MBA Theses and Dissertations (2018)
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- ItemThe Influence of organisational culture on the process of implementing a quality management system in Small and Medium cloud companies in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2018) Ndung'u, Grace NyamburaThis research is about the influence of organisational culture on the process of implementation of quality management system. More specifically, ISO 9001:2008/2015. This dissertation attempted to dissect the dimensions of organizational culture on the process of implementation of quality management systems with a focus on ISO 9000:2008/2015. The study adopted a mixed research design to investigate the influence of organisational culture, used explanatory and descriptive methods. The study examined 4 technology companies that offer cloud based solution services in Nairobi County which comprised of a population of 4 companies with a sample size of 73 respondents. By use of semi-structured questionnaires, the questions were in the form of Likert Scale which were used to collect data from the general staff. The findings used Spearman’s correlation to determine the relationship between the independent variables (leadership, management of employees, organisation glue, strategic emphases) and the dependent variables (motivation for certification, quality awareness and costs). The study found that there is a moderate positive relationship between the dimensions of organisational culture and the process of implementation of quality management systems.
- ItemMergers & acquisitions as a growth strategy for law firms: a case study of selected law firms in Nairobi(Strathmore University, 2018) Apunda, Maureen BeatriceMergers and Acquisitions have become fundamental for firms from medium to large scale corporations owing to market competition, need for product and service innovation, and diversification in regulations, economic and environmental changes. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of mergers and acquisition on growth of law firms. A review of literature was conducted to identify what has been done and the knowledge gap. It was guided by specific objectives that sought to: To evaluate how preparedness in mergers & acquisition influence growth on HH&M and Oraro law firms, to establish the impact of the specific interventions necessary for mergers & acquisition on growth of HH&M and Oraro law firms ,to examine the economic influence of mergers & acquisition on growth of HH&M and Oraro law firms, to investigate effect of the building of relationship and shared knowledge involved in mergers & acquisition on growth of HH&M and Oraro law firms in Nairobi County. The study employed a descriptive research design, whereas proportionate stratified random sampling technique was applied to sample 70 respondents for the study. Questionnaires were used as instruments of collecting data through a drop-and-pick-later technique and note-taking respectively. Data was cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSS. Demographic characteristics of respondents were described using percentages and frequency while descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) was used for the four objectives. However, inferential statistics (Regression model) was done so as to draw a conclusion from the statistically significant variables. Information was presented in form of tables, charts, graphs and percentages for clarity. The major findings of the study revealed that mergers and acquisition has great impact on growth of law firms as measured by preparedness, government intervention, economic influence and building relationships& shared knowledge. It further showed that only 22% of growth of the two law firms was explained by the independent variables thus need for future research. The study concluded that preparedness and economic influence were significant factors in explaining growth of HH & M and Oraro law firms.
- ItemEffect of organizational changes during receivership on employee engagement: a case of Imperial Bank Ltd-in receivership, Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Jerusha, Catherine GithatuChange is bound to happen in any organization. Yet, nothing causes such anxiety and uncertainty in the workplace as hearing that "change is coming". The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of organizational change during receivership on employee engagement at Imperial Bank Ltd in Receivership (IBLIR). Specifically, the study sought to: determine the effect of structural changes on employee engagement at IBLIR; assess the effect of leadership changes on employee engagement at IBLIR; and assess the effect of system changes on employee engagement at IBLIR. A descriptive case study design was adopted. The study was based on Lewin‘s theory and 3-step model of organizational change. A total of 145 respondents recruited through stratified systematic random sampling from all IBLIR branches in Nairobi, Kenya participated. Primary data was obtained through the administration of pretested structured questionnaires comprising of Likert scales, multiple and closed ended questions on the perceptions of organizational change and employee engagement as well as questions establishing the demographics of the employees. Data entry and analysis was done by SPSS version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed and results presented using tables, charts and graphs. Multivariable regression analysis was used to predict the dependent variable (employee engagement) using the predicator variables (Structural, systems and leadership changes) at p value < 0.05. The findings of this study are expected to inform future action plans for maintaining employee engagement on banks placed under receivership in Kenya
