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Business shared services model as a catalyst of cost reduction in East African Breweries Limited
No full textThe business shared services model (BSSM) seeks to
integrate service delivery between the headquarters and
subsidiaries for the general good. In this paper, the role
of BSSM as a catalyst of cost reduction in a
manufacturing firm was explored. The predictive power
of human resource shared services, finance shared
services, logistic shared services, and customer shared
services on cost reduction in East African Breweries
Limited (EABL) was determined. Using a sample survey
of 149 employees, it was established that a BSSM is a
positive catalyst of cost reduction in the manufacturing
sector in EABL. Adoption of BSSM fosters a distinct
culture of collaboration resulting in efficacy in logistics
services delivery
The Effect Of Social Economic Profile On Access To Credit Among Smes In Utawala Ward, Nairobi County
Get PDFThriving SMEs are increasingly being regarded as key drivers toward job creation, economic growth and poverty eradication. If SMEs can have access to affordable credit, the overall entrepreneurial habits of citizens will improve, which will be a major boost in addressing poverty and income disparities. This study aimed at determining the effect of social economic profile on access to credit among SMEs in Utawala Ward, Nairobi County. The objectives were to: (1) Determine the effect of financial literacy on access to credit among SMEs; (2) Analyse the effect of social capital on access to credit among SMEs; and (3) Analyse the effect of income diversification on access to credit among SMEs in Utawala Ward. The study adopted the descriptive research design and stratified sampling technique to find a sample of 303 SMEs (representing a population of 1,279 SMEs). A pilot test was conducted using 30 SMEs from Mihang‟o Ward, which neighbours Utawala. Data collected was analysed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics. First, the study found out that social economic profile had a significant effect on access to credit: R=9.5%, p<0.000. Additionally, financial literacy had positive insignificant effect on access to credit by SMEs; β=0.072, p=0.400. Second, it emerged that social capital had positive insignificant effect on access to credit by SMEs; β=0.049, p=0.559. Third, the findings showed that income diversification had positive significant effect on access to credit by SMEs; β=0.049, p<0.000. The study recommends that SMEs need to diversify income as this would enhance credit access. Also, SMEs owners need to be trained on financial training to sharpen their financial skills. Lastly, government should organise trade fairs for SMEs to offer avenues for them to social network
Determinants Of Financial Performance of General Insurance Companies in Kenya
Get PDFStability and good performance of insurance companies is paramount. Kenyan
insurance companies have, for the last decade, faced a turbulent business environment.
This study evaluated determinants of financial performance for the insurers. It focused
on five specific objectives namely: to establish the effect of underwriting risk on
financial performance of general insurance companies in Kenya, to evaluate the effect
of liquidity on financial performance of general insurance companies in Kenya, to find
out the effect of solvency on financial performance of general insurance companies in
Kenya, to assess the effect of firm size on financial performance of general insurance
companies in Kenya to establish the effect of capital adequacy on financial performance
of general insurance companies in Kenya. The basic theory for this study is theory of
asymmetrical information while others for specific variables were liquidity preference
theory, resource-based view and pecking order theory. The study targeted thirty one
general underwriters. Data was sourced for a period of seven years from 2014 to 2020.
A panel data set was collated from the seven-year observations. Data analysis was done
using panel estimation method. The study concluded that the most significant
determinants of financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya are
underwriting risk and solvency. Underwriting risk had a negative and significant
influence on return on assets. Also, solvency was found to better financial performance
of insurance companies significantly. Moreover, the study concluded that liquidity and
capital adequacy negatively and insignificantly affected financial performance of
insurance companies in Kenya. Lastly, firm size positively and insignificantly affected
financial performance of insurance companies in Kenya. It is recommended that
insurance companies in Kenya need to diversify underwriting business in order to
mitigate risks associated with underwriting risk as it hampers financial performance.
