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Challenges of Implementing E-Procurement in the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development in Nairobi, Kenya
No full textThe purpose of the study was to investigate challenges of implementing e-procurement in Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. The research adopted a mixed descriptive design. The target population of this study was the 142 e-procurement users in various departments under the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development headquartered in Nairobi with 103 being used as the sample size. Both primary and secondary data were used in data collection whereby questionnaire was the key instrument for primary data collection with secondary data being obtained from relevant literature like journals, internet and books. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data was presented in form of tables, figures and charts. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the data using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). The study found a positive relationship amongst the variables. Relationship between legal framework, technological infrastructure, security of data, the relationship between employee competency and implementation of E-Procurement was positive. The findings of this study are useful to the policy makers and stakeholders in government ministries. By establishing the key ingredient in the; planning, designing and implementation of a sound public procurement system that aligned itself to the overall economic strategy. It will also be beneficial to the practitioners in determining the prospects and potential benefits of e-procurement and, the need to progressively move towards the implementation of e-procurement in public sector procurement.
Keywords: Employee competency, legal framework, technological infrastructure, security of data, e-procurement.
 
Ratios as Internal Determinants of Profitability on Real Estate Sector in Kenya: Case of Registered Real Estate Firms
No full textThe research objective of the study was to examine how higher profitability not only allows firms to survive and succeed in a risky business environment, but also how important it is for sustainable economic growth. Besides, the studyies focus was on analysis of the relationship between firm profitability and ratios as its determinants is critically crucial for both shareholders, uncountable stakeholders and investors. Given that profitable firms make a great contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide prosperity and employment opportunities, what determines the profitability of firms is significant. The current study, therefore, sought to investigate ratios as determinants of profitability on real estate sector firms registered by Kenya Property Developers Association in Kenya which was the main focus of the study. Because in Kenya real estate investment plays crucial role in providing employment opportunities, offering shelter to households, enhancing income distribution and alleviating poverty. Four major objectives guided the study. To analyze the effect of size of the firm on profitability of registered real estate firms, to explore how liquidity affects the profitability on registered real estate firms, to investigate the effect of capital adequacy on profitability of registered real estate firms, to investigate the effect of credit risk and profitability of registered real estate firms. The study adopted a longitudinal research survey design. The target population was 66 real estate registered firms by Kenya Property Developers Association based in Kenya. The study used Stratified random sampling techniques. For purposes of this study, only secondary data on the sampled firms was collected for the period of 9 years from 2009 to 2017. Diagnostic and model specification tests were done on the data. A panel least squares regression analysis was estimated with the aid of Eviews software to establish the relationship between the variables and profitability of real estate firms. The results showed that, the model explained 83.7% of variations in profitability among the sampled firms as represented by adjusted R2. Based on this finding, we conclude that, firms registered by Kenya Property Developers Association, are efficient enough in determining their own profitability and are significant for the real estate managers to having a positive perspective about determinants of profitability in expanding of the Kenyan Real Estate Sector. The model was also fit to explain the relationship as the F-Statistic with p=0.00000 was significant at 5% level. Empirical findings show that capital adequacy and credit risk factors had a positive effect in determining profitability of the firms. Furthermore, the study concludes that firm size and liquidity had a negative effective in determining profitability of the firms. The study recommends emphasis on optimal capital adequacy in the firms, because capital adequacy revealed a positive relationship on profitability. Besides that, real estate managers and investors should have optimal assets that will maintain liquidity in the short run, to upsurge profitability.