- ItemAnalysis of talent management strategies and its influence on the performance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Ogolo, Eunice AtienoEffective talent management is a critical factor in the performance of any organization. Non-Governmental organizations depend on reliable and dedicated workforce to achieve their social missions in order to gain legitimacy with a broad range of stakeholders, manage the dependence on donors and reconcile diverse performance expectations. Yet they often experience difficulties in recruiting and retaining top quality workers given their unique context, including reliance on time-bound donor funding. Although NGOs are increasingly being deliberate on strategic talent management, a lot more need to be done. This research analyzed talent management strategies among NGOs in Kenya and how these influence their performance. The specific objectives were: to determine the influence of employee attraction strategies on non-governmental organizations’ performance; to evaluate the influence of Training and Development on non-governmental organizations’ performance; to assess the influence of Employee Retention on non-governmental organizations’ performance and to explore the influence of Employee relation on non-governmental organizations performance in Kenya. The study applied quantitative research method using departmental questionnaire survey. The target population comprised of 47 departmental heads within the 17 Non-governmental organization funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in Kenya. Since the number was manageable, the sample size was all the 47 departmental heads. SPSS was used for data analysis and interpretation of the data was done using quantitative methods according to the research objectives and research questions. The data collected was summarized, classified, tabulated and analyzed quantitatively. The study found that non-governmental organizations in Kenya are increasingly putting in place measures to ensure that they attract, train, maintain and retail talent in order to achieve their objectives. Key strategies used include building positive reputation in order to attract the right caliber of employees, applying a mix of formal training as well as on the job learning, flexible working arrangement and competitive remuneration to retain employees and leadership engagement and adequate communication for employee retention.
- ItemThe Determinants of long run share price performance of initial public offerings - A Case of firms listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange - time frame - 2000-2015(Strathmore University, 2018) Ogola, Fredrick OtienoThe main objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of long run share price performance of initial public offerings of companies listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Kenya. This study adopted the explanatory research design to understand the influence of financial and non-financial factors on share prices. The study focused on the efficient markets hypothesis (EMH) as well as the fundamental theory of capital markets. The target population was all firms listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange in Kenya that issued IPOs from 2000-2015. The study used secondary data obtained from the annual reports of the firms. Stata software was used to analyse the data using descriptive and inferential statistics technique. The model used, the Random effects model, was significant at 10% level of significance. However, looking at the predictors, for the financial factors, the log of profits and log of Equity were all not significant. For the Non- financial factors, the Number of shares was significant whereas Age was not significant in the prediction of share prices. The implication of this is that the number of shares issued should be a key factor to be considered by investors analysing IPOs as well as in making decisions on what shares to invest in. This is important factor for companies issuing shares, as well as for the regulator to pay keen attention on number of shares on offer as this is generally determined arbitrarily by issuing companies. The study was limited in so far as looking at only companies at the Nairobi Stock Exchange that issued shares between 2000 and 2015, hence a relatively small sample. Additionally, the independent variables looked at only resulted into the model with an R-Squared value which only partially explained the movement in share prices. Further research needs to be undertaken to consider additional factors that may have been omitted.
- ItemPerceptions of public procurement practices by engineering consultancy firms in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Gichuru, Winfred WambuiPublic procurement has a key role to play in the promotion and development of local industries and sectors. Despite the fact that public procurement is becoming a popular technique in empowerment of local businesses such as the local engineering consulting firms there are various challenges that the firms perceive as barriers in their quest to access public procurement opportunities. The main objective of the study was to determine and assess the perceptions of the public procurement processes by the engineering consulting firms. The study targeted the senior managers of engineering consultancy firms as well as the road authorities’ procurement managers who were the key informants. The study adopted the descriptive research design survey where the primary data from the engineering consulting firms was collected using questionnaires whilst interview guides were used in interviews with the key informants, the road authorities’ procurement managers. The collected data was then analysed using descriptive statistics analysis techniques to determine the distribution and dispersion of the different variables whereas content analysis approach was used in the review of documents and manuals as well as the interviews with the road authorities’ procurement managers. From the findings, the elements of the public procurement practices in procuring of consultancy services were identified and also revealed the perceptions of the practices, evaluation criteria and the public procurement performance that had positive and negative influence in the participation of public procurement by the engineering firms. The key result of the study is that it generates explanatory theory on the barriers to public procurement thereby acting as a guidance to engineering consulting firms, the government and policy makers to collaborate in design programs and formulate procurement policies that will facilitate and stimulate the growth and development of the local engineering consulting firms and hence help in improving their growth and development. The insights from this study can also contribute towards ongoing discussions on the significance of public procurement policy on small and medium sized enterprises development. Additional research is needed to improve the existing body of knowledge about SME-friendly procurement practices especially within the knowledge based industries.
