BCOM Research Projects (2012)
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing BCOM Research Projects (2012) by Issue Date
Now showing 1 - 20 of 34
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemCompetitive forces and growth in the telecommunication industry in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Kabuga, Linus W.This study examined how increasing competition is pressuring the operations within the Kenya's telecommunication industry causing intense competitive rivalry within the industry. The study was designed to understand the competitive forces in this industry and determine the factors that influencing the industry attractiveness reinforcing its likelihood to succeed or fail. The study focused on the four key players in the Kenya's telecommunication industry, that is, Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, Orange Kenya and 'YU' giving statistical evidence of each organization market position. The study findings reveal potential growth of the industry prior to the government deregulation and liberalization of the telecommunication industry bringing out the constraints and challenges within the industry. We are in the 3rd Revolution of the world that is World of technology. The use of mobile phone been on the last for the last few years and the trend is expected to grow in future and exemption. The study reveal that there a great use of the technology in the business hence economy improvement. Social media networks has been in the use and the trend is after day.
- ItemTotal quality management in the Public sector : a case study of the Communication commision of Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Mmasi, JohnThe purpose of this study was to examme quality management in public service. Its objectives were to determine the quality management practices and techniques in public institutions, to determine the factors affecting the quality management and to identify the possible solutions to these factors. The study was conducted in the Communications cornmission of Kenya. It was a descriptive study to explain the state as it existed and data was collected using questionnaires. Data was analyzed using excel sheet where pie charts where formed to establish percentages from which qualitative conclusions were drawn. The study established from the findings that the Communications cornmission of Kenya employed some quality management tools and techniques and identified the factors that many negatively affect quality management and the possible solutions to these factors
- ItemThe Effects of e-governance on delivery of services in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Kithinji, Joy MakenaService delivery takes a long time in government and inefficiencies in government organizations have been on the rise since 2008 (Chege, 2010). The study targets KRA as a government department that discharges public services. The study investigated ICT performance in Customs Service, Domestic taxes, road transport, Research and corporate planning. This study is guided by IT management theory. Which states that for integrated technological systems to be accepted and viewed as successful, technical administrators must feel that there are great benefits provided to them. Data is presented in the form of frequency distribution tables, graphs and pie charts that facilitates description and explaination of the study findings. The study findings provides the policy makers with insights into critical factors that need to be considered when formulating policies meant to enhance implementation of tax collection services. The study found out that, with the implementation of e-governance system, there has been a tremendous improvement of the working condition in KRA offices. It can be concluded that e-governance is about the use of information technology to raise the quality of the services government deliver to citizens and businesses and has had a positive impact in governing the services offered in KRA. Further the study recommended that, Kenya government should allocate funds to the automation of the government services as this encourages transparency and accountability.
- ItemSME's perception towards loan services offered by commercial banks in Kenya : a case of study of SMEs in Nairobi central business district(Strathmore University, 2012) Mwikya, Tabitha MwikaliThis study was done to find the perception that SMEs have towards the loans service offered by commercial banks in Kenya. The research design was quantitative. Information was gathered from SMEs in the Nairobi Central Business District. A sample size of 277 firms was picked. The response rate 15% (40 firms). The data was collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaires were hand delivered to some firms and send via email to other firms. Since the research was qualitative the likert scale was used to quantify the data collected. The mode calculated was related to the factors that hinder SMEs from accessing formal financing. These factors were; the interest rate, collateral asked for by the banks, amount given by the banks, requirements other than collateral asked for by the banks and the customer care service offered by the bank. The major findings in this research are that the SMEs have a positive attitude towards the payback period allowed for by the banks. The SMEs are also indifferent towards interest rate offered by the commercial banks, the collateral asked for as security for the loans and any other requirements asked for by the bank. The SMEs have a negative attitude towards the amount given by the banks after the loans is processed and the customer care service offered by the banks. From the findings the researcher concluded that although the SMEs are taking advantage of the loans services offered they still do not have a positive attitude these services. The banks need to improve their services to cater fully to the SMEs needs.
