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DETERMINANTS OF CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED BY PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTPrivate healthcare system in Kenya have grown tremendously over the last two decades due to various reasons, among them lack of adequate and quality public healthcare services and introduction of user fees. This study therefore aimed at empirically examining the determinants that have influenced consumers’ choice for private health service providers in Nakuru County. In achieving this broad objective the study sought to examine the extent to which customer demographics, hospital accessibility, service quality and hospital service cost influences consumers’ preference. Descriptive survey design was adopted in the study. Structured questionnaires was be used to gather primary data from in-patients with minor ailments in these hospitals through the assistance of the staff. Study sample size was 136 in- patients, where the sampling technique which was employed on determining individual respondents was convenient sampling method after choosing the hospitals purposively. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and frequencies) and inferential statistics particularly Pearson correlation and regression were used to test the relationship between variables under study whereas research hypotheses was tested at 0.05 significant levels. Customer demographic was positively related to consumer preference although weak (r = 0.248, p < 0.05) and statistically significant, there is a relatively weak positive relationship between hospital accessibility and consumer preference (r = 0.367, p < 0.05) which is statistically significant. Service quality have a relatively weak positive relationship with consumer preference (r = 0.483, p < 0.05) but statistically significant. The results also revealed that there is a relatively weak positive relationship between hospital service cost and consumer preference (r = 0.499, p < 0.05) and statistically significant. This study concludes that patients’’ preference is determined by a complex interplay between a variety of patient and provider characteristics. Patients often attach greater importance to their own previous healthcare experiences or to doctors’ recommendations than to comparative information. Additionally, patients base their decisions not only on outcome indicators but on a variety of provider characteristics. Findings from this study should not be underestimated. It will provide important source of knowledge for managers within the healthcare institutions, as well as the service industry in general. Health Care provider must focus towards the understanding the factors that influence the choice of health services
DETERMINANTS OF CHOICE OF MOBILE PHONE BRANDS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A SURVEY OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN NAKURU TOWN, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTThe widespread use of mobile phones, the various information access it provides to its users, and the vast presence and significant impact of mobile phone on users’ daily life make mobile phones important devices to study. The research focused on the determinants of choice of mobile phone brand among university students in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to find out the effect of price variation, social factors, product features, perceived product image, media influence and post purchase services on mobile phone brand choice among university students. This study employed descriptive survey design. The target population was 3000 students of selected universities in Nakuru town. A stratified random sample of 106 students was used in the study. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis) were used in analyzing data with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and results were presented mainly in form of tables. The findings showed that social factors (β2 =0.234, p=0.007), product features (β2 =0.284 p =0.002), media influences (β=0.357, p=0.000), post sales services (β= 0.181, p=0.039) had a positive significance on the choice of mobile phone handset. Price and product image had no significant influence on the choice of mobile phone brand. The study concludes that social factors, product features, media influence, post sales services makes it possible for the choice of mobile phone. The implication for the study is that marketers of mobile phones need to understand customers needs based on the media tools and give much information to boost their choice of mobile phone handset. Future research that extends sampling beyond a university environment would allow for a more representative assessment of factors influencing consumers’ choice of mobile phone in the wider general society
ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL ALIGNMENT AND GROWTH OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA A SURVEY OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NAKURU TOWN
No full textFULL TEXTSince independence, Kenya’s banking sector has continued to grow particularly in regard to inclusiveness, efficiency, and stability. However, in the recent past, the sector has witnessed a number of challenges manifesting in some commercial banks posting losses while others collapsing. Organizational alignment as an important factor can explain to a great extent the growth and survival or failure of the organizations in a competitive environment like the banking sector. The present study assessed the relationship between organizational alignment and growth of commercial banks in Nakuru town, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between leadership alignment, organizational culture alignment, and organizational structure alignment on one hand and growth of commercial banks on the other. The study was guided by four theories which included contingency theory, trait theory, organizational theory, and Greiner’s growth model. The study employed a cross-sectional survey and used census data. All the managers in charge of the 35 branches of commercial banks currently operating in Nakuru town comprised the target population. This study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. The research questionnaire was subjected to a pilot test in order to determine its validity and reliability. