International Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2732 research outputs found
Sort by
Strategic Management Processes and Performance of Public Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions at Kiambu County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The overall objective of the study was to understand the role strategic management processes play in Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutes performance in Kiambu County of Kenya.
Methodology: The study made use of descriptive survey to conduct the research. The targeted population of the research was a population of 8 TVETs in Kiambu County and as well 675 trainers. Census sample was applied in which all the TVET institutions in Kiambu County were sampled in the study. Based on the formula develop by Yamane, 251 trainers were picked as a sample size. Standardized questionnaires were used by the researchers to get the primary data points of the trainers. The description of descriptive statistics was in form of percentages alongside means and standard deviation that were presented using figures but utilizing tables and pie chart in representation. The inferential analysis employed in the research involved correlation and multiple linear regression model to prove the correlations among study variables.
Findings: Based on the analysis, it was determined that goal setting (r=0.247, β= 0.063, p<0.05), strategic analysis (r=0.312, β= 0.081, p<0.05), strategy formulation (r=0.197, 0.001, p<0.05), strategy implementation (r=0.292, 0.124, p<0.05) and strategy evaluation and control (r=0.42). The conclusion made was that all the indicators of strategic management process considered in the study have significant impact on the performance TVET institutions in Kiambu County.
Unique Contribution: Based on the results, the research suggested that the TVET institutions within Kiambu County ought to increase the levels of stakeholder engagement and communication during goal setting processes, institutionalize frequent strategic analysis and evidence-based planning, and make strategies actionable and familiar
Project Management Capabilities and Project Performance of François-Xavier Bagnoud Village Project
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this project is to determine the impact of project management capabilities on the performance of FXB Village Project.
Methodology: A descriptive study design was used with a quantitative approach. The study focused on 292 employees of FXB Village Project. The sample has been obtained based on Yamane formula and the calculation gave 168 employees. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Findings: The results indicate a weak positive correlation (R = 0.330) between the predictors and project performance, with the combined influence of the three predictors explaining 10.9% of the variance (R² = 0.109). This suggests that while these factors do contribute to performance, most of the variability is influenced by other unaccounted-for factors. The analysis of the model’s statistical significance, as indicated by the F-statistic (6.675) and its significance level (Sig. = 0.000), confirms that the regression model is valid and that the predictors collectively influence project performance. In conclusion, the regression analysis demonstrates that while overall planning and stakeholder management are significant contributors to the success of the FXB Village Project, team competence appears to be a less influential factor in this context.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends enhancing focus on project planning and investing in stakeholder engagement and management in community-based projects
Cost Management Practices and Profitability of Milling Companies Registered by Cereal Millers Association in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The objective of the study was to examine relationship between cost management practices on the profitability of milling firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population entailed 15 milling companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya registered under the Cereals Millers Association (CMA). A census method was also utilized to select the senior, middle and junior level managers in the selected milling companies. This research utilized a structured questionnaire to gather data from targeted participants and the data collected was analyzed using SPSS statistical software which generated descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings: The research results revealed that direct material, direct labour, factory overhead and administrative overhead cost management practices had a negative and significant relationship with profitability. Hence, the study concluded that cost management practices have a negative and significant impact on profitability of milling companies in Nairobi city county, Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was guided by the theories of Transaction Cost, Resource-Based View and Profit Maximization. This research recommended that management of milling companies should continuously develop strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate better prices and ensure consistent quality and supply of materials. This can help in stabilizing costs and avoiding unexpected expenses. To increase employees\u27 effectiveness and productivity, they should also continuously offer training and development opportunities. Policymakers in the milling industry should also advocate for comprehensive cost management training programs in all milling companies so as to ensure that employees in all levels of management are equipped with knowledge and skills necessary to implement cost-saving measures effectively
Credit Management Procedures and the Financial Performance of Insurance Companies Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to investigate credit management procedures and the financial performance of insurance companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Methodology: The study involved secondary information in a graphic report plan. Five years of board information will be utilized in the review (2017-2021). Each of the six of the insurance companies enlisted on the NSE made up the objective market. An information assortment network was utilized to gather optional information. Information investigation was performed utilizing SPSS form 25 to deliver both distinct and inferential insights. Various relapse examination was used to decide the connection between the free factors and the reliant variable.
