Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Strategic change management and performance of deposit taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Strategic change management and performance of deposit taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Nairobi City County, Kenya Mutua, Vincent The failure of numerous deposit taking Savings and Credit Cooperative, most notably Tena Savings and Credit Cooperative, as well as the suspension of 13 more from specific activities and the loss of three more licenses, are all the result of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives' incapacity to withstand the new game features. The majority of shareholders attribute the inability of many Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Nairobi County to cover operational costs, increase market share, pay dividends, or expand into new regions to Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives' change management practices. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of change management strategies on performance of DT-SACCOs in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine the influence of organizational learning, communication strategies, leadership change, and stakeholder’s involvement on performance of DT-SACCOs in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was guided by Lippit Phases of Change Theory, Organizational Learning Theory and Resource Based View Theory. Descriptive research design was used. The 42 registered DT-SACCOs in Nairobi County, Kenya, served as the study's unit of analysis. The unit of observation was four respondents from each SACCO totaling to 168 respondents. Stratified and simple random sampling was used. A sample of 118 was arrived at using Stratek formula. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Analysis of data was through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Both descriptive and inferential analysis was used. Data was presented in tables and figures. The findings study found that leadership change, organizational learning, stakeholder involvement and communication significantly affect performance of DT-SACCOs (p<0.05). The study recommends that SACCO leadership should demonstrate a strong commitment to the process of change management. The study also recommends that involving all employees and stakeholders in the strategic change process is crucial.

Strategic management practices and service delivery among Business Membership Organizations in Kenya

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Strategic management practices and service delivery among Business Membership Organizations in Kenya Mukoko, Catherine Strategic management is managerial decisions and actions that determine the long-run performance of a corporation about the service being offered. The main objective of the study was to establish strategic management actors affecting service delivery among business membership organizations in Kenya; a case of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of strategic management variables namely leadership, innovation, and service monitoring and evaluation on service delivery. The study was guided by strategic choice theory and stakeholders theory which informed the study variables. The main research design that was adopted in the study was descriptive in trying to establish the relationship between strategic management practices and service delivery. The target population for the study was 200 employees and members of KAM. A sample of 133 was considered using a random sampling technique in the study that consisted of employees and members of KAM. Primary data was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. Drop and pick method was used to distribute questionnaires to the respondents. The pilot study was conducted to test the reliability of the questionnaires using Cronbach-alpha. Data was cleaned, coded, and entered into the SPSS version then analyzed using descriptive statistics; mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages. Inferential statistics such as ANOVA, F-statistic, correlation, and regression analysis were conducted to examine the strength and significance of strategic management variables on service delivery among membership organizations in Kenya. The findings show that strategic leadership significantly influences service delivery among BMOs (B = .646, p < .001); strategic innovation has a significant and positive influence on service delivery (B = .528, p < .001), and; strategic monitoring and evaluation has a significant and positive influence on service delivery (B = .618, p < .001). The study findings will be significant to the management of KAM, policy makers, and academicians.

Financial literacy and financial inclusion of micro and small business owners in Kenya

