Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Effect of Equity Financing Strategy on Service Quality; Does Bed Capacity Matter; Evidence from Healthcare Providers in Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to establish the moderating effect of bed capacity on the relationship between equity healthcare financing strategies and the delivery of quality healthcare services in Kenya. The target population being senior management and the clients drawn from 535 level 4 to 6 hospitals in Kenya. Random sampling was used to select a sample size of 242. Findings from Hayes Model 1 showed that bed capacity showed significant moderating effect on the relationship between equity financing and service quality (R2Δ=.091, β=.348, p<0.05). The study concludes that equity financing enhances delivery of quality service in hospital with high bed capacity. Further, government owned hospital with high bed capacity increase use of equity debt financing strategies in improving service quality delivery. The study provides unique knowledge on hospital financing in relationship to service quality. In addition, the study has contributed to new knowledge by indicating moderating effect of hospital bed capacity on financing strategies- service quality relationship.
Keywords: Equity Financing, Delivery, Service Quality, Hospital, Bed Capacity & Keny
The Impact of Financial Development on Economic Growth in Sudan
No full textThe paper sought to investigate the Impact of Financial Development on Economic Growth in Sudan during the period of 1990–2014. The research is intended to detect whether the financial development has contributed positive role or not on economic growth in Sudan during the period of last 24 years, using Augmented Dickey Fuller Test to figure out the availability of Unit root in the variables. Then after applying the Johnsen co-integration test the empirical results of the test have shown the association and positive impact of the money supply and banking credit to private sector on economic growth(GDP) in Sudan which discovered out the short and long run relationship between financial development and economic growth. The test shows the positive association between financial development and economic growth in Sudan which led to run the (VECM). The result of Vector Error Correction Model identified statistically significant of money supply and bank credit to private sector on economic growth. However, the financial sector is in needed for dramatic reforms in term of formulation of banking capital, effective financial regulations and balance in distributing banking credit to the most productive sectors of the economy. According to the figures (1) and (2) that showed the diagram of real GDP and GDP per capita in Sudan. The separation of South Sudan from Sudan was a great choke that hit Sudan’s economic growth severely, especially in the first and second year of the separation. But Sudan still has capacity to put its economic growth into right track if the political crisis resolved and investment’s opportunities open to the world.
Keywords: Financial, Development, Economic, Growth, Bank, Credit, Capital, Political, Instability, GDP
Effect of Financial Accessibility Challenges on the Growth of Women Group Owned Enterprises in Limuru Market
No full textFinancial accessibility as a determinant of growth of enterprises has remained a popular aspect of practical and theoretical consideration in Kenya since independence. Women enterprises comprise about a third of all business activities across the globe and contribute significantly to employment generation and economic development. However, women-owned enterprises have demonstrated low rates of growth and complete retardation in some instances. This study sought to establish the effect of financial accessibility challenges on the growth of women- owned in Limuru market of Kiambu County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive study design. The target population for this study was 310 women entrepreneurs operating within Limuru market. Using stratified random sampling technique, the study sampled 172 women entrepreneurs in Limuru market. Primary data from the selected women owned enterprises was collected using semi structured questionnaires. Findings from the study revealed that challenges in accessing finances have a negative and significant effect on growth of women owned enterprises (β = -.318; p=0.00, p < 0.05). Based on the findings and conclusions made in the study, the study makes the following recommendations. First, the County Government of Kiambu should empower women and create awareness regarding the role of women in entrepreneurship and economic growth. Further, the affirmative action funds such as WEF should relax their requirements for loan access to encourage many women to access funds. Moreover, the microfinance institutions and SACCOs in Kiambu County should encourage women to access funds to enable their businesses to grow.
Keywords: Financial Accessibility Challenges, Women-Owned Enterprises, Entrepreneurship
The Influence of Mergers and Acquisitions on Performance of Britam Holdings Limited, Kenya
No full textThe global business environment within which Multinational Corporations (MNCs) operate is characterized by dynamic and complex political, economic, social, cultural, technological, and legal aspects. The entry of new firms in the Kenyan market has tightened the level of competition among MNCs, which has necessitated designing and implementing of new competitive strategies to enhance performance. This study aimed at determining the influence of mergers and acquisitions on performance of Britam holdings limited, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the study was 887 staff at Britam holdings Ltd Nairobi. The findings of the study indicated that mergers and acquisitions have a significant positive relationship with performance of Britam holdings limited. The study recommended that multinational companies should embrace competitive strategies so as to improve performance of their companies and further research should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.
