MBA Theses and Dissertations (2016)

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The effect of loyalty programs on customer patronage of supermarkets in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2016) Wathigo, Peter
Customer loyalty programs are a common strategy adopted in business to increase customer value and achieve competitive advantage. This study sought to investigate the effect of loyalty programs on customer patronage of supermarkets in Nairobi County. The research sought: to analyze the effect of loyalty programs on consumer patronage of supermarkets; establish the influence of perceived value of loyalty programs on patronage behaviour and to determine the mediating role of supermarket’s service quality on loyalty program effects. Descriptive research design was used. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 384 supermarket loyalty card holders from Nairobi County’s four administrative divisions namely: Nairobi West, Nairobi East, Nairobi North and Westlands. Stratified sampling technique was used. The sampling unit was all consumers with a supermarket loyalty card. Data was analyzed using Chi-square tests and hierarchical regression analysis. The results showed that after accounting for consumer demographics, convenient location and service quality, loyalty programs explained 5.7% of the variability in customer patronage of supermarkets to a statistically significant degree (p<.05). It was concluded that loyalty programs positively influenced patronage behaviour of consumers towards supermarkets in Kenya, although the degree of influence was relatively small. Perceived value of loyalty program rewards moderated patronage behavior of card holders to supermarkets. Generally, loyalty programs were not that important to card holder’s shopping experience although they conferred a sense of prestige as card holders felt special. Instead, convenient location was a more important store attribute that determined patronage behavior. It was recommended that supermarkets need to be more innovative at their rewards program offerings. Loyalty schemes should provide instant gratification to customers. Supermarkets should exploit the sense of prestige conferred by the loyalty cards through appropriate brand positioning strategies. Supermarkets that do not enjoy strong brand identity should reallocate resources away from loyalty schemes to improving store attributes such as speed of service and staff responsiveness as well as location convenience. Further studies could focus on the contribution of loyalty schemes to the operational efficiencies of supermarkets in Kenya.
An assessment of market and macro factors that affect forecasting in fast moving consumer goods companies – a case study of Glaxosmithkline
(Strathmore University, 2016) Haria, Binita Rishi
Forecasting creates an estimation of future demand. Forecasting enables businesses to survive and companies to compete in today’s market, by coming up with new advantages, as global competition grows stronger. Despite the vitality of forecasting, GlaxoSmithKline is facing forecasting–related challenges, whereby even after forecasting demand and supply, and reviewing on a monthly basis, a shortfall is experienced month on month and hence consumer dissatisfaction. The purpose of this study was to assess the market and macro factors that affect forecasting in GlaxoSmithKline. The specific objectives were to assess the effects of different market factors and macro factors on forecasting at GSK. Cross sectional research design was used with the population as employees of GSK who are directly involved in product forecasting. The population included production planning team members, sales, marketing team members; demand forecasting team members and the distribution team of GSK. Data collection involved the use of a structured questionnaire which was administered to the respondents by the researcher. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The reliability tests of the research instrument were carried out and the overall Cronbach’s alpha for market factors which were the independent factor was (0.894), macro factors which were the intervening factor was (0.921) –and accurate market forecasting which was the dependant variable was at (0.943). The findings of the study were that macro factors significantly impacted forecasting at GSK. Market factors impacted on forecasting in GSK, though not rated as highly as macro factors. The study concluded that macro factors like the political indicators, consumer’s purchasing power, seasons, promotions, holidays and festivals greatly impacted on forecasting at GSK. The study also concluded that the methods GSK uses to make up for inaccuracies included the use of historic data and reviewing the forecast to cater for the changing trends. The recommendations of the study were that GSK should assess the various political actions that may affect the future forecasting of products. For accuracy in forecasting, GSK should consider the impacts of consumers buying behaviour, competition from similar products, availability of cheaper substitutes, recency effects and consumer purchase power. An area for further research was need for a study on the effectiveness of the forecasting team in undertaking accurate forecasting of products at GSK.