- ItemThe Effectiveness of online tax filing in Kenya : a case study of SMEs in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2012) Laitete, Elizabeth NashiluThe study was conducted to document the effectiveness of online tax filling in Kenya, the case of SMEs in Nairobi. It sought to find out whether Kenyans are taking advantage of the new online tax filing system and what efforts KRA is making to make the system attractive for users. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview where appropriate. The analysis of findings involved the use of bar graphs, charts, tables and percentages to show results of the questionnaire. The findings indicated that the online tax filing system is not popular amongst a majority of small business owners in Kenya with the main reasons being the lack of knowledge of computer usage as well inability to avoid some taxes due to the effectiveness of the system in taking all details into consideration. Those who have taken initiative to use the system also experience problems with most popular problem being the inaccessibility of the KRA website. The study also brought out the importance of classification of SMEs according to their sizes and resources allocation thus the need for further study in this area.
- ItemCarbon emission trading with specific reference to the Africa carbon exchange(Strathmore University, 2012) Chiuri, Kagume MainaThe study was conducted in Nairobi between November 20! J and April 2012. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires issued to fifty individuals who are actively involved in investing activities in Kenya. Knowledge on carbon emission trading is widespread however the Africa Carbon Exchange has had limited input into this pooI of information. The Africa Carbon Exchange has done little to fulfiII its primary role as a carbon emission exchange especialJy with regards to facilitating carbon emission trading in Kenya. It needs to be established why the Africa Carbon Exchange is not fulfilling its mandate as a carbon exchange. Solutions need to be established for the Africa Carbon Exchange to grow and make a meaningful impact on Kenya's economy.
- ItemImpact of mobile money transfer service m-pesa on microenterprises in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Muriuki, Kenneth NgugiThe research had two main objectives; these were to find out to what extent the use of mobile rYlfW'P'" transfer services like M-Pesa and YuCash had changed how microenterprises conducted if they were the main media of payments or not, if at aiL second objective was to find out whether mobile money transfer service had helped microenterprises increase their sales volumes as compared to before they had mobile money This was later found to be difficult to measure as none of the respondents had l"pr'rw{i" going that far. The research therefore settled for a simple growth in sales volume as the measure mobile money transfer helping to increase sales growth. was gathered from microenterprises from 3 locations within Langata constituency, i.e. Madaraka/Nairobi West area, the Kibera area and the Karen area. Despite their apparent wealth and locales, they all had some similarities that were considered for their inclusion in this research. All the businesses had less than 10 employees; in fact, most had 3 or 4 emniovees including the owner. In fact only one had 10. Second criterion is that all of them used the ""JUl1\,. money transfer services as part of their modes of transaction; however, they did not have to it as an integral part of their payment strategy. Correlation analysis between the datasets found that the microenterprises did not perceive mobile money transfer as crucial to their business, i.e. they could still operate with or without mobile money transfer. The services also served to complement rather than replace traditional modes of transaction. It also found that the main reason that most of the microenterprises used mobile money transfer because of it's convenience, more than any other reason. findings, the research concluded that most microenterprises were ready to embrace mobile money transfer services as part of the payment media. Indeed, this process was already underway; however, high costs and lack of a service tailored to their needs hindered greater adaptation and relegated this service to the periphery of importance as a payment tool for these businesses.
- ItemImpact of information technology on supply chain coordination : the case of manufacturing campanies in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2012) Cherotich, Nelly L.collected through distributing questionnaires to thirty six manufacturing companies. The study was aimed at examining the impact of information technology on the supply chain as well as determining the other factors that affect the supply chain. The study found out that information technology has a positive impact on information availability, decision making and information sharing among the supply chain. It also found out that incorporation of information technology in the supply chain boosts coordination within the supply chain leading to benefits to the supply chain members which include: larger profits for each member of the supply chain; reduced level of risk and reduced costs for each member as well as gaining access to a wider variety of resources. The study also determined that the supply chain is affected by other factors which are categorized into internal, inter-organizational and external factors. The internal factors are those factors within an organization while the inter-organizational factors are the factors between the organizations in the supply chain.