Keywords: Mergers, Acquisitions, Performance, Joint Ventures, Brita
Corporate Governance Practices and Tax Disclosure among Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
No full textTax disclosure has been associated with numerous benefits including putting pressure on regulators to develop the tax system and also propels organizations to oppose aggressive tax decrease strategies. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between corporate governance practices and disclosure of corporate tax among companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Kenya. The study employed an explanatory research design. The target population was 65 companies listed at the NSE, but only 56 firms were surveyed. Research variables data was derived from the companies annual financial statements. Panel data was collected from 2014 to 2018 for all 56 companies making 280 observations. The results revealed that ownership structure, board size and board independence had a positive and significant relationship with corporate tax disclosure among firms listed at NSE, Kenya. The study concluded that listed firms with directors who have a higher stock holding have high level of financial disclosure. In addition, board size has an impact on corporate tax disclosure because boards that are larger in size have diverse expertise to help make better decisions, and are harder for their powerful CEOs to dominate. Larger boards enable a firm to include more diverse board members bringing different areas of technical expertise. In addition, the study concluded that the higher proportion of independent non-executive and executive directors increased board effectiveness in monitoring the management of the firms in their decision making thereby increasing voluntary disclosures of information. The study recommended that the management of firms listed in NSE should ensure that the ownership structure is well constituted so that this does not limit corporate tax disclosure. It suggested that the firms management should ensure that there is an appropriate board size to ensure there is smooth coordination within the board. It also recommended that listed firms regulators ensure that there is board independence whereby majority of directors should be non-executive directors as this allows them to make appropriate and non-partisan decisions including matters regarding tax disclosure.
Keywords: Corporate governance practices, tax disclosure, Nairobi securities exchang
Influence of Adoption of Mobile Banking Strategy on the Financial Performance of Micro-Finance Institution in Nanyuki Town, Kenya
No full textThe study aimed at examining the influence of adoption of mobile banking on the financial performance of Micro Finance Institutions in Nanyuki town, Kenya. The theory guiding the study was the Technology Adoption Model developed by Davis in 1989. The research design adopted was descriptive research design. The target population was 142 management level employees from the three-deposit taking Micro-Finance institutions. The sample size comprised of 41 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires while data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used in data analysis. The findings established that financial accessibility was the top attribute for adoption of mobile banking strategy among the management of MFIs. Regression results revealed that mobile banking positively and significantly influence financial performance of MFIs. Adoption of mobile banking strategy was viewed to result to increased financial accessibility and effective service delivery of MFIs. However, a number of MFIs had not fully adopted the mobile banking platform. The study concluded that there is necessity for embracing the mobile banking platform by all MFIs to increase the number of transactions that results to increased financial performance of MFIs. The study recommendation is that MFI should adopt mobile banking as a modality for creating efficiency and effectiveness in customer outreach that eventually enhances financial performance.
Keywords: Mobile banking, financial performance, Micro Finance Institution
The Impact of Autism on Child Development; a Case Study of Children within Illinois State, USA
No full textRaising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be an overwhelming experience for parents and family members. The prevalent and extreme deficits frequently existing in children with ASD are associated with a myriad of problems, including reduced parenting effectiveness, increased parenting stress and a rise in psychological and physical health issues. Along with significant financial strain and stress, high prices of divorce and reduced overall family health highlight the burden that having a child with an ASD can put on families. The study findings showed that the persistent increase of autism is worrying and creating panic among the children in the United States of America. The content of aluminum, mercury, glyphosate and monosodium glutamate in the vaccination are considered to some of the primary causes the autism. Autism is affecting a large population of the children in the USA; however, people in power continue to blame other factors for causing autism rather than the vaccines. The study recommended that the content of aluminum, mercury, glyphosate and monosodium glutamate in the vaccination should be minimized and if possible, a further examination should be conducted to establish the repercussions of aluminum, mercury, glyphosate and monosodium glutamate in the treatment. The study also recommended that the government should recognize that autism is an epidemic in society and should deal with ways to minimize it instead of having the blame games about the causes of the disease. The study also recommended that several programs should be undertaken to resolve the variety of social, language and behavioral troubles associated with autism spectrum condition. Various other programs should focus on mentoring the kids on how to act in social scenarios or interact better with others. Further, children with ASD should be exposed to different activities to improve social skills, communication and behavior skills. The study also recommended that it is good to consult a medical expert to prescribe the best diet.
