MCOM Theses and Dissertations (2018)

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Adoption of management accounting innovations in the Kenyan Manufacturing Industry
(Strathmore University, 2017) Otieno, Ivy Achieng
The purpose of this study was to investigate the adoption of management accounting innovations in the Kenyan manufacturing industry. The study was grounded on three objectives; to determine the techniques of management accounting innovations adopted in the Kenyan Manufacturing Industry, to determine the extent of adoption of management accounting innovations in the Kenyan Manufacturing Industry, to establish the determinant factors in the process of adopting management accounting innovations in the Kenyan Manufacturing Industry. The study adopted both descriptive and explanatory research designs while targeting all the 25 manufacturing companies registered with the NSE. Questionnaires and interview guides were used as instruments of collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive analysis method was deployed in carrying out data analysis whereas inferential analysis; regression and correlational analyses were applied to establish the nature of relationship between the variables. The results of the findings indicate that the recently developed MAis are less often used compared to the traditional techniques. The findings also depicted that the extent of adoption for the recently developed MAis is comparatively lower than other traditional techniques such as budgeting for planning and controlling costs. The companies also experience several challenges including high costs involved in adopting MAis and insufficient information on the MAis. The results also indicated that the determinant factors in the adoption of MAl include type of information to be captured, foreseen benefits of the innovations, nature of the business, availability of resources and initial cost to be incuned on the adopted innovation. The study established that the benefits of adoption of MAis are improved organisational operation efficiency including quality information and business response, better response within the sector' business environn1ent, improved organization's accountability and enhanced timeliness in reporting. The study concluded that techniques of MAl and benefits of diffusion of MAis strongly correlate with the extent of adoption of MAis while challenges of diffusion of MAis mildly correlates with the extent of adoption of MAis. The study further established that determinant factors in the diffusion of MAis has a weak correlation with the extent of adoption of MAis. The study recommends that the management of the various organisations should support the process of diffusing the MAl while the innovators should seek to provide enough information on the innovations and also establish good interactions with the adopters of the inventions. The findings of this study enhance the understanding of adoption of MAis in the Kenyan manufacturing industry hence providing managers and policyholders with relevant information that facilitate the development of strategies, regulations, guidelines and policies in relation to adoption MAis. The results of the study also aid further research on other aspects of MAl through offering reference to other researchers while also enhancing the contingency, institutional and diffusion of innovation theories.
An Assessment of fraud risk management and financial sustainability of Non - Governmental Organizations in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2017) Kariuki, Mary
Fraud risk management practices influence the financial performance hence sustainability of Non-Governmental Organization. Several fraud risk management techniques are deployed within organizations to curb the vice. They include anti-fraud policies, management style, fraud detection and deterrence mechanisms and internal controls. This study seeks to establish relationship between fraud risk management and financial sustainability of non-governmental organizations in Kenya. The main variables of the study include the techniques of fraud risk used within NGOs in Kenya, extent of adoption of these techniques and relationship between fraud risk and financial sustainability within Kenyan NGOs. The study used an explanatory research design. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data and analyzed it using content analysis, descriptive and correlational analysis methods respectively. The study revealed that fraud is an issue of concern among NGOs in Kenya as most of the NGOs conduct daily or weekly monitoring and apply anti-fraud teclmiques to a great extent while seeking to curb fraud. The findings indicated that the sector is financially sustainable with the large Organisations being more financially stable as compared to small organizations. A multiple regression model was also applied in deriving the relation between the dependent and independent variables. From the findings, the study concluded that all the independent variables; anti-fraud policies, fraud detection, fraud deterrence, internal controls and management style positively correlate with financial sustainability and have a statistically significant relationship with financial sustainability. These variables explain up to 73.1 percent of financial sustainability in Kenyan NGOs. The study recommends that anti-fraud policies should give clear guidance to employees, the organizations should establish policies around whistle blowing, monitoring and financial rep01iing processes should be considered while setting internal controls and that management should keenly support strategies towards fraud risk management. The outcome of the research will be beneficial in enhancing the understanding of fraud risk management specifically the aspects such as anti-fraud policies, fraud detection, fraud deterrence, internal controls and management style and their relationship to financial sustainability within the NGOs. The findings will also provide the management of NGOs with insight into the various approaches towards fraud risk management techniques and how effectively risk management techniques are in mitigating risks and influence financial performance and also contribute towards the establishment of the fraud triangle, self-control, differential association and fraud scale theories.