Keywords: Profitability, Sustainable economic growth, Capital adequacy, Liquidity, Firm size, Credit risk and Real estate sector
Effect of Leverage on Financial Performance of Listed Firms in the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textThe Kenya government, together with companies and individuals in the private sectors, has put concerted efforts in ensuring the existence of a favorable environment for doing business in the country. Consequently, while some firms listed in the NSE have improved in performance, there are others that have experienced declining fortunes and some have even been delisted from the NSE over the last decade. Significant efforts to turn around such companies or even liquidate them have focused mainly on restructuring of firm level factors. However, managers and practitioners still lack adequate guidance for attaining optimal decision on firm level factors. The specific objectives of the study was to determine the effect of leverage on financial performance of listed firms in the Nairobi securities exchange. The study employed panel research design that is non-experimental in nature. This study targeted all the 64 firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. A census of all the 64 firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange was used as a unit of analysis. Secondary data extracted from the financial statements was used to compute the relevant ratios and encompassed panel data. The study employed a dynamic panel data regression model while ANOVA was used to test the relationship between the variables across the sectors. Test of hypothesis was done at 95% confidence interval. The study found out that there was a negative and significant relationship between leverage and financial performance of financial and non-financial firms. Based on the findings, the study concluded that leverage has a negative and significant effect on financial performance of Listed Firms in the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Leverage allows a financial institution to increase the potential gains or losses on a position or investment beyond what would be possible through a direct investment of its own funds. The leverage ratio can thus be thought of as a measure of balance sheet or, to the extent that it also includes off-balance-sheet exposures economic leverage.
Keywords: Leverage, Financial Performance & Nairobi Securities Exchange
Value Addition as a Strategic Management Practice and Determinant of Performance of Tea Industry in Mount Kenya Region
No full textThe global tea industry is lucrative and competitive; turning in billions of dollars annually but the prices small holders' tea producers receive fail to reflect the high quality of their produce. In Kenya, Tea industry has not been competitive. As a result, the earnings have not been commensurate with tea production efforts that have often attracted the wrath of farmers to the extent of tea picking boycotts, uprooting of tea bushes, destruction of factory property and even threatening the lives of tea industry managers. This study examined strategic management practices that can determine performance of tea industry in Mount Kenya region so that it can remain competitive. The specific objectives were to determine how value addition related to performance of tea industry in Mt Kenya region in Kenya. The significance of this research is adding information to the existing knowledge and provide a platform for more studies, enhancement of Tea industry performance in Mt Kenya region in Kenya and globally. The study was guided by Value Chain Analysis Theory model and Cost Leadership theories. Mixed methods research design was used. The target population was 117 management team comprised of five regional management team ; regional accountant, operations manager, production manager, auditor, and 112 top management in 16 factories who include, 16 manager 16 production managers 32 accountants 32 training managers and 16 field coordinators sixteen factories that lie in Mount Kenya region. Stratified, simple random sampling was used to select 92 respondents out of 112 based on Krecjie and Morgan Table. Purposive sampling was used to select five regional managers. Data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussion and document analysis. Reliability was examined using pilot study and internal consistency test. Regression analysis indicated that value addition strategy have a strong positive relationship with financial performance of the tea industry In Mount Kenya region. Regression results also established that value addition have a strong positive relationship with financial performance of the tea industry in Mount Kenya region. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that strategic management practices influence performance of tea industry in Mt Kenya region in Kenya positively. Tea factories should continue investing in value addition strategies in specific operational areas because they are able to control their costs much better as compared to addition of more collection centers or more field visits. Consumers will realize higher Tea prices through branding which increases loyalty.
Keywords: Strategic Management, Value Addition, Performance & Mt. Kenya Region
Influence of Strategic Management Process on Loan Recovery: A Case of Higher Education Loans Board, Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of strategic management practices on loan recovery process in Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives to; determine the influence of strategic planning, examine the influence of strategic formulation, establish influence of strategic implementation and evaluate the influence of strategic credit and monitoring tactics. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. The population for this study constituted the 292 employees in HELB office and centers. The sample size was 88 respondents. The study used questionnaire to obtain quantitative and qualitative data for analysis which was further validated for analysis by pilot testing. Information was sorted, coded and input into the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for production of graphs and tables. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were presented. A multiple odd ratio regression model was used to test the significance of the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Data was presented in tables, charts and figures. The study found that strategic planning, strategic formulation, strategic implementation, and strategic credit monitoring and evaluation tactics positively influence loan recovery process at HELB. The study recommends that staff be involved in strategic planning towards loan recovery, gap be identified before formulating the recovery strategies, careful planning and commitment on part of staff is needed to ensure execution of strategic objective is completed and HELB to regular contact as well as check on output level of credits to be in compliance with the existing covenant and strategy scope.
