and Performance of Saving and Credit Co-Operatives in Rwanda:A Survey of Selected Saving and Credit Co-Operatives in Gasabo District
No full textA regulatory framework is regulation, law, rule or other orders prescribed by authority, especially to regulate the conduct of SACCO in Rwanda. Hence, the study sought to examine the impact of the regulatory framework on the performance of SACCOs in Rwanda with specific reference to the Survey of selected SACCOs in the Gasabo District. The research used a descriptive research design. The study targeted 110 drawn from two categories SACCO staff /employees and SACCO members. The study used both primary data and secondary data. The primary data was collected using structured questionnaires both open and closed. The data was analyzed using a qualitative and quantitative method using MS excel SPSS. Research findings showed there is a very high correlation (r=0.943) between internal control and performance. In addition, the study findings indicated a very high correlation (r=0.823) between saving mobilization and the performance of Sacco. It was revealed there is a very high correlation (r=0.749) between credit risk management and the performance of Sacco. The study reported the correlations between liquidity requirements and performance of SACCO is very high (r=0.923). Moreover, the results established that the regulatory framework is satisfactory in determining the performance. The adjusted R square was found to be 0.887. This implied that the regulatory framework could explain 88.7% of the variations in the performance. All four variables of the regulatory framework: Internal control, saving mobilization, credit risk management and liquidity requirement, were positively correlated to the performance. Furthermore, regression indicates that any change (increase) would have a significant change in the performance of Selected SACCO in the GASABO District. The recommendation is that the RCA and other policymakers of saving and credit cooperatives in Rwanda should clear that internal control, saving mobilization, credit risk management and liquidity requirement, and performance of selected Saccos in Gasabo District, Rwanda. There should be structuralization of permanent internal audit control and verification for all income and expenses of SACCOs and should set the boundaries for some members who ask for loans to limit payment loans.
Keywords: Internal control, Saving mobilization, Credit risk management, Liquidity requirement, Performanc
Investor Sentiment and Stock Market Return of Non-Financial Firms Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textInvestor sentiment is associated with attitude, thought, feeling, mood, belief, judgment, or expectation of market performance. The sentiment feeling is associated with investors' cognitive comparisons in their investment as well as their experience in making an investment decision. This study examined the effect of investor sentiment on stock market return of non-financial firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study adopted positivism as data collection and hypothesis development and testing was achieved. The study used quantitative research design to correlate study variables using mathematical analysis methods. The correlation results indicated that investor sentiment portrayed a positive association to stock market return. Regression of coefficients of the static model results indicate that investor sentiment and stock market return of non-financial firms listed on the Nairobi securities exchange is positively and significantly related. The results implied that there exist a positive and significant relationship between investor sentiment on stock market return since their coefficient values were positive. The regression coefficients result of lagged stock market return and stock market return was positively and significantly related. The regression of coefficients results indicate that investor sentiment and stock market return is positively and significantly related. The study concluded that investor sentiment has a positive and significant effect on stock market return in non-financial firms. These results imply that when investors are more optimistic about the market generating excess returns, their extreme optimism leads to more speculative activities that tempt them to invest even more. The study also shows that sentiment is relatively correlated with stock returns significantly over time. The study recommends that by taking the investor sentiment into account as a significant determinant of stock market volatility in asset price models, investors can enhance their stock returns. The results can inform on policymakers’ efforts to stabilize stock market volatility and uncertainty in order to protect investors’ wealth and attract more investors.
Keywords: Investor Sentiment, Stock Market Return & Non-Financial Firm
Influence of Accounting Information System on Decision Making Process in Audit Firms in USA
No full textAn accounting information system assists managers in making critical decisions by enhancing the firm's operational performance and long-term investment methods. Business uses accounting information system to collect, store, manage, process, retrieve and report data so it can be used by accountants, consultants, business analysts, managers, chief financial officers, auditors, regulators and tax agencies, among others. Hence, the study sought to examine the influence of accounting information systems on decision-making in audit firms in the USA. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The study included employees from Grant Thornton LLP. The collection of data was collected through stratified random sampling. The study used questionnaires to collect the data. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics to collect the data. The inferential statistics helped the study to examine the relationship between variables. The study findings showed that the accounting information system is positively and significantly related to decision-making (β=.901, p=0.009). It is concluded that a sound accounting information system needs to be simple and attain cost benefits balance, timeliness, accuracy, quality and conciseness. An information system is a formal process for collecting data, processing the data into information and distributing that information to users. The purpose of an accounting information system is to collect, store, and process financial and accounting data and produce informational reports that managers or other interested parties can use to make business decisions. The study recommended that audit firms consider and put proper measures to ensure that the accounting information system effectively influences decision-making. The firm should employ more well-informed workers about bookkeeping and establish a systematic strategy of executing the accounting systems to eliminate any difficulty. It is also recommended that accountants, consultants, business analysts, managers, chief financial officers, auditors, regulators and tax agencies rely on accounting information systems when making decisions.