Effects of fraud risk management practices on net incurred medical claims in Kenyan insurance industry
(Strathmore University, 2018) Gathu, Timothy Gitau
The purpose of this research was to establish the effects of fraud risk management practices on insurance fraud levels which are manifested in the insurance claims that are fraudulent. The study employed standard framework of fraud risk management which encompasses corporate governance, fraud prevention practices, fraud detection practices and fraud response & monitoring practices. The study focused on collecting primary data on the fraud risk management practices from medical insurance providers. Further, secondary data on net incurred claims ratios, as well industry benchmarks was sought from Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). The data collected aided in the determination of possible correlation between independent variables (Corporate governance, fraud preventive practices, fraud detective practices, fraud response & monitoring and market share) and dependent variable net incurred claim ratio through the Pearson correlation test and regression analysis. The study found that most medical insurance providers engage in various proactive and reactive fraud risk management practices which were perceived to have varying levels of effectiveness. Correlation tests indicated that corporate governance, fraud preventive practices, fraud detective practices and fraud response & monitoring practices were significant in predicting the dependent variable of the study, (Net incurred claim ratio). However, the market share was not a significant determinant of the net incurred claim ratio. Corporate governance and fraud detective practices were found to be moderately negatively correlated to net incurred claim ratio. Fraud preventive practices and fraud monitoring practices were found to have a strong negative correlation with net incurred claim ratio. Results of regression analysis revealed that the fraudulent risk management practices significantly predicted the level of net incurred claim ratio. The implication of these findings is that if organizations employ strong fraud risk management practices, they are likely to reduce the level of fraudulent insurance claims. On the other hand, organisations with weaker fraud risk management practices were likely to have a higher level of net incurred claim ratio which factors the fraudulent claims. Organizations can use this inverse relationship to fix strong controls which will impact positively on reducing the level of fraud.
The Effect of supply chain integration on operational performance of manufacturing organizations in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Cheruiyot, Florence Chepkemoi
Supply Chain Management is an approach to satisfy customer needs for products and services by integrating the business process of the firm with the entire value chain from raw material procurement to the product or service delivery to customers. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of supply chain integration on operational performance of manufacturing organizations in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of internal integration on operational performance of manufacturing organizations in Kenya, to examine the effect of supplier integration on manufacturing organizations in Kenya and to explore the effect of customer integration on manufacturing organizations in Kenya. The study is part of literature which seeks to increase knowledge in the field of supply chain integration especially from the manufacturing perspective in Kenya.The study utilized three theories: Resource Based View Theory, Social Exchange Theory and Information Processing Theory. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 232 respondents from a total population of 553 manufacturing organizations while purposive sampling was used to select a manager or supervisor in the supply chain department to discuss in-depth information regarding the organizations supply chain. Data was analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis conducted. A total of 232 questionnaires were administered but only 164, about 71% response rate was achieved. The findings showed that supplier integration had a positive influence on operational performance followed by internal integration. Customer integration was determined to have a negative influence on operational performance. There was an association between both supplier integration and customer integration with internal integration. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that supply chain integration has a positive impact on operational performance. The organizations management should therefore invest more on integrating with their supply chain partners so as to improve operational performance of the organization.
Effects of Chief Executive Officer attributes on financial distress in commercial banks in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Rono, Judy Chepkurui
This study aimed at examining the effects of CEO attributes on financial distress in commercial banks in Kenya. The prevalence of financial distress among financial institutions has been of concern to many stakeholders around the world. In the Kenyan context, commercial banks have been experiencing financial distress. Although other studies assessed in this research did not focus on the extent of financial distress in commercial banks in Kenya while categorizing them in bank tiers, this study bridges the knowledge gap and provides an in-depth review on the subject. The thesis adopted descriptive research design. Secondary data was examined and presented using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and multi discriminant analysis. The findings present that there is presence of financial distress in both tier II and tier III commercial banks in Kenya at 18% in 2016. The main factor that was found to influence the extent of financial distress in commercial banks was CEO tenure. The research contributes to the knowledge on the extent of financial distress in commercial banks in Kenya and provides a basis for other scholars seeking to undertake research on financial distress. The study also gives pertinent recommendation to key stakeholders in commercial banks on how to identify and mitigate instances of financial distress. The Central Bank of Kenya is advised to regularly monitor commercial banks to identify and curb cases of financial distress. The board of directors are advised to evaluate CEO attributes especially CEO office tenure in their contracts to curb cases of financial distress. Since the study used Altman Z-Score Model, the findings on the extent of financial distress were limited to this model.
