Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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Influence of E-Procurement on the Performance of Infrastructural Projects in Devolved Units; a Case of Roads Construction Projects in Mombasa County
No full textThe study was carried out with the aim of examining the influence of e-procurement on the performance of infrastructural projects in devolved units; a case of roads construction projects in Mombasa County. This study was necessitated due to the fact that the latest changes in the procurement system have called for all the counties to allocate tenders to potential contractors by considering the e-procurement concept. The study was guided by four specific objectives that included: to assess the influence of e-sourcing; to establish the influence of e-tendering; to ascertain the influence of e-ordering; and to examine the influence of e-payments on the performance of infrastructural projects in devolved units; a case of roads construction projects in Mombasa County. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The sample size was 122 respondents as guided by the Krejcie and Morgan table of 1970. Data was collected by use of a structured and non-structured questionnaire. Results showed that the respondents were in agreement that e-sourcing indicators influenced implementation of roads projects. Chi-square value of 25.076 indicated that the relationship between e-sourcing and implementation of road projects had a positive and significant correlation. Also, results showed the respondents were in agreement that e-tendering indicators w influenced the implementation of roads projects. Chi-square value of 19.038 indicated that the relationship between e-sourcing and implementation of road projects had a positive correlation. Further, Results showed the respondents were in agreement that e-ordering indicators influenced implementation of roads projects. A calculated chi-square value of 32.004 findings indicated that the relationship existed between e-ordering and implementation of road projects had a positive correlation. Finally, results showed that the respondents were in agreement that e-payment indicators and influenced implementation of roads projects. Chi-square value of 35.105 indicated that the relationship existed between e-payment and implementation of road projects had a positive correlation. The study concluded that majority of the infrastructural projects firms in Mombasa have adopted e-procurement practices and are committed to equipping their staff with the necessary competencies and skills to ensure the success of their e-procurement projects thus promoting performance of the infrastructural projects..
Key words: e-ordering; e-payments; e-procurement; e-sourcing; e-tenderin
Moderating Effect of Marketing Channel Dynamics on the Relationship between Market Entry Strategies and Performance of Multinational Corporations in Kenya
No full textThe main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of marketing channel dynamics on the relationship between market entry strategies and the organisational performance of multinational corporations in Kenya. The main objective was to determine the moderating effect of marketing channel dynamics on the relationship between market entry strategies and organisational performance. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study established that marketing channel dynamics moderate the relationship between market entry strategies and organisational performance. The study found that market entry strategies and marketing channel dynamics explained 52.1% of the change in organizational performance measured using financial performance indicators. The study also established that market entry strategies and marketing channel dynamics explained 62.3% of the change in organizational performance of multinational corporations in Kenya measured using non-financial performance. The study recommends that marketing channel dynamics should be considered when going international, this will enhance the performance of the organisation. The result's findings contribute to theory development, policy and marketing practice about the effect of market entry strategy and organisation performance coupled with the influence of market channel dynamics on this relationship. Limitations include some respondents being uncomfortable with sharing information on financial performance and the logistical challenges of traversing the country to obtain data, this however did not compromise on study results. The study suggests that there is room for further research by adopting comparative studies approach and using longitudinal designs to get more information from the respondents.
Keywords: Marketing Channels Dynamics, Market Entry Strategies, Organisational Performance
 
Influence of Volunteerism on Development in Kenya: A Literature Based Review
No full textVolunteerism reduces the financial burden that befalls the government. The practice is also critical in the midst of the inability of national and county governments to deliver services to the people. However, this view does not imply that government should abdicate some of its responsibilities to volunteer institutions. In most instances and as result of weak governance, governments lack the capacity to deliver the development promised to the citizens. The study establishes the influence of volunteerism on development in Kenya. The paper employs a desk study review methodology. A critical review of empirical literature is conducted to identify main thematic concepts of the paper. International volunteering enhances socio economic development of county by building organizational capacity, developing international relationships, and performing voluntary labor. International volunteerism entails the developmental projects started by international voluntary organization to promote social wellbeing. The initiative is often driven towards achieving the goals and stated targets of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. International volunteering fosters international understanding between peoples and nations and while promoting global citizenship and intercultural cooperation. As a result of international volunteering, there is diffusion of human development skills, mindsets, behaviors and networks that prepare volunteers for living and working in a knowledge-based global economy. International volunteering allows the sharing of knowledge, technology and social norms that are essential for sustainable economic development. Volunteerism has promoted developmental projects in Kenya that include educational support, socio economic support, enhancing food security and provision of safe water for domestic use. International volunteer service is a practical way to promote global understanding, while making tangible contributions to the development of individuals, organizations and communities. In Kenya, community based volunteering in socioeconomic development is essential in building various infrastructure and cohesion in communities to further enhance governmental initiatives especially within individual communities. The government actively engages in creating effective community based mechanisms and structures that can make use of resources and skills available within communities. Communities should be sensitized about the power of networking, and sharing experiences about volunteerism without financial benefit. Community members will understand the need to volunteer in providing both social and developmental programmes for the local people. There is need to increase the provision of secure and stable funding for the volunteering infrastructure especially volunteer-involving organisations to create an enabling and facilitating environment for volunteering, and provide resources for development of impact management culture. This can be done through raising awareness amongst civil society staff, government and donor supporters on the importance of volunteerism in promoting economic development.
