Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2323 research outputs found
Sort by
Strategies for Effective Application in Multi-Cultural Environments and Demonstration of Ability to Forecast Organization Development Trends Through Strategic Thinking
No full textIn today's globally interconnected business environment, organizations face the dual challenge of effectively managing cultural diversity while anticipating future development trends to maintain competitive advantage. This paper examines strategies for effective application in multicultural environments and demonstrates how strategic thinking enhances organizational development forecasting capabilities. Through comprehensive literature analysis, the study identifies cultural sensitivity, inclusive leadership, and cross-cultural communication as fundamental enablers of collaboration and innovation in diverse workforces. The research explores ten critical multicultural management strategies, including team building, conflict resolution, performance evaluation, and global mobility programs. Simultaneously, it analyzes strategic foresight methodologies—environmental scanning, scenario planning, and continuous trend monitoring—that enable organizations to anticipate and adapt to dynamic market demands. The study reveals that integrating cultural competence with strategic agility through agile organizational structures, sustainability frameworks, and continuous monitoring systems enhances team cohesion, decision-making effectiveness, and long-term organizational resilience. The findings demonstrate that organizations successfully combining multicultural management capabilities with strategic forecasting tools achieve superior adaptability and competitive positioning in rapidly evolving global markets.
Keywords: Strategies for Effective Application, Multi-Cultural Environments, Ability to Forecast, Organization Development Trends, Strategic Thinkin
Project Managers’ Leadership Behaviour and Success of Completed Public Infrastructural Mega Projects in Kenya
No full textLeadership is central to project management and greatly contributes to whether a project succeeds or fails. A lack of effective leadership capabilities is often associated with project failure. Even with the progress made in project management practices, many projects still fall short, with only about one in ten being delivered on time and within the allocated budget. Thus, this study examined the relationship between project managers' leadership behaviour and the success of completed public infrastructure megaprojects in Kenya. The study was anchored on three theoretical frameworks: Transformational, Situational, and contingency leadership theories. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting a population of 44 project team members from key ministries involved in overseeing major projects implemented between 2014 and 2024. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results revealed that in the absence of all leadership variables, namely adaptive, predictive, hybrid, and motivational, the baseline success rate of public infrastructural mega projects in Kenya stood at 21.502. Statistical analysis revealed that a unit increase in adaptive leadership led to a 0.689 rise in project success, with significance confirmed by a p-value below 0.05. Similarly, each one-unit increase in predictive leadership resulted in a 0.711 rise in project success, a statistically significant relationship supported by a p-value of 0.001. Additionally, enhancing hybrid leadership by one unit led to a 0.633 improvement in project success, with the statistical significance confirmed by a p-value less than 0.05. Finally, a one-unit increment in motivational leadership led to a 0.618 rise in project success, supported by a p-value of 0.008. These outcomes indicate that all four leadership styles significantly affect the success of public infrastructural mega-projects in Kenya at a 95% confidence level. Predictive leadership emerged as the most influential, followed by adaptive, then hybrid, with motivational leadership having the least impact. The study also noted uncertainty regarding whether leaders demonstrated flexibility in decision-making. It was found that while leaders did provide experiences that helped others acquire new skills and were capable of analysing complex issues to foresee outcomes, they often lacked effective communication support and a deep understanding of organisational objectives. The study recommends that project leaders strengthen their adaptability to more effectively manage the dynamic and changing demands of mega projects. It further suggests the implementation of leadership development programmes and training focused on improving decision-making agility and problem-solving capabilities. The study calls upon the government and other stakeholders to invest in ongoing leadership training tailored to the distinctive challenges of managing infrastructure projects. Such training should encompass project management, stakeholder coordination, and strategic leadership competencies.