Also, insurance firms should maintain high solvency ratios as solvency was found to
boost financial performance. This study is valuable because it provides empirical
evidence that can be used by regulators to form policies that may stabilise the sector.
At the same time, it contributes to firm performance literature in Kenya and beyond.
The study too is useful to scholars in the field of insurance as it adds to insurance
literature from Sub-Saharan Africa
Effect Of Digital Technology Adoption On The Performance Of Commercial Banks In Kenya
Get PDFThe concept of performance holds a crucial position in the field of management. Exploring
the reasons behind why two companies functioning in a similar setting have varying levels
of success is a topic of interest, and numerous studies in the management discipline have
focused on unraveling this enigma. In the last 10 years (2012-2021), we have witnessed
increased adoption of digital technology among commercial banks in Kenya. Among the
digital technologies comprise mobile banking, agency banking, internet banking, and
blockchain technology among others. As the commercial banks adopt digital technology in
their ways of doing business, such crucial issues m-banking services cost, system security,
and speed of service and skills requirement need to be investigated with a view of
establishing their overall effect on the performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate
how the use of digital technology impacts the performance of commercial banks in Kenya.
The study has identified specific objectives which include determining the influence of
mobile banking, internet banking, agency banking, and blockchain technology on the
performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The research focused on three theories - the
technology acceptance model, financial intermediation theory, and diffusion of innovation
theory. To conduct this study, a descriptive research design was used. The target population
for the study was all the 42 banks, with the unit of analysis being head of strategy or
operations manager. All 42 banks were encompassed in the research, and a census approach
was used, with one respondent who was either the head of strategy or operations manager of
each bank participating in the study. Questionnaire was used to collect primary data. A pilot
study was conducted to evaluate the reliability and validity of the research questionnaire.
Quantitative data was collected. The coded data was analysed using multiple linear
regression method. The research discovered a substantial positive association between
mobile banking, internet banking, agency banking, and blockchain technology with
organizational performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Its regression analysis
discovered collective adoption of digital technology accounted for 90.3 percent of the
variations in performance of banks in Kenya. The Anova results revealed a p value of 0.000
which was less than the significance level of 0.05 implying that digital technology adoption
is critical for organizations to adopt in their efforts to increase their performance levels,
according to the result of this research. The study concludes that mobile banking, internet
banking, and blockchain technology have positive effects on the organizational performance
of commercial banks in Kenya. It is consequently, recommended that commercial banks in
Kenya should invest in and promote these technologies to enhance their overall performance,
attract and retain customers, streamline processes, and provide enhanced banking
experiences
Effect Of Constructs of Intra-African Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in East African Countries
Get PDFThe growth of the economy is the process of expanding the economies of nations, the
macroeconomic parameters, particularly the gross domestic product computed periodically
mostly annual basis to reflect changes in economic growth across time. The economic growth
of a nation is linked to macroeconomic indicators like foreign direct investment growth, gross
capital formation, labour force, technology, and institutional quality. This study sought to
determine the influence of intra-African foreign direct investments on economic growth in East
African countries. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of Intra African foreign direct investments on the economic growth of selected East African countries.
