Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Influence of Organization Innovation on the Performance of Small and Medium Women-Owned Enterprises in Kenya
No full textEntrepreneurs have realized the need for enhanced performance through continuous innovation in today competitive business environments. To enhance performance, an enterprise has the capability of achieving a competitive advantage by possessing resources and capabilities that are valuable, unique and difficult to imitate by others However, in Kenya statistics show that SMEs are not innovative leading to dismal performance. Women-owned SMEs have important contributions to make to innovation and development of the Kenyan economy. Women-owned SMEs have important contributions to make to innovation and development of the Kenyan economy. Whereas previous research has been on types of innovation there is a dearth of empirical studies focusing on women-owned SMEs and more women in manufacturing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of organization innovation on performance of small and medium women-owned enterprise in Kenya. The study was guided by an epistemological research philosophy adopting a positivist research paradigm. The research design was cross-sectional survey design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population for this study was 5,362 registered women owned enterprises registered with the County Government of Nairobi by December 2017 and the sample size was 358 respondents. The study results revealed that organizational innovations had a positive and significant influence on performance of women owned enterprises in Kenya. The study concluded that organizational innovations that enhance organization efficiency and effectiveness in its internal operations give small and medium size enterprises and competitive edge over other sector plays. The study recommended that the study recommended that small business owners must optimizes their operations in terms of adoption of innovations that create a competitive edge in the performance of the organization.
Keywords: Organization innovation, Performance of Women-Owned Small and Medium Enterpris
Risk Management Practices, Project Implementation and Performance of Jua-Kali Empowerment Programmes in Nairobi, Kenya
No full textThere is limited empirical literature supporting the interaction of risk management practices and the relationship between project implementation and performance of empowerment programmes. This theoretical limitation cannot just be ignored in the context of entrepreneurs` empowerment programmes due to their immense contribution to the National Gross Product (NGP) and national wellbeing. The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of risk management practices on the relationship between project implementation and performance of Jua-kali Empowerment Programmes (JEP) in Nairobi County, Kenya. The target population was 327 enterprises having benefitted from the JEP in Nairobi County Kenya. A sample of 181 entrepreneurs chosen using Krejcie and Morgan sample determination table. Both simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select samples. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient of reliability at 0.7. Pearson`s Correlation Coefficient (r) was used in correlational analysis and regression analysis was used in predicting the research model. The results showed that at P=0.000<0.05, r= 0.575, R2= 0.331 for F (1,145) = 4.632 depicting 1.4% change in performance of the programmes after introduction of risk management practices. It demonstrates that strength of the relationship between project implementation and performance of JEP depends on risk management practices. It was concluded that there is significance interaction between project implementation and risk management practices that moderates the effect of the project implementation on the performance of JEP. Hence Governments, implementors and supporters of entrepreneurs` empowerment programmes should strive to implement need-based project interventions while ensuring adequate risk mitigation measures in order to thwart adverse uncertainties and events that may derail sustainable delivery of results.
Keywords: Risk management practices, project implementation, performance of Jua-kali empowerment programmes  
Influence of Total Quality Management Principles on the Success of Construction Projects Performance in Mombasa County
No full textThe construction industry is one of the most important wheels for the development of infrastructure and economy of a Nation and in realization of the Agenda 4. Four Agenda: It is a four-point agenda by President Uhuru Kenyatta, outlining what he will be focusing on in his last presidential term to improve the living standards of Kenyans, grow the economy and leave a lasting legacy. It is therefore important that adequate measures are put in place to ensure quality in the sector. Total Quality Management (TQM) is considered as one of the most important approaches to achieve quality in construction Industry in not only Kenya but the world over. This study investigated the influence of total quality management principles in context of project performance in the construction industry in Mombasa County. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to establish influence of strategic planning on success of project performance in the construction industry; to examine influence of process approach to management on success of project performance in the construction industry; to determine influence of customer satisfaction on success of project performance in the construction industry; to assess influence of supplier relationship on success of project performance in the construction industry. The study was premised on Demings and Shewhart cycle theories on total quality management. The target population for the study is 60 active contractors firms as registered by the National Construction Association (NCA) in Mombasa County. The sample size was established at 5 contracting firms. The study adopted random sampling procedure. A structured and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data analysis techniques used were central tendency (mean, standard deviations, percentages), correlation and chi-square analysis using SPSS. The data was presented in tables and researcher’s interpretation. The findings showed that supplier relationships significantly influence the success of project performance, Strategic planning management was the most practiced TQM principle and procedural barriers are an impediment to TQM practices in the construction industry in Mombasa County. The study concludes that supplier relationships have a positive impact on TQM practices in the Mombasa County construction industry. The study recommends that customer focus management should be the focus of suppliers in practicing total quality management in their work. Through collaborating and cooperating with the client during the construction process means that suppliers can be able to meet the client quality requirements thus achieving total quality management.
