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Policy Formulation and Advocacy towards Sustainability of Aviation Industry in Kenya: A Literature Based Review
No full textSustainability of the aviation sector takes a multidimensional approach including economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability. Thus, the sustainability of the aviation industry sector presents a challenging task in enhancing the three aspects of aviation industry sustainability. The three aspects in most instances conflict for instance as economic aspect of sustainability is enhanced, the environmental aspect of sustainability deteriorates. Formulation of aviation industrial policies requires multi-agency involvement. The aviation industry sector has many other bodies and agencies that must be considered for industrial advice, engagement and consultation. A particular aviation industrial policy formulated may conflict with policy guidelines from other partners and agencies. The purpose of this study was to undertake an empirical review on policy formulation and advocacy towards sustainability of aviation industry in Kenya. Literature based review was adopted in this paper. The planning theory, Functional Process Model and Dynamic Capabilities Theory anchored this paper. From the literature review, it was identified that sustainability of the aviation industry takes a multidimensional approach that include economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability. The unique phenomenon presents a unique challenge in promoting satisfactory sustainability in the aviation industry. As such, the study recommends for prudent aviation policies, carefully and collaboratively formulated to balance the three aspects of sustainability in the aviation industry. The policies include environmental sustainability policies that ensure that airline operators use less pollutant fuels, economic sustainability policies including polices on excellent service delivery to customers, affordable airline maintenance practices and fair competition strategies among the participants in the industry. Social responsibilities policies to be adopted include clauses that promote active participation of the airline operators in building social services/amenities and protecting employees from abuse by the employer (s).
Key words: Policy formulation, sustainability, aviation industry, Keny
Influence of Market Philosophy Management on Export Performance in Regional Markets: Empirical Study from North America
No full textThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of market philosophy management on export performance in regional markets: empirical research from North America. This is the philosophy that customers will certainly prefer items that are readily available and very affordable which management should therefore focus on boosting production and distribution performance. Production idea focuses on reduced manufacturing prices, high production performance and mass production (large volume of production). Manufacturing principle is among the earliest company concepts. According to this concept, customers prefer cheap and also quickly readily available products obtainable on the unsaturated market. This research study was a literary works based. Based upon the reviewed literature, for the low export participation companies, distribution capacity can supply the assistance and cooperation needed to take care of the export channels effectively bring about new market growth as well as increased export sales. On the other hand, high export involvement companies have the essential export experience as well as sources and are efficiently handling the circulation channels in the present export markets. There are five completing concepts under which organizations can select to operate their organization; the manufacturing idea, the product idea, the marketing idea, the advertising concept, and also the alternative marketing concept. The four components of alternative advertising are partnership advertising, inner marketing, incorporated advertising, and also socially receptive advertising. The collection of interactions required for effective advertising and marketing administration consists of, catching advertising and marketing understandings, getting in touch with customers, constructing solid brand names, forming the marketplace offerings, delivering and also connecting value, producing lasting growth, and also establishing advertising approaches as well as plans.
Key Words: Market, Philosophy, Management, Export, performance, North Americ
Risk Management on Access to Credit by Women Owned Small and Medium Enterprises
No full textThis study sought to establish the influence of risk management on access to credit by Women owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A descriptive research design guided by cross sectional survey was adopted for the study. The target population was drawn from women owned enterprises specifically owners of businesses in Nairobi County, Kenya. A sample of 370 was derived from the population. Data was collected from the respondents using structured questionnaires. Analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 24, both descriptive and inferential statistics (correlation analysis and multiple regressions) were used to establish hypothesized relationships between the variables. The results were presented in form of tables, graphs, charts, means, standard deviations, t and f statistics. The findings of the study revealed that risk management statistically and significantly predicts the access to credit by SMEs owned by women (i.e., the regression model is a good fit of the data) and that risk management significantly influence the access to credit by SMEs owned by women in Kenya.
Key words: Risk management, access to credit and women owned SME
Strategic Procurement Practices and Organizational Performance in the Construction Industry in Kenya: A Case Study of Allied Plumber Ltd
No full textThe general objective of the study was to identify the importance of strategic procurement on organizational performance. The study used descriptive research design and a target population of 53 employees of Allied Plumbers limited drawn from planning and finance, human resource and administration, procurement, engineering and operations, tendering and contracts, and site and construction departments. The study used stratified sampling together with Yamane formula; a sample of 47 respondents was obtained from whom data was obtained using structured questionnaires. Data analysis involved use of descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. The research found out that strategic procurement plays a pivotal role in organizational performances. The study further found that the organization frequently executes a strategic procurement practice that is identification and selection of suppliers, procurement negotiation prior to procurement and contract management, good supply chain relationships with suppliers, good inventory management systems, but rarely delegate procurement authority. The study concluded that organizations that fashion prudent strategic management practices have an upper hand slithering through the dynamics of change and eventually emerging as a performer and successful organizations, and strategic procurement is a core capability of the organization. The study recommends that organization need to frequently delegate expertise procurement roles to technical team for quality purchases translating to quality and sustainable installations leading to gaining competitive advantage.