Findings: The study found that the averages of credit servicing rate for the sampled insurance companies was 80% with a minimum of 48% over the study period skewed to the right (skewness =0.001; Kurtosis = -1.200). The study established that the average existing debt levels was 1,034,492,636.80 with a maximum of 1,190,052,656 and minimum of 913,780,272 skewed to the right (skewness= 0.566; Kurtosis = -2.624). On the relationship between credit risk control and financial performance and insurance companies listed on the NSE, the study found that discovered that the average credit period was 30 days skewed to the left (skewness= -0.411; Kurtosis = -2.413) with a maximum and minimum of 30 respectively over the study. The standard deviation of 0.230 suggested that the success of credit risk control measures was informed by credit period. It was found that the average amount of credit for the sampled insurance companies was Kshs 1,573,453.20 with a maximum of Kshs 1,954,380 and a minimum of Kshs 1,209,006 which was skewed to the left (skewness = -0.219; Kurtosis = -2.716). On the relationship between delinquency management and financial performance of insurance companies listed on the NSE, the study found that the average credit recovery measures was 0.172 skewed to the left (skewness= -0.365; Kurtosis = -2.517) with a maximum of 0.30 respectively over the study. It was also found that the average rate of recovery for the sampled insurance companies was 0.0117 with a maximum of 0.0165 and a minimum of 0.0035 which was skewed to the right (skewness = 0.886; Kurtosis = 0.171). On the relationship between credit disbursement and financial performance of insurance companies listed on the NSE, the study has found that the average terms of repayment was 30 days as minimum (30) and maximum (30) skewed to the right (skewness= 0.113; Kurtosis = 0.04). The findings also indicated that that the average interest rate for the sampled insurance companies was 0.07 with a maximum of 0.07 and a minimum of 0.07 which was skewed to the right (skewness = 0.21; Kurtosis = 0.31). The study concluded that there was a positive significant relationship between credit risk control, credit risk control credit disbursement, delinquency management; and financial performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that the listed insurance companies in Kenya can rely on all the study variables (credit risk control, credit risk control, credit disbursement & delinquency management) as reliable credit management procedures to improve their financial performance. The listed insurance companies should continue putting their weight on credit servicing rate, number of foreclosures, existing debt levels, credit period, amount of credit, credit guarantees, credit recovery measures, default rate, rate of recovery, terms of repayment, interest rate, as well as collateral, as there is a high chance of impacting financial performance on a positive trajectory
Effect of Managerial Skills on Performance of SMEs in Lodwar Municipality, Turkana County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: To establish the effect of Managerial skills on SMEs performance in Lodwar Municipality, Turkana County, Kenya.
Methodology: The research adopted a descriptive design. The target population for this study comprised of SMEs owners/managers. The study relied on primary data, which was obtained directly from respondents. Data collection was conducted through the use of structured questionnaires, specifically tailored to capture information relevant to the study variables from SMEs in Lodwar Municipality. Questionnaires were selected as the preferred tool due to their efficiency in collecting uniform responses from a relatively large sample.
Findings: The findings indicate a strong positive correlation between Managerial skills and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This implies that as SMEs gain better access to financial resources, their overall performance improves significantly
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Governments and development agencies should initiate or strengthen structured training programs aimed at building managerial capacity among SME owners and managers. These programs should cover areas such as strategic planning, financial management, human resource management, marketing, operations, and innovation. In this regard, partnerships with universities, technical institutes, and private sector trainers can enhance the reach and quality of such programs
Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Economic Growth: Sub-saharan Countries (2000 – 2022)
Get PDFPurpose: In the 21st Century, the global economy has experienced significant technological changes, with the recent integration being Artificial Intelligence. In Subsaharan countries, information communication technology is highly adopted across almost all key economic sectors. The significant ICT diffusion in these SSA countries has enhanced economic growth. The study investigates the impact of Information and Communication Technology on economic growth in Subsaharan countries.
Methodology: The study analyzed panel data from 46 SSA countries over the 2000–2022 period. It collects panel data between 2000 and 2022 from 46 SSA countries. It employs a fixed-effects model to explore the relationship between Information and Communication Technology indicators, including mobile phone penetration, broadband subscriptions, internet usage, and real Gross Domestic Product.
Findings: Study findings reveal that mobile phone subscribers per 100 people exhibit a statistically significant impact on economic growth, with a 1% increase associated with a 14.9% rise in real GDP. Also, fixed-broadband subscriptions have a significant positive association with real GDP. Fixed telephone subscriptions reveal a negative relationship, signaling a shift from traditional telephony to mobile technology. However, the percentage of persons using the Internet shows a positive but statistically insignificant impact on economic growth. Foreign direct investment shows a significant positive relationship with real GDP. Moreover, gross fixed capital formation demonstrates a significant positive impact on real GDP, underlining the importance of investment in physical infrastructure for economic growth in SSA. Conversely, trade openness exhibits a statistically significant negative relationship with real GDP, highlighting the impact of trade liberalization.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Policymakers in SSA should prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, particularly in broadband and mobile technologies, to foster economic growth. Strategies to attract Foreign Direct Investment in ICT sectors are crucial for enhancing productivity and innovation. Governments should address the challenges of trade openness by implementing policies that support domestic industries while encouraging balanced trade liberalization. Lastly, efforts to improve digital literacy and bridge ICT accessibility gaps are vital to fully harness the potential of ICT in driving inclusive growth in the region
Differentiation Strategy and Performance of Media Houses in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between differentiation strategy and the performance of the media houses in Kenya. The study objectives were to determine the effect of differentiation strategy and the performance of the media houses and to establish the moderating role of technology on the relationship between differentiation strategy and performance of the media houses in Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted survey research design. The target population was the 41 media houses in Kenya. The study targeted the top management of the media houses which comprised of the Finance, Marketing, Operations and information Communication Departments. According to the human resource of the organizations, there are about 1,976 management staff in the media houses in Kenya. 204 respondents were sampled purposive, stratified and simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics which included regression and moderation analysis. The researcher also tested the hypothesis. The results were presented in tables.