Keywords: Total quality control, statistical quality control, quality management, total quality management, construction industry, strategic planning, process approach, customer focus, supplier relationshi
Determinants of Project Implementation Performance in Building Construction Projects in Selected Parastatals in Kenya
No full textThe study seek to assess how Environmental factors Influence Project implementation performance in building construction Projects in Kenya, to determine how leadership factors Influence Project implementation performance in building construction Projects in Kenya, to establish how cash flow factors Influence project implementation performance in building construction projects in Kenya, and to examine how Change of project scope Influence project implementation performance in building construction projects in Kenya . The target population was 220 respondents which necessitated a sample size of 15% randomly giving a sample size of 33 respondents .The sample size was drawn from parastatals, Consulting firms and contractors within Mombasa county. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and descriptive statistics used in data analysis with the help of statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS).Data presentation was in descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Testing of hypothesis was done using chi-square tests. The study findings established that Change of scope factors (X4), Cash flows factors(X3), Leadership factors (X2) and Environmental factors (X1) all with a level of significance of 0.000 which is less than 0.05 had a statistically significant relationship with project implementation performance(Y). The beta coefficients of constructs that constitute the four independent variables that predict the dependent variable: performance implementation was derived through the regression model equation as follows.
Y= 0.477 + 0.281 (X1) + 0.119(X2) + 0.320(X3) + 0.188(X4).
The equation shows that all factors have a positive influence on the implementation performance of building and construction projects. The regression equation shows a unit increase in environmental factors, leadership factors, cash flow factors and change of scope factors would lead to a positive increase of 0.298, 0.119, 0.320 and 0.188 respectively in implementation performance of building and construction projects in Kenya. The regression equation above established that holding all other factors constant (no determinants or factors) implementation performance of building and construction projects in Kenya would be 0.477.All the null hypothesis H0 were rejected and the alternative hypothesis accepted
Keywords: Project Implementation, Construction Projects, Implementation Performance, Leadershi
Determinants of Successful Implementation of Socio-Economic Developmental Projects in Kenya: A Case of Kwale County, Kenya
No full textThe study focused on four main objectives; to identify how community participation, budgetary allocation, leadership style, and monitoring and evaluation influence the successful implementation of socio-economic development projects. A descriptive research design was applied to carry out this study. The target population was 450 where purposeful sampling was used to sample size of 90 informants. Data were analyzed through the use of MS excel, tables, done, averages, frequencies and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(SPSS). The study outcomes were: Community participation influences successful implementation of socio-economic development projects rated at 81.4%, budgetary influence was rated at 84.3%, Leadership styles were rated at 77.1% while Monitoring and Evaluation was ranked 55.7% that it influenced to on successful implementation of socio-economic development projects. On the test of hypothesis,IC=33.8>IC= 0.188 at 4 degrees of freedom and 5% level of confidence. 0.05 Chi-square value of 33.8 is > the critical chi-square value at a 5% level of confidence, the alternative hypothesis was accepted, community participation has a significant influence on the implementation of socio-economic development projects. IC=22.3>IC= 9.488 at 4 degrees of freedom and 5% level of confidence. 0.05, Chi-square value of 22.3 > the critical chi-square value at 5% level of confidence, the alternative hypothesis was accepted that budgetary allocation has a significant influence on the successful implementation of socio-economic development projects. IC=30.3>IC= 9.488 at 4 degrees of freedom and 5% level of confidence. 0.05 the chi-square value of 30.3 is > the critical chi-square value at 5% level of confidence, the alternative hypothesis was accepted that leadership style has a significant influence on the successful implementation of socio-economic development projects. IC=29.5>IC= 9.488 at 4 degrees of freedom and 5% level of confidence. 0.05 the chi-square value of 0.95 is > the critical chi-square value at 0.05 level of confidence, the alternative hypothesis was accepted that Monitoring and Evaluation has a significant influence. The study concluded, community participation has an influence on the successful implementation of socio-economic development projects, leadership style influence success or failure of socio-economic development projects implementation through the allocation of resources and give direction. Budgetary allocation influences the implementation of socio-economic development projects. Monitoring and evaluation has a critical role to socio-economic development projects. Recommendations were, community be involved and consulted, a good leadership style should be put practiced, budgetary allocations to be provided without some biases. Monitoring and evaluation should be highly emphasized to enhance socio-economic development projects' success.