Keyword: Autism, aluminum, mercury, glyphosate and monosodium glutamate, Illinois State US
Innovative Strategies and Performance of Cement Manufacturing Firms in Athi River Zone
No full textThe aim of this study was to examine the influence of innovative strategies on performance of cement manufacturing firms in Athi River Zone. The objectives examined the influence of process innovation strategy, product innovation strategy, technology innovation strategy and service innovation strategy on organizational performance of cement manufacturing firms in Kenya. The objectives was used as they are involved with various forms of innovation. The study concentrated on the influence of innovation strategies on organization performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The theories that informed the study are organizational control theory, disruptive innovation theory, technology acceptance model, diffusion innovation theory and resource based view theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design where the unit of analysis was 5 cement manufacturing firms in Athi River Zone. Test of hypothesis was done at 95% confidence interval. This study conducted correlation and regression to weigh the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The regression of coefficients results show that technological innovation strategy and performance is positively and significantly related (B=0.197, p=0.001). The results further indicated that process innovation strategy and performance are positively and significantly related (B= 0.205, p=0.000). The results further indicated that product innovation strategy and performance are positively and significantly related (B= 0.183, p=0.002). Lastly, results showed that service innovation strategy and performance were positively and but insignificantly (B =0.031, p=0.585). The study sought to examine the influence of innovative strategies and performance of cement manufacturing firms in Athi River Zone. The study concluded that innovative strategies played a significant role on cement manufacturing firms. This is because there existed a positive and significant relationship between technological innovation strategy, process innovation strategy, product innovation strategy and service innovation strategy on cement manufacturing firms. The study recommends that the manufacturing firms should invest in innovative technology to survive intense competition currently experienced in the manufacturing sector. Finally, it is recommended that manufacturing firms should invest in automating routine tasks to improve efficiency in the production process. The study further recommends that the firms should adopt business process reengineering and embark on minimizing waste in the manufacturing process.
Keywords: Innovative Strategies, Performance, Cement Manufacturing Firms & Athi River Zone
Influence of Competitive Strategies on Firm Performance of Export Processing Zone Industries in Kenya
No full textThis study assessed the influence of competitive strategies on firm performance in textile industry in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study was to examine the influence of cost leadership strategies, focus strategies and differentiation strategies on firm performance in textile industry in Kenya. These theories informing the study were Porter's Generic Competitive Strategies, Capability Based Theory and Resource Based View Theory. The target population of the study was the 15 EPZ companies in Nairobi County. Data was collected by administering a semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive research design was adopted because the study sought to describe one variable in a population at the selected EPZ companies. The study used human resource, sales and operations departments. In order to check reliability of the results, study used Cronbach's alpha methodology, which was based on internal consistency of values more than 0.7. Quantitative data collected was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics using SPSS and presented through percentages, means, standard deviations, frequencies, Anova and the information was displayed by use of bar charts, graphs, pie charts, inferential statistics and regression analysis. The regression of coefficients results indicated that cost leadership strategy and firm performance were positively and significantly related (B=0.103, p=0.013). The results further indicated that focus strategy and firm performance were positively and significantly related (B= 0.129, p=0.001). Lastly, results showed that differentiation strategy and firm performance were positively and significant (B =0.0.078, p=0.043). The study concluded that competitive strategies played a significant role on firm performance in textile industry in Kenya. This is because there existed a positive and significant relationship between cost leadership strategy, focus strategy and differentiation strategy on firm performance in textile EPZ companies in Nairobi County. The study recommended that the textile organizations should focus on adopting competitive strategies so as to improve organizational performance through increasing customer base, asset quality, quality of service and increased market share.
Keywords: Competitive Strategies, Cost Leadership Strategy, Focus Strategy, Differentiation Strategy, Firm Performance, Export Processing Zone (EPZ) & Kenya
Influence of Customer Alignment on Strategy Implementation in HIV/AIDS Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya
No full textNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) face internal management problems in planning, staffing, leadership and governance and strategy implementation. They are required to think strategically as never before and translate their insight into effective strategies to cope with the changing environment they operate in. In addition, they need to develop rationales necessary to lay the groundwork for implementing strategies. Poor implementation of strategic plans impacts negatively on efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of NGOs in Kenya. The study assessed the influence of customer alignment on strategy implementation in NGOs in Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey; this is appropriate where the overall objective is to establish whether significant association among variables exists at same time. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. To test the validity and reliability of questionnaire, a pilot study of 10% of the sample was conducted. A sample size of 125 respondents comprising of project officers and managers in charge of strategy implementation was selected using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling methods. Findings indicated that there was a positive and significant influence of customer alignment on strategy implementation. Based on the findings, the study concluded that customer alignment enables the NGOs to identify and explicitly measure the value propositions they deliver to the targeted beneficiaries of their services and donors. The study further concluded that customer complaints whether from donor or receivers of services should be shared with all the staff in the organization so that they can be addressed adequately and professionally. Organizations should continuously review their strategies to ensure that they contribute to the attainment of customer satisfaction.
Keywords: Customers alignment, Strategy implementation, Non-Governmental Organizations, HIV and AID