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software was used for data processing and analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Descriptive statistics took the form of frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics took the form of correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The results of the analyses were presented in tables. The relationship between leadership alignment and organizational growth was found to be positive, weak and not significant (r = 0.034; p > 0.05). The relationship between organizational culture alignment and organizational growth was revealed to be positive, weak and not significant (r = 0.156; p > 0.05). The study found that the relationship between organizational structure alignment and organizational growth in commercial banks was positive, moderately strong and significant (r = 0.494; p < 0.05). The study also revealed that leadership alignment, organizational culture alignment and organizational structure alignment can explain 58.0% of organizational growth in commercial banks. The findings further indicated that organizational structure alignment was the most important facet of organizational alignment in as far as growth of commercial banks was concerned. It was concluded that leadership alignment was not very important in enhancing growth of commercial banks. The study further concluded that organizational culture alignment was the most important type of alignment in enhancing growth of commercial banks. The study also inferred that organizational structure alignment was important in enhancing growth of commercial banks in Nakuru town. The study recommended that commercial banks in Kenya ought to have measurable objectives against which they can benchmark their growth. It is advisable for commercial banks to have well-defined cultural dimensions that can distinguish them from their rivals in the banking sector. It is further recommended that the organizational structure of commercial banks should be flexible enough to mitigate the challenges emanating from bureaucratic bottlenecks
EFFECT OF CREDIT REFERENCE BUREAU SERVICES ON NON-PERFORMING LOAN PORTFOLIOS IN KENYA. “A CASE STUDY OF DEPOSIT TAKING MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS”
No full textFULL TEXTThe research project sought to examine the effect of listing with Credit Reference Bureau service on non-performing loans of deposit taking microfinance institutions in Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess how loan recoveries as a result of listing with credit reference bureau affects non-performing loans by deposit taking microfinance institutions in Kenya, to assess how write offs as a result of listing with credit reference bureau affect nonperforming loans by deposit taking microfinance in Kenya, to examine how loan quality as a result of listing with credit reference bureau affect non-performing loan in deposit taking microfinance in Kenya and what effect does listing with credit reference bureau has on nonperforming loans levels in Deposit Taking Microfinance in Kenya. This research study adopted a descriptive survey approach on effect of listing with Credit Reference Bureau Service on non-performing loans of deposit taking microfinance institutions in Kenya. Further, this study targeted all registered deposit taking microfinance institutions by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Target population was 12 registered Deposit taking microfinance institutions that have listed with Credit Reference Bureaus in Kenya. This study used primary data that was collected by use of a questionnaire. The data was analyzed by use of Descriptive and inferential statistics to measure interrelationships between the variables. Tables were used to display the information to improve presentation of the analyzed results for ease of interpretation. Regression analysis was used to test the relationship between dependent and independent variable. In light of the research findings, the regression model could only explain 52% in variance of non-performing loans. The study results revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between loan recoveries and nonperformance of loans (p=0.000); there was a statistically significant relationship between write offs and non-performance of loans (p=0.000) and that there was a statistically significant relationship between quality loan portfolio and non-performance of loans (p=0.000). Hence, credit information sharing and level of nonperforming loans are indeed related meaning there is a direct relationship between the number of credit checks done by the CRBs and the level of NPLs. It is thus recommended that a study be carried out consisting of other factors which were not part of the model to predict non-performing loans. The findings of this study would be useful to the D.T.M’s Banks in Kenya, as it will help the banks in formulating effective policies related to reducing non-performing loans in Kenya. In addition, the findings of the study would also be useful to the microfinance institutions as it would be insightful on how this institutions can increase and control credit distribution to their clients