Factors influencing the growth of women groups in Kenya : a case of Kibera women groups
(Strathmore University, 2016) Stephen, Bindar Bernhard
This study sought to assess the factors influencing the growth of women groups in Kenya. The social and dynamics factors in group lending such as age of the group, group solidarity are touted as instruments to attain favorable repayment rates. However, repayment rates vary dramatically from one program to another, suggesting an inherent instability and risks profiles for most groups are different. Typically, if one of the members default in repayments, the responsibility falls on the other members of the group to repay the remaining amount; hence the risks are fully spread to the members. This overtime has made women groups enhance due diligence and need assessments before borrowing. The objectives of the study were stated as follows; to establish the challenges of women groups in kibera affecting their growth, establish the motivation for joining a women group and to determine the factors that influence the growth of women groups in Kibera. In this research study, the descriptive research methodology was employed and a clustered random sampling procedure used to arrive at the sample groups of interest. Data was collected using structured questionnaires which were self-administered by the respondents. The resulting data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to profile the groups and regression analysis to model the relationship between the key variables.
An analysis of factors affecting customer satisfaction at Safaricom outlets in Nairobi Central Business District
(Strathmore University, 2016) Omwenga, Peter Mosoti
In the present day mobile telephony business that is characterized by cut-throat competition from different players, the concept of customer satisfaction has become a critical success factor that is expected to lead to stronger competitive position and consequently to a larger market share and profitability. The research aimed to establish the factors affecting the level of customer satisfaction of Safaricom Customers in Nairobi, Kenya. Using the descriptive research design, the study sought to establish the factors affecting customer satisfaction at Safaricom (K) Limited. The constructs that defined the level of customer satisfaction in the study were the product features, product differentiation, and perception of fairness in the prices charged on the firm products as well as customer service. The data was collected from the Safaricom customers visiting the three Safaricom shops in Nairobi CBD. The study used descriptive research design and the questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection. The study established that the firm’s product features, capacity to differentiate its products, perception on the fairness of the firm’s product pricing and also customer service practices affect the level of customer satisfaction within customers visiting Safaricom Outlets within the Central Business District. The study findings were that the capacity of Safaricom to differentiate its product offering from the other competitors acts as a source of competitiveness to the firm due to the product being able to meet a particular need of the customers. The study found that Safaricom should enhance its rewards scheme to its customers since the strategy was found to increase customers’ level of satisfaction. Further, the study found that the level of customer service at Safaricom influences customer satisfaction and it was recommended that more customer agents and support points be opened outside the CBD. The limitation of the study included the sample selection procedure in which the narrow and specific focus of the scope means that the results are limited to Safaricom Ltd may not translate to other industry and national contexts. For the recommendation, the study set that the firm enhances the features of its product to have a seamless interface with different financial institutions without compromising the security of the customers’ deposits.
Exploratory study of Kenya Power customers use of self service technology options
(Strathmore University, 2016) Obege- Obel, Esther Anyango
Kenya Power’s (KP) customer base has grown exponentially from 802, 249 in 2006 to over 4,500,000 in May 2016 resulting in a high traffic of customers seeking services of the company. This study assessed KP customer use of self service technology and the factors influencing their use. Four hundred KP customers were interviewed using Stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were administered to participants. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize data and the study adopted factor analysis. The company should enhance the use of self service technology options by increasing awareness levels about the SST’s , enhanced customer confidence and enthusiasms consistently maintaining high standards of SST service delivery and promoting the use of SST’s. Results revealed that the full array of SST’s provided by the company had not been fully embraced. The most important factors that determined the actual use of SST’s were cost, extent to which service was preferred and speed of SST. Electricity is integral part of the lives and livelihoods of customers’, some customers regularly visit KP because they perceive customer contact with KP personnel to be more reliable. This impacts negatively on the use of SST’s. The study concludes that there is potential to convert more customers to use SSTs.