Effect of fraud risk management practices on level of activity by agent banks in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2018) Karanja, Norah Nyokabi
Agency banking is a fairly new model in Kenya which has attracted attention from researchers because of its contribution towards financial inclusion. Fraud has been identified as one of the challenges in agency banking but it is not clear which fraud risk management practices are adopted in agency banking. This prompted the need to investigate these practices, their effect on level of activity by agent banks and to establish whether there is any association between fraud and agent banks characteristics. This was a descriptive and explanatory study targeting agent banks in Nairobi County. A random sampling method and a structured questionnaire were applied in sample selection and data collection respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. With regard to the first objective, the study found that age of the business had a high positive significant relationship with split deposits and a negative one with identity theft. Proximity to bank branches had a positive correlation with unauthorised access of agent transactional data and fake ATMs but showed a negative relationship with unauthorized customer charges. Unauthorized PIN access showed a positive correlation with acting for multiple banks. Location had a correlation with registration of customers with fake details and extortion. In terms of the second objective, the findings revealed that the risk management practices which are effectively adopted in agent banks are Governance and leadership, preventive and detective. Monitoring and response practices scored poorly in terms of effectiveness. The third objective revealed that preventive, detective and monitoring practices have a statistically significant relationship with level of activity. These findings should be of interest to regulators, banks and bank agents in curbing fraud and improving performance by agent banks.
Effect of marketing mix strategies on export performance of avocado firms in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Njuguna, Nicholas James
The agribusiness sector contributes immensely to the Kenya’s economic growth, the key achievement of desired development goals and the realization of the vision 2030. Horticulture in Kenya is the third largest foreign exchange earner and contributed Sh. 85 billion in 2015. It is a sub-sector that shows promise of further growth. As competition in the global horticultural markets intensifies, firms are deploying strategies that will create sustainable advantages against their rivals and succeed in improving export performance. Drawing from the Resource Based View (RBV) this study sought to examine the influence of the various marketing mix strategies on export performance of avocado fruit firms in Kenya. Primary data on export strategies was collected from using questionnaires delivered to 66 active avocado exporters and assessed their export performance for the period between 2014 and 2016. Secondary data on export performance of each respondent in the questionnaire was obtained from Kephis. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, univariate and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The study established that product; promotion, place, and price strategies positively significantly influenced export performance individually, while promotion attributes had a negative but not a significant influence export performance when considered jointly with the other marketing capabilities. Product strategy was found to be the most influential of all the market mix strategies. These findings suggest policy makers and management should adopt a market-oriented strategy, and package and deploy resources to increase the export performance of firms in this sector. Specifically, it proposes that stakeholders should improve their product strategy most in order to address the competitiveness of the international markets.
The Influence of strategic human resource management practices on firm performance of insurance firms in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Njenga, Miriam Wambui
The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices on performance of insurance companies in Kenya. This research used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design approach and structured questionnaires were used for data collection. The researcher targeted all the 55 insurance companies in Nairobi county-Kenya. The overall response rate was 74.5% with the respondents being the HR managers. Multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis (Karl Pearson) were used to analyze data. The finding of the study was; training and development practices and employee relations practices influenced firm performance while compensation and recruitment practices were insignificant to firm performance. The study recommended that; management of insurance companies should put greater emphasis on training and development programs to attain higher performance. Further emphasis health employee-employer relationships as well as implementation of SHRM strategies should continue in the industry. The regulatory body in the insurance sector should encourage human capital growth and empowerment within the industry. However, future studies should comprise of both monetary and non-monetary indicators to measure firm performance as well as conduct this research in other Kenyan industries using different set of SHRM practices.
