117 research outputs found
Emerging Non-OECD Countries: Global Shifts in Power and Geopolitical Regionalization
No full textSince 1990 the banning of ethnic and other identity-based parties has become the norm in sub-Saharan Africa. This article focuses on Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as three East African countries that have opted for different ways of dealing with such parties. Using case studies, it traces the origins of the party bans in Tanzania and Uganda and explores the reasons for the absence of a ban in Kenya. The analysis shows that the laws on particularistic parties have actually been implemented by the appropriate institutions. However,these laws have only marginally influenced the character of the political parties in the three countries: A comparison of regional voting patterns suggests that bans on particularistic parties have not ensured the emergence of aggregative parties with a national following in Tanzania and Uganda. In Kenya on the other hand, where such a ban was nonexistent until 2008, parties have not proven to be more regional.Sub-Saharan Africa, party ban, ethnic parties, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda,party regulation, party nationalization
„Maina i Kościej” (1843) Narcyzy Żmichowskiej w kontekście badań nad mitologią Słowian
No full textThe article offers a comprehensive analysis of a single work, the early poem Maina i Kościej [Maina and Koshchei] by Narcyza Żmichowska. So far, it has been subjected to various interpretations, viewing the text from either biographical, intertextual (in relation to French literature), feminist, and philosophical perspectives. All of these readings are recalled either directly in the text or in footnotes. Notably, in the course of her queries, the author has not come across a study juxtaposing various snippets of information on Slavic culture and mythology embedded in the poem with the latest findings in religious studies. The ‘Eastward’ turn of European (and further) public discourse has resulted in the tremendous popularity of research on the heritage of Slavic pagan culture, which is currently experiencing a revival — not unlike in the Romantic period, during which Żmichowska operated. In this author’s opinion, Maina i Kościej is a work that merits a reinterpretation from a previously unexplored angle. The article initially outlines the historical context in which the poem was penned, taking into account both Żmichowska’s historiosophical interest in Slavic Antiquity and the period of the November Uprising, as the poem by Żmichowska alludes to both. The study mentions the sources the author drew upon while composing Maina i Kościej, including Adam Naruszewicz’s study on Slavic deities. It then follows with an in-depth analysis of the poem, taking into account references to Slavic mythology, other Romantic-era works, the distinctive poetics of the period, as well as relevant philosophical and historical contexts. As a result, it offers a novel interpretation of a text that deserves to be counted among the unjustly forgotten poetic works of the Romantic era
Corporate Governance Practices and Performance of Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textSavings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) in Kenya has not been able to realize their full potential in terms of performance over the past several years. Both the capital adequacy of the company, which fell from 74.60% in 2021 to 72.26% in 2022, and the quality of assets, which declined from 109.48% in 2020 to 74.07% in 2022, indicated this sub-optimal performance. Savings and credit cooperative societies in Kenya have recently adopted corporate governance principles to address performance challenges. This study examined the impact of governance practices on SACCOs in Nairobi County, focusing on the relationship between governance and performance to improve efficiency and profitability. The research analyzed SACCO performance through board diversity, independence, meetings, and transparency. It incorporated theoretical frameworks, including the balanced scorecard, resource dependency, stakeholder, and agency theories, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. Using a descriptive research design, questionnaires collected primary data from 525 SACCO members. A sample size of 228, determined via Yamane Taro’s 1967 formula, included directors, financial managers, and HR managers. Pilot tests assessed validity and reliability, using Cronbach’s Alpha for reliability and concept, face, and content validity. Quantitative analysis applied descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and regression models, with findings presented via SPSS version 28, tables, graphs, and distribution plots. The study confirmed that board diversity, independence, meeting frequency, and transparency significantly enhance SACCO performance. Strong governance frameworks drive better financial outcomes, emphasizing that board autonomy in decision-making is key to organizational effectiveness. The study concluded that regular meetings facilitate effective communication and coordination between management and the board, enabling timely decision-making and fostering a collaborative environment. The study also concluded that regular updates on financial performance and accessible financial statements enhance stakeholder trust and engagement. The study recommends regular assessments of board composition in order to identify areas for improvement and to foster a more collaborative environment. SACCOs should also implement regular independent audits and ensure that the findings are transparently communicated to all stakeholders, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and improvement.