- ItemThe Determinants of social and environmental disclosure by Islamic banks in Tanzania and Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Dighesh, Mussa IssaThis study sought to establish the determinants of Social and Environmental Disclosure (SED) by Islamic banks in both Kenya and Tanzania. The study also sought managerial perspectives on SED by Islamic banks in the sample. To achieve this objective, the study sought data from audited annual reports of 10 banks offering pure Islamic products and services and conventional banking products and services with some Islamic offering in them. The annual reports covered the period over the period 2014-2016. The study utilized descriptive analysis, alongside correlation and regression approaches to fulfil the objective of the study. Both the empirical findings from annual reports and respondents revealed that Type 1 Islamic banks engage in higher SED compared to Type 2 Islamic banks. According to the findings, Islamic banks in Kenya engage in higher SED than those in Tanzania. The results revealed that commonly disclosure SED aspects included community involvement, human resources, products and services with environmental conservation raking lowest. In additional to that the sampled banks paid attention to Islamic-related disclosures, especially those relating to compliance with Shariah Law. The results showed that SED by Islamic banks are significantly associated with the country in question, leverage, bank profitability as measured by ROE and the type of bank. Managerial perspectives on SED by Islamic banks revealed that most SEDs revolve around products and services and environmental conservation with minimal focus on employee welfare, an outcome which is slightly inconsistent with the results reported from the banks’ annual reports. The study adds onto the sparse studies conducted on SED by businesses conducting Islamic banking. The findings from the study calls for increased awareness on the need to improve the level (and quality) of SEDs by Islamic banks within the East Africa region to promote greater transparency and accountability in the banking sector, which has often been seen as a catalyst for economic development and growth. Future studies can consider expanding the scope of the study by studying an extended coverage of Islamic banks in the wider East African or African region.
- ItemThe Role of table banking on socio- economic empowerment of women in Laikipia County(Strathmore University, 2018) Gitonga, Purity MurimuThis study assessed the role of table banking on socio-economic empowerment of women in Laikipia County. The main objectives of the study were to measure the level of awareness of table banking in the county, determine the factors motivating women to borrow using table banking, examine the benefits of table banking as well as investigate the sustainability of table banking. The study was carried out in Laikipia County targeting women who currently belong and those who had left table banking groups. The study targeted 972 women who have enrolled with the recognized 21 table banking groups. Out of this number 822 is the estimated number of women who are still enrolled and 150 who are ex-members. For those in table banking, a sample of 269 was selected using snowballing technique, while census technique was adopted for 150 individuals who had left the groups. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Paired sample t-test statistic, at 95% confidence interval, was used to test whether there were statistically significant differences in socio-economic empowerment status between the women in table banking and women who had left table banking. The study found a strong positive relationship between the levels of awareness, motivation factors, benefits and sustainability of table banking and the socio-economic empowerment of women who were members of table banking. The paired sample t-test results showed that significant differences existed in the socio-economic empowerment status between the women in table banking and women who had left table banking. The study concluded that awareness of table banking was still low, motivation for participating in table banking included saving for school fees, raising business capital and sharing business ideas. Some of the key benefits included access to financing and socializing with other women. The sustainability of table banking was ensured by electing leaders with over three years’ experience in table banking, who attended regular loan management forums. The study recommended that, given that the main foundation of forming table banking groups was friendship, women who come together for social gatherings, family meetings, church activities and the like may be sensitized on how they can use those existing friendships to start table banking group. The study also recommends that there is need to motivate members to enroll others and to maintain their membership in order to enjoy the benefits that come with table banking. The study finally recommends that there is need for table banking officials to attend trainings on how to ensure the table banking is sustainable. There is also need to revise the current policies and constitutions guiding the groups in order to accommodate women of all economic status. The program should include aspects like how to increase membership outreach and ensure high retention rate of members.