- ItemFactors that determine performance measurement of Kenyan listed companies : based on analysis from the Nairobi securities exchange (NSE) member firms(Strathmore University, 2012) Njuguna, Nicholas NgumunuThis research study focused on factors that determine performance measurement of companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Performance measurement in our Kenyan context could either be good or bad in the period under consideration. The primary objective of most listed firms is to maximize shareholder wealth and thus the factors considered by the researcher were financial and non-financial information, The researcher also sought to find out which of the two factors holds greater weight in a decision making context for analysts and investors. Financial information in the study comprises mainly financial ratios that most market Analysts and investors view their figures. Non-financial information in this context refers to corporate actions, company announcements or macro-economic conditions. main source of data was primary in which the researcher used questionnaires and interviews to interact with dealers, financial and research analysts of the NSE member They provided appropriate responses to enable the researcher determine key financial ratios and non- financial information that affect performance of listed firms. The study draws conclusions to show a direct relationship exists between financial ratios and non-financial information and that neither of the two factors holds greater weight in a decision making context for both analysts and investors. The research infers that with either ofthe factors, it depends on its extent on a finn's value. The research was able to determine the average payout ratio for listed firms, which is line with most firms' objective to maximize shareholder wealth. The study recommends altemative indices that investors can use to gauge the performance of their portfolios when they pursue investment strategies
- ItemHigh real estate prices and the economic fundamentals(Strathmore University, 2012) Githinji, NicholasThe case of affordable housing in Kenya is particularly acute and as decent housing remains inaccessible to the population, informal settlements and slums continue to grow as does the housing deficit. In light of this, the objectives of this research are : to find out the economic variables affecting the prices of residential houses in Nairobi and to find out whether these economic variables are the determinants of high residential housing prices. The research is an explanatory study that has been used to develop explanations as to why residential property prices are rising with regards to the economic fundamentals. The population used is real estate companies in Nairobi who have either sold, managed or constructed residential properties. A sample size of 30 real estate companies in Nairobi was selected and the survey was administered through use of questionnaires. It emerged that, in establishing the determinants of high of high residential property prices, factors such as the cost of land, availability of land and the construction cost have been identified as key factors influencing the high residential property prices. Economic variables such as interest rates and inflations are a positive influence on residential property prices. However, variables such as income, availability of construction materials and unemployment have been identified to be of no significant effect in determining the prices of residential property. The current housing prices emerged not to be justifiable in that they are overstated in the market. This is because, the economy is growing at a very slow pace if compared to the rising real estate prices. The research ends having identified some limitations as well as having given some few recommendations for further study.
- ItemManaging an international workforce : the effects of employee motivation in the Kenya hotel industry(Strathmore University, 2012) Onserio, Laban Cliff
- ItemAn Analysis of the factors determining the choice of financing for micro, small and medium enterprises(Strathmore University, 2012) Shayo, Grace WanjikuThis study investigated the determinants of the choice of financing for Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprises. Data was collected from the Nairobi area with emphasis in the Industrial Area and Mombasa Road due to the concentration of MSMEs within these areas. This research was extensive both in scope and depth and attempted to fill in the gaps in the current literature. The outcomes provide valuable contribution to efforts made by the government, through the ministry of finance geared towards improving accessibility of capital to MSMEs. The government of Kenya and other developmental agencies has identified the need to empower MSMEs emergence and is working towards establishing programs and policies that will improve the accessibility of finance to MSMEs. Lastly, this research made a worthwhile contribution to MSMEs financing surveys and research that are currently ongoing or will be undertaken. This results from the growing importance of MSMEs to the economy of Kenya.
- ItemThe Effectiveness of online tax filling in Kenya : a case study of SMEs in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2012) Laitete, Elizabeth N.The study was conducted to document the effectiveness of online tax filling in Kenya, the case of SMEs in Nairobi. It sought to find out whether Kenyans are taking advantage of the new online tax filing system and what efforts KRA is making to make the system attractive for users. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews where appropriate. The analysis of findings involved the use of bar graphs, charts, tables and percentages to show results of the questionnaire. The findings indicate that the online tax filing system is not popular among a majority of small business owners in Kenya with the main reasons being the lack of knowledge of computer usage as well inability to avoid some taxes due to the effectiveness of the system in taking all details into consideration. Those who have taken initiative to use the system also experience problems with most popular problem being the inaccessibility of the KRA website. The study also brought out the importance of classification of SMEs according to their sizes and resource allocation thus the need for further study in this area.
