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Prospects of Cost Leadership Strategy for Tourism Performance: Are Cost-Reduction Techniques a Solution?
No full textTour operators are critical in Kenya's multi-billion-dollar tourism industry, a vital pillar of the country's economic development agenda. However, recent statistics indicate that tourism performance has declined due to various factors, including political and security unrest, bureaucratic government policies, stiff competition, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the emergence of sharing economy platforms such as Airbnb has threatened the traditional business model of tour operators. At the same time, a 16% value-added tax on sales has also put pressure on their revenues. In addressing these challenges, this paper examined how tour operators in Nairobi City County can enhance their performance by implementing a cost leadership strategy in Kenya. A descriptive survey study was conducted with 15 company owners and 210 managerial staff. The respondents answered structured questionnaires and interviews, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between cost leadership strategy and organizational performance (r=0.449, P<0.05), rejecting the null hypothesis, with the strategy explaining 20.2% of the variation in performance (b=0.378, P<0.05). The study recommends that tour operator companies adopt strategic alliances with the supply chain, implement operational efficiency frameworks, entirely automate their services, and follow cost-reduction mechanisms to enhance organizational performance. These findings guide tourism stakeholders, particularly company executive teams, on the organizational performance implications of strategic cost-reduction techniques in the context of Nairobi City County's tour operator industry.
Keywords: Cost Leadership Strategy, Organizational Performance, Nairobi City County, Tour Operators, Tourism, COVID-1
Influence of Hotel Waste Management Practices on Competitive Advantage of Tourist Hotels in Nyeri County Within Mt Kenya Tourism Circuit
No full textThe hotels located within the Mt Kenya Tourism Circuit, which encompasses Nyeri, Laikipia, and Nyandarua Counties, play a crucial role in generating local revenue and providing employment opportunities. However, there have been concerns regarding the diminishing competitiveness of these hotels, as seen by the decline in room occupancy rates and income. The identified substandard waste management techniques in these organizations may serve as a contributing-factor to this drop. The region's inadequate waste management, excessive water usage, and significant energy consumption have been subjects of examination and have prompted inquiries about the level of implementation of environmentally friendly practices in hotels. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of hotel waste management practices on the competitive advantage of tourist hotels in Nyeri County within Mt Kenya Tourism Circuit. The study used a cross-sectional survey to examine 136 middle-level managers from 57 hotels in Nyeri County, Kenya, representing about 33% of the target population. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found a strong correlation between effective waste management and increased competitive advantage for tourist hotels on the Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit. Statistical analysis and interviews refuted the null hypothesis, confirming that improving waste management directly boosts competitiveness. The high response rate of 88.97% lends credibility to these findings, which are also consistent with previous research advocating for environmentally friendly business practices. The study concluded that the effective waste management is a key driver of competitive advantage for tourist hotels in the Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit. The study recommended that Tourism Circuit should adopt modern waste management technologies, train staff in sustainability, and educate customers on their eco-friendly practices.
Keywords: Hotel, Waste Management Practices, Competitive Advantage, Tourist Hotels, Circuit
 
Impact of 3PL Outsourcing on Supply Chain Management in Manufacturing Companies in Norway: Case Study Norsk Hydro
No full text3PL outsourcing is a practice in which a company outsources its logistics and supply chain management functions to a third-party logistics provider. By outsourcing logistics activities to a 3PL provider with advanced technology solutions, organizations can improve their supply chain management and achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. Supply chain management is the coordination and management of all activities involved in the production and delivery of goods and services from raw materials to end customers. It includes activities like procurement, production, transportation, warehousing, and distribution. The research used the descriptive research design. The target population was 30 Manufacturing Companies in Norway. The research did sampling of 40 participants that were chosen from the target population of 30 Manufacturing Companies in Norway. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the data. The study concluded that the partnership between manufacturers and 3PL providers has become increasingly critical in Norway's competitive manufacturing industry. This collaboration helps to streamline processes, enhance visibility, and optimize inventory management, leading to greater supply chain performance. To ensure successful outsourcing, it is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of the supply chain, identify the right 3PL provider, establish clear communication and collaboration, develop a performance monitoring system, and regularly review and assess the outsourcing arrangement. It was recommended that before deciding on whether to outsource logistics functions to a 3PL provider, it is crucial to conduct an in-depth analysis of the current supply chain to identify areas that need improvement. The manufacturing company should establish a clear communication plan with the 3PL provider, outlining expectations, key performance indicators (KPIs), and regular reporting requirements. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial to the success of 3PL outsourcing.
