Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Ethical Leadership and the Code of Ethics in American Corporate Firms: Wells Fargo & Company
No full textEvery company has core values and principles that guide the actions of that specific company. These values inform the decisions that are made and how they are made within that company, these values form the company's code of ethics. A company's code of ethics is specially designed for that company, and more often than not, cannot be implemented into other company without alterations. This is because companies have different cultures and therefore need different guidelines to guide their behavior and decision making. The paper evaluates the ethical concerns within Wells Fargo & Company, analyze its code of ethics, and evaluate the consequences that are faced by companies that engage in unethical and illegal activities. In conclusion, it is very important for an organization's culture to be based on ethics. An ethical decision making ensures that a company runs smoothly, is always in line with laws and regulations, and provides safe working conditions for employees who are more productive because of it. Organizations also benefit from running a business based on ethical decision making because this leaves the protected from the consequences that come with illegal and unethical business conduct and practices.
Keywords: Ethical Leadership, Code of Ethics, Corporate Firms and Wells Fargo & Compan
Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Performance in Canon Chemicals Limited in Kenya
No full textAlthough several studies have been done on the notion and context of Human Resource Management Practices (HRMPs) and their influence on employee performance in numerous organizations, none has been done within the cosmetic industry in Kenya. Therefore, there was a need for a study to be carried out concentrating on Kenya's cosmetic industry on what HRMPs impact on employee performance. The study was conducted at Canon Chemicals Limited in Mavoko Sub County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the effects of compensation and workers participation on employee performance. The study utilized descriptive research design. A sample of 40 participants was selected using census approach since the population at Canon Chemicals Limited was small. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the study participants and all the distributed questionnaires were duly filled and returned. Descriptive statistics used were frequencies and percentage distribution, while inferential analysis were correlations and regression. The findings of the study suggest a moderate relationship between HRMPs and overall employee performance. Contrary to expected results, regression analysis did not show a significant relationship between HRMPs under consideration and employee performance. Therefore, HRMPs should not be generalized to enhance employee performance; rather, other confounding factors that are out of scope in this current study may play a significant role in overall employee performance. The result of this study is an indication that Canon Chemicals Limited should improve on all the aspects of human resource management practices that include employee compensation and employee participation to spur overall employee performance. The organization needs to carry out regular surveys and have merit employee motivation and embrace a human resource management practices policy.
Keywords: Human Resource Management Practices (HRMPs), Performance Management.
 
A Review of the Cybersecurity Programs in the United States Army
No full textCybersecurity is very complex, and as such, decisions regarding cybersecurity are highly intertwined with the functionality and application of systems. The threat to cybersecurity is, however, ever-evolving and decisions regarding cybersecurity, therefore, need to be made with this in mind. Cybersecurity systems, therefore, need to be tailored to individual systems, be adaptive, have the ability to evolve with the threat as well as be highly integrated with the system designs and the mission these systems support . In the military, it is critical to develop systems that maintain the expected level of confidentiality, non-repudiation, authentication, integrity, and availability that aids towards the collective goal of cybersecurity. In the military there are several stakeholders that play a key part in cybersecurity with the main ones being; the ones commanding or using the military system, the ones involved in the acquisition, life-cycle management and testing, the authorizing officials, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the intelligence and the counterintelligence officers. Accountability and control is, therefore spread out throughout the organization. This, however, leads to the blurring of roles and responsibilities. In conclusion, therefore, even though militaries exist for the purpose of combat most of the time, they operate in relatively peaceful conditions. During these peaceful times, they imagine and manufacture wartime conditions to determine their preparedness and the chances of a victory with the current conditions and resources. A communication plan approach will be able to tear down the expected natural resistance since the leaders will support the proposed changes and even devote resources to see that they are successful. The purpose of the communication plan is to, therefore, make the leaders the advocates for change. This is based on the understanding that in this environment, change is not possible without support from the leadership.
Keywords: Cybersecurity, Intelligence, Communication & United States Arm
Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Market Share: A Survey of the Telecommunication Firms in Kenya
No full textThe telecommunications industry in Kenya contributes up to 10% to Gross Domestic Product. However, the Kenyan telecommunication industry is dominated by three operators that include Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom. This study sought to determine the influence of corporate social responsibility on market share in the telecommunication industry in Kenya with particular focus on how community social support, environmental responsibility, CSR economic expectations and consumer protection influence market share of the telecommunication industry. The study applied descriptive survey design. The study population was 123 telecommunication companies operating in Kenya. Data was collected was using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses by use of SPSS Version 25.0 software. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that community social support, environmental responsibility, CSR economic expectations and consumer protection had positive correlation with market share of the telecommunication industry in Kenya. Community social support, environmental responsibility, CSR economic expectations and consumer protection were found to explain 64.0% of market share of the telecommunication industry in Kenya. Consumer protection (B=.334) had the highest positive effect on market share, followed by CSR economic expectations (B=.277), community social support (B=.232) and environmental responsibilities (B=.211). Community social support, environmental responsibilities, CSR economic expectations and consumer protection had positive influence on market share of the telecommunication industry. The study concludes that community social support is a way to get back to the community by supporting the development of social amenities and services, environmental responsibility is at the core of environmental sustenance, consumer protection and CSR economic expectations are important pillars driving telecommunication firms’ market share. The telecommunication firms need to engage in active community social support via provision of social amenities, engage in activities that do not harm the environment particularly pollution, better methods of disposing used electronic items should be adopted by the telecommunication firms, there is need for a balance between firm’s desire for gains and other social responsibilities highlighted in this study and the need for the telecommunication firms to prioritize the safety and wellness of the consumer by ensuring that goods sold are functional, safe and accompanied with adequate customer support.