- ItemA Study of inpatient service quality at Ladnan hospital(Strathmore University, 2018) Muriuki, Hiram KimariThe quality of health services in many countries, especially developing and Third World countries has become a pressing issue, leading to patients always looking for a hospital with better quality of health care services. The objectives of the study were to assess patients’ service quality expectations of healthcare and their perceptions towards the quality of healthcare that they received were investigated. The objectives were addressed through undertaking a case study at Ladnan hospital, whereby SERVQUAL framework was used as a tool for measuring service quality. To achieve this aim, descriptive research design was adopted while the target population was 60 in-patients. The study applied convenience sampling in selecting the sample. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. SERVQUAL framework was used as a tool for analysis. The study found that Ladnan Hospital had adopted healthcare services quality dimensions: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. It emerged that, the patients’ expectations exceeded their perceptions regarding the quality factors, and gap between patients’ expectations and perceptions was statistically significant with tangibility having the highest gap score while responsiveness and assurance had the lowest gap scores. The study recommends that Ladnan Hospital should invest massively in facilities and equipment including increasing its capacity to accommodate more patients and enhance accessibility of their services. Further, it is recommended that Ladnan Hospital management should conduct regular training and development programs for its healthcare service providers to enhance their skills and knowledge in their profession. In turn, this will improve their level of competence and effectiveness in provision of quality healthcare services. Having established that there is a statistically significant gap between customer expectation and perception of healthcare service quality, the study recommends for further studies to establish the cause of this gap.
- ItemFactors that influence venture capitalist’s decision in funding Small Medium Enterprises in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Njubi, Tabitha WaithiraSmall and medium Enterprises are a key economic growth driver in Kenya. Although many start-ups rely on founder’s savings, friends and family to raise funds, these sources are normally not sufficient to scale the business to a profitable level. The entrepreneurs are therefore forced to look for alternative sources of funding. Banks have always been a popular source of capital for business but due to the high risk levels and uncertainty associated with SMEs, the banks always put conditions which are way above the SME’s reach hence making it difficult for them to access the much required capital. Venture capital has become popular in Kenya in the past 10 years as an alternative source of funding since they are willing to take up the risks associated with SMEs. The aim of the study was to determine the factors considered by venture capitalists in evaluating SMEs in Kenya. The specific objectives were; to determine the influence of management characteristics on VCs’ consideration for funding of SMEs in Kenya, to find out the influence of entrepreneur’s characteristics on VCs consideration for funding of SMEs in Kenya, and to establish the influence of business characteristics on VCs consideration for funding of SMEs in Kenya. This study was a descriptive survey design. The target population in this study comprised of venture capital firms registered with East Africa Venture Capital Association ,Capital Markets Authority or . Primary data was collected through Self-completed Questionnaires. Self-completed Questionnaires to executives and managers of Venture capital or private equity firms in Kenya was used as the sole data collection tool. The researcher analysed data on the three objectives using factor analysis. The study findings were that three key variable viz; market factors, product factors and financial factors were the key factors considered by VCs in their consideration to fund SMEs. The study also established that each of the key variables had specific items of interest to the VCs in their evaluation of SMEs for funding. On entrepreneurship characteristics, education background of the entrepreneur and entrepreneurs past experience were the critical items of consideration by VCs, on management factors, a team with a good education background and a team with a wide industry experience would be considered. On product factors, ability to stimulate a new market and the product with a global potential are key considerations. Market factors that are critical according to the study are huge market for a product and a huge market growth potential. Key financial aspects of consideration were ability of the venture to generate sufficient operating cash flows and potentially profitable exit options. The study concluded that SMEs v seeking venture funding from VCs should pay attention to enhancing their capacities on the three key variables stated in the study as important; market factors, product factors and financial factors. The study recommended the need for venture capital firms to be encouraged to create conducive environment that will encourage business persons to share their business ideas, venture capital firms be encouraged to do thorough marketing to create awareness of their key areas of interest when evaluating SMEs for funding and the government’s involvement in venture capital is important to the venture capital market.