Keywords: 3PL Outsourcing, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Companies, Norwa
Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Indonesia
No full textThis study investigated the impact of macroeconomic factors on the financial performance of commercial banks in Indonesia. By analyzing a sample of Indonesian banks over a specified period, the research examines the relationships between bank profitability and key macroeconomic variables, such as interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, and economic growth. Employing literature review methodology, the study aimed to shed light on how these macroeconomic factors influence banks' financial performance and assess the implications for risk management, regulatory policies, and strategic decision-making. The study found that the findings of various empirical studies on the impact of macroeconomic factors on the financial performance of commercial banks highlight several key macroeconomic factors that significantly influence bank profitability and other financial performance indicators. These factors include interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, economic growth, and market competition. While the specific findings and magnitudes of the impacts may vary across different countries and regions, some common patterns and trends can be observed. Interest rates have been identified as a critical determinant of bank profitability. Studies have found that higher interest rates can negatively affect bank profitability, as they increase the cost of borrowing for banks, subsequently affecting their lending activities and overall profits. The study concludes that while the specific relationships and magnitudes of these impacts may vary across different countries and regions, understanding these interactions is essential for banks, regulators, and policymakers to make informed decisions and adopt effective strategies. Thus, commercial banks in Indonesia should closely monitor and manage their exposure to macroeconomic factors, such as interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, and economic growth, to maintain and improve their financial performance.
Keywords: Macroeconomic factors interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, and economic growt
Basel III Implementation and Financial Performance of Banks in Rwanda: A Case of Bank of Kigali Huye Branch
No full textThe banks assume a huge part in the economy by working with the progression of assets from various gatherings and businesses inside an economy. Notwithstanding, their presentation might be impacted by the steadiness and capacity to oversee gambles. Given this, different guidelines, including worldwide guidelines, have been figured out. This study explored the effect of implementing the Basel III standard on the financial performance of banks in Rwanda. It was directed by three explicit targets, which spin around three key developments, specifically, the impact of extension execution of Basel III, the connection between quality execution of Basel III, and the impact of the assessment system of Basel III on the monetary execution of banks in Rwanda. The study used descriptive and correlational research designs. Primary data was collected using structured surveys and interview guides, while secondary data was obtained from the annual financial reports of Bank of Kigali plc and other relevant documentation. The collected data were processed and analysed using SPSS version 23, where frequency tables, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were conducted. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that coverage implementation (r=0.429, p=0.000), quality implementation (r=0.495, p=0.000), and evaluation structure (r=0.490, p=0.000) were all positive and statistically significant. The overall impact of Basel III implementation showed R2=0.570, indicating that 57% of the changes in the financial performance of banks in Rwanda can be attributed to the implementation of banking regulations, more specifically, the Basel standards. The regulatory body should ensure that the financial industry meets global financial standards. The study suggests that individual banks should also ensure that they provide quality compliance through transparent disclosure of their compliance and performance level of the Basel III standard
Keywords: Basel III Implementation, Financial Performance, Banks, Huye Branch, Rwanda
 
Effect of International Political Developments on the Vietnamese Stock Exchange
No full textThis article examines how international political events have affected the volatility of Vietnam's stock market from 2010 to 2023. Through a statistical comparison of the VN-Index's volatility rate over time after political events, the research results have revealed three main trends. First, the VN-Index to fluctuate more strongly in the short term as it moves further away from the time of the event. Second, the volatility index changes depends on the dependent relationship of the place where the event occurs with the Vietnamese market. Finally, as Vietnam's stock market matures and moves further away from its establishment in the 2000s, the volatility of the VN-Index has decreased
Keywords: International Political Events, Stock Market, Stock Market, Market Volatility
Effect of Internal Controls on Resource Mobilization of Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi County
No full textNGOs operate in diverse environments and deal with different types of stakeholders, they face several risks, including financial fraud, mismanagement, and non-compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. They are therefore vulnerable to fraud and embezzlement due to their reliance on donations and grants, lack of oversight, and decentralized operations. This study sought to determine the effect of internal controls on resource mobilization of non-governmental organizations in Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the current study was 64 humanitarian NGOs that are based in Nairobi County. While the unit of analysis was the 64 humanitarian NGOs, the unit of observation were two respondents from finance and project management departments of these organizations. The study adopted a census sampling technique where the entire sample size of 128 was used. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. A regression model was used to test the effect of Internal Controls on the resource mobilization of Humanitarian NGOs in Nairobi County. The results indicated that internal control has a positive and significant effect on resource mobilization of Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi County (B = 0.273; t = 2.524 > 1.96, = P-Value = 0.013 < 0.05). The results of the first hypothesis revealed that Internal Control has a positive and significant effect on resource mobilization of Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi County. The study concluded that Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi County ought to increase their internal control measures in order to boost their resource mobilization. The study recommends that Humanitarian non-governmental organizations need to implement internal control measures, such as control environment, risk assessment and information & communication, in order to improve their financial accountability. To reduce the likelihood of fraud and to raise everyone's awareness of the expectations for adhering to established standards, it is also necessary to have a clear understanding of the significance of internal controls and the division of duty among all the employees.
