MBA Theses and Dissertations (2018)

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An Analysis of factors affecting sustainable growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Weru, Douglas Maina
The purpose of the study was to analyze the factors affecting sustainable growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies by determining and establishing their influence on sustainable growth of these firms in Kenya. The review of related literature identified these factors as competition, government regulations, international regulations and the cost of production. The study adopted a cross sectional research design and targeted 32 local firms registered with the Pharmacy Poisons Board in 2016. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were used to test the influence of predictor variables on the dependent variable. We found that there has been increase in the number of employees in the firms since their inception (median of 6-10) to date (median 41-50) signifying growth. The study established that competition in the sector had positive effects on the growth of the local pharmaceutical manufacturers. Government regulations also favoured growth of the firms. This could be attributed to government policies aimed at enhancing growth in the sector. The study concludes that the international regulations have benefited the local firms even though they seem to favour multinationals. Further, the study concludes that the cost of production in Kenya, largely driven by cost of raw materials, energy, labour, machinery and taxes had a significant negative influence on the growth of these firms. The study recommends that government encourages competition in the sector to enhancing quality and promote use of competitive strategies thus facilitating growth. The government should introduce more policies and regulations that encourage the growth in the sector. The local pharmaceutical manufacturers should strive to adhere to international regulations in order to access international markets for their products. Lastly government should review sector specific tariffs, lower the cost of energy, promote labour environment that responds to sustainable growth needs of local pharmaceutical manufacturers. The study was limited to the extent that it excluded the role of management and corporate culture in influencing sustainable growth of the firms.
Analysis of talent management strategies and its influence on the performance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Ogolo, Eunice Atieno
Effective 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.
An analysis of the effect of crowdfunding platforms in enhancing the financing sources for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Onyango, Linda
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector plays a significant role in the Kenyan economy, offering opportunities for employment and innovation. However, there exist a financing gap due to limited personal finances, credit, grants, equity and other sources of finance that subsequently limits MSMEs access to funding. This further inhibits many entrepreneurs from sustaining and growing their enterprises. The crowdfunding platform phenomenon was first adopted in the developed world and has grown exponentially over the years with many entrepreneurs employing crowdfunding platforms to raise capital for the enterprises’ financial needs. Unfortunately, African countries lag behind in the adoption of crowdfunding with very few locally established crowdfunding platforms and a general lack of awareness of the use of crowdfunding platforms as source of finance for entrepreneurs’. The purpose of this study was to analyse the financing gap that exists in MSMEs in Kenya and the role that crowdfunding platforms play in enhancing their financing opportunities. This study was exploratory and it used both primary and secondary data in answering the research questions. Primary data was collected by targeting a population of 30 MSMEs that have accessed financing from the 48 crowdfunding platforms accessible to Kenyan.The study was able to achieve a response rate of 96.7%. Secondary data was collected from the World Bank and Central Bank of Kenya and used to analyse the average MSME financing gap at a national level. From the primary data, the average success rates of four different types of crowdfunding platforms was determined as percentage of amounts raised from the platform versus the target amounts the entrepreneurs’ were seeking from these platforms. The average success rate for each platform was then applied to national average financing gap to provide a recommendation on which platform could be an ideal contributor in narrowing the financing gap for MSMEs in Kenya. The study findings reveal that the mean success rate is highest for lending platforms (100%) followed by reward platforms (87%, donation platforms (46%) and finally equity platform (0%).From the secondary data the average financing gap is USD 7,545 per registered but underserved MSMEs. The extent to which the various challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing funding such as value and size of MSME network, human effort required, compatible payment systems, due diligence process required was analysed and discussed depending on the platform type. The highest contribution to the national average financing gap evidently came from the lending platforms and was the recommended platform as long as an entrepreneur is able to pass the due diligence required in order to access funds from these platforms. In the arena of academia, scholars can contribute towards this end by undertaking more studies to fill the knowledge gap particularly on the size of financing gap facing MSMEs in Kenya especially from a demand side.
An 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 Muthoni
This 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.