EFFECTS OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE FACTORS ON THE LEVEL OF ADOPTION OF E-COMMERCE STRATEGY AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KERICHO COUNTY - KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTThe study focused on the effects of Enterprise Resource Factors on the level of adoption of E-commerce Strategy among Small and Medium Enterprises in Kericho County, Kenya. Electronic Commerce is a general concept covering any form of business transaction or information exchange conducted using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).This phenomenon has been a major challenge for Small and Medium Enterprises given the fast advancement and the ever-growing ICT development throughout the World. SMEs can obtain a wide range of benefits from the use of ICT/e -commerce in the areas of productivity, adoption of new organizational Strategic and Managerial models, enabling access to new environments as well as the generation of new markets and business models. SMEs like larger organizations deploy Human, Financial, Marketing and Technological resources in order to gain competitiveness, improve profitability, growth and generally realign to changes in the internal and external business environments. The study sought to determine the effects of Enterprise Resource factors such as Finance, Technology, Marketing and Human Resources, on the level of adoption of E-commerce strategy among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kericho, Kenya. It is anchored on the Epistemological Philosophy which considers theories of knowledge concerning “…what we can know and how we can know them”. The study addresses gaps identified in past related studies. Kenyan SMEs have been documented as high in employment creation yet low in their contribution towards the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).The established empirical knowledge gap therefore inhibit a comprehensive understanding and well informed Strategy and policy making by the SME owners, the County and National Governments. The target population of the study comprised of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kericho County. The theory underpinning the study is the Resource Based View theory with other theories being the Transporter theoretical model, the Adoption Ladder theoretical Model and the E-Channel Utilization in Micro-firms theory. Stratified random sampling method was used alongside systematic sampling covering a sample of 323 SMEs. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data and later analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used to analyze the data, establish the relationships between the variables and draw conclusions. The findings of the study show that there is a positive relationship between Enterprise resource factors of marketing, technology and human resources on levels of E-commerce adoption. The study recommends support in SME strategy and policy development to reduce cost of ICT hardware and software, support in enabling SMEs access affordable ICT equipment , funding facilitation to enable the purchase of ICT equipment, training of SME owners and their employees and the establishment of internet hotspots for ease of access to the Internet by SMEs. Suggestions are proposed for further research in various areas including the challenges faced by SMEs in the Counties in the use of Electronic Commerce especially in particular enterprise types
THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE ON INNOVATION AND RESEARCH IN KABARAK UNIVERSITY
Get PDFprogression and success of any institution
adapt to the diverse changes from
changing expectations of the institutions,
through research is required.
urge for institutions to embrace creativity,
been necessitated by economic dynamics,
enhances empowerment through leadership
central or strongly related to some
economic challenges. Economic growth
development since good leadership
Institution management is the focal point
notion holds true while focusing on quality
contributes significantly to institutional succes
RAINFALL VARIABILITY AND USE OF RAINWATER HARVESTING AS AN ADAPTATION STRATEGY TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTClimate change is acknowledged in Kenya hence innovations that may help to increase the availability of water are of major importance. The purpose of this study was to assess rainfall variability and use of rainwater harvesting technologies as an adaptation strategy to climate change in Baringo County Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) analyze rainfall trends in agro-ecological zones: Lower Midlands 5 (LM 5), Inner Lowland (IL 6) and Lower highland (LH 2); (ii) establish the effects of rainfall variability on access to domestic water; (iii) determine adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies (RWHT) as an adaptation strategy to climate variability; (iv) determine variations in adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies (RWHT) among households by agro ecological zones and; (v) Assess constraints to use of rainwater harvesting technologies (RWHT) at household level. The study utilized three data sets: daily rainfall data (1981 -2010), household survey (N=376) and interviews with key informants. To analyze rainfall variability, the study used rainfall anomaly index to establish rainfall trends for the period on record. To determine adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies, percentage of adopters was calculated while correlation analysis was used to establish the effects of rainfall variability on access to domestic water. Chi- square was used to determine variations in adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies and adoption constraints. Constraints of use of rainwater harvesting technologies were also summarized by use of percentages. In Baringo County, total annual rainfall varied in the three agro-ecological zones. Annual rainfall in LH2 showed an increasing trend whereas in LM5 and IL6, it showed decreasing trends. Only few households (29 %) in Baringo County have no access to domestic water. There was no statistically significant relationship between perceived rainfall amount and access to water. About half of the households (50 %) in Baringo County have adopted RWHTs in their households. Various rainwater harvesting technologies (RWHTs) are used within Baringo County including Roof top Rainwater harvesting technologies (i.e.; storage tanks and wells) and Surface runoff RWHT (i.e.; water pans and dams). Adoption of RWHT significantly varied among the three agro-ecological zones. More than half of the households have adopted RWHT in LH2 while in LM5 and IL6, less than half of the households have adopted. In Baringo, adoption of RWHT has been constrained by lack of finances, inadequate rainwater harvesting structures, rainfall variability, illiteracy, lack of technical skills and knowledge on RWHT, age, source of income and education level of the household head. Lack of finances is the main barrier to adoption. There are government officers and NGO’s in Baringo supporting adaptation through training and implementing some RWHT. There is need for increase of awareness of climate change and development of appropriate mitigation measures. Ways of promoting the adoption of RWHTs such as capacity building and training, provision of adequate rainwater harvesting structures and financial capital, diversifying sources of income, poverty alleviation through enhancement of income generation activities, increasing educational attainments, targeting older people and equipping people with technical knowhow and skills on rainwater harvesting technologies are recommended