Key words: International volunteering, community based volunteering and economic developmen
Influence of Organizational Culture on Implementation of Strategic Plans within the County Governments of Kenya
No full textAn effective and successful strategic planning requires engagement of all levels of management of County Government in order to generate maximum input and build employee commitment in achieving the county government's goals. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of organizational culture on implementation of strategic plans within the County Governments of Kenya in Western region of Kenya. The study was based on the sequential thinking, adaptive and holistic theories. It employed descriptive survey research design which targeted 10 county governments, six in former Nyanza province and four in former Western Province. Proportional stratified random sampling technique was used in 10 counties where 240 study subjects was selected by simple random sampling. Further, the study incorporated merits of secondary data and then collect data using semi-structured questionnaires and interview for top managers. To test reliability and validity of the study, the pre-test item analysis was conducted at two different points in the study. The inter-item consistency or lack of it was tested using Cronbach's alpha. The quantitative data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of mean, frequencies and standard deviation with the help of ANOVA, Regression and Correlation while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Data was presented in tables, charts and graphs. The results showed that the organizational culture as a good predictor of implementation of strategic plans. The study rejected the null hypothesis and adopted the alternative hypothesis that organizational culture is statistically and significant related to implementation of strategic plans in county governments of Western Kenya. The study concluded that a stable culture, one that will systematically support strategy implementation, is one that fosters a culture of partnership, unity, teamwork and cooperation among employees. The study recommended for the management of the county governments that are interested in changing the way the organization focus on the value-based forces underlying the organization's behaviors. These management need to carry out a culture assessments that will reveal what strategic culture characteristics exist and they can promote the strengths they find to motivate personnel and identify possibilities for immediate successes in their cultural reshaping endeavors.
Keywords: Organizational Culture, Strategic Plans, County Governments, Keny
Influence of Value-Added Service Strategies on Performance of Telecommunication Firms in Kenya: A Literature Based Review
No full textSome of the telecommunications firms in Kenya are experiencing a relative decline in Average Revenue per User resulting in overreliance on voice, short message serve and internet services as major source of revenue. This situation reveals that income from conventional voice services will not be enough for the mobile telecom service providers to survive. To overcome this, telecommunications firms are engaging in value added strategies as a source of new revenue and differentiation strategies. The study determines the influence of Value-Added Services Strategies on Performance of Telecommunication Firms in Kenya. The paper employs a desk study review methodology. A critical review of empirical literature is conducted to identify main thematic concepts of the paper. Telecom providers invest in value added strategies to be able to cross-sell additional mobile services and enlarge their share-of-wallet with the consumer. This way, the provider does not only get more revenue from its customers, but also creates value added to products and services offered. Some of the value added services impacting the telecommunication sector include e-commerce, social value added services, interactive voice response services, business process outsourcing, mobile money transfer and enterprise value added service. In Kenya, the mobile money services have been significant in enhancing performance of telecom companies. It is concluded that there are many benefits associated with adoption of value added service strategies in the telecommunication industry. By demonstrating the linkage to other core services, the benefits of value added strategies need to be enhanced through research and development. Research and development shall promote the innovation of products and services that are specifically tailored to meet customer needs. Service and product improvement must emanate from customers' views and preferences. Considering the sum of resources invested into value added services systems, it is essential to ensure that the services meet customers' needs and quality standards. In order to achieve this goal, and based on the findings, this study recommends that a proactive awareness programme should be developed and implemented to educate customers on the available value added services and how this will benefit them, as well as business partners on the potential of value added services in enriching their revenue growth, over and above cost reduction, operational efficiency and customer base growth and retention.