An assessment of integrated financial management information system implementation towards effective management practices in Nairobi and Lamu Counties
(Strathmore University, 2016) Njeru, Patrisio Njiru
Following implementation of a devolved county government in Kenya in 2010 which followed devolving huge resources, adoption of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) has been seen instrumental towards effective county management practices. These devolved resources need to be managed prudently for the citizens to enjoy the fruits of devolution. This study sought to assess the contribution of IFMIS on the effectiveness of management practices of Nairobi and Lamu Counties. The specific objective of the study was to; determine the influence of budgeting process automation on effective management practices; to establish the influence of automated county services on effective management practices; to establish whether computerized human resource management has increased effective management practices; and to establish the influence of automated procurement and disposal processes on effective management practices in Nairobi as the biggest County and Lamu being the smallest county. To achieve these objectives, a correlational research design was used with the study population being employees in the county mandated and tasked with the implementation of IFMIS. Primary data was collected and analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive and inferential statistics to describe the study results. The findings in this study revealed that IFMIS contributes significantly to the effectiveness of county management practices with p<0.05 in human resource management (51.6%), service delivery (49.4%), budgeting process (38.7%) and procurement (18%). The study concluded that IFMIS id an important too for effective county management practices and recommended areas for further research among them; establish a model for testing and evaluating the level of success in the implementation of IFMIS and to establish the role of end users on the level of success in the implementation of IFMIS in the County Governments.
Factors affecting growth of micro and small family business enterprises : a case of Nairobi Central Business District
(Strathmore University, 2016) Murathe, Fredrick Maina
The realization of Vision 2030 and industrialization process is dependent on the contribution of family business in terms of mobilization of resources towards investments activities that generates income, wealth and employment in the Nation. The transformation of MSFB to competitive business operations and growth faces fundamental challenges ranging from legal, statutory, market, managerial and operational factors that are detrimental to their success and growth. 200 MSFB operating Under Nairobi County Government located in Koinange, Moi Avenue and Luthuli streets were the target population. 67 Business enterprises were sampled using Yemech (1967) formula and quantitative data collected, coded, sorted and presented in tables and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis was presented according to the main variables of the study which were; leadership style, succession planning, family conflicts and governance structures. In the analysis both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used and the hypotheses tested. Regression analysis was further carried out for the dependent variable against independent variables using SPSS Version 19 and hypotheses test carried out. The finding established that the independent variables had a significant influence on the dependent variable as indicated on the regression model. Leadership was seen as the epitome foundation under which succession planning, management structures were built and developed for the business growth among the MSFB operations. Leadership style affected growth of business to a great extent. Leadership style significantly influenced growth (β =0.591, P=0.002), Succession planning significantly influenced growth (β =0.64, P=0.002), business conflicts significantly influenced growth (β =0.66, P=0.000), Governance structures significantly influenced growth (β =0.57, P=0.004). On effects of succession, the study concluded that it affected growth of the family business to a moderate extent. The study recommended that the management should accord specialized training to employees and facilitate succession planning. Governance structures in terms of recruitment and operational management to be adhered to manage business conflicts. Future studies are recommended on: Factors affecting profitability in family owned business, an assessment of competitive strategies on family businesses and impacts of education on entrepreneurial activities.Objectivity,suspicion and withdrawal of respondents were among others, limiting factors in the study.