- ItemThe Influence of service quality on customer satisfaction: a study of container shipping lines in Kenya from a freight forwarder perspective(Strathmore University, 2018) Riitho, Vera KerekaThe containerized shipping industry, the backbone of the global economy, is classified as a service sector as its demand is derived from trade. Global financial trends have rendered cost minimization efforts, and global alliances ineffective in ensuring sustainability of profits for container carriers. The ability of container carriers to determine customers’ needs and deliver quality services that exceed their expectations is key to a sustainable competitive advantage and profitability growth. This research focused on the influence of service quality on customer satisfaction in container shipping lines in Kenya. Data was collected randomly from 273 respondents selected from a list of licensed customs agents published by the Kenya Revenue Authority. The study employed a structured questionnaire to collect primary data which was analyzed using descriptive, correlational and inferential techniques. Wilcoxon's rank test was used to assess the gap between importance and perception of service quality, and Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction. The major finding was that the service quality dimension "responsiveness" which consists of supporting indicators that assess customers’ perception and experience before and after the performance of a transportation service, should be prioritized in strategies to drive customer satisfaction. Findings also revealed that all the four service quality dimensions namely reliability, responsiveness, speed, and value are significantly correlated to customer satisfaction. The major contribution of this study is that it empirically tested the validity of service quality dimensions developed from SERVQUAL specifically for the container shipping industry.
- ItemEffect of University Technology Business Incubator services on the performance of digital enterprises in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Murage, George WaruiMuch has been written about Kenya’s silicon savannah – a promising digital entrepreneurship ecosystem powered by high mobile penetration, high mobile money services and high mobile Internet penetration that has catapulted Kenya to the fore front of Africa’s digital renaissance. However, on one hand, Kenya is yet to fully reap the rewards of this ecosystem in the form of the creation and proliferation of high growth digital firms. On the other hand, the number of universities offering technology business incubation, aimed at converting innovation into vibrant successful businesses has increased in the recent past. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the services offered by these incubators in the form of technological support services, business support services and access to networks, influence the performance of their tenant firms which are digital start-ups. Drawing from resource-based view theory and social capital theory, the study surveyed 58 incubation graduates drawn from five universities incubators in Kenya. The data collected was analysed and inferential statistics was used to test the presence of significant relationships between the variables in this study. The findings of the study showed that there was a significant positive effect between business support services and access networks on the one hand and on the other, the performance of digital enterprise in terms of growth of sales, employment growth and product innovation. In addition, the study found no significant relationship between technology support services and the performance of digital start-ups. This performance was characterised as a median growth of sales of 15%; creation of a total of 199 permanent jobs, 578 temporary jobs and registration of 13 patents,13 trademarks and 113 trade secrets. The findings of this study are important to policy makers such as the Government of Kenya, managers of UTBIs, ICT industry players, such as ICT corporations and entrepreneurs of digital start-ups as it showed the utility of UTBIs as an economic development tool in advancing Kenya’s silicon savannah.
- ItemDeterminants of delays in the payment of private health insurance claims in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Ndonga, Stanley NgureThis study sought to investigate determinants of delays in the payment of private health insurance claims in Kenya. The study was guided by the following research questions: What is the influence of internal industry practices on the payment of private health insurance claims processing in Kenya? What is the influence of systems availability on the payment of private health insurance claims in Kenya? What is the influence of laws and regulations on the payment of private health insurance claims in Kenya? What is the influence of insurance fraud on the payment of private health insurance claims in Kenya? The study was anchored to the agency and moral hazard theories. A survey research design to collect primary data from the field in this study where questionnaires which were administered to 105 respondents. Research assistants were used to collect data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive methods used comprised of the percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations that showed the trends in the data. Inferential methods which included correlation analysis and regression analysis were also used. In addition, statistical assumptions were made prior to regression analysis. The study found out that internal industry practices had a negative significant influence on delay in payment of health insurance claims. This was the same for systems availability and to laws and regulation. However, insurance fraud showed a positive significant influence with coefficients. The study concluded that the information available in the policy claim process was un-clear and could not be easily understood for instance when filling in the claim forms. The study also concluded that the hospitals had not adopted an integrated IT system to enhance claim processing and that systems failure in hospitals often led to loss of data relevant to claims thus that led to delay in processing. The study recommended that a universally agreed standard for loss calculation was needed and also the need for merging the organizational regulations with those of the country.