Keywords: Community participation, budgetary allocation, monitoring and evaluation and Successful Implementation of Socio-Economic Developmental Projec
Organisational Factors and Uptake of Venture Capital by Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case of Selected Venture Capital Beneficiaries of Kenya Commercial Bank
No full textCapital venture is a means through which corporations contribute in the success of external innovations to help them gain insight into non-core markets and access to capabilities. Most businesses tend to look internally for primary funding before considering finances from banks and cooperative societies. Venture capitalists are important source of fund that can invest in any form of business, regardless of size, depending on their assessment and postulation of the success of the business. The main objective of this research study was to establish the influence of organisational factors and uptake of venture capital by small and medium enterprises: a case of selected venture capital beneficiaries of Kenya Commercial Bank. In particular this study sought to find out the role of organisational innovativeness, ownership structure, capital gearing and entrepreneurial competencies of owner/manager on uptake of venture capital by SMEs in Kenya. The researcher aimed to identify significant facts around SME organisational factors that entrepreneurs can rely upon to enhance their lucrativeness for uptake of venture capital, that can support policy makers in reviewing effectiveness of existing policies in a bid to propel uptake of venture capital in Kenya and the region and that can provide important literature to be referenced by scholars and other researchers studying the same or related issue in order to identify gaps for further studies. The study was informed by resource view-based, institution and pecking order theory. The study employed a descriptive research design with a target population of 300 SMEs who had benefited from venture capital in Kenya through KCB Lions Den and KCB 2Jiajiri. The sample size for the study was 90 respondents, randomly selected and gathered primary data by use of questionnaires in a Likert scale. Data gathered from correctly filled questionnaires was coded, tabulated and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24. The study adopted descriptive and inferential statistics to capture the characteristics of variables under study and analyse the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The researcher conducted this study within the set ethical standards. The study established that organisational innovativeness had a positive and significant effect on uptake of venture capital with B=0.586, t=5.228 and R2 of 0.259. Ownership structure had a positive and significant effect on uptake of venture capital (B=0.685, t=5.747) and R2 of 0.297. Capital gearing also had a positive and significant effect on uptake of venture capital with B=0.687, t=6.235 and R2 of 0.333. The study further established that entrepreneurial competencies had B=0.713, t=6.778 and R2 of 0.371, which is a positive correlation and denotes the most significant influence on uptake of venture capital compared to other variables under this study. Therefore, the study concludes that organisation innovativeness influence uptake of venture capital by SMEs to a great extent and is a fundamental pillar to growth and entry to new market place. Ownership structure determine uptake of venture capital by SMEs to a great extent and primary driving factor for investor and creditors decision. Capital gearing influences the uptake of venture capital by SMEs to a great extent. Entrepreneurial competencies of owner/manager influence and determine uptake of venture capital by SMEs to the greatest extent compared to other variables in this study. The study recommends that given the importance of entrepreneurial competencies in relation to uptake of venture capital, instructors should develop competency-based training and education programmes targeting to enhance entrepreneurial skills of owner/managers. SMEs should invest in research to create innovative products and least cost processes. Businesses with high capital gearing ratio should target to attract debt that is relative to their equity, thereby balancing their financial risk. Finally, the owners/managers should strive to take up more venture capital since the venture capitalists do not only assist in provision of funds but can also contribute to the internal operations of the businesses, especially policy formulation.
Key Words: Capital gearing, Venture capital, Ownership structure, Entrepreneurial competencies, uptak
Moderating Effect of Gearing Ratio on the Relationship between Loyalty Programs and Financial Performance of Selected Firms in Service Industry in Kenya
No full textThe purpose of the study was to determine the moderating effect of gearing ratio on the relationship between loyalty programs and financial performance of selected firms in service industry in Kenya. The study employed explanatory research design which is non-experimental in nature. The target population was three (3) telecommunication firms (Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya), 49 supermarkets and 46 Five Star hotels. Since the population of telecommunication firms was small, the study used the census survey method. Purposive sampling was used to select 5 big Supermarkets and 16 Five Star hotels. Panel data analysis was used to link the relationship between the variables. Similarly, One-Way ANOVA was used to find out if the financial performance of the three service industries were different. Diagnostic tests which included normality tests, multicollinearity tests, panel unit root tests and fixed and random effect were carried out. The results further showed that gearing ratio have a negative and significant relationship with financial performance of service industry. The regression results revealed that gearing ratio improved the strength of the relationship between loyalty program and Financial Performance of the Selected Firms in Service Industry in Kenya. Since long term debt provides tax shield for the company, there is every tendency for the company to continue to grow debts, the effect of accumulating unnecessary debts should form regular policy discuss by the management and the directors, hence there should be high-powered committees of the managements and the board to review the debt portfolio from time to time. These committees should be firm on investment/divestment of any debt capital to ensure that the company stays afloat all the time without the fear of any litigation for not meeting up with all present and previous obligations.