Determinants of customers’ choice of service provider in the mobile industry in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Maburuka, Ismail Ramadhan
Despite price reductions, availability of a wide range of products and value added services provided by telecommunication players in the Kenyan market, and establishment of Communication Authority of Kenya by the government of Kenya to regulate telecommunications operator’s activities, there is still a wide gap in market share in subscriptions and revenues between Safaricom Company Limited, and other players in the market. This study investigated the factors that determine a customer’s choice of mobile services provider in Kenya. Simple random sampling technique was applied to select a sample size of respondents picked from the county of Nairobi. Data was collected from the respondents using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and causal research designs were used in analysis of the data. The design was ideal in describing the characteristics of the large targeted sample used in the study. The research applied both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The results of the study established that price and network quality are the two critical factors that subscribers consider important in their choice of a mobile service provider. Price came out as the factor that impact the choice of mobile service provider the most. Service quality came out as having a low significance in the choice of a mobile service provider by the subscribers. The study established that the key reasons given by the respondents for having a second mobile service provider is because of cheaper products and services, mobile money transfer services and clear network. Mobile service providers should implement sound pricing strategies, as the respondents indicated pricing as the most important determinant of their choice of mobile service provider. The results from this study will inform the mobile service operators on the critical factors that influence customers’ choice of mobile operators so as to develop sustainable strategies for growth of their mobile industry. Further research efforts can be done to examine the factors that determine customers’ choice of MSP in other counties in Kenya, the behavioural intentions of consumers on service providers to match consumers’ overall behavioural patterns with decision-making criteria of the service providers, and demographics influences on customers’ choice of service provider. The study was limited to Nairobi County. The study can be carried out in peri-urban and rural areas to enable service provider formulate policies and strategies specific to the regions in line with the preferences of the customer in the different regions.
Assessment of the contribution of East African Community common market protocol to the economic growth of Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Emily Thaara Njuki
Kenya considers Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as the East African Community (EAC) as a facilitator for economic growth. However, the EAC regional integration process has achieved less than envisioned by EAC Common Market Protocol. The general objective of this study was to assess the contribution of East African Community common market protocol to the economic growth of Kenya. Specifically the study sought to: assess the contribution of the movement of labour and persons on the economic growth of Kenya, evaluate the contribution of the movement of capital on the economic growth of Kenya, explore the contribution of trade on the economic growth of Kenya and evaluate the challenges affecting the implementation of the Common Market protocol. The study employed an exploratory research design to establish the causal and effect between the variables. The population of study included 187 officers in senior management level working at the: State Department of East Africa Community, Directorate of Commerce and 3 companies operating across the East African region listed in the Nairobi Stock exchange. The primary data was collected and analyzed to complement the secondary findings and to confirm pragmatic coherence. The study found that movement of the persons and labour, capital, and intra EAC trade have positive influence on economic growth of Kenya, with trade making the highest contribution. The study findings revealed that movement of capital has negative influence on economic growth of Kenya owing to small capital inflow to Kenya from EAC in relation to the big capital outflow. The study also found that the EAC CMP is engulfed by a myriad of challenges requiring immediate and concerted effort by the EAC partners. The study further recommends further research on the implementation of foreign direct investment as an internationalization strategy by Kenyan firms in the East African Community, and on the challenges in harmonizing non-trade barriers under EAC Market Protocol.
Factors influencing savings mobilization by commercial banks in Rwanda
(Strathmore University, 2016) Byusa, Marcel
This study sought to establish the trends in savings mobilization in Commercial Banks of Rwanda, and establish the extent to which the institutional and external factors influence the savings mobilization function by commercial banks. The study employed a cross sectional research design to gather the views of 35 bank staff directly engaged in the savings mobilization function in 5 commercial banks. The study made use of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The descriptive analysis revealed a decreasing rate of savings mobilization by commercial banks with the current status considered unsatisfactorily. The Correlation and Binary Logit Model results revealed a significant influence of institutional and external environmental factors on savings mobilization. The institutional factors were: inappropriate work incentives characterized by inadequate salary enumeration which does not foster staff motivation and commitment to the savings mobilization function; and inappropriate rewards and sanctions which do not significantly