Keywords: Accounting information system, decision making, Grant Thornton LLP, US
Bank Characteristics and Dividend Payout of Selected Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textDividend payout for Tier I banks in Kenya has remained relatively stagnant over the years even with improved financial performance. Central Bank of Kenya reports show that Kenya’s banking sector is very profitable with the average return on asset being about 2.6 per cent for the years between 2016-2021. Thus, this study sought to determine the effect of bank characteristics on dividend payout of Tier I banks. The study specifically aimed at objectively quantifying effect of bank size, liquidity, and profitability on dividend payout. Target population was all nine (9) Tier I banks listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchanges (NSE). Secondary data was acquired from audited and published financial reports of the nine (9) banks for the period between 2016-2021 using document review guide. Descriptive analysis and panel regression were applied for data testing. Independent variables were bank size, liquidity, and profitability while dependent variable was dividend payout. Market capitalization was used as a measure for bank size, book-to-market value as a measure for liquidity and earnings per share as a measure for profitability. Results indicated liquidity had a small negative statistically significant effect on dividend payout while both bank size and profitability had negative statistically insignificant effect on dividend payout. The study thus determined that bank characteristics had insignificant effect on dividend payout for Tier I banks. The study recommends that Central Bank of Kenya consider reducing Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and NSE consider an alternative stock classification system which will categorizes stocks in same sector based on size which will give a clear insight of the risk-return trade off characteristics at the NSE.
Keywords: Dividend Payout, Commercial Banks, Bank Characteristics, Market Capitalization, Book-to-Market value, Earnings per Share, Kenya
Project Management Leadership and Successful Completion of Road Construction Projects in Kenya National Highways Authority
No full textRoad construction projects in Kenya are facing problems of delays in their life cycle of implementation therefore not successfully completed. From previous studies done, several road projects do not get completed within the stipulated budget and timings and usually fail to meet the desired standards such as quality due to factors like inefficient time within the stipulated schedules, inadequate funds and lack of implementation facilities and equipment. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between project management leadership and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. The specific objectives of the study; to determine the relationship between leadership skills and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority, leadership experience and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority, leadership control and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority and leadership style. This study was anchored on the following theories: Trait theory of leadership, Behavioral theory, Human Capital theory, and the Control theory. This study employed a descriptive survey research approach. The target population in this study was KeNHA and KURA road construction projects which totals to 184. The study used stratified sampling technique to choose a sample of 126 from the study population. The researcher used questionnaire to collect primary data. The data obtained for this research was analyzed using the statistical package for social science. The study concludes that leadership skills has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. In addition, the study concludes that leadership experience has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. Further, the study concludes that leadership control has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. The study also concludes that leadership style has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of KeNHA should ensure regular training of the project managers to equip them with the necessary skills to enhance successful project completion. In addition, the management of KeNHA should adopt effective leadership practices to ensure road projects are completed on time and within the set budget.
Keywords: Project Management, Leadership Skills, Kenya National Highways Authorit
Contribution of Project Management Knowledge Areas on the Performance of Affordable Housing Projects; a Case of Kigali City
No full textThe research aimed to scrutinize the contribution of project management knowledge areas on the performance of affordable housing projects in Rwanda, case of Kigali City. The specific objective of the study was to examine the contribution of project cost management, to find out the contribution of project risk management, and assess how project quality management contributes on the performance of affordable housing projects. Institutional theory, resource-based view and dynamic concept of formation of business knowledge were used in theoretical review. A sample of 93 respondents among 121 of total population was engaged. For data alysis, SPSS version 23 was used. The findings indicated that cost management, risk management and quality management can influence the performance of affordable housing projects. It was recommended that there should be housing for different categories of people and their status; if it is for single person, small family or large family. The City of Kigali should advocate for the benefit of beneficiaries to get access to finance from different financial institutions in order to facilitate them getting those affordable houses. The cost of housing should be considered but without forgetting their quality.
Keywords: Project management knowledge area, performance, affordable housing project
Rural Non-Farm Enterprises Supporting the Agricultural Sector and their Relative Success in Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textRural areas encounter numerous challenges, which include poverty, food insecurity and unemployment. Declining productions in agribusiness plays a critical impact in having more individuals to partake in agricultural non-farm activities in the rural area to support their livelihoods. This study sought to identify the different kinds of rural non-farm enterprises (RNFEs) that support the agricultural sector in Kiambu County and their relative success. Ann epistemology philosophy was adopted. The target population was all non-farm small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kiambu County who have prevailed by supporting agrarian related exercises. This population of RNFEs came from every one of the 12 sub-areas: Gatundu North, Gatundu South, Thika, Juja, Githunguri, Ruiru, Kiambu, Kiambaa, Kabete, Kikuyu, Lari and Limuru. The study investigated five rural non-farm undertakings occupied with the accompanying regions: agribusiness activities, rural industrialisation ventures, transport services, the travel industry activities and development ventures. The study used questionnaires and interview guides for primary data collection. The findings indicated that what made most of RNFEs to begin the business was to bring in cash and utilized as a type of revenue. The study correlation results between the diversity of RNFEs that support the agricultural sector and rural livelihood outcome was positive and significant. The regression model depicted a positive and significant relationship between the various kinds of RNFEs that support the agricultural sector and rural livelihood outcomes. The inferential statistics demonstrated that the relationship between various types of RNFEs that help the effect of country non-farm undertakings on rural business results are significant. Therefore, is the study concluded that the help of RNFEs occupied with farming does affect rural business results in rural regions. Besides operating related rural-based commercial activities including agro-processing and ancillary commercial, it is possible to introduce activities to provide services to facilitate the adjoining agricultural commercial activities such as sale of fertilisers, insecticides or improved seeds.
Keywords: Rural Non-Farm Enterprises, Agricultural Sector, Kiambu County, Keny