- ItemThe Effect of talent management practices on employee retention in state corporations in Uganda: a case of National Social Security Fund(Strathmore University, 2018) Mugambwa, Stephen MukasaThe aim of this study was to assess The Effect of Talent Management Practices on Employee Retention in State Corporations in Uganda; A Case of National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The research objectives were to ascertain: firstly, the effect of talent acquisition on employee retention; secondly, the influence of talent development on employee retention; and thirdly, the impact of talent rewards on employee retention. In order to meet these objectives, a mini-survey was carried out. This involved administering structured questionnaires via interviews to 88 respondents, including Executive Committee Members, Senior Managers, Mid-level Managers, Branch Managers and other support staff of NSSF. Of all potential participants contacted, 61 (69%) successful responses were received. The data arising from these interviews were then analysed for any statistically significant effect using regression on SPSS. Results showed that: firstly, talent acquisition affects employee retention; secondly, talent development does not affect employee retention; and lastly, talent rewards influence employee retention. As a result, these recommendations are proposed: for internal talent acquisition to prosper, a diverse and rich talent pipeline has to be built within the organisation, NSSF should always hold dissemination sessions of trained staff to allow knowledge and training transfer and lastly, NSSF Uganda needs to invest aggressively in talent retention strategies such as training, executive coaching, mentoring, showing appreciation through compensation and benefits and encourage work-life integration.
- ItemThe Influence of strategic alliances on competitiveness of internationally ranked law firms in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Macharia, GachiniLaw firms, just like other forms of for-profit legal entities, operate with the aim of maximizing profits. Law firms have used various strategies to achieve this goal, in particular and the focus of this study, entering into strategic alliances with foreign law firms with the intention of entering into new markets, increasing market power, acquisition of skills and for strategic renewal. As a result of adopting these strategic alliances, certain law firms have improved their competitiveness against other players in the market for legal services. Law firms in Kenya are also adopting the strategy of entering into strategic alliances with foreign law firms to enhance their competitiveness. The study evaluated the types of strategic alliances that law firms in Kenya are entering into and analyzed how these alliances influence their competitiveness. The research was guided by the resource based theory because of the use of strategic alliances to access valuable resources from the other firms. A quantitative research design was used through a questionnaire to collect primary data while secondary data in the form of the position held by the various law firms in global legal ranking publications was also collected. A purposive sampling technique was used in which the targeted population for the study was a total of 16 law firms listed on the following global legal ranking websites: IFLR1000; Chambers and Partners; and Legal 500. Considering the size of the population, data was collected from the entire population. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. In particular, to test the strength of relationships between variables, a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (Spearman’s rho) was carried out. The study found that law firms in Kenya are entering into Ad Hoc Referral, Best Friends and Swiss Verein forms of strategic alliances with foreign law firms. Of the three strategic alliance models, the Swiss Verein model had the greatest influence in bringing about a positive increase in competitiveness and access to new markets and opportunities is the key resource driving competitiveness.. The study suggests that future research considers using a longitudinal research design and using financial measures of competitiveness.