Secondly, to determine the effect of gross capital formation on the economic growth of selected
East African countries. Thirdly, to determine the effect of institutional quality on the economic
growth of selected East African countries. The fourth objective was to analyze the effect of
labor force on the economic growth of selected East African countries. Finally, the study sought
to determine the effect of technology on the economic growth of selected East African
countries. The study relied on a causal research design. The study population involved 5 East
African countries for a period from 2000 to 2020. Further, the study utilized secondary data
and the data was analyzed using Stata. The correlation results indicated that the correlation
between FDI and economic growth was positive and moderately strong and positive whereas
it was strong and statistically significant with gross capital formation. Furthermore, the
correlation between labour force and economic growth was positive, significant, and
moderately strong while that of institutional quality and economic growth was strong, positive,
and statistically significant. Finally, technology had a strong, positive, and significant
correlation with economic growth. The regression results for the variables FDI, GCF, labour,
institutional quality and technology portrayed a positive and statistically significant linear
relationship with economic growth. The study concludes that all these variables are significant
determinants of economic growth of the selected countries in East Africa. The study
recommends that the countries within East Africa should cooperate and open its borders to
allow easy movement of technology and labour within and across the borders to boost foreign
inflows to either of the selected East African countries. The countries should create a favorable
environment for business and investments
Firm Specific Factors And Financial Performance Of Commercial And Services Firms Listed At The Nairobi Securities Exchange
Get PDFThe major interest of this study was to establish the relationship between specific factors and financial performance
of commercial and services firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was necessitated by the poor
performance of the industry as has been reviewed and found out that most of the firms in this industry declared profit
warnings during the period understudy. The specific firm factors fundamentally explain the status of the firm and
hence the study considered some of the fundamental factors in a firm to study the industry. The objectives of the
study were meant to determine the combined effect of Liquidity, Leverage, Tangibility and Firm Size on the financial
performance of commercial and services firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was anchored on
the following theories namely Trade off theory, liquidity preference theory and Resource Based View theory. The
study period was between 2012-2021 and a covered ten-year period. The study employed use of the secondary data
as derived. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Panel data technique was adopted to test for
descriptive, diagnostic tests and running regression analysis. Analyzed data was presented and displayed using tables,
figures, graphs `and other pictorials. The diagnostic test revealed there was no multi-collinearity between the
variables, some variables were nonstationary and were treated using trend fitting and first differential using Im
Pesaran Shin Unit root test. Hausman test revealed the Fixed effect model was preferred over the Random effects
method. Heteroscedasticity was tested using the Modified Wald test and the output revealed the data was not
homoscedastic. Normality revealed the data was skewed to the right. Model was fitted using the general least square
which was preferred since it accommodates and accounts for heteroscedasticity and auto correlation Additionally,
some of the variables were transformed from their nominal values to natural log values. The hypotheses were tested
using the fitted model and it was revealed some variables were conclusive and agreed with reviewed literature while
others were conflicting and ambiguous desiring further studies on these variables. Lastly the study recommended the
managers of the firms to put keen efforts in management of resources especially leverage, liquidity, and Tangibility.
Leverage and liquidity had inconclusive effect on the ROA
Firm Specific Factors And Financial Stability Of Commercial Banks In Kenya
Get PDFGlobally, banks play an important role in the flow of resources from deficit to surplus
spenders through intermediation for the enhancement of economic general well being.
Commercial banks perform significantly in capital formation as they offer wide range of
services for productive ventures and people. These banks are spread across Kenya with each
competing for customers’ deposits toward solidification of the banks for effective and
efficient service delivery within and outside the economy. These banks extend credit facilities
to both individuals and businesses thereby ensuring the financing of other economic sectors.
Despite the function performed by these commercial banks in economic stability, they have
performed below expectation with some of the banks vulnerable to risk associated with
financial performance and hence affecting their stability which has raised concerns from
different stakeholders in the sector. Therefore, this research seeks to establish the link
between firm specific factors and commercial banks financial stability in Kenya. In specific
terms, the investigation evaluated the effect of capital adequacy, operational efficiency, credit
size and earnings on Kenya’s commercial banks’ financial stability. As such the study was
predicated on buffer capital, efficiency structure and financial intermediation hypotheses. The
investigation employed explanatory design. The research target population comprised of forty
Kenyan commercial banks which was arrived at using census approach. Secondary data was
sourced from audited banks’ annual reports with the help of a secondary data review guide.
Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics and linear regression techniques with
various diagnostic tests application. Ethical norms were adhered to so as to ensure the quality
of the study outcome. The study made several conclusions based on the study findings. The
study found that capital adequacy has no significant effect on financial stability of
commercial banks in Kenya. The study found that operational efficiency has no significant
effect on financial stability of commercial banks in Kenya. It was established that credit size
has significant effect on financial stability of commercial banks in Kenya. The study found
that earnings has significant effect on financial stability of commercial banks in Kenya. It
was recommended that lending activities should be done with caution. Proper credit risk
management system should be put in place which will help in assessing the credit worthiness
of borrowers, analyze their repayment capabilities while also monitoring the progress of
projects which loans were collected for. The study f recommended that banks should strive
towards increasing their assets holding while applying strategies geared towards improving
earnings alongside as these will in turn bring about improvements in the financial stability of
Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study is of the suggestion that additional empirical
researches can be done on listed commercial banks as well as non listed commercial banks in
Kenya. This will provide basis for having comparisons of the firm specific factors and
financial stability relationships in the context of commercial banks in Kenya. Additional
studies can be done focusing of Insurance firms which are also important players in the
financial sector. Further studies can as well be carried out on Microfinance Banks in Kenya
Challenges Affecting Implementation Of Performance Management Systems In Public Schools, Kamukunji Sub County Of Nairobi County
Get PDFPerformance management systems encompass the various tools and approaches that organizations
utilize to evaluate and improve the performance of their managers and employees. In particular,
operation managers hold responsibility for overseeing the performance of their subordinates as
they serve as their direct supervisors. However, it is important to note that each organization has
its unique approach in determining how their performance management system will operate and
function. TSCs have set guidelines for evaluating teachers’ performance in Kenya. Despite the
TSC's best efforts, it is still being determined whether the set guidelines for evaluating teachers'
performance at Kenya's public primary and secondary schools in Kamukunji Sub County are
practical. The present study was keen to establish the challenges facing successful implementation
of performance management system in Kenya public school, Kamukunji Sub County. The specific
objectives of the study included determination of the influence of leadership commitment on
implementation of performance management system, to determine the influence of performance
management system design and to establish the influence of employees’ attitudes on performance
management system implementation in Kenya public school, Kamukunji Sub County. This study
was guided by the Goal Setting Theory, Contingency Theory of Project Management and Self Efficacy Theory. The research implemented descriptive study design. The study targeted
population was made of the 320 teachers and non-teaching staffs. This study made use of stratified
sampling method. Determination of the sample size was achieved through application of Taro
Yamane’s formula that has an assumption of error value of 0.05. The study therefore had a sample
size made up of 178 respondents obtained using a factor of 0.556 of the target population. In
achieving primary data, the researcher will make use of a structured questionnaire. The survey
study questions were presented on a Likert scale where the respondents found it easy to indicate
their level of agreement and disagreement with the respective questions. The study will obtain both
qualitative and quantitative data. Analysis of the quantitative data was done through descriptive
statistics. Descriptive statistics played a crucial role in summarizing the study variables, providing
an overview of their characteristics. The quantitative data collected through the survey were
presented using measures such as mean averages, frequencies, and percentages. In addition,
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, was utilized for data analysis. The
qualitative data, on the other hand, was analyzed using content analysis techniques. The study
findings were presented in the form of percentages and tables, allowing for a clear and concise
representation of the results. The study determined that the nature of the management system
design has a substantial impact on this implementation process. Specifically, a well-structured and
thoughtfully designed system is more likely to facilitate the effective adoption of performance
management practices. Additionally, the study highlighted several challenges related to employee
attitudes that can hinder the effective implementation of performance management systems. These
challenges include the level of employees' commitment to their schools, their job satisfaction, and
their degree of involvement in organizational activities. The study concluded that leadership
commitment is a crucial factor that significantly influences the successful implementation of
performance management systems in public schools. It was also concluded by the research that
educational leaders in Kamukunji Sub County must prioritize and enhance their commitment to
the implementation of performance management systems. A well-structured and carefully thought out system design sets a solid foundation for the successful incorporation of performance