Key word: Corporate Social Responsibility, Market Share, Telecommunication Firms, Keny
Entrepreneurial Innovations and Financial Performance of Hospitality Consultancy Firms in Nairobi County
No full textHospitality consultancy firms have been facing turbulent times because of the ever changing business environment resulting to reduction in the profitability of the hospitality consultancy firms. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between entrepreneurial innovations and financial performance of hospitality consultancy firms. The specific objectives are to; determine the effect of service innovation, market innovation, product innovation and process innovation on financial performance of hospitality consultancy firms. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study population was 51 hospitality consultancy firms comprising 19 large sized and 32 small sized in Nairobi City County Kenya. Structured questionnaire was employed to collect data and analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0. Service innovation, market innovation, product innovation and process innovation explain 68.1% of performance of hospitality consultancy firms. The coefficient of service innovation (B=.370, p=0.005<0.05), the coefficient of market innovation (B=.199, p=0.037<0.05), coefficient of product innovation (B=.261, p=0.016<0.05) and coefficient of process innovation (B=.226, p=0.000<0.05) have positive and significant effect on the performance of hospitality consultancy firms. The study concludes that service innovations among the entrepreneurial innovations play the most significant role in enhancing performance hospitality consultancy firms. The study further concludes that product innovation was found to be the second most important entrepreneurial innovation for the hospitality consultancy firms. Conclusion can be made further that marketing innovations is essential in maintain market visibility of the hospitality consultancy firms and that process innovation enhances the operation efficiency of the hospitality consultancy firms. The study recommends for the need of the hospitality consultancy firms to continuously participate in research and development with hospitality training institutions to continuously introduce other innovative services that suit the changing business environment. The study recommends for the need of the hospitality consultancy firms to develop innovative products based on customer desire and preferences. The study recommends that marketing approaches of the hospitality firms have to be directed at meeting customers’ needs.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Innovations, Financial Performance, Hospitality Consultancy Firms, Nairobi Count
Influence of Contingency Recovery Plans on Survival of Horticultural Firms in Naivasha, Kenya
No full textContingency recovery plan is to contain and minimizes the loss that may be realized by the organization in the future. Horticulture farming activities in Naivasha has been decreasing with many firms closing down their operations and others relocating to other countries such as Ethiopia. For instance, Karuturi flower farm became unsustainable in 2016 and shut down its operations. This is an indicator of an underlying concern, thus, the study sought to assess the influence of contingency recovery plans on survival of horticultural firms in Naivasha. The study was anchored on knowledge-based theory. The study adopted a mixed research methodology. The researcher utilized a descriptive research design. The unit of observation was 195 respondents who included managers, supervisors and the staff. The study used primary and secondary data. Questionnaires were administered to supervisors and staff, while interview guides to the managers. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study results showed that contingency recovery plans and firm survival is positively and significantly related (B=.452 p=0.000). The study concluded that recovery plans and firm survival is positively and significantly related. The study recommended that there is the need to have a disaster recovery team that are always ready for the recovery plans in the organization. Moreover, there is the need to have precautions developed in the organization to minimize the effects of a disaster. A written recovery plan that describes how the organization will respond when disaster or hardship strikes need to be drafted. It is recommended that there should be a time frame developed for the recovery plans in the organization. The communication system for the recovery plans in the organization needs to be effective to ensure smooth sharing of the information.