Findings: The study established that customers generally perceive the products/services of the media firms as unique. Differentiation strategy was applied first on products followed by market and price. The media firms used digital formats to record news and programmes. Further, most of the media firms were run on digital systems while also ensuring that the presentation of programmes were different from those of their competitors. Differentiation was also by way of development of unique superior products than competitors. The study found a positive and significant effect of product differentiation strategy on the firm performance. This led to the rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of the alternative that product differentiation had a positive significant effect on the performance of media firms in Kenya. The incorporation of technology adoption as a moderator had a slight effect on the effect of differentiation on firm performance. The study established that moderating effect of technology of differentiation had a positive significant effect of the media firm performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that the management of media firms should embrace more differentiation strategy as it has proven in the current study. The firms should focus on making unique products to be competitive and enhance the performance. The study further recommends that media firm should embrace the best technology as the current study has demonstrated that technology has a significant moderating effect on the differentiation strategy and media firm performance
Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration and Community Development: An analysis of Impact in Selected Countries
Get PDFPurpose: This paper explores the relationship between community development and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as a strategy for resource conservation and community empowerment. It highlights how FMNR contributes to ecological sustainability and rural household livelihoods in selected countries in West and East Africa, including Niger, Ghana, Mali, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Methodology: A content review of FMNR practices was conducted, focusing on their adoption, spread, and impact on community development. The analysis emphasized economic empowerment, ecological sustainability, best practices, challenges, and mitigation strategies.
Findings: The study found that FMNR enhances community livelihoods by promoting sustainable natural resource use and reducing environmental degradation. It strengthens community capacity for resource management and supports rural economic development. However, challenges such as land fragmentation, technological gaps, and limited adoption were noted.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To scale up FMNR, stakeholders should prioritize community training, strengthen institutional frameworks, and provide policy support for sustainable resource management. Addressing technological and socio-economic barriers is essential to maximize FMNR\u27s potential in improving livelihoods and achieving ecological sustainability
Prevalence of Uropathogenic E. Coli, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles and Carriage of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Genes at Mama Lucy Hospital, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting millions worldwide. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most prevalent causative agent of UTIs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and carriage of ESβL resistance genes among uropathogenic E. coli recovered from adults at Mama Lucy Hospital.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A purposive method was used to obtain 347 urine samples from patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of UTI and were cultured for E. coli using cysteine lactose electrolyte-deficient agar and eosin methylene blue agar. The collected urine samples were also subjected to dipstick analysis and microscopy. Questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic data and possible risk factors for urinary tract infections. The recovered isolates were identified using conventional biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined using the Kirby diffusion disc method. The occurrence of ESβLs, including TEM, OXA, SHV, and CTX-M, was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Findings: The overall prevalence rate of UTIs was 23.7%, whereas the E. coli prevalence rate was 13.3%. The isolates presented high levels of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (81.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (66.7%), ciprofloxacin (62.5%), tetracycline (60.4%), ceftriaxone (54.2%), and cefoxitin (54.2%), whereas they were more susceptible to meropenem (14.6%), chloramphenicol (12.5%), and nitrofurantoin (8.3%). A total of 25 of the 46 E. coli isolates were screened for ESβL genes. TEM was the most common gene21/25 (84%), SHV12/25 (48%), OXA 7/25 (28%), and CTX-M 18/25 (66.1%), which indicates a high frequency of β-lactamase gene production among UTIs causing E. coli.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on these findings, current treatment guidelines should be revised to prevent increasing antimicrobial resistance through continuous surveillance, screening for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes, routine culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing. Additionally, the prevalence of UTIs should be continuously monitored to monitor trends that form a basis for preventive and treatment guidelines, such as policy development and prudent use of antibiotics, to reduce the increasing UTI burden in the population
Impact of Multicultural Communication on Public Relations in Global Brands in China
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of multicultural communication on public relations in global brands in China
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: Multicultural communication helps global brands in China connect with diverse audiences by aligning PR strategies with local cultural values. Culturally adapted campaigns build consumer trust, while missteps risk damaging reputations. Leveraging digital platforms like WeChat enhances engagement and responsiveness. Effective PR requires cross-cultural training and localized approaches to succeed in China\u27s complex market.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural dimensions’ theory, intersectionality theory & the excellence theory may be used to anchor future studies on the Stakeholder engagement is critical brands should involve their consumers and communities in CSR decisions and solicit feedback to make initiatives more impactful and responsive to consumer values. Governments should enforce standardized CSR reporting frameworks to ensure that brands provide clear, credible, and comparable data on their social and environmental efforts