- ItemRole of microfinancing instituitions in poverty reduction in Garissa County : a case of Equity bank Garissa branch(Strathmore University, 2012) Ibrahim, Addikadir AdanThe people of Garissa County have for a long time lived amidst abject poverty where they earn their livelihood from pastrolism at the subsistence level. The majority of the people in this area were victims of the drought in Northern Kenya. Most people in trading centers within the county are craft men, bicycle and vehicle mechanics, taxi drivers while the women are petty traders. Generally, the majority of the people of Garissa County live in abject poverty and it is for this reason that a study had to be conducted to suggest ways as to how poverty can be reduced from amongst the people of Garissa County and also the way forward for maintaining better living standards. This was the purpose of the research. The researcher used the interviews, observation and questionnaires as a research instrument to collect adequate data on the study of the role of the microfinance institutions in poverty reduction in Garissa County and Equity bank was used as a case study. The majority of findings during the study was that, the majority of the people who acquired the credit facilities from the microfinance institutions (Equity bank) had their income increased as well improved standards of living as some respondents stated that they can now afford the basic necessities of both rural and urban life. Also beneficiaries of the microfinance loans had their Businesses improved while others were able to send their children to school from the school fees loans advanced to them. The Key recommendations suggested by the researcher was that, there should be capacity building MFIs in gender to enhance their capacity in the design of policies, procedures and products that meet the practical and strategic gender needs of the poor people. This will enhance the participation of both men and women in MFIs programs thereby lead to poverty reduction through increased access to both production and consumption credit. This can be achieved through the microfinance capacity building plan. It is therefore hope that when a number of people who access microfinance funds increase rampant poverty in Garissa County will as well be checked
- ItemThe Effect of talent management of firm performance : case of mass media firms in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Mugo, Angela NyawiraThe purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between talent management and firm performance. Specifically the study sought to establish the effect of firrn's public image on attracting and retaining ernployees, to determine if the best talent can affect the perforrnance of a firm in terms of profitability and to establish if good environment irnprove ernployee perforrnance. In this study, a quantitative research was adopted. The target population was 35 employees working in 5 media firms in Kenya. One ernployee and one line manager from each departrnent was randomly selected including one Human resource manager from the Human Resource department. Questionnaires were used to draw a sample of 22 employees; 12 ernployees and 10 managers. Applications of excel were used to analyze the collected data from the field. Data was represented in the form oftables and percentages. The public image of a firm was found to have an effect on employee engagement level in the firm and on their attraction towards their job which in turn affects firrn's productivity and profitability. Majority of the employees were attracted to their currentjob (4 or 33.33%) and 5 or 42% were attracted to the reputation that exists of their firm. Employee engagement level at work was also int1uenced by the attraction that employees have towards the reputation that exists of their firms to a very great extent (5 or 41 %). Firms should identify more way s of attracting and retaining talented employees because it is a major factor that influences firm performance especially profitability. They should purpose to continuously improve their talent management system so as to attract, develop and retain more talented employees. Research on the effect of talent managernent on firm performance should be conducted on a longitudinal basis so as to get a clearer understanding of the relationship between talent management and firm performance.
- ItemA Study on the effect of agency banking on performance of banks in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Godana, Orge GalmaAgency banking is a new trend that is quickly catching up in the Kenyan Banking sector. The banks in the country are bringing their services closer to the people without opening bank branches and in ways that are familiar to the people. Banks are using retail merchants and post offices to establish this. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect that agency banking has had on the banks performance in terms of cost and number of bank accounts as well as the challenges experienced. The data for this research was collected from the forty three Kenyan banks using questionnaires. The findings of this research suggest that agency banking is improving bank performance since the banks are now able to increase their bank accounts while maintaining or reducing their capital costs. The findings also suggest that there a number of challenges that are experienced in the agency banking field that have kept some banks from adopting agency banking. The key challenge that has been observed is the risk involved in agency banking and this has also been confirmed by the increase in risk management costs that been observed by the respondents who have already adopted agency banking.