Key words: Communication based value-added strategies, Application based value added strategies, Performance of Telecommunication Firms, Kenya
Teachers' Involvement in Strategic Planning to Improve Quality Education in Private Secondary Schools in Eastern Province, Rwanda
No full textThe study aimed at examining the influence of Teachers' Involvement in Strategic Planning Process to Improve Quality Education in Private Secondary Schools in Eastern Province Rwanda. The research questions for the study were: What are the different ways of teachers' involvement in school planning process to provide quality education in private secondary schools? How do teachers' duties and responsibilities in school planning improve quality education in private secondary schools? To what extent does the teachers' awareness about planning process affect the provision of quality education in private schools? What is the relationship between teachers' involvement in strategic planning and quality education provided in private secondary schools? What are the challenges faced by private schools as result of teachers' exclusion in the strategic planning process? Total quality management theory was used. The study was guided by both a descriptive survey design and correlational research design. Mixed methods were employed. The targeted population was 616 including 28 Head teachers, 28 deputy headteachers in charge of studies, and 532 teaching staff. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Descriptive measures (frequencies, percentages, Means, and Karl Pearson Coefficient of Correlation), and Thematic Approaches were used to analyze the data, tables, graphs, and texture method were used to present the findings. The findings revealed teaching as multifaced profession, but teachers are not adequately involved in the strategic planning process in private secondary schools in Eastern province Rwanda. This affects the quality of education provided in those schools. The findings also indicated a significant positive degree of relationship between teachers' involvement in strategic planning process and quality education improvement in private secondary schools in Eastern Province -Rwanda. The researcher recommended the involvement of teaching staffs in the strategic planning process and putting in place measures to increase teachers' motivation in order to improve the quality of education.
Keywords: Teacher involvement, Strategic planning, quality education, private Secondary schools, Rwand
Role of Procurement Laws in Facilitation of International Trade in East Africa Community
No full textThe size of the public procurement in East African countries (Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania) is quite considerable. The public authorities spend approximately 10 % of the East African countries GDP and thus, public procurement accounts for a significant portion of the overall demand for goods and services and is increasingly seen as an attractive and feasible instrument for developing society and nation. This study conducted a critical review of empirical literature to establish the role of procurement policies and procedures in facilitation of international trade in East Africa. The general objective of the study was to establish the role of procurement laws in facilitation of international trade in East Africa. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the influence of procurement policies and procedures in trade facilitation and to establish the challenges facing implementation of procurement laws in East Africa Countries. The study used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. The study was informed by institutional and resource based theories. The study found that good laws alone cannot deliver the expectations of East African Countries as far as public procurement reforms are concerned. Numerous instances of corruption and exemption in public procurement have been accounted for in spite of the fixing legal regime in the region. Effective public procurement planning prompts the leads to the identification of major investment opportunities that in turn facilitates budgetary and allocation decision-making of procurement practitioners. However, there is a growing appreciation of the linkages between specific public sector objectives and public procurement practice. The outcomes of the research revealed the importance of procurement function to the East Africa region in trade facilitation. The East Africa Countries should evaluate the existing policies and regulations to ascertain whether the rules governing procurement expenditure are fit for purpose. The main challenges encountered in the procurement process was corruption, delays, collusion and bureaucracy. The study recommended that the EAC countries should adopt open contracting principles and data standard of disclosure and public participation and begin to publish and publicize government contracts throughout the procurement cycle, from the pre-tendering to the post award stage. The laws regulating public procurement in East Africa Countries on trade should make it mandatory for all public institutions to undertake regular training of their procurement practitioners on procurement laws, regulations, record-keeping, and other procedures to improve adherence to procurement regulations and facilitate trade.