- ItemAssessing the effects of e-commerce on second hand vehicle importation business in Nairobi, Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Manyeki, James IkuaSecond hand vehicle business is a major sector in Nairobi, Kenya which contributes 8% of total GDP. The sector is dominated by small and medium enterprises. In the recent past, the sector has recorded significant growth and this is particularly due to wide adoption of Ecommerce technologies. Despite the growth, the sector is experiencing several challenges that threaten to reverse the gains made. Through Ecommerce, individuals running small and medium enterprises have direct connections with overseas dealers and hence affecting the sales of the importers. The traditional ways of selling cars have been on a slow trend thus pushing second car dealers with yards out of the market resulting to closing down of their business premises. This study aimed at establishing and assessing the effects of adoption of e-commerce on second hand car business in Nairobi, Kenya with a goal of optimizing the use of e-commerce technology in the sector. This study adopted a quantitative approach because the design is concerned with finding out who, what, where, when and how much the investigated factor is influenced. Empirical evidence showed that there was an influence of e-commerce on second hand vehicle importation business both at international and regionally. Both quantitative and inferential statistics were employed to analyse the collected data. The study found that second hand motor vehicle sellers used online services such as websites as their mode of e-commerce to transact with oversees sellers of second hand cars. The study also found that second hand motor vehicle dealers in Nairobi County use of ecommerce had influenced their operations both buying and selling of their imported second hand cars to a great extent. The study further found that second hand motor vehicle dealers in Nairobi County indicated that their sales before adoption of ecommerce were average and after adoption of e-commerce the sales were high. It was also found that those still using traditional ways of selling cars have been closing their business due to diminishing sales. This study is expected to be beneficial to The Government especially in the Ministry of Industrialization, Kenya and policy makers in making key policy decisions whose overall objective is to increase trade and support the implementation of e-commerce in Kenya. The investors can also use the result of the study to improve on their sales especially in revising their internet marketing relation strategy as addressed by the study. The findings of this study increases the body of knowledge to the scholars interested in the effects of e-commerce on second hand vehicle importation business.
- ItemAn Analysis of the relationship between systematic risk and stakeholder's return: a case of companies listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange(Strathmore University, 2018) Macharia, Janeann MuthoniThis study sought to analyse the relationship between systematic risk and shareholders' return with specific reference to companies listed on the NSE. The study focused on the following questions: what is the firms' specific systematic risk levels and their effect on shareholders ' bonuses among the companies listed on the NSE??; what is the relationship between stock category (i.e. agriculture, manufacturing, insurance, banking, commercial services, investment, energy & petroleum sector) and systematic risk among the companies listed on the NSE?; and what is the firms' specific systematic risk levels and their effect on shareholders' dividends. This study focused on two major theories: Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM); and Modem Portfolio Theory. The study used secondary data from the published audit reports of the companies listed on NSE. The sample size was pegged on the NSE 20 share index which is a selection of 20 stocks that represent all categories in the market. Findings revealed that systematic risk and stock returns are statistically positive and have significant relationship. Further findings showed that companies that had the highest returns to shareholders posted higher risks compared to the companies which did not pay dividends and bonuses and thus had lower risk and low returns to shareholders. The study recommends investors to look at the risk portfolio as a whole based on the variance of the returns. As per the study findings, there is a need to differentiate between systemic and unsystematic to ensure that when considering the components to consider for compensation companies do not have variables that do not apply and or cannot be measured thereby halting the process. This study is significant as it adds substantial knowledge to the existing framework of the concept of systematic risk and return. Academicians can also use the findings of this study as a basis of reference for any future study.
- ItemFactors affecting liquidity challenges among digital finance agents in Nairobi County(Strathmore University, 2018) Wachira, Irene WagakiThis study sought to investigate the factors affecting agents‟ liquidity challenges in Nairobi County. It adopted a mix method cross-sectional study of agents, master agents, provider representatives and bank representatives. The study had three-fold objective: to establish the relationship between agent factors and liquidity challenges, to establish the effect of supply side factors on agent liquidity challenges and to explore agent perceptions towards liquidity management mechanisms. Liquidity challenges were defined as too frequent or few rebalancing visits and high numbers of transactions denied due to lack of float. The study found that agents experience in the agency was an important determinant of the frequency of rebalancing because they have established rebalance routines and relationships with rebalancing facilitators thus minimizes liquidity outages. In cases where rebalancing is conducted by owners, there are more rebalancing visits due to the instantaneous decision making as compared to when employees perform rebalancing due to longer decision making approval processes which leads to prolonged liquidity outages. The capital layout of the main business is another important determinant of the frequency of rebalancing visits. Higher capital investments in their primary business means less liquidity outages as the agency can tap into the working capital flows of the primary business to meet its liquidity needs. Banks were the primary mode of rebalancing to acquire electronic float. Distance to the nearest bank branch was a very important factor in determining liquidity challenges whereby agents located further away from banks denied more transactions due to lack float and rebalance less often than agents located closer to banks. This was attributed to the travel costs incurred during rebalancing visits and the opportunity cost such as loss of potential business of the primary business. The study recommended continuous revision of the profile of a suitable agent to include experienced, owner-operated and high cash-flows of the primary business. The study also recommends an industry rather than provider specific perspective to solving liquidity challenges. Managerial level recommendations included decentralization of liquidity hubs beyond bank branches, regular agent training and monitoring.
