BCOM Research Projects
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- ItemAdoption of internet banking : a customers perspectives(Strathmore University, 2013) Marugu, David KariukiThe purpose of this study is to determine the level of customer acceptance of online banking in Kenya and what factors influence their decisions to use it. The paper also uses the Technology Acceptance Model and applies it to bank customers in Kenya. The findings suggest that internet bank use increases insofar as customers perceive it as useful and not risky to use. The results show that bank customers in Kenya are more concerned about the security of transaction as most important factor in adopting online banking. The perceived usefulness is central because it determines whether the perceived ease of internet bank use will lead to increased use of the internet bank. However, reluctance to change is a major obstacle to the use of internet banking. This problem has been further encountered by banks in encouraging customers' adoption oftheir internet banking service. Implications for banks are that they need to put much effort not only into providing a more secure means of transaction, but also into explaining to their customers how the internet bank is useful to them.
- 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.
- 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.
- ItemThe Challenges of work, life and study balance For working students: a case of selected Universities in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2013) Omusi, Jacqueline AdhiamboThis study set out to establish the challenges of work, life and study balance among working students enrolled for evening programs at public and private chartered universities in Kenya.The general research objective for this study was to investigate the challenges of work, life and study balance for working students. The specific research objectives were to establish the effect of work on studies and life for working students; to establish the effect of studies on work and life for working students and to establish the effect of studies and work on family and social life for working students.Literature review established that work, life and study balance is equilibrium in managing work, studies and social engagements and responsibilities. It further established that imbalances between these three aspects of life lead to a decline in the quality of life of the individual and to a less than optimal performance in these three areas hence the need for further investigations.A descriptive research design was used and a survey launched among working students. A sample frame was constructed from three universities; Strathmore University, United States International University and Kenyatta University town campus and a sample of 150 respondents drawn. A total of 87 students responded. The data collected through questionnaires was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics.The findings of the study indicate that work affects the studies and life of students through missing classes because of work, getting late to class and having to make up for time spent at the university by working overtime and over weekends thus cutting time spent with family and friends. Studies affect work and life by students wanting to leave the office earlier than the stipulated time and opting for unpaid leave which affects their work plan and time for recreational activities. Family and social life is affected by study and work in that the students utilize all their leave in their studies and end up with minimal time to spend with their families and other social relations. This leads to fatigue and stress.The following recommendations have been made on the basis of the findings; Employers could organize study leaves and flexible working hours for working students to enable them get to class on time and have time to spend with their families and friends. Universities could look into starting classes later than 5.30 pm to give students time to get to class and reduce their stress of having to catch up with what they have missed because of arriving to class late. Employers and universities could work out stress management sessions to assist the working students in assessing their stress regularly and work towards managing it for better productivity in their work and studies.
- 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.
- ItemCompetitive forces and growth In the Telecommunication industry in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2013) Kabuga, LinusThis 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 technology has been on the last for the last few years and the trend is expected to grow in future and Kenya is not the exemption. The study reveal that there a great use of the technology in the business world and hence economy improvement. Social media networks has been in the use and the trend is growing day after day.
- ItemCustomer feedback and its role in improving retail service quality(Strathmore University, 2012) Misoi, Sharon CheptooCustomer Feedback is fast becoming an important requirement for every business. The key reason for collecting feedback is to better hear the voice of the customer so as to meet their needs and serve them better. Despite numerous research, relevant stakeholders have not given the necessary attention to this sector more so the customers themselves and have continued to focus on the manufacturing organizations. This study sought to find out the perception of customers towards the customer feedback systems available in supermarket and their influence on service quality. Besides, it sought to find out whether the presence of customer feedback systems influenced the preference and loyalty of customers. Data was collected through structured questionnaires filled by 60 respondents and analyzed descriptively through charts and tables. The research concluded that most customers have a negative perception towards customer feedback systems. It also showed that there exists a relationship between customer feedback and service quality as the respondents perceive that feedback has a good effect on the Accuracy and Accessibility of the service offered in the supermarket but a poor effect on the Responsiveness and Reliability of the service offered.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- ItemEffects of public procurement legislation on Operations of public procurement in Kenya: a Comparative study(Strathmore University, 2013) Mati, SlyviaQuality public service delivery has for long been a burning issue in most third world governments and the Kenya government is no exception. For a long time stakeholders in the public procurement sector complained of misallocation of resources, inefficient services, lack of transparency and fair competition, and lack of sanctions against unscrupulous procurement staff. Thus vast reforms on the public procurement sector in Kenya were initiated by various stakeholders such as the World Bank and African Development Bank in the late 1990s and have since borne some fruit. In particular, the enactment and enforcement of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act 2005 has been seen as a prominent feature ofthe reforms. The primary objective of this research was to assess the effect of the public procurement law on the operations of public procurement, with specific focus on public procuring entities within Nairobi region. Procurement staff from ten public procuring entities participated in the survey through filling questionnaires. The study explored the perceived impacts of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act which came into force in 2007 against the intended outcomes of the law during its inception and also benchmarked against the OECD-DAC Assessment of National Procurement Systems. The issues studied under this objective were procedures, cost savings, time efficiency, transparency, fair competition, staffing and the overall economic impact in comparison with the old regime before the law came into existence. The other objective was to find out those factors that affect the feedback mechanism within public procurement from a systems perspective. The study was able to establish that the public procurement law has so far to a large extent met the desired outcomes of cost savings, transparency, fair competition, professionalism, clarity of procedures and overall economic well-being. Feedback was found to be largely affected by the organization's culture followed by the level of similarity in homogeneity among employees and then job rank/group. The recommendations from this study were that its findings could act as a benchmark for guiding the amendment of public procurement law so that to seal the loopholes which are hindering the achievement of all its desired outcomes. This research also proposed better management of resources such as time so as to reach optimal levels of productivity.