Assessment of the relationship between corporate governance practices and employee fraud frequency in Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Otieno, Judith Awuor
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between corporate governance practices and employee fraud frequency in NGOs in Kenya. To achieve this objective the study used a causal explanatory design. The population was 1,700 active NGOs from which a sample of 234 was selected using simple random sampling. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using ordinal regression model to test five hypothesis from the study. The study established that board size was significant in explaining employee fraud frequency in NGOs. The study concluded that most of the governance practices proposed in literature are insignificant in explaining employee fraud frequency. It is recommended that policy makers and the NGO coordination bureau stipulate the maximum board size of 10 members for NGOs. It is further recommended that NGOs use other practices besides governance practices to deter employee fraud such as tone at the top, whistle blower policies, strong compliance programs and conducting fraud risk assessments. The study has contributed to current literature on governance and fraud in NGOs by demonstrating that governance practices alone are not enough in deterring employee fraud in NGOs.
Factors influencing occupational fraud risk in supermarket chains in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Matagaro, Diana Kemunto
Throughout history, fraud has existed and has taken many dimensions. Organization fraud has grown with the advent of the retail industry, and has been facilitated through the technological improvements and the large use of the Internet. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors influencing occupational fraud risk in retail chains in Kenya. The study was guided by three specific objectives; to assess the effect of corporate governance on occupational fraud risk in supermarket chains in Kenya, to determine the influence of staff attitude on occupational fraud risk in supermarket chains in Kenya and to assess the influence of employee lifestyle on occupational fraud risk in supermarket chains in Kenya. This study used a descriptive research design targeting all employees in supermarkets in Kenya. A sample size of 384 respondents was selected through random sampling, which included the operations managers, supervisors, cashiers and general employees. The study utilized primary data. Primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires which comprised of both open-ended and closed-ended questions. A factor analysis was done to test the validity of the questionnaires. The questionnaires were self-administered by the use of research assistants. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS) version 20.0. The findings indicated that the level of occupational fraud risk has reduced to a little extent and this could be attributed to the fact that supermarkets have put in place internal control systems. However, the vice has not been curbed fully due to weak control systems, job dissatisfaction among employees, easy access to the organization‘s resources and demanding employee lifestyle habits. The sector is highly vulnerable to the risk of bribery and corruption due to high levels of third party touch points in the Procurement and Supply Chain. The study therefore concludes that laxity in management can create high chances of occupational fraud risk. The retail chain sector can reap reasonable benefits in reducing occupational fraud by continuously reviewing the management controls through ensuring a feasible balance between resource allocation and occupational fraud exposure. This can be done by putting in place tight fraud handling policies, reporting all employee related frauds to the relevant authorities, ensuring staff rotation and that all staff go for annual leaves. Organizations should also conduct lifestyle checks on their employees to detect any inconsistency between what they earn and their lifestyles.
Insurance stakeholders’ perceptions on effectiveness and usage of fraud detection and prevention techniques in motor insurance sector
(Strathmore University, 2018) Otieno, John Omondi
This study aimed to establish insurance stakeholders’ perceptions on effectiveness and usage of fraud detection and prevention techniques in Kenyan motor insurance sector. It also sought to establish the organizational factors’ influence on usage of fraud detection and prevention techniques in Kenyan motor insurance sector. The study utilized structured questionnaires on a sample of 384 respondents that comprised of the employees, insurance brokers, motor valuers and insurance agents. Descriptive statistics comprising of averages and ranking method was used to assess the perceived effectiveness and usage of the anti-fraud techniques. Spearman’s rho correlation analysis was to assess the organizational factors that influence the perceived usage of the anti-fraud techniques. Friedman’s test was used to assess if significant variation existed in the views of the insurance stakeholders on the effectiveness and usage of anti-fraud techniques. The findings established that the most effective anti-fraud techniques were proper due diligence on customers, insurance fraud investigators, evaluation of insurance policies and claims, Integrated Motor Insurance Database System and claims assessment. Furthermore these most effective anti-fraud techniques were perceived to be least used. Significant variation based on the views of the respondents was noted on the effectiveness of due diligence on customers and the Integrated Motor Insurance Database techniques. Lack of a dedicated audit committee and adherence to fraud policy influenced the lack of usage of the anti-fraud techniques. The main limitation of the study was a fairly low responses rate and the exclusive use of questionnaires. Future studies should focus on assessing the effectiveness and actual usage of these techniques in the Kenyan public sector. They should also consider using secondary data to assess the influence of organizational factors on the usage of anti-fraud techniques.
