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Regulatory Environment and Performance of Projects in State-Owned Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the regulatory environment on performance of projects in state-owned manufacturing firms in Kenya
Methodology: The study adopted a pragmatic research philosophy and drew respondents from across twenty state owned manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study engaged respondents from these institutions by employing exploratory cross-sectional methodology and Stratified Random Sampling. Data collection involved semi-structured questionnaires which were done both physically and with the use of online forms. Descriptive analysis of data was conducted using measures of central tendencies and dispersion, development of a relational model between variables employed multiple regression analysis, while validation and reliability were performed using pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient analysis and various methods of model diagnostics such as multicollinearity analysis, Analysis of Variance, Goodness of Fit and correlation analysis.
Findings: The study established that projects in state owned manufacturing firms generally meet quality and stakeholder expectations but struggle with timelines and cost efficiency. Legal compliance requirements emerged as the strongest positive predictor of project performance while political dynamics had a significant negative impact. High prevalence of compliance requirements, particularly procurement procedures and institutional procedures contribute to accountability, but they can also lead to delays and bureaucracy. State control had relatively low influence on project performance, while Institutional structures and fiscal management framework had relatively moderate negative and positive influence on projects performance respectively. The resultant regression model explained approximately 30% of the variability in project performance
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Compliance requirements often ensure accountability and transparency, yet excessive bureaucracy constrains competitiveness. There is need to improve project performance in state-owned manufacturing enterprises by addressing regulatory inefficiencies, fostering institutional autonomy, mitigating political influences, simplifying regulatory procedures, automating processes, and promoting interorganizational collaboration. Additionally, aligning government programs with long-term institutional strategies and diversifying funding sources are crucial for enhancing financial resilience and ensuring project continuity in these institutions
Working Capital Management Practices and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises: Case of Muhanga Food Processing Industries Limited, Rwanda
Get PDFPurpose: The study sought to assess the effect of working capital management methods on the financial performance of small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on Muhanga Food Processing Industries Limited. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of cash management, creditors’ management, debtors’ management and inventory management on financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises.
Methodology: The study used descriptive design as it describes the working capital management practices ensured by Muhanga Food Processing Industry Ltd and its financial performance indicators. The research focused on 86 employees of Muhanga Food Processing Industry with relevant experience, utilizing a census inquiry approach due to the small population size.
Findings: The model summary reveals a multiple correlation coefficient (R) of 0.908, indicating a strong positive correlation among inventory management, cash management, creditor management, and debtor management with the dependent variable, financial performance of Muhanga Food Processing Industry. The unstandardized coefficient for cash management is 0.160, suggesting that for each unit increase in cash management, financial performance is expected to increase by 0.160, with this relationship being statistically significant (B = 0.160, t = 3.062, Sig. = 0.003). Similarly, the unstandardized coefficient for creditor management is 0.237, indicating that a one-unit increase in creditor management correlates with a 0.237 increase in financial performance, which is also statistically significant (B = 0.237, t = 4.372, Sig. = 0.000). Additionally, the unstandardized coefficient for debtor management is 0.314, revealing that enhancements in debtor management can improve financial performance by 0.314 units, with a statistically significant impact (B = 0.314, t = 5.066, Sig. = 0.000). Finally, the unstandardized coefficient for inventory management is 0.278, suggesting that a one-unit increase in inventory management contributes to a 0.278 improvement in financial performance, also statistically significant (B = 0.278, t = 4.572, Sig. = 0.000). These results highlight the essential role of effective management practices in enhancing the financial performance of Muhanga Food Processing Industry.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that Muhanga Food Processing Industry adopt advanced cash forecasting tools and establish a formal cash reserve policy to enhance liquidity planning
The Effect of Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) on Budget Performance in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) on budget performance in Kenya. Specifically, the study seeks to determine whether the adoption and implementation of PBB, as a public financial management reform, has contributed to improved budget execution rates and fiscal discipline. By applying econometric analysis to secondary time-series data from 2012/2013 to 2023/2024, the study evaluates both the short-run and long-run relationships between PBB and budget performance, while considering the influence of control variables such as revenue collection efficiency and the debt-to-GDP ratio. Ultimately, the study aims to provide empirical evidence on whether PBB has enhanced efficiency, accountability, and resource utilization within Kenya’s public budgeting system.