Keywords: Internal Controls, Resource Mobilization & Non-Governmental Organization
Managerial Ability and Investment Efficiency among Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textThe level of managerial ability that a firm possesses may to a large extend influence its investment efficiency. The purpose of this article is to argue that managerial ability has a significant relationship with the level of firm investment efficiency. Based on a data set of 702 firm year observations for the financial period 2008- 2020, the researchers investigated whether managerial ability (MA) is associated with investment efficiency (IE). The relationship between the independent and dependent variables was tested using multivariate fixed effect panel data regression models. In addition, the researchers included firm level characteristics as its control variables given that they are known to have an association with Investment efficiency in the regression models. The findings reveal that managerial ability had a significant negative relationship with investment efficiency and that higher managerial ability was associated with lower investment efficiency. It was established that firms with higher managerial ability were more likely to overinvest compared to those with lower managerial ability. The findings also revealed that majority of listed firms in Kenya were managed by skilled managers with ability (56%) whereas the remaining 44% were found to be managed by managers with low skills and ability. The scope of the study was on one developing country. There is need for additional studies that will focus on other jurisdictions. The study recommends targeted continuous learning especially on investment efficiency. The study recommends managers to set precise investment goals and implement a comprehensive strategic plan on how to efficiently allocate and prioritize resources. The findings further reiterate the need for firms to not only hire skilled professionals but to also encourage them to set up investment teams within their various business units. The role of these teams should include; continuous evaluation of project risk and return, utilization of technological innovations to improve operational efficiency and adoption of data driven decision making policies. The study emphasizes the importance of isolating individual managerial ability from the general firm efficiency level and the contribution of these specific managerial ability on the quality of firm investment efficiency.
Keywords: Investment Efficiency, Disclosure Quality, Listed Firms in Keny
Capital Structure and Productivity of Listed Commercial Banks in Ireland
No full textProfitability serves as one of the determinants of both capital structure and stock returns in Ireland. This paper looks at bank specific profitability. Researchers take into consideration two actions of financial institution performance: bank productivity (determined as profits separated by properties), and financial institution passion margins (measured as web interest income split by assets). It is commonplace to highlight that in order for a company to have the needed sources in regards to properties, they need to elevate the capital. The years given that the onset of the global financial situation has actually brought about significant architectural adjustments in the financial sector. The crisis revealed considerable weaknesses in the financial system of Ireland as well as the prudential framework, bring about too much financing and also risk-taking unsupported by ample capital as well as liquidity buffers. The impacts of the crisis have taxed financial growth, monetary stability and also financial institution performance in several territories including in Ireland, although the headwinds have begun to subside. Technical adjustment, increased non-bank competitors as well as changes in globalization are still broader ecological difficulties facing the financial system. Regulators have reacted to the crisis by reforming the international prudential structure and improving supervision. The study was a literature based in which literature from far and wide were reviewed to derive study themes. The findings revealed that Banks in Ireland have boosted their durability to future risks by significantly accumulating funding and also liquidity barriers. The boosted use anxiety testing by banks and also managers since the situation additionally attends to greater strength on a positive basis, which ought to aid support credit circulations in excellent as well as hard times. Furthermore, progressed economic situation financial institutions have moved to even more stable funding resources and also purchased more secure as well as less complex assets. Several of these changes may be driven partly by intermittent aspects, such as accommodative monetary policy, and also hence may lessen as conditions transform. Qualitative evidence indicates that financial institutions have significantly enhanced their threat management and also internal control practices. Although these modifications are tough to analyze, scientists point to substantial range for further enhancements, in particular because of the inherent unpredictability regarding the future development of risks. The research concludes that the financial obligation ratios make contrast of the overall debt with the complete properties owned by the company and a low proportion shows that a company depends much less on debt while a high percentage suggests that a firm count a lot more on financial debt money. The findings of this research study have important policy implications on the individual banks in Ireland, the industry and the macro levels. Since most of the reviewed studies found a negative correlation between the financial leverage and the firms value, the research study recommend that bank financial managers should decrease the finance leverage they employ in their capital structure in order to increase firms value.
Keywords: Capital, Structure, Productivity, Listed, Commercial, Banks, Ireland
Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of Selected Commercial Banks in Kenya
No full textThe primary purpose of this study was to determine whether or not corporate responsibility had an impact on the bottom lines of a sample of Kenyan commercial banks. The research's specific goal was to ascertain how compensation for boards was calculated, consumer protection, nonperforming loans, and risk management on the financial performance of selected Kenyan commercial banks. This research was based on the following theories: agency theory, resource dependency theory, control theory, public choice theory and bank risk management theory. The present investigation employed an expressive research strategy. The 44 Kenyan business banks that were the focus of this analysis as at December 2022. The target respondents were the chief finance officers and credit officers. This study used a census-style methodology because the quantity of participating banks was manageable. Surveys that were semi-structured with a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions were used to gather primary data. Descriptive statistics like frequency, average, and deviation from the mean, and inductive statistics like regression and correlation analyses were used to examine the data. After that, we use tables and figures to display the results. While respondents generally accept that board remuneration and consumer protection measures have a good impact, the statistical significance differs. NPLs are found to have a negative impact on financial performance, which is consistent with current research advocating responsible lending practices. Risk management is also seen as important; however, opinions differ. The findings of the study emphasize the significance of risk management and the good impact of board compensation and consumer protection, as well as the negative impact of NPLs. Transparent board compensation schemes, strong consumer protection measures, careful NPL management, and thorough risk management methods are among the recommendations. The study recommends future research areas to further the study on the impact of corporate supremacy in financial success.
Keywords: Corporate governance Board compensation, Consumer protection, Nonperforming loans, Risk management, financial performanc