- ItemEffects of the implementation and interpretation of ISO 9001 standards within organizational structures : the case of small and medium enterprises(Strathmore University, 2012) Asena, Elsy BuligwaThe study is carried out to investigate the Effects ofthe interpretation and the implementation of ISO 9001 standards in small and medium enterprises together with its effects on business performance. The study was conducted in Nairobi in January and February 2012, and the data was collected by the use of questionnaires sent to 15 ISO 9001 certified Small and Medium Enterprises. The study was conducted to investigate how the Small and Medium Enterprises implement the ISO 9001 standards within their organizations and whether the quality management standards have an effect on them or not. The SMEs were found to undergo a series of steps so as to get certified, and the two main one's are training of the entire workforce and auditing process. The conformance standards were found to have a positive effect that gave them a competitive edge, however took time to be felt by the organization.
- ItemThe Effect of employee remuneration on organizational performance in the hotel and hospitality industry in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Mudulia, Sharon LovegaEmployee remuneration refers to the reward or compensation given to employees for their work performance, for services rendered or for playing a role towards achievement of organizational objectives.It is also widely referred to as employee compensation.Its not just about reimbursing employees but also providing certain benefits that come with the job.Remuneration provides basic attraction for an employee to perform their job efficiently and effectively. Remuneration constitutes an important source of income for employees and determines their standard of living.It has an effect on the employees productivity and work performance.Thus the amount and method of remuneration are very important for both management and employees. Organizational performance on the other hand may refer to whether or not an organization is achieving its objectives.These objectives are in terms of profitability, productivity and growth amongst others. For anorganization to achieve their objectives they must have in place a sufficient and efficient human resource team.This team which comprises the employees of an organization determines how well the organization performs.It is widely suggested in human resource circles that employee remuneration affects the performance of the employees and that of an organization as whole.This relationship remains largely untested especially in developing countries like Kenya This research will involvee a study into the effects of employee remuneration on the organizational performance of five star hotels in Kenya.It will seek to establish if this relationship is indeed factual and how organizations can use it to their advantage.Data will be collected from a sample of five star hotels in Nairobi, Kenya.The hotels will be chosen on the basis of their size and performance.The purpose of this research will be to establish the effect pay incentives and other forms of remuneration on employee performance and consequently organizational performance.
- ItemFinancial statement analysis techniques in Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2012) Chepkong'a, Catherine CheburetThe number of NGOs in Kenya has continued to grow both in numbers and also in the amount of financial resources that these organizations control. With the opening up democratic space in Kenya, there has been a massive increase in NGOs with an estimated growth rate of 400 NGOs per year since 2001. By June 2010 the board had registered a total of 6752 organizations country wide and 2677 in Nairobi. The research sought to look at financial performance measurement in NGOs in Kenya with a bias for Financial Statement Analysis (FSA).Its aim was to find out the extent to which FSA techniques are used and the factors affecting choice of technique? It also sought to establish whether with the increased demand for documentation of performance by funders; there has been any requirement for NGOs to tailor their financial reports in a way that allows for FSA to be conducted. Are the determinant factors in anyway related to their funders who are their key stakeholders? Based on its findings, this research has concluded that though conducted, FSA is limited, scarce and not done conclusively. Financial reporting and analysis lay emphasis on project and funding based as opposed to the overall analysis of the entire firm. Funders are a key influential stakeholder of NGOs and increasingly demand detailed documentation on the use of funds However, while conducting FSA, ease of use and conceptual clarity of a technique is a more influential factor than the funders’ requirements.
- ItemIn Investigation into the level and factors influencing the adoption of international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya /(Strathmore University, 2012) Nanjala, Sally NabwireSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the economy of many countries including Kenya, serving as an opportunity for employment for many , most especially the youth, a way to increase the country’s GDP, a stimulus for greater competition and innovation, a wider distribution of economic wealth and opportunities and a range of specialized products and services. Despite this numerous contributions relevant stakeholders have not given necessary attention to this sector and have continued to put emphasis on the publicly listed companies in relation to the accounting practices and it is this reason that contributed to the decision to carry out this research study. The study sought to understand the level of compliance and the factors leading to the adoption and non-adoption of international Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). The overall contributing decision making factors are linked to the size of the organization, the capital base level or financial level of the organization, and the long term goals of the entity among other things. This study employed a combination of both stratified random sampling and simple random sampling to collect data from 60 businesses using questionnaires and follow up interviews. The data was analyzed descriptively and presented through graphs, charts and tables. The research concludes that there is a low level of adoption of the IFRSs among the SMEs as inference from past research carried out on the publicly listed organizations and that there is less than 100% compliance to all the standards for any one SME