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Effects of Routing and Scheduling Plans, Logistical Procedures and Customer Service on Delivery of Courier Services at the Postal Corporation of Kenya
No full textCustomer service is an important aspect in every business and courier services is no exception. Technological advancements as well as changing customer needs have put a lot of pressure on businesses because customers are demanding better services. This study evaluated the effects of Transportation determinants on the customer service delivery of courier business of Postal Corporation of Kenya. The main objective of the study was to investigate the Effects of Routing, Scheduling Plans, Logistical Procedures and Customer Service on Delivery of Courier Services at the Postal Corporation of Kenya. A case study of Postal Corporation of Kenya was adopted where the target population was 300 employees. A sample study of 169 respondents was selected from the total target population. The study was grounded Systems Theory. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data from employees in management level, the operation, fleet and logistic staff. The collected data was edited, coded and entered for analysis using the computer statistical package tool SPSS. Data was analyzed using both descriptive statistic and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics was applied in analyzing general data and inferential was used to analyze the relationship of the variables. Analyzed data was presented in tables, graphs and charts for clarity. The study found that routing and scheduling plans had positive and significant effect on customer service delivery of courier services of Postal Corporation of Kenya; logistical procedures also had positive and significant effect on customer service delivery of courier services of Postal Corporation of Kenya. The study recommended on enhanced internal and external innovative ways of improving scheduling and routing that are unique, market acceptable, need solving and can easily be used by target clients. The study also recommends that Postal Corporation of Kenya should have elaborate, detailed and well understood logistical procedures to improve performance. Better procedures improve service delivery which aid in minimizing the cost of corporation. Furthermore, the management should provide leadership and goodwill support in implementing the usage of logistic procedures.
Keywords: Routing & Scheduling Plans, Logistical Procedures, Customer Service, Delivery of Courier Services and Postal Corporation of Kenya
Effect of Performance Management and Capacity Building on Employee Performance in Madison Insurance Company Kenya Limited
No full textPerformance of the employee is considered as what an employee does and what he/she does not do. Employee performance involves quality and quantity of output, presence at work, accommodative and helpful nature and timeliness of output. Employee performance therefore is a sign of the capacity of a company to efficiently achieve independent goals. One of the elements that is assessable is the employees' s performance through the level of their productivity. The study established the effects of performance management and capacity building on the employee performance in Madison Insurance Company Kenya Limited. The study target population were 1540 employees of the Madison Insurance Company Kenya of which 154 employees were selected as the sample size using the simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as regression and correlation analysis was used analyse the data. The study findings indicated that the performance management and capacity building influenced the employee performance of insurance industries. There was a significant and positive relationship between performance management, capacity building and employee performance. The study therefore recommended that insurance industries should invest in performance management and capacity building.
Keywords: Performance management, Capacity Building, Employee performance, Insurance and Madison Insurance Compan
Influence of Learning Environment and Socio-Behavioural Support on Academic Performance of Refugee Children in Public Primary Schools in Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya
No full textThe purpose for this study was to investigate the influence of learning environment and socio-behavioural support on academic performance of refugee children in public primary schools in Ruiru Sub-County, Kenya. The study used exploratory research design. There are thirty (30) public primary schools with refugee children in Ruiru Sub County. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 28 public primary schools. The target population for this study was 536 teachers and 30 head teachers. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 221 teachers while purpose sampling was used to select 28 head teachers. The findings showed that learning environment and socio-behavioural support influence the academic performance of refugee children. Based on research findings, it can be concluded that learning environment influences academic performance of refugees children in public primary schools. The school environment is of paramount importance in shaping and reshaping intellectual ability. Further, it can be concluded that socio-behavioural support influences academic performance of refugees children in public primary schools. It is recommended that school management should ensure that a favourable learning environment is provided for refugee children. This will ensure that a supportive and favourable school environment free of abuse, name calling and discrimination is achieved. Teachers, parents and other pupils should help in promoting socio-behavioural and psychological support to refugee children.
Key words: learning environment, socio-behavioural support, academic performance, refugee children, Keny
Influence of Political Dynasty on Economic Growth of Developing Countries: A Case of African Countries
No full textThe political dynasty is a well-established tradition in developing countries and most particularly in Africa, where many politicians can trace their political lineage back several generation. There are some unbroken representation extending back to the foundation of the state. Political dynasties are present in many African countries, yet we have very limited evidence on the economic consequences of dynastic rule. Economic theory makes ambiguous predictions about political dynasties: on the one hand, dynasts may behave like “stationary bandits†and invest more in their constituencies, and use their clout to direct state resources to their localities. On the other hand, dynasts may have particularly strong incentives to foster long-term clientelistic relationships, which may chill political competition and worsen governance. The paper explores the grip on power these families have, and how they influence economic growth; the pressures on family members to continue the traditions of their forefathers; the intense grip on power and the impact of these dynasties on the economic growth. The study adopted a literature review methodology. The study concluded that dynasties are able to sustain their reign because they are able to access: money, machinery, media, and alliances/mergers. Often, the responsibility of the family members is to safeguard the elite’s political and economic interests and, most importantly, the extension of their rule. Political dynasties affect the quality of government policies as dynastic politicians have incentives to implement policies that will increase their advantage and guarantee the perpetuation of power. However some dynasties have the advantage of passing down dynastic tradition, ruling oligarchs’ experience, political and economic resources, and vast array of networks including their names to their children and grandchildren that would carry on their legacies. The effect of such hereditary notion of politics can be positive especially when the traditions and values inherited are good. The study recommended on to championing for social and economic development where political dynasties exist and strengthening of institutions.