Methodology: This study adopted a positivist research philosophy, relying on empirical data and quantitative analysis to objectively test hypotheses on the effect of Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) on budget performance in Kenya. A correlational research design was employed to establish the nature and strength of relationships among variables. The dependent variable was budget performance, proxied by the Budget Execution Rate (BER), while the key independent variable was PBB, and control variables included revenue collection efficiency and the debt-to-GDP ratio. The study used quarterly secondary time-series data covering the financial years 2012/2013 to 2023/2024, drawn from the National Treasury, Controller of Budget, Auditor-General, and World Bank reports, yielding 44 data points. Data analysis followed a structured econometric approach: unit root testing using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, Johansen cointegration analysis to assess long-run relationships, and estimation of a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to capture both long-run equilibrium and short-run dynamics. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis complemented the econometric modeling, while hypothesis testing relied on standard errors, t-statistics, p-values, and confidence intervals.
Findings: The study found that Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) has a significant and positive effect on budget performance in Kenya in the short run, with improvements in PBB leading to higher budget execution rates after one to two quarters. However, Johansen cointegration analysis revealed no statistically significant long-run relationship between PBB and budget performance, suggesting that PBB reforms have yet to be fully institutionalized to deliver sustained improvements. Further analysis showed that PBB itself is positively shaped by participatory budgeting, medium-term expenditure frameworks, and transparency mechanisms, while rising debt burdens constrain its effectiveness. These results indicate that although PBB reforms enhance expenditure efficiency in the short term, their long-term impact remains limited by institutional, political, and capacity-related challenges.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study contributes to theory, practice, and policy by showing that while Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) enhances budget performance in Kenya in the short run, its long-run impact remains negligible. The findings refine New Public Management (NPM) and Principal–Agent Theory (PAT) by illustrating how institutional and political constraints weaken the intended efficiency and accountability gains of PBB. Practically, the study demonstrates that PBB’s effectiveness depends on complementary reforms such as participatory budgeting, medium-term expenditure frameworks, and transparency mechanisms. For policy, it highlights the need to institutionalize PBB through legal enforcement, robust performance data systems, and stronger fiscal discipline measures. Overall, the research underscores that PBB must move beyond compliance reporting to become a transformative tool for improving public financial management
Influence of Delegated Power on Performance of Rice Sector in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of delegated power on performance of rice sector in Kenya.
Methodology: The study was anchored on the institutional theory. The target population of this study comprised of 185 farmer representatives (cooperative managers), 36 staff of research institutions (researchers) and 9 managers of National Irrigation Authority and 16 rice millers (managers) as the key stakeholders of rice growing in Kenya. The study sample size was 152 and study adopted multi-stage sampling whereas purposive, stratified and random sampling techniques were appropriate for drawing sample size. The data collection instruments were questionnaires and interview schedules. The qualitative data was analyzed by use of the content analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 27, for descriptive and inferential results. Both the arithmetic mean and standard deviation were used as statistical tools to measure central tendency and dispersion respectively.
Findings: The study revealed that delegated power has a statistically significant and positive relationship with rice sector performance. The descriptive results indicated majority of the respondents (mean= 4.03, standard deviation= 0.996) agreed that delegated power was among the stakeholder governance mechanisms employed in the rice sector in Kenya. The correlation results also revealed that delegated power and performance of rice sector in Kenya were positively and significantly associated (r=0.838, p=0.000). In addition, the regression results showed that delegated power explains 70.3% of the variations in performance (r-squared =0.703), making it a strong predictor of performance in Kenya\u27s rice sector. The regression model was statistically significant (F = 234.042, p < 0.05), and delegated power had a positive and significant effect (β=0.927, p=0.000) on performance of rice sector in Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The management should give room for other stakeholders to make decisions by empowering them to make operational decisions. In addition, regular consultations and structured feedback mechanisms should be mandatory to improve transparency and collaboration
Determinates of Employee Motivation in Various Organizations in Lusaka, Zambia
Get PDFPurpose: The goal of the study was to investigate the determinants of employee motivation in organizations in Lusaka District, Zambia. The study sought to solicit views from workers in various organizations across the city to better inform future research.