Keywords: Leadership Behaviour, Success, Public, Infrastructural Mega Projects, Keny
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises
No full textThe role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the economy cannot be understated. This sector contributes to the majority of employment, both in the informal and formal sectors. However, these enterprises face several challenges, ranging from inadequate skills to run their operations, inaccessible credit finance, limited credit terms and conditions, and external environmental factors such as pandemics and global economic recessions, which often hinder their growth. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the growth of SMEs. A corresponding hypothesis was formulated and tested. Data was collected from a sample of 384 SMEs spread across eight sub-economic sectors using a 5-point Likert scale structured questionnaire. Analysis was conducted using multiple regression after testing for diagnostic assumptions. The findings of the study showed that entrepreneurial orientation statistically and significantly affected growth of SMEs with a p=0.0001. Coefficient statistics showed a beta value of 0.492, which meant that entrepreneurial orientation increased the growth of SMEs by up to 49% of the realized changes. The study concluded that SMEs should pursue skills and knowledge, which are requirements for effective and better running of business operations, including accounting, marketing, and financial management for growth.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, Growth, Small and medium enterprise
Likability vs. controversy: Investigating The Effects of Emotions on E-word of Mouth (EWOM) Reach for The Trump Brand
No full textA growing number of marketers has been trying to encourage more user-generated content as an addition to their traditional promotional activities. User-generated content might behave differently, as it originates by definition from the brand’s followers and observers and therefore might be linked to higher levels of trust than company sponsored information. Additionally, co-created content could be more controversial than messages generated by corporations, as it is not screened for political correctness and displays the honest opinion of the audience. The current study examines which strategies companies should use to generate user-generated content. More specifically, the paper aims at contributing to closing this research gap, by investigating the amount of participation and virality of co-creation, based on different emotions for Twitter messages about Trump and his brand. A focus shall be laid on the question whether more beneficial results might be achieved by striving for likability through positive messages or by purposely stirring up a controversial discussion through negative emotions, thereby creating higher visibility online.
Keywords: Virality, controversy, eWOM, co-creation, content marketing, political marketing, social medi
Financial Innovation and Financial Performance of Deposit-Taking SACCOs in North Rift Region, Kenya
No full textDeposit-taking SACCOs in the North Rift Region of Kenya face significant financial performance issues that impede their ability to effectively serve their communities and sustain long-term growth. Therefore the study sought to assess the effect of financial innovation on financial performance of deposit-taking Saccos in North Rift Region, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of product innovation, process innovation and organizational innovation on the financial performance of DT-SACCOS in the North Rift region. The study was anchored on the Schumpeter’s theory of innovation, transaction cost innovation theory, innovation diffusion theory and dynamic capabilities theory. The study employed a causal research. The unit of analysis was 30 deposits taking SACCOs licensed by SASRA in the North Rift Region. The unit of observation was 408 employees working with the with these SACCOs. The study used Slovin formula to obtain a sample size of 202 respondents. Secondary and primary sources of data were used to meet the objectives. The study assessed content validity, face validity and construct validity. Secondary data was collected through data google sheet to collect data on net income and average total assets for all the Saccos. Descriptive statistics was employed in this study to determine general trends of the related variables. The study used multiple linear regression to determine the extent to which independent variable predicted the dependent variable. The findings revealed that product innovation had a strong positive correlation with ROA. In addition, the findings revealed that process innovation showed an even stronger positive correlation with ROA. Finally, the findings revealed that organizational innovation was positively correlated with ROA. Based on the findings the study concludes that product innovation had a significant effect on the on financial performance of deposit-taking Saccos in North Rift Region, Kenya. In light of the findings the study recommends that the Deposit-Taking SACCOs (DT-SACCOS) should embrace a culture of innovation by encouraging creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement within the organization. In addition, regulators and policy makers should develop supportive regulatory frameworks and policies that encourage innovation, competition, and entrepreneurship within the SACCO sector.
