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Determinants of Employee Performance in Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A Case Study of the East African Portland Cement Company: Determinants of Employee Performance in Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A Case Study of the East African Portland Cement Company
No full textThe purpose of the study was to establish the determinants of employee performance in manufacturing firms in Kenya with the East African Portland cement as a case study company. The study objectives were to determine the effect of the staff reward system, effect of human resource development the effect of working environment and effect of work life balance on employee performance in east African Portland Cement Company. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The targeted population for the study constituted 1500 employees of East African Portland Cement Company. The sample size was 150 respondents. Besides, stratified random sampling was used to select the sample. The study used questionnaires to obtain the quantitative data for analysis, which was further validated from the analysis of secondary data. Information was sorted, coded and imported into the SPSS for analysis. The findings revealed that reward system and employee performance were positively and significantly associated (r=0.572, p=0.000), human resource development and employee performance (r=0.582, p=0.000). in addition, there was a positive and significant correlation between working environment and employee performance (r=0.618, p=0.000), work life balance and employee performance (r=0.547 p=0.000). Additionally, the regression results showed a positive and significant relationship between independent variables and dependent variable. Reward systems and employee performance (B=0.158, p=0.071), human resource development and employee performance (B=0.251, p=0.077), work environment and employee performance (B =0.257, p=0.081). Finally, work life balance and employee performance (B=0.176, p=0.077). the study found that reward systems, human resource development, working environment and work life balances were satisfactory variables in explaining the employee performance in east African Portland cement company with a coefficient of determination of 0.516.the study concluded that reward systems, human resource development, work environment and work life balance positively influenced the overall employee performance at East African Portland cement company. the study recommended that staff reward system on employees' performance at should be reviewed, increase the number of human resource development of the employees and. finally, to develop measures those render the work environment more conducive and train managers on how to create and nurture the relationship with employees
Keywords: Staff reward system, human resource development, working environment, work life balance, employee performance, East African Portland Cement Company
Marketing Innovation and Performance of Textile Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi County
No full textThe concept of innovation, albeit a multi-faceted concept, has become a major area of interest for entrepreneurs in the recent past and is the driving force for successful and sustainable performance. This descriptive study explored the relationship between marketing innovative practices and the organizational performance of small, medium and large textile manufacturing firms located in Nairobi County, Kenya. Textile manufacturing involves the conversion of fibres to yarn, yarn to fabric, dyeing and printing, and conversion into clothes as well as other auxiliary products. Out of the population of 145 such firms, a simple random sample of 107 was drawn for the study and resulting in a response rate of 69%. Data of interest was collected through a structured questionnaire, between May and August 2019, administered to the respondents who were senior personnel in the firms familiar with innovative activities. Results were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively, regression analysis is used to explore the relationship between marketing innovation as the independent variable and organizational performance as the dependent variable. Regression analysis renders that marketing innovation accounted for 79% of the variation in organizational performance, with all other factors held constant. Strong price competition was cited as a major impediment to innovativeness. More effort needs to be directed to marketing innovation to tap into this positive impact on organizational performance. This study recommends that innovative firms should always maintain the quality of their products and ensure that innovations are carried out to completion, without abandoning or suspending mid-stream. It is recommended that firms provide support and recognition to innovative employees.
Keywords: Innovation, Marketing Innovation, Textile, Performance
 
Effect of Service Quality on Customer Loyalty. Does Cultural Orientation Matter? Evidence from African Airlines
No full textThe general objective of the study was to determine the moderation effects of cultural orientation and customer satisfaction on the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty among selected African airlines. This study was mainly informed by Expectation Disconfirmation and Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions theories. An explanatory survey research design was employed in the study. The study targeted 256,254 customers drawn from 9 Airlines in Africa which included Kenya Airways, Ethiopia Airlines, Egypt Air, Rwand Air, South African Airways, Mozambique Airlines, Air Zimbabwe, Air Tanzania and Air Namibia. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 750 customers. This study used questionnaires to collect data relevant to the study. The reliability of the research instruments was computed using Cronbach alpha statistical tests. The study tested three hypotheses for direct, moderation and mediation effects; the first hypothesis was tested by Multiple Regression Analysis Model; the second by Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM), and the third was tested by the Sobel test using the four steps mediating models. The study concurred with the previous studies that all five service quality dimensions had a direct and significant effect on customer loyalty. The study findings showed that cultural orientation significantly moderated the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty (β=0.44, p<0.05). The study, therefore, concluded that high cultural orientation strengthened the relationship between service quality. The study recommends that African airlines must invest heavily in cultural orientation to foster identity, commitment, attitudinal, and behavioural loyalty and the future ability to regulate consumers' behaviour. The passengers should therefore be at the centre stage of the airline's operational strategies.