Methodology: The research design was a non- experimental cross section design utilization a quantitative approach. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics through IMB Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.
Findings: Majority of the respondents (62%) cited having a good salary as a motivational factor. Others mentioned other factors such as good staff development (48%) and being respected, supported and listened to (32%) as their motivational factors. Furthermore, majority of the respondents (58%) did state they were motivated in the workplace and reported satisfaction with their work lives. Most said that their opinions were respected (78%), they were given responsibilities outside their work specializations (66%), and had enough time to socialize with friends and families (66%). Respondents also had high knowledge (66%) and positive attitudes (84%) on employee motivation.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Utilization the Clayton Alderfer’s Existence, Relatedness and Growth Model of 1969, the research investigated the determinates of motivation among the workforce in a localized geographic area in Lusaka district. Workplaces should reenforce physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualization needs among their employees for increased performance and outputs. The researcher recommends provision of a good salary based on work output, safe conducive environments in the workplaces and good path career development for workers. Organizations should be in the forefront in ensuring a conducive work environment that makes it possible for workers to enjoy their work. As long as workers are compensated for their work outputs fairly, they would be highly motivated which will improve job performance.  
Langston Hughes and Claude McKay’s influence of Baraka, MLK Jr and Malcom X
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the article below is to show that their influence on future Black writers such as Leroy Jones (Amiri Baraka) and the Black Art Movement of the 1960s as well as the leaders of movements protesting Black oppression such as Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X is undeniable.
Methodology: This study adopted a combination of methods such as archival research, discourse analysis, poetry analysis and the review of biographies and literary critics. The study is a deepening of a section of our PhD dissertation entitled Black Nationalism in the Poetry of Langston Hughes and Claude McKay, A Comparative Approach defended in 2015 at Dakar University.
Findings: The poems by Langston Hughes and Claude McKay, dealt successfully with the complexities of African American identity and the struggle to end systemic racism and segregation. These themes in fact continues to inspire contemporary African-Americans authors such as the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry winner in 2020 Jericho Brown whose collection entitled \u27The Tradition,\u27 addresses the issues of racial equality and social justice and violence in America. Brown asserts that he cannot imagine how he would have ever known to write his win poems had Claude McKay not written his. (Brown, 2022)
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The writings of Hughes and McKay decrying the violence and brutality on African-American resonate deeply with the themes of police brutality and abuses which Black Lives Matter movement has been so staunchly denouncing
Women’s Role in Environmental Management in Alice Walker’s The Chicken Chronicle
Get PDFPurpose: This paper seeks to examine the role of women in environmental management since their traditional activities bring them into daily interaction with nature. Their attitude towards elements of nature portrays them as good managers. To the author, women do not only exploit nature to feed their families but they play a great role in environmental management to meet up with daily survival and its preservation for future generations.
Methodology: Qualitative research was used to write this paper since it involves textual analysis. Information of this research paper was gathered from the primary sources (The Chicken Chronicle) and secondary sources. Ecofeminism was deemed a suitable theory on which this research paper could be hitched, in order to show women’s role in environmental management.