management practices within educational institutions
An Investigation Of Factors Influencing Students’ Low Achievement In Chemistry In Public Secondary Schools In Athi River Sub- County, Machakos County, Kenya
Get PDFChemistry is a crucial scientific discipline for any nation and is essential for various curricula, including medicine, pharmacy, architecture, and dental care, among others. Despite Kenya's efforts to advance and modernize academia, chemistry performance in public secondary schools has remained low. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing students' low achievement in chemistry in Athi River Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya. The theory that guided the study is the production function theory. The study had four objectives including; to establish the students factors that influence the performance in chemistry in KCSE in public secondary schools in Athi River Sub County, Machakos County, Kenya, to identify the teacher’s factors that influence students’ performance in chemistry in public secondary schools in Athi River sub county, Machakos County Kenya, to find out whether the performance of chemistry is influenced by resource access in public secondary schools in Athi River sub county, Machakos county Kenya, and to identify the methods used by teachers in public secondary schools, to raise chemistry performance levels in public secondary schools in Athi River sub county, Machakos County, Kenya. A total of 168 respondents participated in the study, including 14 principals, 14 teachers of chemistry, and 140 Form 4 students, with 10 students selected from each school. The sample selection utilized stratified sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires to obtain feedback from the respondents. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Findings were presented using frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study focused on production integrals, where various inputs from students' factors, teachers’ factors, and school environment interact to produce the output of student accomplishment. The study was conducted in Athi River Sub County, where chemistry achievement among students has consistently been low. The findings indicated a positive perception of using ICT materials and methods for education and learning, as well as the recognition of the benefits of ICT in education. However, some students felt they needed further instruction and skills development to utilize ICT effectively. Interestingly, despite being interested in careers that require chemistry knowledge, students displayed a negative attitude towards the subject. Inadequate reference textbooks in the library also hindered individual revision by students. To address these issues, the study recommended providing more instructional resources, such as a variety of chemistry textbooks in the libraries. Schools should also invest in adequate resources and infrastructure to facilitate practical learning experiences and enhance students' understanding and performance. Besides, the study recommended that schools should work to improve students’ attitudes towards chemistry through methods such as organizing talks to dispel negative perceptions, creating a positive learning environment and arranging visits for real-world inspiration to learners. The study recommended further research on, why teachers prefer demonstration over individual practicals in schools with equipped laboratories, impact of teachers’ intrinsic motivation on performance of chemistry in public secondary schools and an assessment of teacher student ratio on performance of all examinable subjects in both private and public secondary schools in Kenya
Determinants Of The Financial Gender Gap In Africa
Get PDFIn recent years, there have been increased efforts from countries to bridge their existing gender gap through the drafting and implementation of policies, as such, it is crucial to examine the success of these efforts and determine where the African continent stands in regard to the gender gap. Numerous studies have been conducted on gender inequality leaving a research gap in the financial aspect of the gender gap, a gap that this research sought to fill. The study used the financial literacy gender gap, the financial inclusion gap, the pay gap, and the labour participation of women in Africa as the independent variables and examined their impact on the financial gender gap. The target population of the study was 40 of the 54 countries in Africa with census sampling being the preferred choice of sampling technique due to the small number of the target population. The research used secondary data from renown publications such as the World Bank, and the global gender gap index reports. Ms-Excel and STATA were used to clean, explore and analyze the collected data. Data was then analyzed using panel regression methods as neither cross sectional data nor time series data analysis gave the best result because of existing variations in the independent variables over time. The study found that the financial literacy gender gap and the labour force participation of women had a significant effect of the financial gender gap. All four independent variables were positively correlated to the dependent variable. The study found that there was a need to encourage women participation in the labour markets by doing away with discriminatory policies as well as the need for reskilling to enable women position themselves for more opportunities in the job market. The study recommends continued investment in men so as to ensure they are not falling back as more women centered programs are adopted. The study recommends the emulation of countries like Rwanda which is the best performing country in Africa in regard to bridging its existing Gender gap