Keywords: Strategic Management Practices, Loan Recovery Process, Strategic Planning, Strategic Formulation, Strategic Implementation, Credit and Monitoring Tactics, Higher Education Loans Boar
Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Negative Health Effects Associated With Dry Cleaning Solvents
No full textThis study sought to determine the health effects associated with exposure to solvents among dry cleaning workers in CBD, Nairobi. The specific objectives of the study included; to assess the health situation/exposure among the dry cleaning workers, to assess the knowledge of dry cleaning solvents among the dry cleaning workers, to assess the health effects of dry cleaning solvents among the dry cleaning workers, to establish the influence of demographic characteristics on the health effects of dry cleaning workers, to determine the influence of knowledge of dry cleaning solvents on health effects of dry cleaning worker and to establish the influence of health situation/exposure on the health effects of dry cleaning workers. The study found out that age was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, College level of education was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, University level of education was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, being an operator was statistically associated with high negative health effects due to the dry cleaning solvents. Loading clothes into the machine was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, removing clothes before the drying cycle is finished was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, transferring solvent-laden clothes into the dryer was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, changing the solvent filter was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, emissions coming from the dry cleaning process was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, emissions coming from the dry cleaning maintenance was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents. Provision of nose masks was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents. Getting first information from health workers was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, getting first information from TV and radio was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, getting first information from newspapers, publications and journals was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents. Ability to recognize headaches as an early sign and symptom of dry cleaning solvent exposure was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents, ability to recognize nose and eye irritation as an early sign and symptom of dry cleaning solvent exposure was statistically associated with high negative health effects of the dry cleaning solvents. The study concluded that majority of the respondents had been exposed to risk of using PERC solvents; therefore, the health situation among the workers working in dry cleaners was associated with high exposure to solvents. The study also concluded that the respondents were knowledgeable on the high exposure to solvents and finally the study led to a conclusion that high exposure to solvents led to health effects. The study recommends that the government should put more resources into helping dry cleaning workers understand the concerns of health effects due to PERC exposure or into helping to implement alternatives, even though this industry has the greatest need. The study also recommends the owners of the dry cleaners to provide the employees with protective garments as they will prevent from direct exposure of PERC solvent.
Keywords: health effects, dry cleaning solvents, health situation/exposure, knowledge of dry cleaning solvents, dry cleaning worker
Influence of Social Organization and Material Culture on the Strategic Business Growth of Huawei Technologies Company Limited
No full textInternational trade has increased over time with a number of environmental and cultural factors forcing the changes in ways of trade. The vast majority of these elements stem down from the impact of globalization. Chinese firms' presence in Kenya aim at venturing into the expansive East African ever growing market with demand of goods and services with diverse cultural difference. The rate at which these firms grow is low as compared to their expectation. The dimension of social cultural aspects remains the most enduring characteristic that requires incorporation in the growth strategies as well as their implementation, particularly when they emphasize on international markets. The specific objectives of the study was to determine the influence of Social Organization, Material Culture on strategic business growth of Huawei Technologies Company Limited. Social Identity theories was used to inform the study. The study adopted a descriptive and causal study design. The target population was 1,500 Business Development Officers and Sales Managers who are working in Huawei Technologies Company Limited of which the sample size of 150 of were based in Kenya, where strategic business growth was the business focus. The research project focused on Huawei Technologies Company Limited in Kenya Primary data was collected using the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as, mean and frequencies and inferential statistics (regression and correlation analysis) was used to perform data analysis. A multiple linear regression analysis model was used to link the variables with a model fitness of 96%. Social Organization, Material Culture explain 96% of the variance in strategic business growth. Based on the findings above, the study concluded that Social Organization, Material Culture influence the strategic business growth at Huawei Technologies Company limited in Kenya. The study recommends for an effective shared company culture to create higher degree of strategic flexibility. Clear and measurable input was emphasized for a positive material culture influence where there is understanding of behaviors and roles.