Assessing the effect of electronic word of mouth (E-WOM) aspects on destination image: a case of vacation tourists visiting Mombasa, Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Kassam, Rehema Jafarali
The development of the Internet and improvements in information and communication technologies (ICTs) allow consumers to share their opinions and experiences of products and services with other consumers through electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM, word-of-mouse) communication. The impact of innovations in information technology are particularly apparent in the tourism sector; today, social media provide many opportunities for travelers to share their holiday experience with their connected others. This study aimed to assess the effect of electronic word of mouth (EWOM) aspects on destination image with a particular focus on vacation tourists visiting Mombasa, Kenya. Primary data was collected through questionnaires distributed physically to 440 respondents. Results from this study indicate that perceived electronic word of mouth (EWOM) credibility, Positive electronic word of mouth (EWOM), and Volume of electronic word of mouth (EWOM), had a greater influence on destination image as compared to Users Expertise on EWOM, and Negative EWOM, on destination image. The implication of the results to therefore is that managers in their various capacities of service delivery should ensure that tourists have a positive experience of the destination; this, in turn, encourage positive EWOM about the destination image in existing Web 2.0 technology applications.
Assessing the effectiveness of table banking as a financing option for women owned micro and small enterprises in Nairobi, Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Akinyi, Veronicah Liza
Women enterprises are believed to make a great contribution to economic growth of developing countries with about one in three micro and small enterprises being women-owned. This study assessed table banking as a financing option for women-owned micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study objectives sought to investigate the drivers of table banking among women entrepreneurs, to assess the member experience of table banking as a financing option for women owned enterprises and to explore the effect of table banking financing on the performance of women owned enterprises in Kenya. A sample of 400 members of table banking women groups was selected using purposive and simple random sampling methods. Data was collected using a structured researcher-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS and Stata software applying descriptive and inferential techniques. Findings indicate that majority of women running micro and small enterprises in Nairobi are aged 26 – 45 years, are fairly well educated and close to a third of them have more than four people depending on them for livelihood. Women entrepreneurs are pushed to join table banking financing groups to enable them save, raise business capital, to avoid prohibitive requirements and procedures in formal financial institutions and save for their children’s school fees. Table banking improves business performance of women owned enterprises but the extent of effect varies by individual attributes of the business owner and group attributes. Moreover, table banking groups are marred by lack of training opportunities, group conflicts, mistrust among members and bad debts. The study recommends that savings and credit cooperative societies, cooperatives, microfinance institutions and commercial banks should develop simple, friendly and practical products targeting women entrepreneurs in table banking groups. Further, national and county governments through Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) and development partners should aim to strengthen table banking groups longevity through requisite policies and regulatory frameworks. Development partners should discriminate interventions such as capacity building by duration of membership, age and other relevant individual attributes. Finally, there is need to provide table banking groups with training in conflict resolution and group cohesion.
Assessing the effects of e-commerce on second hand vehicle importation business in Nairobi, Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Manyeki, James Ikua
Second 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.
Assessing the uptake of Mobile Banking as perceived by employees of Commercial Banks in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Ngunyi, Susan Nyaguthi
Studies have indicated need for Commercial Banks to move from traditional banking norm of brink and motor and embrace technology to improve quality of customer’s service, improve customer satisfaction, reduce operational cost and offer customers alternative channels to access banking services through alternative banking channels like Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Agency Banking and ATMs. The objective of the study is to analyse the value of Mobile Banking adoption or lack while examining the challenges faced in Mobile Banking adoption- as well as examine ways to increase mobile banking uptake among commercial banks in Kenya as perceived by Banking Employees. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population were all the 43 commercial banks in Kenya and the sample size was 60 respondents. Quantitative primary and secondary data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The growth in number of customer deposit accounts and value of customer deposit was attributed to increased deposit mobilization by banks as they expanded their outreach and leveraging on mobile banking platforms to mobilise lower cost deposits. Mobile Banking has enabled commercial banks in Kenya to experience growth, competitive positioning and assured their survival. Kenya has earned its place of pride in the global technological innovation sphere through the revolutionary mobile banking platforms that has exponential capability to transform the mode of banking depending on the extent of its uptake by respective banks. The increased financial inclusion through mobile banking has not only reduced banks operational costs hence cost cutting but also increased their reach, competitiveness and financial performance against the background of dwindling revenues as a result of regulation, competition, inflation among other market forces. The cost of a technology, mobile banking security, human capability, technological, infrastructural related challenges impede mobile banking uptake among the banks. vi Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of the Commercial Bank should rethink their Mobile Banking model and align it with customer’s evolving banking needs particularly making it attractive to the financially excluded Kenyan population. They should also allocate adequate financial resources towards Mobile Banking uptake and have a highly robust and Secured Mobile Platforms to encourage uptake There was also the need to undertake a market research to understand the customer needs and to inform their customers on their Mobile Banking product design with key focus to ease of use, competitive cost and improved quality of service.