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Financial literacy and financial inclusion of micro and small business owners in Kenya Ng’ang’a, Eunice Wairimu Over the past decade Kenya has experienced intense financial sector reforms with extensive growth of technological advancements such as mobile banking and automatic teller machines. Growth in financial inclusion has been cited as one of the pillars that are expected to drive the economy towards a prosperous ten per cent growth rate as envisioned in the vision 2030. Greater financial inclusion is expected to increase household’s access to financial services, boost savings and investments, and lead to the realization of the country’s development agenda. However, despite the efforts, access to formal financial services remains low. The main intention of this research was to examine the effect of financial literacy on financial inclusion of micro and small business owners in Nairobi County. The following specific objectives were used to guide the study; to determine the influence of saving practices on financial inclusion, to examine the effect of debt management practices on financial inclusion, to determine the effect of financial planning practices on financial inclusion and to establish the effect of investment practices on financial inclusion of micro and small business owners in Nairobi County. Information asymmetry theory, behavioral economics theory and financial education theory were adopted to anchor the study. Both a descriptive and an explanatory research design were used in this research. The target population comprised of all the 13,428 small and micro retail businesses owners operating in Nairobi City Central Business District. Yamane formula was used to arrive at the sample size of 388. Primary data obtained using questionnaires was collected. The questionnaire's validity and effectiveness was tested in this study by randomly selecting 39 respondents to complete it. The questionnaires were administered through Google forms. Upon collection of the data, it was coded in quantitative format so as to enable analysing using version 24 of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Inferential as well as descriptive statistics generated included frequencies and percentages and simple and multiple linear regression respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics generated were presented in tables and figures. 308 questionnaires were fully filled and returned giving a response rate of 79.4% that was considered adequate. Findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between various financial literacy practices – saving (β=0.225, p=0.000), debt management (β=0.405, p=0.000), financial planning (β=0.198, p=0.000), and investment (β=0.728, p=0.000)– and heightened financial inclusion. The study concludes that business owners engaging in disciplined saving practices, effective debt management, comprehensive financial planning, and active investment strategies were more likely to experience increased access to formal financial services. The research underscores the pivotal role of financial literacy in fostering financial inclusion among micro and small businesses. Recommendations include the development of targeted financial education programs, promotion of technology-driven financial solutions, and longitudinal studies to assess the sustained impact of financial literacy interventions. These insights provide a foundation for policymakers, financial institutions, and business support organizations to enhance financial inclusion strategies tailored to the unique needs of micro and small business owners in Nairobi County.

Digital transformation strategy and performance of e-claims systems at National Health Insurance Fund, Kenya

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Digital transformation strategy and performance of e-claims systems at National Health Insurance Fund, Kenya Mwangi, Geoffrey The automation of health claims and the implementation of an advanced claims management system plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality healthcare for patients. Claims processing is a vital function for insurance companies, as the speed and convenience with which claims are handled directly impact the overall reputation of the insurer. In Kenya alone, approximately 30 million medical claims are processed annually. However, an inefficient claims management system presents significant challenges, including high costs, time consumption, and increased instances of medical fraud. This research examined the effect of digital transformation strategy on the performance of e-claims systems at the National Health Insurance Fund in Kenya. The study objectives included assessing the impact of integrating digital technologies, evaluating the effect of data security compliance, examining the role of user experience, and determining the effect of interoperability with external systems on the performance of e-claims systems. The study was grounded in the Innovation Diffusion Theory, Resource-Based Theory, and Digital Business Transformation Framework. A case study research design was employed, targeting 166 employees at the National Health Insurance Fund headquarters. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, resulting in 95 respondents. Stratified random sampling was utilized as the sampling procedure. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27.0, encompassing preliminary analysis, and descriptive and inferential analysis. Measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode) were employed to describe the data set, while measures of variability (range, standard deviation) will assess data dispersion. Pearson Correlation Analysis and multiple regression models were employed. The results were presented using tables and figures. The study results found that integration of digital technologies significantly affects the performance of E-Claims Systems (B = .646, p < .001); data security compliance has a significant and positive effect on the performance of E-Claims Systems (B = .528, p < .001); user-experience has a significant and positive effect on the performance of E-Claims Systems (B = .618, p < .001) and that compatibility with external systems has a significant and positive effect on the performance of E-Claims Systems (B = .703, p < .001). The study concludes that the integration of digital technologies, data security compliance, user experience, and interoperability with external systems is integral to enhancing E-Claims Systems performance at NHIF. The general recommendation for the study is to prioritize the integration of digital technologies, ensure data security compliance, optimize user experience, and foster interoperability with external systems within E-Claims Systems at NHIF.