Key words; Strategic Procurement, Organizational Performanc
Determinants of the Implementation of Youth Projects for Sustainable Peace: A Case of Tana River County, Kenya
No full textThis study was guided by four objectives: to establish how capacity building influence implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace; to determine how financial availability influence implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace; to assess how education for empowerment influence implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace and to examine how practical skills influence implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 640 participants where a random sample of 64 respondents was utilized. Data analysis was carried out through descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS to test hypothesis and measure variables. The study established that there was a statistically significant relationship between capacity building, financial availability; education for empowerment and practical skills and their influence on the implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace. The majority of the respondents strongly agreed that financial availability is a fundamental aspect of the implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace at above 85% based on data drawn from the statements. This was confirmed statistically on the test of the hypothesis as: there was a statistically significant association between capacity building and implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace (χ2(22) = 28.869, p < .05). The null hypothesis at 5% level of significance and conclude that there is a significant relationship between capacity building and successful implementation of youth programs for sustainable peace. Financial availability and implementation of youth programs for sustainable peace was (χ2(33) = 25.289, p < .05). Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis at 5% level of significance. Education for empowerment and success in the implementation of youth projects for sustainable peace was (χ2(22) = 11.783, p < .05). As a result, we reject the null hypothesis at 5% level of significance. Practical skills and implementation of youth programmes for sustainable peace was (χ2(44) = 47.84, p < .05). Consequently, we reject the null hypothesis at a 5% level of significance and conclude that there is a significant association between practical skills and the successful implementation of youth programs for sustainable peace. The study recommended the execution of capacity building schemes like the development of training programs to facilitate youth on required capabilities. It also recommended training on entrepreneurship skills, information awareness campaigns, peacebuilding awareness, and youth development training programs that will enhance youth capabilities for effective implementation of youth projects. The research recommended that future researchers could also consider looking into the impacts of these factors on youth projects for sustainable peace.
Keywords: Implementation, Capacity building, Financial availability, Education empowerment, Practical skills, and Sustainable peace
Factors Influencing Implementation of Projects in State Corporations in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Pipeline Company Limited
No full textThe study was guided by four objectives; to assess how the financing process, project management structures, public procurement system and personnel competency of employees influence the Implementation of Projects in state corporations in Kenya. The study adapted a descriptive study design with a target population of 500 employees and a sample size of 50 respondents. Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire while secondary data was collected from a focus group consisting of Departmental Heads and Project Managers. The collected data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Descriptive analysis such as frequencies and percentages were used to present quantitative data in form of tables. The data was analyzed using (SPSS) Statistical Package for Social Science. Testing Hypothesis revealed that a factor increase in (X1) financing process factors would improve the project implementation process by 0.04, whereas a unit increase in project management structures (X2) would boost the efficiency of the project implementation process (Y) by 0.153, public procurement system (X3) affects the project implementation process by approximately (0.304). Findings of the study determined that the factor that most affects project implementation at Kenya Pipeline Company is personnel competency accounting for 0.405 (40%). Recommendations were that in collaboration with the government, the top-level management needs a proper financial guideline that has a clear direction when it comes to sourcing for funding. The senior management should also be readily available to offer provision of direction where required or needed. Additionally, state corporations need to review job description for any employees that will take part in the project implementation process. A replicate of the same with an emphasis on more objectives such as government/political interference and mismanagement of funds and lack of sufficient monitoring evaluation will help understand factors that influence project implementation in state corporations better.