Keywords: Social Organization, Material Culture, Strategic Business Growth & Huawei Technologie
Top management team emotional intelligence and organizational financial performance: The case of University of Juba, South Sudan
No full textThis study on the University of Juba Top Management Team emotional intelligence intends to determine the link between the emotional intelligence domains such as self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills with the organizational financial performances. The study uses both qualitative and quantitative research design with the target population of 106 top management team from the University of Juba out of which 64 participants took part in the study using stratified sampling design using questionnaire and interview guides as the instruments for data collections. Results of the study unveiled that the five domains of emotional intelligence self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation and social skills have significant relationship with the organizational financial performances, although most of the participants' empathy ability was discovered as low level. Therefore, it is advisable for all organizations especially higher institutions of learning like the University of Juba to continuously initiating training programs that aims in developing and enhancing emotional intelligence competencies of their managers and employees if competitive edge is to be achieved considering the swift alteration in higher educational systems that focuses on globalization and competitiveness in this turbulent environment brought about by the challenges of the twenty first century.
Keywords: Self-awareness, self-regulations, motivations, empathy and social skills
Influence of Language Barrier and Religion on the Strategic Business Growth of Huawei Technologies Company Limited
No full textChinese firms' presence in Kenya aim at venturing into the expansive East African ever growing market with demand of goods and services with diverse cultural difference. The rate at which these firms grow is low as compared to their expectation. The dimension of social cultural aspects remains the most enduring characteristic that requires incorporation in the growth strategies as well as their implementation, particularly when they emphasize on international markets. The specific objectives of the study was to determine the influence of language barrier and religion on strategic business growth of Huawei Technologies Company Limited. Social Identity theories was used to inform the study. The study adopted a descriptive and causal study design. The target population was 1,500 Business Development Officers and Sales Managers who are working in Huawei Technologies Company Limited of which the sample size of 150 of were based in Kenya, where strategic business growth was the business focus. The research project focused on Huawei Technologies Company Limited in Kenya Primary data was collected using the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as, mean and frequencies and inferential statistics (regression and correlation analysis) was used to perform data analysis. A multiple linear regression analysis model was used to link the variables with a model fitness of 96%. Language barrier and religion explain 96% of the variance in strategic business growth. Based on the findings above, the study concluded that Language barrier and Religion influence the strategic business growth at Huawei Technologies Company limited in Kenya. The study recommended for an effective approach on language barrier and religion since they are instrumental in the attainment of the strategic business growth. Use visual methods of communication because words often fail us, and when they do, showing can be a lot more effective than telling. Use pictures or diagrams to explain complicated concepts and accommodating religion, beliefs and spirituality in the workplace.
Keywords: Language Barrier, Religion, Strategic Business Growth & Huawe
Relationship between Transformational Leadership Style and Operational Performance of Hospitality Industry in Kenya: A Case Study of Star Rated Hotels in Nairobi County
No full textLeadership styles denote to systematic patterns of behavior engaged by organizational leaders when dealing with other employees. Some of the commonly acknowledged leadership styles are transformational and transactional leadership styles. Leadership is a situation where one individual influences others to act in a certain manner for the common good of an organization's objectives. Leaders help organizations achieve set objectives by directing the operations through influencing their followers and determine how well the resources of an organization are utilized towards realization of organizational objectives. The hospitality industry in Kenya has not emerged very strong and its performance is behind as compared to its peers. The poor performance of the hospitality industry has consistently missed the government revenue target. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of transformational leadership style on operational performance of hospitality industry in Nairobi. The study objectives were to determine the influence of leader competence, effect of communication, influence of motivation and effect of individualized consideration on operational performance of hospitality industry in Nairobi. The study was informed by Taylor's Motivational Theory, Fredrick Herzberg's Two Factor Theory, Resource based view (RBV) and Communication Accommodation Theory. This was done by expounding on how the theories relate to transformational leadership styles and operational performance. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study population target was 10,420 employees in star rated hotels in Nairobi County. The sample size was 385 respondents. The study used questionnaires to obtain data. Data was presented using tables, charts and figures. Regression results showed that leader competence and operational performance are positively and significant related (r=0.111, p=0.030). The findings further revealed that communication and operational performance are positively and significantly related (r=0.131, p=0.007). It was further established that motivation and operational performance were positively and significantly related (r=0.315, p=0.000). Similarly, results showed that individualized consideration and operational performance were positively and significantly related (r=0.138, p=0.005). Based on the findings above the study concluded that leader competence, communication, motivation, individualized consideration significantly influence the operational performance of hospitality industry.
Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Leader Competence, Motivation, Communication, Individualized Consideration, Operational Performance, Hospitality Industry, Star Rated Hotels, Nairobi County