impact on employee motivation, job commitment and performance in savings mobilization. The major external factor was competition with other deposit-taking institutions which is partly attributed to conducive regulatory environment provided by the National Bank of Rwanda which fosters entry of many other players such as Micro Finance Institutions, SACCOs in the financial sector offering similar deposit products and therefore sharing on the clientele base. In light of these findings, the leadership and management of commercial banks need to re-focus their performance management policies and strategies towards improving remuneration of employees to enhance staff motivation and job commitment. The banks should also devise innovative measures to position more strategically and competitively to attract more savings, and thereby mitigate the negative impact of competition with other deposit-taking institutions on their performance in savings mobilization
Evaluating how industry collaboration affects growth of business incubators in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2016) Nyangau, Innocent Nyakwara
Business incubators play a great intermediation role that enable SMEs to thrive and meaningfully contribute to economic growth. Business incubators like other firms go through a process of growth moving from a formative to a transcendental stage where they greatly impact the society and industries they serve. This process of growth of the firms is influenced by a myriad of factors, among them is the level of collaboration between players in its industry. While the impact of collaboration on the growth of firms has been documented in Europe and the America’s this has not been articulated within African and/or Kenyan environment and in particular in the incubation industry context. The study objective was to establish both the forms of growth of business incubators within Nairobi and the nature of collaboration practiced by these incubators in order to evaluate the effect of collaboration on the growth of these business incubators. This study utilised a qualitative design and data was collected through structured interviews to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding on how incubators were collaborating and the impact this had on their businesses. A total of 20 participants were contacted and data was collected from 17 respondents which corresponds to an 85% response rate. Through qualitative data analysis the study established that indeed collaboration was yielding growth for business incubators through the transfer of knowledge and capacity building, the creation of strategic alliances allowing incubators to diversify products and markets, to reduce cost of operation and increasing awareness of business incubations which has attracted resources to the industry. The immediate implications of these findings is the need to develop a clear and concise strategy that will promote business incubation as an avenue for socio-economic development enabled by the expansion of the operating environment further accelerating growth of business incubators.
Assessment of factors determining the performance of bank-led agent bank businesses in Kenya : case of Kiambu County
(Strathmore University, 2016) Kiburi, Michael Mungai
Although agent banking has been common in Kenya in the recent past, its success factors have not been studied in depth as the industry is still young. As such, this study aims to investigate the factors determining the performance of Bank-Led Agent Bank Business in Kenya. The specific objectives include determining the extent to which financial factors, operational factors and management factors affect the performance of bank-led agent banking businesses in Kenya. This was an exploratory study in design and targeted all the bank agents operating within the rural areas and major towns of Kiambu County of Kenya. A stratified sampling method and structured questionnaire were used to select the sample and collect data respectively. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings show that the performance of agent banking business measured by profits was good; investors in the business did not think of quitting because of the promising nature of the business. Insecurity (robbery/theft were the main reasons for quitting). Amongst the recurrent expenses affecting profits of agent banking businesses include electricity bill and a monthly rent bills. Onetime costs include the cost of acquiring a transaction device and contingency costs. Availability of capital is an extremely important financial factor that affects the performance of agent banking business (p<0.05). There is a positive statistically significant relationship between the number of employees and profits made by an agent banking business (p<0.05). There is a positive slightly statistically significant relationship between the capability to manage business finances and the profits of agent banking businesses (p<0.05).The management of core business had an insignificant relationship to the performance of agent banking business (p>0.05). The study concludes that agent banking considerably increases the number of customers frequenting a store. The performance of agent banking in Kenya is significantly determined by mobile network coverage and security of agent banking environment. The ability of an agent manager/owner to borrow funds is an extremely important determinant of the agent’s performance while management of core business, capability to manage business finances, and business management capability were important factors to the performance of agent banking. Availability of adequate capital and having adequate number of employees significantly enhances the profits agent banking businesses make. The capability to manage business finances slightly affects the profits of agent banking while the manner of management of core businesses of agent banking in Kenya does not influence profits. The study proposes similar studies in different geographical areas be conducted to eliminate generalisation biases arising from region-specific variables.