Keywords: Political Dynasty, Economic Growth, Developing Countries and Africa
Impact of Group Microcredit Lending on Maize Productivity among the Small Holder Farmers in, Murang’a County, Kenya
No full textAvailability, accessibility and affordability of rural credit is one of the key elements for transforming rural economies through enhancing agricultural productivity, food security and poverty reduction. A good number of farmers in Murang‘a County have engaged micro credit to boost maize production but the difference in productivity between beneficiaries and non beneficiaries have not been evaluated. This study Sought to examine the contribution of Microfinance services to food security of smallholder farmers in Murang‘a county. Descriptive and econometric analysis, were used to analyze the data. Primary data was collected from 200 respondents randomly selected from credit beneficially and non- beneficially groups in Kiharu constituency using a structured questionnaire. The study uses the ―counterfactual approach using propensity score matching to assess whether households who had participated in microfinance services had increased their maize yield compared to non-participants. Logit model was used to determinant factors that influence farmers participation in microfinance services. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the amount of land allocated to maize production was significantly associated with credit borrowing. Results also indicate that the time a farmer has been in the group and maize yield had a positive and significant relationship. The results revealed that MFI membership and maize yield had a positive and significant relationship. In addition, results revealed that the frequency of meetings had a positive and significant effect on the credit borrowed. The distance to input and output markets had a negative and significant relationship with maize productivity. The results revealed that MFI membership and maize yield had a positive and significant relationship. In addition, results revealed that the frequency of meetings had a positive and significant effect on the credit borrowed. The results from Propensity Score Matching model show that household who had participated in group credit had increased maize yield by 30% as compared to non-participant. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the observed results on the impact of group access to credit on maize yield, were not biased towards those who received credit. The study recommends that small-scale farmers can work together as a recognized legalized entity in order to improve their bargaining ability and to take advantage of economies of scale. The research brings out unfulfilled potential for integrating microcredit firms into the mainstream rural financial systems. In addition, commercial banks are yet to exploit their full potential with regards to credit provision to high-potential small-scale resource constrained farmers.
Keywords: Group Microcredit Lending, Maize Productivity, Small Holder Farmers, Murang’a County, Keny
Contribution of Sustainable Land Management Practices in Snow Peas Farming to Production Costs in Gathara Ward
No full textThe research study focuses on evolution of consumer demands which led to development of certification schemes that begun with development of Europe’s Protocol for Good Agricultural Practice, EUREPGAP which later on changed to Global Protocol for Good Agricultural Practice. This was after the realization of unsustainable production practices that resulted in environmental degradation and did not uphold human dignity. As such, Kenya went ahead and localized the certification scheme which was guided by Strategy to Revitalize the Agricultural Sector that aimed at ensuring sustainable production systems. Among the standards include, the sustainable land management practices which have been known to be environmental friendly as well as result in job creation. The study focuses on snow peas production which is among the affected horticultural produce. It targets smallholder producers in North Kinangop Ward who have had difficulties of complying with the standards due to the cost implications. More specifically it will: Determine contribution of sustainable land management practices in snow peas farming to production costs in North Kinangop Ward; Assess environmental implications of integrating sustainable land management practices in snow peas farming in North Kinangop Ward and; Examine the market opportunities for integrating sustainable land management practices in snow peas farming in North Kinangop Ward. The study therefore revealed some of the benefits realized upon adoption of sustainable land management practices by use of both qualitative and quantitative data. The data was collected using questionnaires and key informant interviews. The quantitative data were appropriately be coded and then cleaned using Census and Survey Processing System (CSpro) a computer programme and later on exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences for analysis. Percentages, means and regression analysis shall be used in generating results for all the objectives. For qualitative data, themes shall be developed and data categorized as per the themes, then using inferential deduction conclusions shall be drawn to build up on the results from SPSS analysis. The multivariate logistic regression revealed that certification schemes were negatively and significantly associated with cost of production. In addition, the study found out that certification requirement practices and cost of production are negatively and significantly related Irrigation frequency and cost of production are negatively and significantly related. Method to control pests and diseases and cost of production are negatively and significantly related. Further, the finding of the study demonstrated that source of capital and cost of production is negatively and significantly relate.