Factors affecting adoption of e-government project management system by contractors in Nairobi

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Factors affecting adoption of e-government project management system by contractors in Nairobi Ng’ong’a, Moses The purpose of this study was therefore to establish the effects of extrinsic factors on adoption of e-government project management system by contractors, A Case of National Construction Authority (NCA), Nairobi Kenya. The study addressed problems witnessed in the construction industry, non-compliance, quacks working in the construction industry and provide an enabling environment for construction industry. The study had four objectives, to find the effects of perceived ease of use and adoption, the effects of perceived usefulness and adoption, the effect of social norm on adoption and the effect of facilitation condition on adoption. The theories supporting the study were reviewed and the theory supporting the study was unified theory of user acceptance and use of technology. The target population for the study was contractors in category 4. The sample that was used for the study was 281 selected from a population of 945 contractors. Data collection instruments for the study was self- administered questionnaires. The data collection instrument tested before being used in the collection of data. The data was screened, coded and analysed. The results indicated that perceived ease of use had positive and significant effect (p-value of 0.000) on adoption of e-government Project Management Systems. Perceived usefulness had a p- value of 0.000 which meant it had a positive and significant effect on adoption of e- government Project Management Systems. Social norms had a p-value of 0.000 which resulted to positive and significant effect on adoption of e-government Project Management Systems. Facilitating conditions had a p-value of 0.000 which implied it had a positive and significant effect on adoption of e-government Project Management Systems. On the other hand, the regression analysis revealed that the extrinsic factors explained up to 70.3% change in adoption of e-government Project Management Systems. The study concluded that extrinsic factors significantly influence adoption of e-government Project Management Systems by Contractors in Nairobi County. The study recommended that there is need of prioritizing user training to enhance skills and understanding, incorporating user-friendly features to simplify interactions, and providing continuous support to address varied experiences and perceptions of system complexity. Based on the study's findings, recommendations for optimizing the adoption of e-government Project Management Systems (e-GPMS) by contractors in Nairobi County should involve emphasizing and promoting the tangible benefits and positive impacts of the system on productivity, task efficiency, and overall professional effectiveness within the construction industry.

Employee wellness and job performance in the banking Sector in Kenya

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Employee wellness and job performance in the banking Sector in Kenya Mwirigi, Betty Kananu The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of employee wellness on job performance: a case study of National Bank of Kenya of Kenya headquarters, Nairobi Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives on employee work-life balance, employee job security, and employee mental health support on job performance. The study was anchored on human relations theory and the expectancy theory of motivation theories. The study employed descriptive research design where simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to sample the target groups. Out of a target population of 180 employees of National Bank of Kenya, Headquarters, a sample size of 123 employees was used. Questionnaires were used as the main tool for data collection. A pilot test was done at National Bank of Kenya, Ongata Rongai Branch (10% of the target population within the branch) to test the research instrument. The questionnaires were also subjected to face validity with the quantitative data from these questionnaires subjected to internal consistency reliability. Collected quantitative data was cleaned, sorted, and analysis done in SPSS version 26.0. Standard deviation, frequencies, percentages, were for descriptive statistics while multiple linear regression was used for inferential statistics. The response rate was at 91.87% and the correlation analysis showed that employee mental health support (r=0.504), employee job security (r=0.376) and work life balance (r=0.308) had a positive relationship with job performance. Furthermore, the relationship was considered statistically significant at 5% level of significance. In this analysis, mental health ranked highest on its impact on job performance. The study from the regression model revealed that employee mental health support had a positive effect on job performance. Employee job security also had a positive effect on job performance. This reported that a rise in employee job security scores informed higher job performance outcomes. Work life balance had a negative effect on job performance. There is the need to better work-life balance initiatives at National Bank and across other banks in Kenya. In this context, there is need for remote working options, implementation of flexibility in working hours and proper leave policies for the employees. Recommendations from the study are to consider introduction of policies that include the implementation of comprehensive wellness programs that provide regular health exams, stress management courses, and access to mental health treatments including counseling and therapy. The policy will also encourage work-life balance by introducing flexible work hours and remote work choices, enabling employees to better manage their personal and professional duties. Other programs that touch on physical fitness should also be considered to achieve wellness in a wholesomely. Future researchers should also consider conducting comparative studies with other banks within the banking sector in Kenya and even across the borders. In addition, a critical assessment of the long-term impact of remote working on job performance especially post COVID-19 should be considered and how this can be used positively to enhance employee wellness.