Keywords: Corporate Governance, Performance, SACCOs, Nairobi City County, Keny
The Ceramic Assemblage from Staraya Maina Hillfort Long House
No full textThe article is devoted to the analysis of pottery traditions of the population associated with the existence of “long houses” on Staraya-Maina hillfort (Ulyanovsk Oblast), dated by the Great Migration Period. The research is based on the ceramic collection found on the hillfort during the excavations in 1990–1991. This paper presents a typological description of vessels and the results of technological analysis conducted by the author according to A. A. Bobrinsky’s method. The analysis revealed two massive pottery traditions, one of which was widely known on Imenkovo culture settlements, while the second one was a new discovery. The author suggests that this group of ceramics might be associated with an inflow of population from the Middle Oka region and from the Oka-Sura region in the fifth century AD, which brought the typical complex of garnishments of Ryazan-Oka type to the Middle Volga region
Customer Value Proposition Innovation Strategy and Performance of Manufacturing Firms Listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya
No full textDespite manufacturing firms being vital to national economic infrastructure through employment and revenue generation, most manufacturing firms in Kenya have recently experienced declining performance marked by low profit margins and stagnating market share due to increased competition from imports. Thus, this study investigated the effect of customer value proposition innovation strategy on performance of manufacturing firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya. The study was anchored on Porter's value chain model. A positivist research paradigm and an explanatory research design were adopted. The target population consisted of 95 functional heads of departments drawn from 19 listed manufacturing firms through a census approach. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. A pilot study was conducted to test the reliability of the research instrument, achieving Cronbach alpha indices of 0.964 for customer value proposition innovation strategy and 0.892 for firm performance, both well above the recommended threshold of 0.7. These reliability coefficients indicated strong internal consistency of the measurement scales, and the instrument was also subjected to face, construct, and content validity testing. The response rate was 88%. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that customer value proposition innovation strategy significantly and positively affected firm performance (β=0.659, t=7.510, p=0.000), explaining 40% of the variance in performance. The study conclude that managers of manufacturing firms should prioritize customer value proposition innovation strategy to improve performance. Manufacturing firms should invest in advanced CRM technologies, establish dedicated account managers for key customers, and implement effective communication channels to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Continuous feedback collection and refinement of value propositions should remain at the forefront of customer-centric strategies to ensure alignment with evolving preferences.
Keywords: Customer value proposition innovation strategy, performance, manufacturing firms, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Keny
Effects of Strategic Management Drivers on Participation of Women in Economic Development: A Survey of Changamwe Constituency, Kenya
No full textPurpose: The main purpose of this study was to establish the effects of strategic management drivers on participation of women in economic development activities in Changamwe constituency in Mombasa County, KenyaMethodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the study comprised of one hundred and eight three (183) women groups registered under social services and operating within Changamwe Constituency in Mombasa County. A sample size of 55 respondents was used for this study and it was drawn from operational women business enterprises in Changamwe. The 55 respondents were drawn from the 183 women groups\u27 enterprises which translate to 30% by picking one at an interval of three from the first respondent: Primary data was collected through administration of questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and analyze the data. This included the use of frequencies, and percentages.Results: Based on the findings The study found that education and training opportunities play a key role in cultivating future entrepreneurs and in developing the abilities of existing entrepreneurs to grow their business to greater levels of successUnique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the starting point of every women group should be determining a group existing vision, mission, objectives and strategies. In addition the loan period should always depend on the amount of loan advanced to the intending borrower
ASO Author Reflections: Hypertrophic Techniques Have an Impact on the Complexity and Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Major Hepatectomies
No full textStrategy Implementation and Performance of Tana River County Government, Kenya