Evaluation of critical factors affecting pricing of real estate among low income people in Nairobi, Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Amatete, Bryson Webuye
Development, pricing and subsequent ownership of real estate in Kenya has been dynamic and occasionally economically volatile while experiencing strong market forces driven by factors such as demand, supply, fiscal environment, cost of land, cost of capital, and other salient factors such as consumer tastes and preferences. However, it is one sector in which the dominant players are the middle or high income earners. The majority of the low income earners do not participate in the development, subsequent pricing, and acquisition or ownership of real estate. This study sought to determine the critical factors that drive real estate pricing and how these factors subsequently influence pricing of real estate among the low-income earners in Kenya. The research applied exploratory research design and a causal approach. The target population for this study was 509 respondents comprising of employees and practitioners of the production group and the public infrastructure group. The study adopted non-probability approach to sampling with purposive sampling as the selected approach. This study used a stratified random sampling method to select 219 respondents. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample from each stratum. The study collected primary data from the sampled organisations and/or groups using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze relevant data that was collected for an exploratory study. Also inferential statistical methods such as factor analysis, correlation analysis, chi square test and multivariate regression analysis were applied to analyze the data and draw the relevant inferences with regard to the study. The study found that construction cost, financial market dynamics, macroeconomic determinants and structural characteristics were the major determinants of acquisition and ownership of real estate among the lowincome earners
To identify a framework for adoption by insurance industry for enhancing insurance penetration
(Strathmore University, 2016) Barasa, Kevin
In the Kenyan vision 2030 economic blueprint, the government has set out clearly the need for a comprehensive access of insurance services for all people in a country regardless of their socio-economic levels. The need to be covered by insurance is essentially higher for people on the lower-end of the income structure as they are prone to a myriad of problems such as illness, unexpected loss of income and vulnerability to a host of misfortunes. Hence, this provokes a need within the business environment to bridge the gap of insurance services inclusion to this group of people who have a dire need for the cover. In the market, insurance industries have been struggling to exert their presence among this group of clients to no substantial gain. It is due to this challenge that this study seeks to propose a framework that if adopted geared towards promotion of better insurance uptake. The research utilized determinants, challenges and strategies as the parameters that will help to measure the insurance penetration. The theoretical background of this study was based on the agency theory, and utility theory. The empirical review was enhanced through an analysis of previous studies on the select topic. This research adopted a cross-sectional study design where data will be collected using structured questionnaires and data analysis conducted using SPSS. The data was presented using tables, charts and bar graphs where possible. Based on previous research findings showed that outlook reports this study will seek to come up with a framework that will enhance insurance penetration. The validation of the framework was carried out with the help of four selected insurance firms. Findings showed that the predictor variables (Determinants, challenges and strategies) were attributed to 72% changes in insurance penetration. The validation of the framework showed that the framework can be utilized by insurance firms towards enhancing insurance penetration. Findings from the research showed that technology, customer awareness, pricing, government intervention, regulatory framework and innovation were the key determinants of insurance penetration. The main challenge to insurance penetration were identified to be poor customer awareness, marketing and distribution channels, lack of government/regulatory support. The majority of the respondents also felt that insurance firms lagged behind in terms of differentiating their products hence constrained customer preference. Findings also showed that the main strategies that can extensively enhance insurance penetration were government involvement, pricing and forming strategic alliances. The researcher recommends that insurance firms should engage the government and the regulator in drafting new laws meant to foster insurance penetration. The study further recommends adoption of new technology that will foster better product innovation, customer handling and better differentiation of products.
Relative performance of the single index versus mean variance optimization in equity portfolio construction in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Nyokangi, Chris Ogetii
This study focuses on comparing the performance of the single index model and mean variance optimization model in portfolio construction in Kenya using the Nairobi Securities Exchange-20 Share Index from 2002-2015. The comparison is done by constructing portfolios using both the single index model and mean variance optimization model. The Sharpe ratio is used to determine which model is better, as indicated by the higher Sharpe ratio. The study establishes that the mean variance optimization model is better when considering investments with long time horizon, whereas the single index model is better when considering investments with short time horizon. The study also concludes that the mean variance optimization model is better if the investors are risk averse, while the single index model is better when considering investors who are risk lovers.