Keywords: Financing process, project management structures, public procurement system and personnel competency of employees
Entrepreneurship skills and Growth of Women-Owned MSEs in Central Kenya Counties
No full textThe aim of the study was to analyze the influence of entrepreneurship skills on growth of women-owned MSEs in Central Kenya counties. The study was anchored by the Knowledge Spillover theory. The research adopted descriptive research design with a target population of 2472 women entrepreneurs registered and recipients of Uwezo Fund. A sample size of 333 respondents was selected. Data was collected through questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The findings of the study revealed that entrepreneurship skills were positively and significantly related to the growth of women-owned MSEs in Central Kenya Counties. The study further established that delegation skills, risk taking skills and communication skills were pertinent in explaining the growth of women-owned MSEs. The study concluded that entrepreneurship skills positively and significantly influence growth of women-owned MSEs in Central Kenya Counties. The study also concluded that women entrepreneurs failed to see the significant contribution of entrepreneurship skills in enhancing enterprise growth. The study recommended that women entrepreneurs should be bold in embracing entrepreneurship skills such as communication skills, risk taking skills and communication skills.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship Skills, Women-Owned Enterprises, Growth of Enterprise
Effect of Technology innovation on Performance of Small Scale Coffee Enterprises In Mexico
No full textThe vast majority of Mexican coffee, and particularly organic coffee, is grown by small farmers in the southern-most states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. These two states also happen to be the poorest in the country, and not coincidentally, have the largest indigenous populations. Coffee is a significant export crop in Mexico and contributes to around of US$ 153.4 million annually. In Mexico, among one of the most largely populated countries in North America, land parcels are extremely little, balancing only a few acres. The coffee industry in Mexico is controlled by smallholder coffee manufacturers, with an average of 170 coffee trees each. The earning of the Farmers from the farm outpus depends largely on the leve of production. Thus, conducting a study to examine the methods or approaches that can be used to increase productivity or performance is significant. Access to technology and better infrastructure for Mexican’s millions of smallscale farmers will enable them to progress to commercial scale production and thus improve food security and the overall country revenue. This formed the basis to conduct the study to examine whether technology has an impact on performance of small scale coffee enterprises in Mexico. The explanatory research design was utilized in the study. The target population included small scale farmers in Chiapas and Oaxaca. The results of the study indicated that technological innovation is positively and significanyly related to performance of small scale coffee enterprises in Mexico. The results implied that a unit increase in the technological innovation will increase the performance of small scale coffee enterprises in Mexico by 0.0931. Thus, technologica innovation is one of the fundamanetal factors that need to be taken with much seriousness. The study concluded that technology is one of the fundamental factors that is immprocing the priodctivity of the coffee production in Mexico. The study concluded that farmers need to e helped to advance to the modern technology in farmring. The study recommended that farmers need to adopt the modern technology. Today's farming regularly makes use of innovative modern technologies such as robotics, temperature level and also moisture sensors, airborne photos, and GPS technology is crititcal in enhcing the productivity. The strudy recommended that government and other agricultural stakeholders need to emphasize on improving the farmers with financial literacy and education of the best technology to adapt.
Keyword: Technology, innovation, Performance, Small Scale Coffee Enterprises, Chiapas Oaxaca, Mexic
E-Procurement Practices and Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Bogota, Colombia
No full textAdvances in technology are changing how purchasers and providers acquire goods and services. Procurement functions have therefore become a strategic unit for many organizations because huge costs can be cut down through prudent procurement hence an increase in profitability. The study assessed the impact of e-procurement practices on performance in large manufacturing firms in Bogota, Colombia. The procurement practices included e-bidding, e-tendering, e-purchasing and e-sourcing. This study was based on contingency theory and technology acceptance theory. The target population for the study was 50 large-sized manufacturing firms in Bogota Colombia where the unit of analysis were procurement managers and procurement supervisors. SPSS software for analysis. Regression analysis results indicated that E-bidding (?=.124, p=0.002, E-tendering (?=.111, p=0.005) E-purchasing and performance, the regression analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship (?=.089, p=0.023) E-sourcing (?=.125, p=0.004) were positively and significantly related with the performance of large manufacturing firms in Bogota, Colombia. The study concluded that the firms adopt various E-procurement practices which include; E-bidding, E-tendering, E-purchasing and E-sourcing as a way of improving their financial performance. The study recommends that large manufacturing should adopt E-procurement practices owing to their immense benefits to the performance of the firm which includes; improved financial performance, reduced inbound lead time and efficiency and increased procurement volumes processed. The study further recommends that large manufacturing firms contemplating adopting E-procurement practices should integrate their systems since a lack of system integration is a major challenge to E-procurement.
Keywords: E-Procurement, Manufacturing Firms, Bogota, Colombia
 
Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Companies listed under Manufacturing and Allied Sector at Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya
No full textCapital structure is a prevalent subject that has continued to pose a challenge among scholars in the field of finance and has increased remarkable attention since 1950's. The manufacturing and allied sector contribution of Gross Domestic Product has remained stagnant with inadequate increases in the previous three decades, giving an average of 10% from 1964-73 and increasing slightly to 13.6% from 1990-2007 and averaging below 10% recently. The purpose of this study was to assess capital structure and financial performance of companies listed under manufacturing and allied sector at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The study employed descriptive research design and data was analyzed using multiple regressions. The target population comprised all the eight companies listed under manufacturing and allied sector at the Nairobi Security Exchange, Kenya where census approach was adopted. Results of the study revealed that retained earnings and equity have negative influence on financial performance of firms listed under manufacturing and allied sector in Kenya. Long term debt however, was found to have a positive impact on financial performance as measured by Return on Equity. The study recommends that the management board of manufacturing and allied sector should revamp their policies by adopting strategies that ensure optimum capital structure. Moreover, manufacturing companies should come up with more investing schemes and products diversification to increase their proceeds and hence additional capital.
Keywords: Capital Structure, Financial Performance, Retained Earnings, Equity & Long Term Debt