Drivers of tax compliance among individual tax payers in Nairobi County in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Waiganjo, Kennedy Maina
The aim of this study was to determine the drivers of tax compliance among individual taxpayers in Nairobi County in Kenya. The specific objectives were to analyze the influence of KRA related factors on tax compliance and the influence of Non-KRA factors on tax compliance. The study employed structured questionnaires on a sample of 384 individual tax payers in Nairobi County in Kenya. A response rate of 62.5% was achieved. Descriptive statistics, particularly the use of mean scores and regression analysis were used to analyze the findings of the study. Descriptive analysis revealed that being informed about tax obligations under Kenyan laws, withholding system of taxation, iTax platform of filing returns, penalties and tax audits done by KRA highly influence tax compliance. On the other hand, non-KRA factors comprising of influence of reference groups, services of a tax agent, government action to curb corruption and accountability, highly influence tax compliance. The regression analysis revealed that individual awareness of self- assessment system of taxation in Kenya positively influences tax compliance while being informed of one‟s tax obligations negatively influences tax compliance. The major limitation of the study was the exclusive use of questionnaires. Future studies should incorporate both interview guides and secondary data to provide robust research outcomes
Effects of financial leverage on stock returns of non-financial companies listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange
(Strathmore University, 2018) Tangut, Juliet Chelagat
The aim of this study was to find out the effects of financial leverage on stock returns of non-financial firms listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Secondary and primary data was used for analysis. Financial statements and reports of the listed firms was the source of the secondary data and questionnaires were used to collect primary data for analysis. Panel data pertaining over the period 2002-2016 and STATA statistical software was used to perform the panel regression analysis. Actual stock returns and leverage figures in form of debt ratio, debt equity ratio and firm characteristics of size and growth are used in the calculations. The results indicate the variables debt ratio and debt equity ratio are significant determinants of stock returns for the firms under consideration but negatively affect returns. This implied that the more debt the firms used as a source of finance they experienced low returns on stock. The study also found the relationship between Size and stock returns to be positive and significant affected the investor’s returns on stock. The results concludes, in contrast with a majority of fundamental theories, that there is a negative relationship between leverage and stock returns which indicate that investors are not being compensated for the extra risk they are taking on when investing with high-leveraged firms. Several previous empirical studies has come to the same conclusion. The findings also revealed that most investment managers considers a company’s debt ratio and debt equity ratio before investing on their stock and size of a firm as a very significant factor in deciding on their investments. As the scope of study is limited to the non-financial firms and the sample size is small, the findings of the study must be interpreted with caution and the results may not be generalized for all listed firms. These findings should be of interest to investment managers and policy makers on decisions regarding stock investments on the NSE.
The Use of financial ratios in detecting fraudulent financial reporting: the case of companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange
(Strathmore University, 2018) Ongoro, Morgan Otieno
This study sought to investigate the use of financial ratios in detecting fraudulent financial reporting (FFR) among companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This was done by determining whether selected financial ratios of fraudulent firms differed from those of non-fraudulent firms. Stepwise logistic regression was utilized in analyzing audited annual financial statements over a ten- year period, 2007 to 2016. The study adopted descriptive research design in analyzing findings from primary data. Categorization of firms as fraudulent was based on findings from the CMA annual reports on firms reported to have engaged in FFR between 2006 and 2017. 9 fraudulent firms were matched with 28 non-fraudulent firms on the basis of industry and financial year under consideration. 118 questionnaires were distributed to 37 listed companies representing 80% of the targeted population. Overall, profitability ratios, asset composition ratios, earnings quality ratios, management quality ratios and liquidity ratios were found to be significant in detecting FFR. This study highlighted the need for listed Kenyan companies to adopt efficient FFR detection and management techniques. The study also demonstrated the ability of financial ratios in detecting FFR. Findings from this study will help both internal and external auditors in improving on their effectiveness when it comes to detecting FFR. This study differentiated firms listed on the NSE that had engaged in FFR from those that had not engaged in FFR using financial ratios.