Market growth strategies and financial performance of commercial Banks in Kenya

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Market growth strategies and financial performance of commercial Banks in Kenya Rotich, Gloria Growth strategies constitute plans that organizations develop to expand their business in specific aspects such as revenue, market share, customer base, or product offerings. Notably, the competitive environment within the market has resulted in financial institutions scaling back their operations. This study was guided by four objectives: to establish the effect of market penetration on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya, specifically NCBA Bank; to determine the effect of market development on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya, focusing on NCBA Bank; to establish the effect of product development on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya, with a case study of NCBA Bank; and to determine the effect of market diversification on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya, again with NCBA Bank as the case study. The study adopted a descriptive research design with the aim of identifying the study phenomenon under investigation, specifying the research questions, defining sources and types of data, and clarifying how data was analyzed and interpreted to answer the research questions. The research was conducted at NCBA Bank, based in Nairobi and Upper Hill offices. The target population consisted of 207 employees at NCBA Bank’s head office. The researcher adopted a random stratified sampling technique, focusing on the target population. Primary data collection involved the administration of research questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted with 13 individuals from NCBA Bank Limited who were not included in the final data collection process. Reliability of the study was assessed to ensure consistent findings, while validity was established to confirm the accuracy of the research instruments. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and presented in the form of charts, graphs, and pie charts. The study reported a moderately significant positive correlation between market penetration on financial performance, 𝑟(261) = .41, 𝑝 < .001. The findings suggested that enhanced market penetration methods like agency banking and digital financial services significantly boost financial performance. Moderately significant positive correlation between market development and financial performance, 𝑟(261) = .42, 𝑝 < .001. The finding implied that the adoption of financial innovations such as mobile banking, internet banking, and agency banking has positively impacted the performance of commercial banks. The computed Pearson Correlation results as shown in Table 4.9 further revealed a strong significant positive correlation between product development and financial performance of commercial banks, 𝑟(261) = .62, 𝑝 < .001. There is a strong significant positive correlation between market diversification and the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya, 𝑟(261) = .65, 𝑝 < .001. This study concludes that both marketing innovation, product diversification innovation, and product innovation and market diversification strategies are integral to the success in the performance of commercial banks. The study was recommended to the policymakers, practice and areas for further research.

Management strategies and performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County Kenya

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Management strategies and performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County Kenya Gachuri, Nelly Wambui Road building projects are known to be challenging and costly on a global scale. A nation's ability to prioritize road development is a key factor in determining its potential for economic growth and sustainability of the projects undertaken even after the funding entity has left. The following objectives will guide the study to establish the influence of leadership styles on performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya; to examine how team competency influences performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya and to assess how technological exposure influence performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. The following hypotheses will be tested: HO: There is no relationship between leadership styles on performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya; HO: There is no relationship between team competency influence performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya; HO: There is no relationship between technological exposure influence performance of road construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. The research methodology is research descriptive survey design. The study will adapt project management competency theory and systems theory. This study will use descriptive survey research and correlation design. The target population of 700 people from road construction projects. The sample size is determined by krchejie and Morgan table 1970 which is 248 and simple random sampling technique will be used in the study. Data collection tool will be a questionnaire and an interview guide for information triangulation. Pilot testing, validity, and reliability will be conducted to test the instruments by use of 10% of the sample size. Validity will be ensured by use of face, content, and construct validity, while reliability used Cronbach Alpha coefficient subject to threshold of 0.7 alpha coefficient. Pearson correlation will be applied in running the linear regression and comparing of variables. Results will be presented in tables, means, and standard deviations. The recommendations will be made according to the findings of the study.