- ItemAn Assessment of the impact of mobile payments on the adoption of e-Government services in Kenya: a case study of eCitizen(Strathmore University, 2018) Wasunna, NicholasIn its decade of existence, mobile money has achieved higher adoption and usage rate in Kenya than any other country globally, allowing citizens to make payments for services in nearly all sectors. One such service is the e-Government platform, eCitizen, launched in 2014 by the Government of Kenya to offer centralized government services digitally. The platform has over 4 million unique registered citizens making 9 in every 10 payments through mobile money, which has nearly 8 times as many registered accounts. The government is yet to harness the opportunity mobile payments may have in driving adoption of its services, coupled with the high internet and smartphone penetration in the country. The study investigates the impact and relationship between mobile money payments and the adoption of government services offered on the eCitizen platform. Data was collected through administrative questionnaires and face to face interviews with citizens and senior managers at Government Digital Services and 3 mobile money service providers offering payments on eCitizen, who were purposively selected. The results of the study revealed that citizens do not look to mobile money payments as a reason to register onto eCitizen and use it to get government services digitally. However, they perceive mobile money to provide a positive user experience compared to other methods of payment. This was influenced by its speed, efficiency and affordability, with further positive impact created by aggressive marketing by mobile payment providers for a service that was already mandated by the government.
- ItemFactors influencing career progression of women in the top four audit firms in Kenya(Strathmore University, 2018) Muthui, Christine KahemaAudit firms are associated with intense work load, long hours, a stressful environment and cut throat competition among associates. Is it possible for a woman to succeed in this environment and rise to the level of Partnership? The purpose of the study was to examine the low representation of women at Partnership level in the Top 4 Audit firms in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to examine the factors that contribute to the career progression of women; assess the factors that impede their advancement; and review the effectiveness of strategies set up by audit firms to address the challenges of career progression for the women. The research focused on audit firms because unlike other corporates where it is observed that women take up support functions at top levels such as Legal and Marketing Director roles thus having a seat in the board room, the structure of audit firms is such that the highest level of management comprises of Partners, who are the main drivers of the firms’ streams of revenue. The study used structured interview guides to collect data from current female and male partners and managers in the audit firms, the HR Managers in these firms and former female associates. The qualitative data was content analyzed and categorized based on patterns and themes which served to identify the most important factors. The key findings were that both supporting and impeding factors to women’s career advancement could be categorized into organizational, cultural and personal based factors. Supporting factors included education, training and development, secondment opportunities, mentorship, gender balance, individual’s internal locus of control and social and interpersonal skills. The impediments included unfavorable work life balance, male dominance, unrealistic key performance indicators, lack of mentorship programs, lack of clear progression plan due to the pyramid structure of the organization, the political nature of the workplace, stress and workload, gender conflict, lack of networking and cut throat competition. Of importance, was that most respondents viewed success as having a balanced work life, community involvement, a fulfilling career, and would opt out of partnership if it conflicted with these goals, thus resulting in scarcity of females at the top. Lastly, the study identified that audit firms had strategies in place to address the disparity in promotion between women and men. The most notable strategies included the Women in Leadership Programmes set up by these firms. However, these were largely ineffective. The study recommends that audit firms should provide mentorship for its female managers, promote female-friendly work environment to achieve a better work-life balance and have gender-specific career paths for their high achieving female managers.