- 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.
- ItemEvaluation of microcredit programs offered by Micro financial institutions in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2013) Gitonga, Lilian K.Microcredit can only be effective if it is judiciously used to ensure that both the lender and the borrower reap the maximum possible gain. Group micro-lending has been used successfully in some parts of the world to expand the reach of microcredit programs. However, this study shows that microfinance institutions in Kenya prefer individual lending which is associated with higher default rates compared to group lending. The study also shows that high interest rates increase the odds of client delinquency while loan size is inversely related to delinquency. Given these findings, policymakers need to work for stability in the macro-environment to ensure interest rates charged by microfinance institutions (MFls) remain stable and affordable. Further, MFls can develop a graduated scale for charging interest rates in which credit is extended to groups at first to hedge the firm against repayment risk; following this, the firm identifies individuals within the groups whose credit risk has improved and issues progressive individual loans to them. Such individual loans would fetch higher returns in form of interest for MFI and boost their outreach, reduce delinquency, and enhance self-sufficiency.
- ItemAn evaluation of the job performance differences between graduate and non-graduate CPAs among insurance companies in Nairobi, Kenya(Strathmore University, 2013) Ng'ang'a, Erasto MukuriaThis research sought to examine the perceived job performance differences between CPAs with academic degrees and those without them. The research was carried out among insurance companies and took a period of three months from January to April 2012. The research was necessitated by the fact that employers seem to prefer CPAs who also hold academic degrees and therefore there was need to examine whether graduate CPAs possess more skills than nongraduate accountants or whether non graduate accountants have skill gaps in the performance of their duties. The study was carried out among the 42 insurance companies that have offices in Nairobi, Kenya. Three qualified accountants from each of these insurance companies were sampled meaning a total of 126 CPAs formed the sample. The method of choice of the three CPAs was purely random. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of sampling were used.The results indicate that there is no appreciable difference between the job performance of graduate and non graduate CPAs. The general competence index, on a scale of 5, for graduate accountants is 4.5692 and 4.6885 for the non graduate accountants. The non graduate accountants are actually more competent than their graduate counterparts. It would be necessary, however, to extent this study beyond the insurance companies in Nairobi for more comprehensive conclusions to be made.
- ItemAn evaluation of the job performance differences between graduate and non-graduate CPAs among insurance companies in Nairobi, Kenya(Strathmore University, 2012) Ng'ang'a, Erasto MukuriaThis research sought to examine the perceived job performance differences between CPAs with academic degrees and those without them. The research was carried out among insurance companies and took a period of three months from January to April 2012. The research was necessitated by the fact that employers seem to prefer CP As who also hold academic degrees and therefore there was need to examine whether graduate CP As possess more skills than non graduate accountants or whether non graduate accountants have skill gaps in the performance of their duties. The study was carried out among the 42 insurance companies that have offices in Nairobi, Kenya. Three qualified accountants from each of these insurance companies were sampled meaning a total of 126 CPAs formed the sample. The method of choice of the three CPAs was purely random. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of sampling were used.The results indicate that there is no appreciable difference between the job performance of graduate and non graduate CPAs. The general competence index, on a scale of 5, for graduate accountants is 4.5692 and 4.6885 for the non graduate accountants. The non graduate accountants are actually more competent than their graduate counterparts. It would be necessary, however, to extent this study beyond the insurance companies in Nairobi for more comprehensive conclusions to be made.