Keywords: Snow peas, farming, production costs, Gathara War
Influence of Student Councils’ Involvement as a Link of Communication between Students and Administration on Students Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Kathonzweni Sub-County, Kenya
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of student councils‟ involvement as a link of communication between students and administration on students discipline in public secondary schools in Kathonzweni Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was 30 public secondary schools in Kathonzweni Sub-County. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample size of 108 students, 162 teachers and 28 principals. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect primary data. The questionnaires were also subjected to pilot test to ensure that research instruments were reliable. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer programme version 20.0. The results were presented in form of frequency tables and chi square tests. Chi square tests were used to show the relationship between the variables. The results of the study indicated that schools where a student council did not act as a link of communication was characterized by high levels of indiscipline than those where student council acted as a link to the administration. It is concluded that involving student council to act as a link between students and school administration influences students‟ discipline.
Key words: Link of Communication, Students Discipline, Public Secondary School
Effects of Network Outlets and Fleet Policy on the Customer Service Delivery of Courier Services of Postal Corporation of Kenya
No full textBusinesses establish reputations for themselves based upon how well they treat their customers over time. It is critical for mail and courier business organizations to have efficient and effective transport service in order to achieve excellent performance and hence attain their overall business objectives of economic, financial viability, improved quality of service, product diversification, increased Postal volumes and revenue generation. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of network outlets and fleet policy on the customer service delivery of courier services of Postal Corporation of Kenya. A case study of Postal Corporation of Kenya was adopted where the target population was 300 employees. A sample study of 169 respondents was selected from the total target population. The study was grounded Servqual Model Theory. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data from employees in management level, the operation, fleet and logistic staff. The collected data was edited, coded and entered for analysis using the computer statistical package tool SPSS. Data was analyzed using both descriptive statistic and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics was applied in analyzing general data and inferential was used to analyze the relationship of the variables. Analyzed data was presented in tables, graphs and charts for clarity. The study found that network outlets had positive and significant effect on customer service delivery of courier services of Postal Corporation of Kenya; fleet policy also had positive and significant effect on customer service delivery of courier services of Postal Corporation of Kenya. The study recommended network outlet improvement on technology for efficient delivery and increment should be a major target for the leadership of the corporation. The study also recommends that Postal Corporation of Kenya should have elaborate, detailed and well understood fleet policy procedures to improve performance. Better procedures improve service delivery which aid in minimizing the cost of corporation. Real-time fleet management should be implemented to reduce the need for human supervisors for fleet management, improves service and increases courier effects.
Keywords: Network Outlets, Fleet Policy, Customer Service, Delivery of Courier Services and Postal Corporation of Kenya
Effect of Investors and Local Communities Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes on Performance of Style Industries Limited in Nairobi County
No full textCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is about how a business entity gives back to its stakeholders in a sustainable and acceptable manner. It is therefore imperative that businesses run their operations within the precepts of the law of the land in which they operate and other regulations prescribed by authorities like business associations and government agencies. However, Darling Kenya limited have not fully implemented the CSR operations. There is need to quantify the exact benefits that accrue from every CSR activity in order to justify the performance of style industries limited in Nairobi, Kenya. The study focused on the effect of investors and local communities corporate social responsibility on the performance of style industries limited in Nairobi, Kenya. The target population for the study was 540 employees of the style industries in all the four areas of Mwingi, Rongo, Muranga and Nairobi. The sample size selected was 162 employees. Questionnaires were used to collect data that was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A multiple linear regression analysis model was used to test the relationship between the investors and local communities CSR Programmes and performance. The study found that Investors CSR and Local Communities CSR had a significant and positive relationship with Performance of manufacturing companies in Nairobi. The study recommended that industries should cultivate investors and local communities CSR for performance improvement.
Keywords: Investors, Local communities, Corporate Social Responsibility, Performance and Style Industries Limited
 
Effect of Strategy Implementation on Service Delivery in Government Corporations: A Case of Kenya Bureau of Standards
No full textSuccessful strategy implementation is a key for any organization's survival. Many governmental corporations around the globe cannot sustain their competitive advantages, despite having a robust strategy formulation process, because they have not done sufficient assessment of strategy implementation on service delivery. Considering the higher failure rates in implementation of strategies in these corporations, more attention should be given by their executives to implementing the strategy. Several reasons are frequently offered for lack of effectiveness in service delivery. While this field of research has attracted significant research interests and subsequently added quality theories and models in the western world, this topic has not attracted much attention in Africa. Hence, this study sought to assess strategy implementation on service delivery of Government corporations, a case of Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). There are two objectives for this project; to establish the effect of leadership on service delivery in KEBS and the effect of staff commitment on service delivery in KEBS. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The targeted population was 997 and the sample size of 100 respondents working at the KEBS head office where employees were divided into three categories; Top level leadership staff, Mid-level leadership staff and junior staff. Questionnaires were used to obtain data, which was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics. Correlation and regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between strategy implementation and service delivery. The study found out that leadership and staff commitment has a positive and significant effect on service delivery in KEBS. Thus the study concluded that leadership and staff commitment positively affect service delivery at the Kenya Bureau of Standards. The study recommended that the leadership and staff commitment at Kenya Bureau of Standards should remain fully committed throughout strategy implementation process so as to improve on service delivery.
Keywords: Leadership, Staff commitment, Service delivery and Kenya Bureau of Standard