Key words; Loyalty Programs, Financial Performance, Gearing Ratio & Kenya
The Relationship between the ICT Applications and Undergraduate Students Critical Thinking Skills in E-Learning in Selected Universities in Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the ICT applications and undergraduate students critical thinking skills in e-learning in selected Universities in Kenya. The study applied the quantitative approach in data collection and analysis plus a descriptive correlational design. The sample was drawn from undergraduate students taking e-learning in their third and fourth year of study in four selected universities in Kenya. The researcher generated descriptive and inferential statistics using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The findings are presented using tables. The correlation results indicated that there was significant strong positive relationship between ICT applications and undergraduate students critical thinking skills in e-learning (r=0.582; p=0.05). From the research literature, little is known on the relationship between ICT applications and Critical thinking skills. This current research contributes to knowledge in this area by suggesting that there is a strong positive relationship between ICT applications and undergraduate students critical thinking skills in an African context. ICT applications of interactive and discursive nature such as WhatsApp, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power point and discussion forums were found to associate with critical thinking skills in the context of this study.
Keywords: ICT applications, undergraduate students, critical thinking skills, e-learning & Universities in Kenya
Stakeholder Engagement and Delivery of Devolved Services. Evidence from Kenyan Devolution System
No full textThe purpose of this paper was to determine effect of stakeholders’ engagement on delivery of devolved services in selected counties Kenya. The study was anchored on system theory. Employing blended research design and positivism approach, the study used structured and open-ended questionnaires to collect data from 384 drawn from a population of 35,444 staff from 8 counties. Findings from regression model showed that stakeholder engagement have significant and positive effect on devolved service delivery. Thus, stakeholder engagement has the potential to improve devolved service delivery. It not only improves communication but it also enhances legitimacy and provides more sustainable decision for the management of natural resources. There is need for the county governments to ensure hire level of participation and ownership of stakeholders. Specifically, stakeholders can be involved in all the policy processes right from problem formulation, agenda setting to implementation in an attempt to reduce resistance.
Keywords; Delivery of Devolved Services, County Governments, Stakeholder, Engagemen
Stakeholders' Participation in Sustainable Tourism Development in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya
No full textSustainable tourism improvement in rules and administration practices are useful to all types of tourism destinations, including mass tourism and the different niche tourism sections. Sustainability standards allude to the environmental, monetary and socio-cultural parts of tourism improvement, and an appropriate balance must be set up between these three measurements to ensure its long haul manageability. For sustainability in tourism to be enhanced and developed to the expectations, there should be consented participation of each and every player in the tourism sector. This study determined the extent of stakeholders participation in sustainable tourism development in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Descriptive research design was adopted and the target population included 2 County government officials, 1 national government representative, 1 Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) official, 1,250 Athletes (High Altitude camp), 3 hotel managers,4,876 tourists, 3 private investors and 24,450 community members. The sample size for each category was determined and distributed proportionately as follows: Community Members were 316, tourists 63 and athletes 16. Census approach was used for County Government Officials, National Government official (Tourism Regulatory Officer), KVDA (tourism officer), hotel managers and private investors since they were few in number. Therefore, the total sample size was 405 respondents. Purposive sampling technique was utilized to choose the respondents for every one of the community members, tourists and athletes. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect the data. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics techniques. Results revealed that stakeholders participation had a positive and significant relationship with tourism development. This could be attributed to the collaborations and the leadership role provided by the Elgeyo Marakwet County government towards tourism development. Stakeholders role and contribution to the development of tourism diversification Elgeyo Marakwet County was key. The study concluded that creating enabling environment through policy making was one of the key roles played by stakeholders. It was recommended that the roles of stakeholders should be facilitated through adequate funding and training to increase their creativity and corporation for effective tourism diversification.
Keywords: Stakeholders participation, Sustainable Tourism development and Elgeyo Marakwet Count