Keywords: Procurement laws, policies and procedures, International Trade & East Africa
Relationship between Savings Strategy and Wealth Maximization in Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies in Meru County, Kenya
No full textSACCOs are experiencing wealth maximization challenges which can be attributed to their savings strategy. This paper investigated the influence of savings strategy on wealth maximization of saving and credit cooperatives societies in Meru County, Kenya. The study was guided by dynamic capabilities theory and adopted descriptive research design in collecting data from 11 deposit taking SACCOs in Meru County. The target respondents were 168 loan officers, 17 IT systems administrator and 20 managers from all the SACCOs. A sample size of 155 was obtained proportionally from a total target population of 205 respondents. The study adopted stratified sampling method which ensured proper representation of the different study respondents. Primary data was gathered using structured questionnaires. SPSS version 24.0 was used to analyze collected data where mean and standard deviation were computed, and correlation analysis and regression analysis were also used. The correlation results indicated statistical evidence that savings strategy has a positive and significant relationship with wealth maximization in SACCOs in Meru County (r =.710**, and P = .000). Regression results also revealed that savings strategy explain 50.4% of the variations in the wealth maximization in SACCOs in Meru County. This is supported by R squared of 0.504. It was concluded that savings strategy has a positive and significant influence on wealth maximization in Saccos in Meru County, Kenya. The descriptive results provided essential aspects of savings strategy that are important in enhancing wealth maximization. These are: attraction of new members, interest rates on deposits, use of lotteries, continued savings arrangements as well as products that can easily be converted into cash. These elements are likely to increase savings among the Saccos in Meru County. The paper recommends the need for SACCOs in Meru County to develop strategies for attracting new members such as launching new products. Further, SACCOs should make interest rates on deposits attractive to members and this will increase membership, which will translate into more contributions and savings. The findings of this paper will make significant contributions to practice, policies and trends. In terms of practice, SACCOs will be able to implement the recommendations. For policies, the government through the Ministry of trade and industrialization will be able to formulate policies that are relevant and in line with the emerging trends in the financial sector.
Keywords: Savings strategy, wealth maximization, Saving and Credit Cooperatives Societies, trade union
Relationship between Corporate Governance Quality and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textThere has been renewed interest in the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance of modern corporations. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the relationship between corporate governance quality and financial performance of manufacturing firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study examined the relationship between board independence, board size, chief executive officer duality, frequency of board meetings, and a comprehensive corporate governance index and financial performance. The study adopted longitudinal research design. Data for independent variables were collected from published corporate governance reports while data for control variables were collected from the financial reports. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study found that corporate governance quality is significantly related with firm performance. Specifically, the study found that that board size and a comprehensive corporate governance index computed by Cytonn Investments had a positive and significant relationship with financial performance. The study recommends that it is important for manufacturing companies to increase the quality of their boards of directors. This is because high quality boards could help in enhancing the financial performance. The study recommends that the manufacturing firms should fully comply with the code of corporate governance practices for issuers of securities for companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Keywords: Board independence, board size, CEO duality, board meetings, corporate governance index, financial performance, manufacturing firms, Kenya
Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Financial Performance: A Case of KenGen Company
No full textThe aim of the study was to establish the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance of KenGen Company. The specific objectives were to examine effect of the economic corporate social responsibility on financial performance of KenGen Company, to determine effect of philanthropic corporate social responsibility on financial performance of KenGen Company and to establish the effect of environmental corporate social responsibility on financial performance of KenGen Company. The research design was a case study. The method was quite appropriate for the study because it assisted the researcher to establish the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance of KenGen Company. The population for this study was all levels of management and the employees at KenGen. This made a total target population of 586 respondents. Furthermore, the study adopted stratified sampling technique. The study divided the population into four strata; record managers, information technologists, clerical officers and the head of administration. The study used simple random sampling technique to select 30% of the respondents from each stratum. Thus, from the targeted population of 586, a sample of 176 was obtained, which was 30% of the total population. The study used a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The questionnaire consisted of both open and closed-ended questions. The close-ended questions were used in an effort to conserve time; while the open-ended questions were used to encourage the respondent to give more in-depth details without feeling reluctant to disclose any information. The data collected was coded, quantified and analyzed quantitatively. By using descriptive statistics from SPSS, quantitative data was analyzed and presented in percentages, means, standard deviations and frequencies. The data was subsequently presented in tables, graphs and pie charts. This provided for an easier analysis and interpretation of the data inputted. The study found that economic social responsibility influence performance of the organization. The study also established that firm choices about investing in socially responsible activities have an overall effect on firm value thus increasing the performance. The study further found that philanthropic corporate social responsibility has enhanced performance of the organization. The study also established that investments in philanthropic CSR help firms develop new competencies, resources and capabilities that are manifested in firm culture, technology, structure and human resources. The study concluded that environmental corporate social responsibility has influenced performance of the firm. Finally, the study concluded that good environmental management generates reputational advantage for a firm that leads to improved marketing and financial performance. From the findings and conclusion, the study recommended that the organization can influence its corporate organization performance by engaging in various Corporate Social responsibility activities and this will help it build a good reputation and thus, gain competitive advantage hence higher productivity.
Keywords: Economic corporate social responsibility, philanthropic corporate social responsibility, environmental corporate social responsibility, corporate Financial Performance, KenGen Company