Role of Project Management Methodology in the Success of free primary education programme in Machakos Sub-County

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Role of Project Management Methodology in the Success of free primary education programme in Machakos Sub-County Nthiwa, Patricia Kalondu Project management methodologies entail a structured approach to planning, executing, and completing projects by providing guidelines, principles, and processes that help teams achieve project goals effectively and efficiently. Free primary education entails a policy where the government covers basic education costs for children, typically up to a certain age. It removes a financial barrier to attending school and offers a safety net for families who do not have to pay tuition fees. Kenya implemented free primary education in 2003, leading to a significant increase in enrollment despite challenges. However, existing literature consistently accentuates a notable failure rate in the success of free primary education programmes, with evidence derived from Machakos Sub County. As a result, the role of this study was to investigate the role of project management methodology in the success of the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme in Machakos Sub-County. The study's specific objectives were as follows: to assess the effects of project finance in the success of the Free Primary Education programme in Machakos Sub-County, to determine the effects of project leadership in the success of the Free Primary Education programme in Machakos Sub-County, to explore the effects of project monitoring in the success of free Primary Education programme in Machakos Sub-County, to establish the effects of stakeholder management in the success of Free Primary Education programme in Machakos Sub-County. The study was guided by the principles of the stakeholder and program theory; while utilising an inferential statistical research design, the study targeted 262 workers in 63 public primary schools located in Machakos Sub-County. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure representation, selecting a sample of 19 schools. The data was collected using structured questionnaires selected for their ability to gather information with minimal bias and Error. Before commencing the main study, a preliminary study was conducted in six randomly chosen schools in Machakos Sub County. Data analysis encompassed both descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was processed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.

Factors influencing access to credit by small and medium enterprises in South Sudan

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Factors influencing access to credit by small and medium enterprises in South Sudan Thiik, Riiny Anthony This study looks into factors that affect SMEs' access to finance in Juba City Council, South Sudan. The study's stated goals included establishing a link between interest rates and SMEs' access to credit, examining the effects of collateral requirements on SMEs' access to credit, and determining the impact of inflation rates on SMEs' access to credit. Governments are beginning to focus more and more on SMEs as a key component of sustainable and inclusive economic growth as the world's economies struggle with ongoing issues. Shocks to supply and demand occurring at the same time have severely hurt SMEs. This indicates that SMEs are in extreme need of funding at a time when financial institutions are particularly cautious. The study's explanation of SMEs' access to credit was based on the financial inclusion theory, Fisher's theory of interest rates, and the information asymmetry hypothesis. The intended audience was South Sudan's Juba City Council's registered SMEs. A total of 6,004 SMEs were included in the sample, making 375 SMEs. The sample size was determined using the Yamane sampling technique using the list of all registered SMEs operating under the Juba City Council. Cross-sectional design was used in the study. Using survey questionnaires, data on research variables was gathered from stakeholders in SMEs management at various levels. The situation of SMEs access to credit in relation to interest rate, collateral, and correlational study was described or characterized. The study found a significant association between interest rate and credit availability (r=0.936), which was supported by data. The findings demonstrated that SMEs' access to credit decreased by 1.5054 units for every unit rise in interest rate. t (344) = -13.8918, p 0.05, indicated that this effect was statistically significant at 5%. The idea that there is no discernible connection between interest rates and credit availability was thus rejected. The study also found a significant (r=0.959) link between the need for collateral and SMEs' ability to acquire finance. The study's findings indicated that a unit increase in the amount of collateral required would result in a 1.50491-unit drop in the amount of credit available to SMEs. This result showed that there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the collateral demand and SMEs. A need for policy creation and/or a shift in practices by stakeholders has been identified based on the study's findings. Decreased loan interest rates are thus advised by the study for banks and other financial institutions. Since the analysis shows that the value of loans allowed per each loan are less than $500 and that more than half of the loans are not approved, decreasing the interest rate on SMEs lending would preferably enhance the volume of loans valued at that amount. Banks and other financial institutions should rethink their policies about small business loan repayment capabilities and adopt a less risk-averse mindset in favour of conducting research on SMEs' loan repayment capacities. Innovative practices from banks and other financial institutions are encouraged.