MCOM Theses and Dissertations (2013)
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing MCOM Theses and Dissertations (2013) by Subject "Business"
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemBusiness reactions to cyber security threats in the Kenya business environment(Strathmore University, 2013) Onwong'a, Celestine MoigeThe global wave of information and communication technologies (lCT) has brought enterprises not only enormous benefits, but also linked information threats. This thesis discusses the reactions of businesses to these cyber security threats in the Kenya business environment. More specifically it examines the characteristics of cyber security threats, the awareness levels of the Kenya business community to these threats, the manifestation of cyber security threats and the overall business reactions to the threats. The empirical study was conducted in businesses across 12 different sectors within Nairobi County between November 2012 and January 2013. It targeted IT specialists and internal auditors from each of the sampled businesses totaling 83 respondents. The research adopted a descriptive and correlational design. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The analytical results revealed that business reactions are pegged on the realization of the internet as a "double-edged sword", which provided many opportunities for individuals, organizations and governments to develop but with it brought endless opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit The research argues that cyber threats, with their unique characteristics, present new challenges to law enforcement, organizations and society as a whole. The study also finds that films have reacted to this 'new' risk by putting in place various cyber secu!i!YJn~as'Yl:5'.s.e.g.having in place policies and guidelines, installing various ----~~ ,- "'. . technological tools like anti-viruses with an aim to deter, prevent and detect cyber security threats. More is yet to be done by the various stakeholders in Kenya so as to secure the cyber environment. This study recommends an extension of the study to small and medium-sized organizations as it would enhance the generalizability of the findings. Different parts of the country could also be considered for future research for comparability purposes.
- ItemFactors that influence the establishment of venture capital firms in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2013) Ngaruiya, Jane WangariThe purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence the establishment of venture capital firms in Kenya. The research design adopted was descriptive. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews from eight venture capitalists in 2012. Data obtained in the study was analysed through descriptive methods and content analysis. The objectives of the study were to identify the key factors that influence establishment of venture capital firms, challenges encountered as they set up and the sectors of the economy preferred. The results showed that macroeconomic variables specifically, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), interest rates and inflation, performance of the market, funds from investors, expected rate of return and networking among venture capitalists were the key factors considered in the set up of firms. Challenges encountered were. scarce or no protection of investor's property, lack of proper documentation by the entrepreneurs who venture capitalist considered to invest in their firms or business, lack of proper valuation methods to determine the worth of a venture and lack of qualified venture capital personnel. The most preferred sectors invested by the venture capitalists were identified as manufacturing and health care. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge as this is an area where there is scarce literature especially in the emerging markets. Areas for further study include, establishing if there is ail increase in the venture capital funds and the impact on the growth of the economy and to look further into the valuation methods used to determine a venture and determine the best practice for emerging markets.
- ItemThe influence of international market entry strategies on the performance of manufacturing multinationals in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2013) Gideon, Linah NdukuThe study was on the influence of international market entry strategies on the performance of manufacturing multinationals in Kenya. Mode of entry into an international market is the channel which organization that wants to operate in international markets employs to gain entry to a new international market. The choice for a particular entry mode is a critical determinant in the successful running of a foreign operation. Therefore, decisions of how to enter a foreign market can have a significant impact on the results. The research design used in this study was descriptive research design. There are 213 Multinational Corporations in Kenya. Out of the 213 Multinational Corporations, 108 firms are in the manufacturing sector and are located in Nairobi. The population of the study is therefore 108 firms. The sampling frame was retrieved from the online yellow pages. It is for this reason that the study considered 50% of the population. This yielded 54 firms. The study used a questionnaire as the preferred data collection tool. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and measures of central tendency mainly means and frequencies. Inferential statistics included regression modeling, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results indicated that manufacturing multinationals used various international market strategies to venture into business. These strategies include licensing, whole owned subsidiaries, joint venture, exporting, direct investment and strategic alliances. Results further indicated that the firms used these market strategy entries to a large extent. Regression results indicated that market entry strategies had an influence on performance of the firm (profitability and market share). The study findings also indicated that there are various factors to consider behind the choice of a market entry strategy. These factors or considerations include resources available, company competence, competition in the market, size of the host country, availability of possible partnering firms with host country, host country requirements and state of firm development. The study concludes that manufacturing multinational firms used more than one market entry strategy to venture into business. This was probably to enhance the firm’s performance. It was also possible to conclude that the firms used licensing and direct investment to a very large extent and wholly owned subsidiaries, joint venture, franchising and strategic alliances to a large extent. It was possible to conclude that there are various factors that manufacturing multinational firms consider before choosing the market entry strategy to use. These factors are resources available, company competence, competition in the market, size of the host country, availability of possible partnering firms with host country, host country requirements and state of firm development. It was possible to conclude that all market entry strategies had a positive and significant relationship with performance of firms. The study recommended that the multinationals firms to carry out research on the market entry strategies before venturing into international market. This is to ensure they use the appropriate entry strategy to enhance the organization performance. The study also recommends that the management to evaluate the factors to consider when choosing an entry strategy thoroughly so as to make sure they know the market very well and that the management to evaluate the factors influencing the choice of market entry modes. This is to ensure that they choose the best mode.