Keywords: Financial Innovation, Product Innovation, Process Innovation, Organizational Innovation, Financial Performance
Management Accounting Practices, Business Environmental Uncertainty, and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textThe study investigated the moderating effect of business environmental uncertainty and relationship between management accounting practices and financial performance of commercial banks-Kenya. It assessed direct relationship between costing, budgeting and performance evaluation system and financial performance. Secondly, study examined moderating effect of business environmental uncertainty on relationship between management accounting practices and financial performance of commercial in Kenya. Population comprised of 1290 employees in finance and accounting departments in 42 commercial banks. Questionnaire was utilized on 305 respondents. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were preferred. The study found a positive and significant relationship between costing systems (β=3.012, p=.003), performance evaluation systems (β=4.089, p=.000) and financial performance. On the contrary, there was a positive (β = .480) but insignificant (p=.632) relationship between budgeting system and performance. Furthermore, business environmental uncertainty had a positive significant moderating effect on the nexus between costing system (β=4.000, p=.000), budgeting system (β=2.667, p=.019) and performance evaluation system (β=6.250, p=.000) and financial performance. On costing system, the study concluded that banks had measures for efficient cost control, maintained standard costing, and adhered to activities focused costings. Concerning budgeting systems, it concluded that banks insisted on final budget authorization, adherence to budget procedures and regular budget evaluation and monitoring. Regarding performance evaluation system, the research concluded that banks had benchmarks for financial performance evaluation and insisted on provision of quality work. The study recommends that banks should ensure that costing systems are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect evolving market conditions. The study recommended that banks should implement performance-based budgeting to promote fund distributions according to products’ performance. The study recommended that banks ought to connect training and skill-building initiatives to performance evaluation indicators to improve bank's performance.
Key words: Costing systems, Performance Evaluation Systems, Financial Performance, Budgeting System and Management Accounting Practice
Digital Credit and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textThis study ascertained the effect of digital credit on financial performance of selected SMEs in the CBD of Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research employed a cross-sectional research design. The population comprised 5,400 SMEs located in the Nairobi CBD. The study utilized a stratified random sampling technique to determine the necessary sample size. The sample involved responders selected by stratified proportionate sampling to identify 358 significant SMEs across several categories by the Licensing Office in Nairobi City County Offices. The research utilized source data gathered via a research tool. A pre-testing questionnaire was administered to 18 owners/managers of SMEs not included in the study sample. All the others in SMEs in Nairobi, not included in the study population, made up this population. Cronbach’s alpha tested the reliability of the scale and a score of 0.7 was considered. SPSS Package for Social Sciences was used. All the data gathered was of the quantitative type and it was analyzed through inferential analysis and descriptive analysis. It was shown as figures and tables. It was found that digital credit, its easy access, the rules surrounding it and its terms are key to how SMEs in Nairobi City County, Kenya, manage their finances. The research showed that SMEs in Kenya benefit financially from being able to access digital credit. Digital credit does not have a major impact on SME finances. It is concluded that the rules for digital credit play, a vital role in the financial health of SMEs. SMEs depend on privacy regulation, identity theft regulation and interest rate regulation that deal with the issues and appropriate responses. From this study, it is advised that SMEs take advantage of digital credit to help them reach their main aims and carefully plan how to achieve their objectives. Those who provide digital credit should make products available to SMEs to assist in shaping their offerings, sell them and urge use of the products by other players in the market. It is necessary to make sure the quality of the credit service is perfect, as this can keep customers from comparing prices with others. The report advises that digital credit providers for SMEs in Nairobi should come up with strategies to increase their online visibility.
Keywords: Digital credit usage, credit accessibility, credit terms, digital credit regulation
Patient Waiting Time and Service Type in The Outpatient Department of JM Kariuki Memorial Hospital
Get PDFLong patient waiting times in outpatient departments (OPDs) continue to present a persistent challenge in healthcare delivery, with significant effects on patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between patient waiting time and service type at the outpatient department of JM Kariuki Memorial Hospital in Nyandarua County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized, with a sample of 239 respondents selected through stratified and systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24, while qualitative insights were processed using NVivo. The findings revealed that the average patient waiting time was 3.4 hours, with significant variations across service types. Patients seeking surgical and medical services experienced the longest delays, averaging 5.05 and 4.31 hours, respectively, while emergency care patients faced the shortest waits, averaging 1.32 hours. Regression analysis showed a strong model fit (R² = 0.793), indicating that the service type, human resource factors, information technology (IT) infrastructure, and health information exchange (HIE) systems together accounted for 79.3% of the variance in patient waiting times. Human resource factors (β = 0.454, p = 0.000) were found to have the greatest impact, followed by HIE systems (β = 0.328), service type (β = 0.284), and IT infrastructure (β = 0.204). These findings underscore the need for targeted resource allocation, improved staffing, enhanced digital systems, and better integration of HIE to optimize outpatient service delivery. The study provides actionable recommendations for healthcare managers and policymakers focused on improving service efficiency and enhancing patient experiences in similar healthcare settings.