The Influence of corporate governance on the organisation culture in the automotive companies in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Mcgaw, Linda Nzemba
Good corporate governance mechanisms are important for the success of any business. However, with the rising cases of corporate failures, reduction of shareholder value and misappropriation, corporate governance has emerged to be an issue of great concern to potential investors and other stakeholders. The fundamental arguments among the various stakeholders is on the board’s ability to discharge its delegated mandate and steer the company in the right direction. This research study largely contributes to the business literature with the primary objective being to analyze the influence of corporate governance on the organization culture in the Kenyan automotive companies. The specific objectives were to establish the extent which ownership structure, board behavior, CEO tenure influenced organization culture. The target population was 32 companies within the automotive sector in Kenya, focusing on the Board members and senior executives who formed part of the board. The research study adopted descriptive research design, with descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and univariate analysis being used for data analysis. Three important corporate governance variables such as ownership structure, board behavior and Chief executive officer’s tenure were examined. Organization culture was also analyzed using the glue that holds the organization together. From the respondents who formed part of the research study, it was established that corporate governance had an influence on the organization culture of the various companies in the automotive sector in Kenya. However, ownership structure as a corporate governance mechanism had a major influence on organization culture compared to board behavior and CEO tenure. It was also identified that the automotive companies in Kenya strongly agreed that productivity and results was the glue that held the organization together; this was largely influenced by their governance structures and the business environment.
The Mediating effect of corporate governance quality on the association between audit report lag and earnings quality in NSE
(Strathmore University, 2018) Nyangweso, Mercy Atieno
The purpose of this research is to establish the mediating effect of corporate governance on the association between audit report lag and earnings quality. The research aims at addressing two main research questions. First, how earnings quality influence audit report lag and second, what mediating role does corporate governance quality play on the association between earnings quality and audit report lag in non-financial companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange? In this study, both primary and secondary data were used. The secondary data were obtained from companies’ audited annual reports, while a closed-ended research questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The data was analyzed in two stages. In the first stage, an association test between the audit report lag (which was measured as the number of days from the financial year-end to the date of signing the audit report) and earnings quality (which was measured as discretionary accruals as per the discretionary accruals model) was carried out. In the second stage, a mediation test to examine the mediating effect of corporate governance qualities on the association above was conducted. The association test was analyzed based on the significance of the independent variables. Although the model was significant, the t-statistic for the discretionary accruals was statistically insignificant despite there being a negative correlation between earnings quality and audit report lag, which could be interpreted as an increase in the earnings quality leads to a decrease audit report lag. For the mediation test, the R-squared, F-statistics and the t-statistics were significant. This justifies that there is a mediating effect of corporate governance quality on the association between audit report lag and earnings quality. To corroborate these findings from the secondary data, the findings from the primary data with valid Cronbach’s Alpha, provided additional evidence on the importance of the quality of corporate governance in mediating earning quality and audit report lag. While audit report lag can be easily identified, there are still difficulties in detecting earnings management. As such, these findings may act as a red flag for detecting earnings management in non-financial firms listed on the NSE. This study will be of interest to investors in identifying earnings management, regulatory bodies for detecting gaps in reporting and policymakers who would set up corporate governance policies to improve companies’ management.
Influence of personal factors on consumer purchase decisions of mobile phones in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Njigua, Rosemary Wanjiru
Personal factors (age, occupation, income, lifestyle and personality) have become a key aspect in determining the purchase decisions that consumers make. Over the years the mobile phone industry has experienced major technological advancements which have occasioned a shift in the market trends. The mobile phone providers have been compelled to respond with suitable strategies to come up with products that are aligned to the consumer personal needs. The study therefore aimed at determining the relationship between consumer personal factors and their purchase decisions of mobile phones in Nairobi County. Specifically, the study focused on the influence of age, income, occupation, lifestyle, and personality on consumer purchase decision. The study was grounded on the positivist philosophical framework and assumed a descriptive research design. The study targeted mobile phone users in Nairobi County. The sample size was 384 respondents and out of these, 298 questionnaires were gathered for analysis. Data was collected using structured questionnaires which were self-administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS Version 22 was used to analyze and interpret the data. The correlation findings indicated a positive and statistically significant association between personality, occupation, income, age, and lifestyle on consumer purchase decisions of mobile phones. The multiple regression findings indicate that these factors influenced consumer purchase decision by 51.4 % which was statistically significant. The results revealed that personality had the greatest influence on consumer purchase decision of mobile phones in Nairobi County followed by lifestyle, and income. The study concluded that these two personal factors influenced consumer purchase decision of mobile phones whereas age and occupation had no effect. The study recommended that mobile phone manufacturers should design products that elicited different emotions, perceptions and feelings from consumers. Secondly, the study recommended that mobile phone marketers should design advertising campaigns and marketing strategies around the personalities and lifestyles of consumers. This means that marketers should aim to identify personalities and lifestyle patterns of mobile phone consumers regularly.