Keywords: Contingency Recovery Plans, survival, horticultural firms, Naivasha, Keny
Porter’s Generic Strategies and Market Share Growth of Skol Brewery Ltd in Rwanda
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine porter’s generic strategies and market share growth of Skol Brewery in Rwanda. The specific objectives were to: determine effect of cost leadership, differentiation, and market focus on market share growth of Skol Brewery in Rwanda. The target population consists of 287 staff members of Skol Brewery Ltd. The study used simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select a sample of 167 employees. Quantitative data was obtained using questionnaire while a documentary checklist was used to obtain secondary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative data analysis while content analysis was used for qualitative analysis. Results on cost leadership show a tight cost in all business activities (mean of 4.333), economies of scale (mean of 3.666), and efficient cost saving for designs (means of 4.000) and effective operational cost reduction (mean of 3.666) were used as a cost leadership component. A positive correlation was found between cost leadership and sales (r=231**, p=0.006), investment rise (r=.159**, p=0.043) and profit margin (r=.174**=0.014).Results on differentiation felt that cost allocated to the control of quality of goods and services (mean of 4.333), effort in reputation management (mean of 4.000), names (mean of 4.833). A positive correlation was between differentiation and sales (r=.274**, p=0.039), investment rise (r=.187, p=0.035) and profit margin (r=.324, p=0.032).Results on market focus found that marketing specification for products (mean of 3.833) is the measurement that has the highest level of application. A positive correlation was between market focus strategy and sales (r=.854**, p=0.018), investment (r=.873**, p=0.035) and profit margin (r=.750**, p=.0.036). The study concludes that there is no significant relationship between porter strategies and market share growth. The study recommends that management of the brewery company should evaluate implementation of cost leadership, conduct a study on market focus to respond to market niches as any gap in customer centric products would yield customer non responsiveness, benchmark differentiation, and hire competent staff to achieve its success.
Keywords: Porter’s Generic Strategies, Cost Leadership Strategy, Differentiation Strategy, Market Focus Strategy, Market Share Growt
Project Financing and Implementation of Mobile Banking Projects in Selected Commercial Banks in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textThe implementation of mobile banking projects in Kenya has been experiencing challenges, with customers expressing concerns over system failure. There is a clear indication that implementation of mobile banking projects is not seamless and therefore the need to look into the problem. This study evaluated the effect of project financing on the implementation of mobile banking projects in selected commercial banks in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The target population was mobile banking projects from six tire one commercial banks in Nairobi County. The correlation results indicated that project financing had a positive and significant association with mobile banking project implementation. The study concluded that project financing contributes significantly to successful implementation of mobile banking projects. The study recommended the need for banks’ management to ensure that there was adequate budgetary allocation to support projects.
Keywords: Project financing, Project implementation, Mobile banking project, Commercial bank
Project Fund Management and Performance of Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project of Minicom, Rwanda
No full textProject performance is shown by its achievement in realizing project quality, cost, and time. Generally, many projects in world, in regional and in Rwanda are failing to achieve their goals as an outcome from various aspects includes poor fund management. As a result, the purpose of this study was to look into the effects of fund management on project performance in a public institution (Rwanda) using a case study of the Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project, which was run by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM). The study's objectives were to examine the impact of budget on project performance in the public sector, assess the influence of fund allocation on project performance in the public sector, and assess the impact of fund control on project performance in the public sector in Rwanda. The study employed a population of 119 as staff working in the Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project under a single project implementation unit under MINICOM, and used a descriptive and correlation research method. Interview guide and questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data processing was done with SPSS 23th Version. The data was processed and displayed in tables. Throughout, the findings, it was established that there is a favorable association between financial budgeting and project performance, a positive correlation between budget allocation and project performance, as well as a correlation between fund control and project performance. The regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between the independent and dependent variables. This means that the change from project management to budgeting, fund allocation, and fund control will necessitate a greater focus on budgeting, money allocation, and money control. According to the conclusions of the study, funds should be adequately budgeted, allocated, and controlled for project performance. In general, the findings concluded that the ways money of the project managed has determined project success. When project finances are successfully managed, the project meets its objectives; nevertheless, when project funds are badly handled, the project's objectives and goals are not met. From the conclusion drawn, it was recommended that during the phase of project planning; partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries should be involved for effective fund budgeting and allocation. The study also recommends that people involved in project monitoring and control must carry out this activity in effective way because the study found that project performance depends on project fund control. People involved in project monitoring and control should oversee how the project funds are being used.
Keywords: Project Fund Management and Performance of Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project
Critical Review of Apple’s Advertising Strategies in North America
No full textAdvertising is a form of communication meant to lead an audience towards a particular decision concerning a product, service, or idea. Advertising sometimes uses narratives for marketing a product. This type of advertising involves the use of a story to sell a good, product, or service. The use of narratives in marketing has become widely used over the past years as other forms of marketing became redundant and ineffective. Narratives evoke a feeling in the audience and are a more effective method than previous ads and marketing tools. Apple uses its narrative in all the advertisements that it does. It researches its consumers’ needs and past purchasing behavior and uses that information to develop strategies that influence the purchasing behavior of targeted consumers. This paper sought to research the advertising strategies that Apple uses to promote its products, how Apple uses narratives in its advertising, how the brand influences consumer purchasing behavior, and an analysis of how companies have imitated the company’s advertising strategies.
Keywords: Apple, Advertising Strategies & North Americ