Keywords: Patient waiting time, outpatient department, health information exchange, human resource factors, electronic medical record
Assessing the Effect of Mining Waste on the Quality of Soil; A Case of Eprocomi Mining Company in Gakenke District, Rwanda
Get PDFThe mining sector plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s economic growth, contributing significantly to employment, export revenues, and infrastructure growth. Even though, mining generates substantial economic benefits; the improper mining wastes management poses environmental challenges worldwide and in Rwanda as well. This study assesses the effect of mining wastes on soil quality focusing on Eprocomi Mining Company in Gakenke District from Northern Province of Rwanda. The research employed a combination of observations, field sampling, laboratory analysis, and analytical methods to evaluate key soil quality indicators of pH and heavy metals concentration. The tailings samples from mining wastes were collected in Eprocomi Mining concession for laboratory analysis to determine the extent of contamination and degradation. The collected soil samples needed to be pre-treated with air-drying, grinding, and sifting. A quantity of 3 g was weighed for each of the samples and pressed into the grinding machine under a 10 MPa pressure for 180 seconds and for testing of the samples, Niton XRF Analyzer instrument used. The findings indicate that mining activities have led to changes in soil pH and increase in concentrations of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), which pose potential risks to soil fertility and agricultural productivity. According to Boyer and Pietrowiez's standards for interpreting soil pH, the pH of the soil varied from severely acidic to alkaline, with values ranging from 3.9 (the acid range) to 7.8 (the basic range). The concentration values for arsenic, lead and cadmium metals varies from 30 to 140 mg/kg, 92mg/kg to 200 mg/kg and 110 mg/kg to 321 mg/kg respectively which classify the area to have strongly polluted by Arsenic and moderately polluted by Chromium and Lead with reference to Germany soil regulation and Canadian standards measures. Based on the extent of environmental degradation with the influence of mining activities in the area, the study explored possible mitigation measures and recommendations to restore soil health and reduce the negative effects of mining operations on the environment and need to raise awareness about sustainable mining practices and foster collaboration between government, researchers and mining sector industry.
Keywords: Environmental impact, Eprocomi Mining Company, GIS, Heavy metals, Mining wastes, Soil qualityTop of For
Environmental Sustainability Practices and Financial Performance of Listed Commercial Banks in Africa
Get PDFSince the 2008 global financial crisis, the financial performance of banks has been cyclic and unstable, largely due to poor monetary policies and inadequate regulation. The increasing push from legal, regulatory, and public advocacy forces for banks to adopt environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies has also significantly impacted operational costs. However, there is a scarcity of comprehensive studies on how environmental practices affect the financial performance of banks in Kenya and Africa, using globally recognized environmental metrics. This study aimed to explore this relationship for listed banks in Africa. This study aimed to examine the relationship between environmental practices and the financial performance of listed banks based in Africa. This study adopted the positivism philosophy and the explanatory non-experimental research design. The study was anchored on shareholders’ value theory, stakeholders’ theory, signaling theory and the legitimacy theory. The target population was all the listed banks in Africa, while the sample which was selected through purposive sampling, comprised the fifteen listed banks in Africa which had environmental scores in the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) database and which had consistently reported on financial performance over the study period, from 2013 to 2022. The study used secondary data on environmental sustainability scores and financial performance which were obtained from the London Stock Exchange Group. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, with panel multiple regressions to account for time and cross-sectional dimensions. Financial performance was proxied by return on assets (ROA). The regression results established that environmental practices had a moderate positive impact on financial performance. In addition, the study established that adoption of environmental sustainability initiatives by banks in Africa was at a moderate level. The study recommends that commercial banks in Africa prioritize the implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives to optimize financial performance, although the financial benefits may not be immediate. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a comprehensive examination of the relationship between environmental sustainability practices and financial performance within the specific context of commercial banks operating in Africa.
Keywords: Environmental Practices, Financial Performance, Green Banking, London Stock Exchange Group, Sustainability