Keywords: Cultural Orientation, Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, Customer Loyalty
 
Influence of Free Education Policy on Quality Education in Day Public Secondary Schools in Huye District, Rwanda
No full textThe introduction of free education policy in Rwanda allowed more pupils to have access on basic education at a very low cost. As a result, there was an increased students enrolment which has greatly influenced the quality of education. This study examined the influence of free education policy on quality of education in day public secondary schools in Huye District, Rwanda. Five research questions guided this study. These are; to what extent does free education policy affect quality education in Huye District? What are the socio-economic factors affecting quality education in Huye District? What are the challenges the government faces in providing quality education? What government mechanisms exist which promote quality education in Huye district? What strategies can be employed to improve quality education in Huye district? The problem under study employed Total Quality Management (TQM) Theory of Walter Shewart. The study employed mixed method approach specifically concurrent parallel method. The target population was all the teachers, all the head teachers and all the District Education Officer in Huye District. Head Teachers and District Education Officers were purposively sampled while proportionate random sampling was used to select teachers. Data was collected from 110 participants. Four research instruments were used; these are questionnaire for teachers, interview guides for Head Teachers and District Education Officers, document analysis guide and observation guide. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in figures and tables, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Qualitative data were analyzed by the use of content analysis technique whereby findings were presented in narrative forms, quoting some answers from the respondents. With regard to ethics, participants’ consent was sought and confidentiality of their identity and answers were guaranteed. The study revealed that FEP resulted in large classes of more than 50 students per class which adversely affected teaching and learning processes. The number of classroom and books were still few to allow quality education while laboratories and playgrounds were lacking. School funds for feeding, facilities, teachers motivation and parents participation required more improvements. The study recommended that the government should increase resources and train teachers on the methods of teaching competence-based curriculum. It should also safeguard the stability of education system in Rwanda. Parents and community at large should actively participate in education of their children. For quality education provision and control, primary and secondary levels should have different head teachers. This would help to provide head teachers with more time for supervising teaching and others school activities.
Keywords: Free Education Policy, Socio-Economic Factors, Challenges, Government Mechanisms, Strategies, Quality Education, Huye Distric
School Principals Administration Skills in Enhancing Student Academic Performance in Handmaid of the Blessed Virgin Mary Grant aided and Private Secondary School in Lusaka District, Zambia
No full textThe study was conducted to examine administration skills adopted by Handmaid of the Blessed Virgin Mary Principals in Grant-Aided and private secondary schools which, enhance high student academic performance in Lusaka District, Zambia. The study was guided by the following research questions: What are the administration skills used in Handmaid of the Blessed Virgin Mary Grant-aided and private schools in enhancing student academic performance in Lusaka District? Why is there a higher student academic performance in Handmaid grant-aided and private schools compared to government managed schools in Lusaka District? How effective are the administration skills in achieving high student academic performance in Lusaka District? What challenges are encountered by principals in executing the administration skills in handmaid schools in Lusaka District? What strategies can be put in place by the school administrators in enhancing better student academic performance? The study employed Symbolic Interactionism theory by Max Weber, (1864-1920) which deals with individuals and how these individuals relate to society. The population of the study comprised of 5 (five) principals, 180 teachers, and 2500 students. Mixed methods design was used which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative designs. In qualitative design, survey design was used while in qualitative design phenomenology design was used. The study used both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data from Principals, teachers, and students. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to make a descriptive analysis to give percentages and frequency distribution which displayed data systematically for reporting. Inferential statistics were used to check the relationships between the study variables and presented by using tables and graphs. Qualitative data that was generated in the study was organised in themes and patterns, grouped through content analysis and then tabulated. All ethical considerations were observed. The findings show that principals who use administration skills acquired through frequent in-service training and workshops prepared by their schools, attain high student academic performance. These principals achieve high results by motivating their teachers to work hard through different incentives and this promotes effective teaching. The perception of the teachers about their principals in Handmaid schools is that, through acquired administration skills, they promote team work and time management which helps in accomplishing school syllabuses and all other activities in time. Usage of technology in Handmaid schools proved to be a contributing factor to achieving better results. When evaluating learner participation in attaining better results, students perception is that, they take school work seriously and that through motivation by their principals and teachers, turn to enjoy doing their homework and other school activities. The study makes several recommendations such as: The government, through relevant ministries and departments need to invest in and embrace the introduction of compulsory in-service training and workshops for managers and teachers. This will serve as an alternative to administration and teaching education, for them to achieve better academic performance in their schools. Further, more emphasis should be put on learner centred activities. This can be achieved students through their homework and full participation in school activities that in turn contribute to their learning effectiveness.