Findings: it is realized that women do not have any intrinsic connection with the environment based only on their domestic responsibilities (the collection of firewood, fodder and water) but rather on their will to manage natural resources and preserve nature for the safety of all living things.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This research will make people to understand that women are good managers of natural resources, they should be given the chance in each community to prove their worth, they should be encouraged by all means to be connected to nature rather than see them as exploiters of nature and the environment would be saved. This study will also deepen discussion in the field of ecofeminism. Readers of this article will help familiarize it to leaders of the world to encourage women’s management of natural resources
Media Representation of Minorities and its Impact on Public Perception in Singapore
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the media representation of minorities and its impact on public perception in Singapore.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The media representation of minorities in Singapore plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. Studies have shown that while Singapore’s media is generally diverse and inclusive, ethnic minorities such as Malays, Indians, and other smaller groups are often portrayed in stereotypical ways, which can influence public perceptions of these communities. Research suggests that the underrepresentation or misrepresentation of these groups can reinforce negative stereotypes and perpetuate societal divides. For example, the media tends to focus on issues such as crime or poverty when depicting minority communities, which may lead to biased views and social marginalization.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social cognitive theory, framing theory & cultivation theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the media representation of minorities and its impact on public perception in Singapore. Producers should actively seek diverse perspectives and avoid one-dimensional portrayals that reinforce stereotypes. Policymakers should consider implementing regulations that encourage diverse representation in the media and hold outlets accountable for the portrayal of minorities
Strategic Positioning and Competitive Advantage of Selected Multimedia Firms in Kigali, Rwanda
Get PDFPurpose: To assess the effects of strategic positioning on the competitive advantage of multimedia companies in Rwanda, focusing on selected firms: Tele 10, Azam, and Canal+.
Methodology: A cross-sectional research design and a mixed-methods approach were utilized. Data were collected through interviews, surveys, and document review. Employing the purposive sampling method, the study had a sample size of 112 respondents same number as the target population of individuals from three selected Multimedia companies, using the universal sampling method.
Findings: The findings reveal that customer-centric strategies significantly enhance operational efficiency, brand reputation, and market share (β = 0.163, p = 0.007). Strategic leadership plays a pivotal role in vision setting, decision-making, and adaptability, driving sustainable growth (β = 0.241, p = 0.002). Product differentiation, through unique content and market segmentation, contributes to brand distinctiveness (β = 0.156, p < 0.001). Continuous improvement emerges as the most critical driver, fostering creativity, technological advancements, and service quality improvements (β = 0.437, p < 0.001). Respondents overwhelmingly emphasized the importance of aligning strategic decisions with customer needs, highlighting the value of feedback-driven improvement and exceptional service delivery. The study demonstrates strong interrelations among the factors, with continuous improvement showing the highest predictive power. The combined influence of the variables explains 89.7% of the variance in competitive advantage (R² = 0.897, F = 227.383, p < 0.001).
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study offers actionable insights for stakeholders in the multimedia industry, emphasizing the necessity of balancing customer-centric approaches, adaptive leadership, distinct product offerings, and continuous improvement-driven strategies. Competitive success lies in leveraging the synergistic effects of these elements to create sustainable value in a highly dynamic and competitive market environment
The Relationship between Gem 2.0 and Customer Satisfaction
Get PDFPurpose: The UAE administration developed the GEM 2.0 model to enhance the well-being of the UAE citizens. In addition, it is essential to make governance future-oriented and future-ready. This model incorporates several beneficial principles for customer gratification and organizational and governance effectiveness.
Methodology: This research paper focused on the way followed by the GEM 2.0 model to be restarted to customer gratification by discovering several factors contributing to customer gratification in literature as well as aligning with those factors to GEM 2.0.
Findings: The paper found that customer satisfaction depends on service quality, service delivery systemization, reliability, and responsiveness. Service excellence is associated with future preparedness in addition to strategic competitiveness. It further incorporates service delivery systemization, responsiveness, and reliability related to organizing resources and assets and data and knowledge management.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and policy: The study highlights the importance of adopting customer-centric governance models, such as the GEM 2.0 model, to enhance citizen well-being and ensure future-oriented governance in the UAE. The study provides valuable insights into aligning governance practices with customer satisfaction by identifying critical factors such as service quality, reliability, responsiveness, and service delivery systemization