Influence of information and communication technology on knowledge sharing in research organizations: a case of centers for disease control and prevention in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Mugo, Margaret Wanjiku
Research organizations are in the core business of discovering new knowledge and developing existing knowledge. Knowledge sharing ensures value creation of the knowledge asset and ensures research organizations maintain their competitive advantage. Knowledge sharing occurs through creation of social networks that create an environment that allows for sharing of knowledge between individual and social units. Organizations adopt information and communication technology in order to provide an avenue that allows for social networking regardless of time and distance. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influence of information and communication technology on knowledge sharing with interest on the ICT elements of tools, infrastructure, competencies and infrastructure. The target population of 172 employees working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Kenya provided the primary data that was collected through questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to examine the data. Results indicate that ICT infrastructure and ICT structure was significant in explain knowledge sharing in research organizations. The study however had limitations, in that it did not look at other organizational factors besides ICT that influence knowledge sharing like people and processes. The research was carried out over a period of seven months from November 2017 and May 2018.
Factors influencing the choice of subsector among women in the construction industry in Kenya: a case of Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2018) Munyoki, Caroline Kasyoka
Kenya's industrial sector is conspicuously male-dominated. The balance in the industry is further predicted to remain disparate with regard to gender as participation in technical courses, such as engineering, remains male dominated. In appreciation of the trend, it is necessary to assess the various factors that contribute to this status quo and in so doing, to identify the relationships between the various factors and the choice of participation in the sub-sectors of the industry. This paper focuses on the construction industry. The study assesses the role of education, social networks, work culture and personal traits in informing choice of career within the sub-sectors – road construction, builders works, bridge construction, railway construction and civil works. Respondents of the study were women within Nairobi county. A multinomial logistic regression analysis approach was employed to assess the odds ratios by the various factors of participation within the various sub-sectors of the industry. The influence of the four factors, with the exception of education, was found to best be in the selection of civil works as a preferred career path; education, served as a strong predictor of participation in railway construction. The findings therefore serve to shed light on possible biases by industry as deduced from female participants hence the findings may be useful in understanding the preference of sub-sector by women in the construction industry of Kenya.
Influence of mergers and acquisitions on financial performance of firms listed in Nairobi securities exchange
(Strathmore University, 2018) Kimotho, Terry Ndunyu
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Mergers and Acquisitions on financial performance of firms listed in the NSE. The study was guided by three specific objectives; to compare financial performance of NSE listed companies during Mergers and Acquisitions; to compare financial performance, synergy effects, risk diversification and market share of companies listed in the NSE during Mergers and Acquisitions; and to assess managerial perspectives regarding determinants of Mergers and Acquisitions of NSE listed companies. The study adopted the synergy theory and behavioural theories to guide the study. The study adopted positivist approach to research and utilised a descriptive research design. The study targets managers and heads of finance, risk and compliance, credit, internal audit, and operations departments of the 19 sampled firms. The target population of the study was 190 respondents. The established sample size was 129 respondents but the actual sample size was 102 participants. The study incorporated both primary and secondary data. A questionnaire was used to collect the primary data and secondary data was collected from financial statements of the sampled firms. The first stage of analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis of primary data which showed that market share had a higher overall mean score, followed by risks diversification, and synergy. The secondary analysis findings show a positive and statistically significant relationships between the synergy, risk diversification, market share and financial performance. The findings show that market share had the greatest effect on financial performance of the firms. The findings also show that there was a statistically significant difference between financial performance of sectors listed in the NSE pre-merger and post-merger. This difference was experienced in terms of their market share post-merger. This finding suggests that different sectors experienced changes in their financial performance before and after undergoing M&As. The study concludes that financial performance of firms increased in the post-merger era; that market share determined financial performance of NSE firms post-merger; and that market share was the greatest motivation for firms’ to merge and acquire. The study recommends that companies with little market share should engage in M&As to improve their performance and maximize the shareholders wealth; that companies on different lines of production and different industries should engage in M&As to take diversify their risks; and that companies should therefor adopt this as part of their strategy to improve performance. The findings revealed that there was a statistically significance difference in the market share of firms post-merger. The study therefore suggests for further study to determine the difference of each sector in terms of market share after merger and acquisitions.

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