Keywords: Principals Administration Skills, Principals Administration Cardinal Skills, Student Academic Performance, Handmaid Grant-Aided And Private Secondary Schools, Lusaka District
Influence of Transportation and Logistics Law on Supply Chain Performance of Energy Development Agencies in Kenya. Case of Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited
No full textCompanies of any size may not effectively operate without having to be aware of the legal, government and regulatory issues that affect them. Logistics and transportation companies are confronted by a multitude of pressures that raise new legal issues and spur an ever-greater need for legal advice that is dynamic and global in its perspective of the supply chain. This article sought to contribute to the body of knowledge by establishing the influence of transportation and logistics law on Supply chain performance in Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited. The study variables were the modes of transportation and logistics law and the influence of transport and logistics on the Supply chain performance of Kenya Power and Lighting Company. The article employed a desk study review methodology. Past studies on modes of transportation and the influence of transportation and logistics were critically and thoughtfully analyzed. A critical review of the empirical literature is conducted to identify the main thematic concepts of the paper. From empirical studies, it was established modes of transportation and logistics law are fundamental to supply chain performance. The study recommended that KPLC should be keen to implement laws and regulations from importation to transportation. Other local key laws and regulations include the National Transport and Safety Authority Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles) Regulations, 2018 to o build and integrate transport management in daily operations.
Keywords: Modes of transportation, Transportation and Logistics law, Supply Chain Performance, Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited.
 
Influence of Book Value per Share on Idiosyncratic Volatility of Stock Returns among Listed Firms in Kenya
No full textIdiosyncratic volatility has always been ignored in asset pricing, this is due to capital asset pricing model suggestion that idiosyncratic volatility is diversified away since investors hold a proportion of the well diversified market portfolio. In reality however, this is not always the case. Studies have shown that investors do not always hold well diversified portfolios and idiosyncratic risk is priced to compensate investors for their inability to hold the market portfolio, therefore the main objective of the study was to establish the effect of financial statement information on idiosyncratic volatility of stocks return among listed firms in Kenya. Idiosyncratic volatility was the dependent variable while independent variable was Book Value per Share(BVPS). Correlational and descriptive research design were used, the study also used census technique and target all 39 listed companies that existed and their shares were actively traded at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) from 1998 to 2017. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were generated using STATA. The study employed a dynamic panel data regression model, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to reveal the overall model significance, the calculated F-statistic was compared with the tabulated F-statistic and a critical p-value of 0.05 was used to determine whether the overall model is significant. The null hypotheses was rejected. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, book value per share has a significant relationship with Idiosyncratic Volatility of stock returns among listed firms in Kenya. The study recommended for management in the listed firms to focus book value per share on their strategic decision-making. These indicator will further guide in expanding the interpretation of the financial dynamics in the listed firms at the NSE and other related firms.
Keywords: Book value per Share, Idiosyncratic Volatility, Stock Returns, NSE & Keny
Investigation of Demographic Characteristics Associated with Uptake of HIV and AIDS Combined Prevention Strategies among Female Sex Workers in Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The study aimed at identifying the demographic characteristics for FSWs associated with uptake of HIV and AIDS combined prevention strategies in Nakuru County.
Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional research design. A sample size of 336 FSWs was reached through Snowballing. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and qualitative data was collected using interviews through FGDs with 8 purposefully selected participants. Data was analyzed descriptively to produce percentages and frequencies which were presented in tables and figures. Chi-square test of association and binary multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Results: Tertiary level of education (AOR: 5.59; 95% CI: 1.43-21.88; p: 0.013) and long duration in sex work (AOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.48-9.87; p: 0.006) increases likelihood of uptake of HIV and AIDS combined prevention strategies.