Analysis of factors affecting succession management of family-owned enterprises in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2016) Gitiche, Paul Mwangi
Succession Management is an important event in the life of a family enterprise. The strategies employed in the succession have been observed to have a significant influence on the survival and performance of family businesses. Against the background of minimal research on family-owned business succession in Kenya, coupled by the important position the family enterprise holds in the economy, this study aimed at determining factors affecting succession management in family-owned enterprises within Nairobi County. The study was guided by the following variables; founder leadership style, mentorship programs and successor attributes. A descriptive research design was used in the study. The population of interest was based on the number of family-owned businesses operating in Nairobi County. A quota sampling method was used to select samples for the study. Based on a confidence level of 95%, a representative sample size of family-owned enterprises operating in the County was determined. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the relevant data for the study. Descriptive survey designs were used in the study. The data analysis was both quantitative and qualitative. This study informed best practices in family enterprise succession to ensure smooth transition in management of family-owned businesses. In the analysis of the founder’s leadership style influence on succession management, over 73% of respondents believed that it does to a great extent. 78% of the respondents indicated that successor to their respective organizations had been proposed and most of them viewed the successor attributes as an important factor influencing succession management in family-owned enterprises in Nairobi County. Family-owned business should enhance professionalism in the running of family businesses. Also, providing training for those in leadership positions including the founders, on the value and necessity of succession management would increase the likelihood of a stronger commitment to succession process.
The relationship of macroeconomic factors and financial performance of the five firms listed in the energy and petroleum sector of the NSE
(Strathmore University, 2016) Rao, Desmond Tutu
Potential investors in any sector seek to establish the profitability of the sector prior to investment. The key factors that would affect the variability of the expected returns ought to be taken into consideration and appropriate measures taken to mitigate any inappropriate conditions. The total risk of the return of any investment is determined by the effect of its systematic risk as well as the unsystematic risk. Systematic risk is vulnerability to events that affect all sectors of an economy and can be summed as macroeconomic factors and is the focus of this research. On the other hand, unsystematic risk refers to microeconomic factors which are unique to a particular industry. The key macroeconomic variables used in this research include inflation rate, interest rate, exchange rates, the GDP growth and oil price. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of macroeconomic factors on the financial performance of the five companies listed in the Energy and Petroleum sector of the NSE. The period of study was from the year 2004 to 2015. A descriptive research constituting collection and analysis of secondary data. The Earnings Per Share was used as a measure of the financial performance. The Arbitrage Pricing Theory model was used to analyze the panel data obtained after which various statistical tests were carried out on the data. Key findings from the research were that there was a significant relationship between the financial performance of firms listed in the Energy and Petroleum sector of the NSE and the macroeconomic variables. The oil price and interest rates have a significant effect on the financial performance. This study will go a long way in guiding decision making in the Energy and Petroleum sector both at the entrant level and those with a going concern. This should guide managers in formulating and executing strategic decisions in terms of timing and actions to undertake so as to enhance their future performance and survival within the industry.
An analysis on the use of social media advertising to advance brand popularity : a case of fine dining restaurants in Nairobi
(Strathmore University, 2016) Oyoo, Joseph Ogidi
In the modern day world numerous social media sites and applications have been developed that are being used worldwide. In the year 2015, both Facebook and Gmail announced that they have reached an active audience of 1 billion people each. This creates a key target market audience for corporates, small firms and even individuals. This study sought to find how fine dining restaurants have leveraged on the popularity of social media sites locally to create brand popularity through its advertisement drives. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the extent of social media advertising usage in creating brand popularity of fine restaurants in Nairobi, to examine the influence of social media advertising on the brand popularity of fine restaurants in Nairobi and to find out the challenges of social media advertising in creating brand popularity of fine dining restaurants in Nairobi. The theoretical foundation for the research was premised on the hierarchy effects theory. The study adopted a survey research design targeting both employees and clients of fine dining restaurants in Nairobi. The target population for the study comprised 390 restaurants in Nairobi, from which the study targeted 10% of the restaurants. The respondents included the managers, operations manager, communications manager and at least 10 customers in the restaurants. The sample size for the study was 135 respondents. The researcher further collected primary data using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were presented using charts, frequencies and percentages while inferential statistics were presented using correlation and regression analysis. The study findings established that social media advertisement has been on the rise and has been adopted in fine dining restaurants also as a channel for meeting customers. Social media adoption was found to be more effective in increasing brand popularity than the traditional media. Findings also showed that social media advertisement has a significant and positive effect on brand popularity. It is also a cost effective channel of advertisement. The study therefore recommends that fine dining restaurants should embark on social media advertisements so as to increase their brand popularity. Also, there is need for the fine dining restaurants to implement strategies for advancing social media usage as the advertising channel which is also efficient and cost effective. It is also recommended that fine dining restaurants should utilize all available social media advertisement channels to reach every class of individuals across different age groups.