No full textThe environments in which organizations operate have become increasingly uncertain posing a lot of challenges. County governments like any other organizations are also faced with similar challenges in strategy implementation since devolution is still a new concept of governance in Kenya. The implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan of 2013 has not been fully implemented in most counties because of inherited managerial and resource problems from former municipalities, town councils and county councils which form part of the county governments today. In this regard, this study aimed at determining the influence of strategy implementation practices and performance of county government in Kenya: A case of Tana River County, Kenya. The study's specific objectives were to examine the influence of organizational structure, organizational culture, resource allocation and communication on the performance of Tana river County, Kenya. The study was anchored by resource based theory, systems theory and stakeholder theory. Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. The target population of this study was management employees of Tana River County Government. The total population was 166 respondents comprising of County Executive, County Chief Officers, Directors, Administrators and County Officers. The study used proportionate stratified sampling method. Simple random sampling was used to select the sampled respondents. The sample size was 66 respondents. The instrument that was used to collect data was questionnaires for all the respondents. Qualitative data from the open ended questions was analyzed thematically in line with study objectives and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Regression analysis was used to test association between dependent variable and against dependent variables. The study established that a positive and significant influence was established between organizational structure, organizational culture, resource allocation, communication and organizational performance. The study concluded that organizational structure allows for the chain of command. Department leaders are in charge of delegating tasks and projects to subordinates so the department can meet project deadlines. Flexible, strong and unified cultures will approach strategy implementation and affect implementation in a positive manner by aligning goals. Resource allocation is a central management activity that allows for strategy execution. The real value of any resource-allocation program lies in the resulting accomplishment of an organization's objectives. Communications is a major component, which should be recognized, embraced and its activities adequately funded. Communications function was found to be important to communication of the vision and mission. The study recommended the improvement of the organization structures through enhancing communication, involvement of employees in decision making, relevant training of employees and flexibility of policies and regulations related to strategy implementation. Leadership of the County need to invest in creating a defined culture and effective strategy implementation techniques. There is also need for the County to employ latest technological resources in their mandate to effectively fight crime in the 21st century. The County need to document internal communications channels and procedures, as part of the communications strategy. This applies not just to internal communication, but how staff communicate to external parties and possible feedback channels.
Keywords: Organizational Structure, Organizational Culture, Resource Allocation, Communication Performance of Tana River County Governmen
THE EFFECTS OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF AUCTIONEER FIRMS IN KENYA
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of strategic management on performance of auctioneer firms in KenyaMethodology: The study used descriptive survey research design. Stratified and simple random sampling methods will be used to identify the study respondents. The target population of the study were all management employees of auctioneering forms in Kenya. This study used primary data which was collected through use of Questionnaire. Data from the questionnaires was sorted, coded and input into a software for analysis. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) to generate frequencies, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.Results: Results indicated that strategic planning had effects on performance of the auctioneering firms. Study findings further indicated that strategic implementation affects performance of the auctioneering firm. Results further indicated that organization structure affects performance of the auctioneering firms. Results also indicated that environmental characteristics affects performance of the auctioneering firms.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: the sturdy recommended that organization structure should be keenly observed in the management of auctioneer firms.it also recommended that further investigation be done on the effect of proper leadership practices in income generating organizations
THE EFFECTS OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF AUCTIONEER FIRMS IN KENYA
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of strategic management on performance of auctioneer firms in KenyaMethodology: The study used descriptive survey research design. Stratified and simple random sampling methods will be used to identify the study respondents. The target population of the study were all management employees of auctioneering forms in Kenya. This study used primary data which was collected through use of Questionnaire. Data from the questionnaires was sorted, coded and input into a software for analysis. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) to generate frequencies, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.Results: Results indicated that strategic planning had effects on performance of the auctioneering firms. Study findings further indicated that strategic implementation affects performance of the auctioneering firm. Results further indicated that organization structure affects performance of the auctioneering firms. Results also indicated that environmental characteristics affects performance of the auctioneering firms.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: the sturdy recommended that organization structure should be keenly observed in the management of auctioneer firms.it also recommended that further investigation be done on the effect of proper leadership practices in income generating organizations
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