EFFECTS OF STRATEGIC RESPONSES TO ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY ON ORGANISATION’S PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM TEXTBOOK PUBLISHERS IN KENYA
No full textFULL TEXTThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of strategic responses to advances in technology on organization‟s performance: looking at the evidence from textbook publishers in Kenya. More specifically, the study sought to evaluate how Change in Recruitment processes, Human Resource Development, Customer Relations Management and organizational policy change affect organization‟s performance. To achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive research design was adopted where all 40 Publishing firms registered under the Kenya Publishers Association were targeted. The study relied solely on primary data which was collected using structured questionnaires containing mainly closed ended questions for ease of analysis. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics with an aid of a computer software SPSS. Multiple regression and correlation analyses were applied in the analysis of the data to determine the relationship between the variablesThe correlation results, found that there was a strong positive correlation relationship, 0.572 with significance of p = 0.00< 0.05 between human resource management and performance of publishing firms. The study further indicated a weak positive relationship, 0.349 with significance of p = 0.037<0.05 between change in recruitment policies process and performance of publishing firms. In terms of customer relations management and organization performance, the study found a weak positive relation, 0.475 with significance of p= 0.000<0.05,whereas the findings portrayed a significant strong positive relationship between change in organization policies and performance of publishing firms , 0.634 with significance of p= 0.000<0.05 .The study findings indicated that Customer Relations Management, Human Resource Development and change in recruitment processes have insignificant effect on organization‟s performance while change in organizational policy was found to have a significant effect on organization‟s performance. This study recommends further research to be done on firms in other related industries, to find out whether similar results can be achieved. In addition, a similar research can be carried out incorporating other variables and see if they would have a significant influence on organizational performance
EFFECTS OF PHILANTHROPIC CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON STRATEGIC POSITIONING OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS: A CASE STUDY OF UNILEVER KENYA.
No full textFULL TEXTPhilanthropic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a common business practice has only recently established a foothold in developing countries. Every business takes birth, survives and grows with the consent and co-operation with the society. The society provides inputs to the business and accepts its outputs. Naturally the business owes everything to the society. Philanthropic Corporate Social Responsibility denotes organizations’ willingness to take responsibility and accountability for the effects of their activities and decisions. It is concerned with how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. It is against this background information that the study sought to determine the effect of Philanthropic Corporate Social Responsibility on strategic positioningof Unilever Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: to assess the effect of Environmental Philanthropic CSR activities; to analyzethe effects of Educational Philanthropic CSR activities; to establish the effects of Humanitarian Philanthropic CSR activities and to find out how health f Philanthropic CSR activities influence the Corporate Strategic Positioning of Manufacturing firms a case study of Unilever Kenya. The target population was 19,318 residents of Soweto ward of Kibera slums in Kenya. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 99respondents. Questionnairewas used as data collection instrument. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Descriptive statistics was used tosummarize data. Further inferential statistics techniques were used to draw comparisonsand make conclusions of the data analyzed. Chi-Squarewasemployedin analyzing the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Bivariate correlation analysis was also used to test for measures of association between variables whereas multiple linear Regression model was used to examine the way a number of independent variables relate to one dependent variable. The SPSS software was used in analyzing descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlation results revealed that Humanitarian PCSR exhibited the strongest association with Corporate Strategic positioning followed by Environmental PCSR, Educational PCSRand lastly Health Philanthropic PCSR. The multiple linear regression models could explain for approximately 52% of the variation in the dependent variable by the variation in the independent variables on corporate strategic positioning of Unilever Kenya. The study concluded that PCSR activities not only enhances a corporation’s reputation but also influences incumbent customers to make decisions in the community thus increasing organizational attractiveness and firm familiarity, PCSR acts as an external marketing and communication function and thatPCSR affects community’ identification with their corporation. The study recommended that Unilever Kenya should fully integrate its PCSR initiatives into its corporate perspectives and operations