Recommendations: The study recommends educating FSWs constantly as they start engaging in sex work on HIV and AIDS combined prevention strategies, HIV and AIDs risks and positive behavior change, overcoming barriers so as to utilize HIV and AIDS combined prevention strategies.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, demographic characteristics, combined prevention strategies, sex workers, Nakuru Count
Relationship between Early Sexual Initiation and Reproductive Health among Undergraduates in Universities within Nairobi County
No full textSeveral studies in Sub-Saharan Africa have documented high and increasing premarital sexual activities among undergraduate students in universities. This exposes them to risks of unintended pregnancies, abortions, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. One of the SDGs is to reduce HIV/AIDs pandemic by the year 2030. In this context it is important to understand whether university students understand the consequences of engaging in premarital sex and the effects it has on their reproductive health. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of premarital sexual behavior on the reproductive health of undergraduates in Nairobi County. Targeted universities were; Kenyatta, Moi, Mount Kenya, and Africa Nazarene University. Sample size was 324 students and included both male and female aged 18-24 years. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional research design. Quantitatively, both open and closed ended questionnaires were used. FGDs and KIs were used for qualitative data. Stratified random technique was used to select the sample from the Universities Information management Unit. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyse data. Chi-Square tests was used to test for significance (P<0.05) and OR used to measure the exposure. Study found out that 63.6% of respondents had, and /or their partners contracted an STI following an unprotected sexual activity whereby only 63.5% were diagnosed by a healthcare provider. 66.7%) had several sexual partners ranging from 2-6 sexual partners. Mean SD age at sexual debut was at 15.9±2.67 years with a minimum and maximum age being 11 and 22 respectively. 115 of 169 female students had ever used a hormonal contraception with 62.6% having had exposure to emergency pills. Early sexual debut was a predictor to contracting STI at: OR=3.581, 95%CI (1.916-6.693), P<0.001. Respondents with one sexual exposure and with planned first sexual encounter were at lower risk OR=0.431, 95%CI (0.204-0.909), P=0.026 and OR 0.617(1.414-1.850), P=0.014 respectively. In conclusion, majority of respondents developed RH related complications following early sexual debt. Female youth are at a higher risk of developing STIs compared to their male counterparts. It is therefore recommended that institutional administrators, parents/guardians, the MOH, MOE and other key stakeholders provide access to condoms for students, provide reproductive health education and access to information, incorporate age appropriate sexuality education at primary school level and provide access to proper contraceptives in university infirmaries. The MOE and MOH must scale up the implementation of age-appropriate sexuality education framework as well as the ASRHR policy. Finally, it is imperative that the government increases the budgetary allocation for adolescent and youth programs to allow for efficient and effective implementation of youth programs.
Keywords: Sexual initiation, reproductive health, undergraduates, universities, Nairobi Count
Strategic Management Practices and Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kitui County, Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate strategic management practices and performance of small and medium enterprises in Kitui County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design and targeted 442 SMEs in Kitui town, which have the necessary structures to implement strategic management practices. The sample size was 111 small and medium sized enterprises, 30 per cent of the target population and adopted stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were the main source of primary data and Cronbach's Alpha was used to test the validity and consistency of the research instrument. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and descriptive statistical tools were used for presentation. The study found that service delivery, ICT and customer service had a positive and significant effect on performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kitui County, Kenya. Based on the findings, it was concluded that small and medium enterprises in Kitui County, Kenya have adopted strategic policies or practices. However, they were being affected by factors such as economic, political, environmental, and technological factors, as well as, competition. The study concluded that performance of SMEs based on financial and non-financial indicators has been largely influenced by adoption of strategic management practices. The study therefore, recommends entrepreneurs to place their focus and emphasis on the services offered to customers. They should endeavour to make their customers satisfied with their services and the products they offer to them. This thus ensures that the SMEs have an assured market/customer for their products which means constant and improved sales and profits. In the highly competitive market and increased globalizations of services, entrepreneurs should maximize on their use of Information Technology in their business operations. It has completely transformed the way businesses are run and is an assurance of improved services and operations for instance in the innovation of the product, market and the supply chain performance. Service delivery, for instance, could be largely boosted by a good online marketing platform where the entrepreneur could advertise, communicate and sell his product to the target customers conveniently.
Keywords: strategic management practices, performance, small and medium enterprises, Kitui Count