The influence of competitive strategies on competitiveness of local pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Wasike, Jacinta
The local pharmaceutical manufacturing firms play an important role in the economic development of Kenya as they create employment opportunities but more so they create products that are critical in life support services. Therefore improving the competitiveness of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in Kenya is critical for the realization of Kenya’s Vision 2030. This study examined the influence of competitive strategies on competitiveness of local pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in Kenya. The Resource Based View and Porter’s Generic Model guided the study. Quantitative approach was used in this study. Cross-Sectional survey design used to examine the influence of competitive strategies on competitiveness of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in Kenya. A questionnaire was to collect primary data from the local pharmaceutical-manufacturing firms. The study found out that competitive strategies and firm competitiveness had a positive Pearson Correlation Co-efficient. The relationship between these two variables is relatively a strong positive relationship meaning an increase in one variable is significantly likely to result in an increase in the other variable. The study established that all the three competitive strategies; differentiation strategy (β= .28, p value=.000), cost leadership strategy (β=0338, p value=.000) and focus strategy (β.206, p value=.000) had significant coefficients to model a regression equation. However, cost leadership strategy had a higher coefficient of determination meaning that, it had the greatest effect on firm performance. The R-square values revealed a strong relationship between the firm competitiveness and the competitive strategies; differentiation strategy, cost leadership strategy and focus strategy. This study recommends that local pharmaceutical manufacturing firms adopt cost leadership strategy since it has the most significant influence on firm competitiveness among the three competitive strategies that were tested in this study. The empirical evidence from this study infers that cost leadership has significant influence on competitiveness of local pharmaceutical manufacturing firms. It is suggested that future research may consider expanding the scope to include firms in other geographical regions to confirm the findings of this study and establish whether there is significant difference in strategies employed by these firms based on their geographical scope.
Factors influencing satisfaction of management employees in state corporations : a case of Postal Corporation of Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2016) Otieno, Jane Florence
State Corporations play an important role in the economic growth and development of a nation. This paper attempted to carry out an evaluation of factors influencing work satisfaction of state corporations‟ employees. It thus looks at the relative value of work satisfaction elements and how they impact on overall employee job satisfaction. Employee satisfaction is the satisfaction of employees with their jobs. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing management employee satisfaction extent in State Corporations. This study used descriptive research design to obtain qualitative information on the factors influencing employee satisfaction. PCK's management staff consisted of 49 employees who were part of the actual target population. A total of 48 completed and usable questionnaires out of 49 administered were obtained from the respondents for the study. This represented 97.9% response rate which the study considered adequate for analysis. Questionnaire was the preferred instrument for data collection to extract the demographic profile of the respondents as it was assumed that the respondents' attributes usually influence their behaviors, attitudes and how they respond to the other questions in the questionnaire. Before the real research, the questionnaire was pre-tested to gauge its validity and reliability. The questionnaire acted as a guide for conducting the interviews. In addition, the data analysis illustrated the relationship between the independent variables which were psychological contract, employee welfare and work motivation on one hand and dependent variable as employee satisfaction on the other. The findings revealed that psychological contract had a greater influence on employee satisfaction at Postal Corporation of Kenya followed by work motivation to a small extent and finally employee welfare to a very little extent. The study therefore recommends that Postal Corporation of Kenya should consider psychological contract factors such as employee involvement, employee commitment and professional contribution when coming up with human resource strategies.

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