Assessment of determinants of enterprise resource planning implementation by small and medium enterprises in Kenya: a case of Nairobi county
(Strathmore University, 2018) Ghaghda, Jatin
ABSTRACT The study offers important guidelines to companies implementing an ERP system and develops a coherent conceptual framework that thoroughly investigates the determinants of the effective implementation of an ERP system, thus, broadening the understanding on the issue. The main objective of the study was to assess the determinants of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are listed as top 100 SMEs in 2017 by KPMG and Nation Media (Appendix III) with specific reference to Nairobi County. Four key specific objectives were addressed in the study: to evaluate the effect of information technology (IT) infrastructure on ERP implementation by SMEs in Kenya; to establish how technical skills contribute to the implementation of ERP by Small and Medium Enterprises; to assess the effect of financial capital on implementation of ERP by Small and Medium Enterprises; and to explore the influence of implementation partner on the ERP by Small and Medium Enterprises. The study was based on three theories:Technological Acceptance Model, Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Information Systems Success Model. The study used both primary and secondary data. Target population was the Small and Medium Enterprises within the Nairobi County. The author applied judgmental procedure to select 10 SMEs within Nairobi County. Descriptive research design was used to answer the specific questions of the study. Primary findings have shown that IT infrastructure, cost of implementation and cost of personnel have a very strong relationship with ERP Implementation. The examination prescribes different organizations to prepare or prepare enough work force to execute ERP. Small and medium enterprises ought to likewise have a hearty IT foundation important to execute ERP
An 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, Nicholas
In 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.
Determinants of delays in the payment of private health insurance claims in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Ndonga, Stanley Ngure
This 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.
Determinants of employee turnover and its effect on organisational performance - A Case of Airtel Kenya Limited
(Strathmore University, 2018) Pattni, Bansri Jayesh
Employee turnover is a vital element in the survival and success of an organization and should be considered when developing strategies and business plans to ensure a competent and skilled workforce that delivers the organizational objectives and goals. The departure of key staff can have a drastic impact on the performance of the organization. The determinants of employee turnover and their effect on organisational performance at Airtel Kenya Limited is a complex area of study. Numerous studies have been published about employee turnover and job satisfaction however there is a paucity of information in literature about the determinants of employee turnover and its effect on organisational performance at Airtel Kenya Limited. With rising globalisation, accelerated use of technology and pressure to innovate and remain competitive in the Kenyan telecom industry, it is becoming increasingly important for Airtel Kenya Limited to attract and retain rich human capital. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the extent to which management styles contributes to employee turnover; to establish the role of work environment as a contributing factor to employee turnover and to evaluate the extent to which reward management contributes to employee turnover. The research employed case study approach and the methodology was quantitative. The target population for the study comprised a total of 135 employees working at Airtel Kenya Limited in Nairobi with a sample size of 54 employees. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. Stratified sampling technique was used to divide the sample into lower, middle and senior level employees and random sampling was used thereafter to give employees an equal chance at selection. The findings indicate that management styles, the work environment and reward management play a key role in employee turnover at Airtel Kenya Limited. Employee turnover affects organisational performance by touching on all the four perspectives of the Balance Scorecard; customer, financial, internal business process and learning and growth. The highlighted recommendation was that Airtel must regularly conduct employee-manager reviews and provide feedback, must align the working environment with the changing, dynamic and culturally diverse workplace, there is need to have employee friendly policies and procedures that provide an enabling environment that allows creativity and innovation. Finally, reward packages should be more favourable and in line with employee needs and the organisation should establish modern retention strategies to enhance retention.
The 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 Otieno
The 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.
The Determinants of social and environmental disclosure by Islamic banks in Tanzania and Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Dighesh, Mussa Issa
This 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.
Drivers of strategy execution among insurance companies in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Mbae, Kennon Mwiti
The main objective of this study was to explore the drives of strategy execution among Insurance companies in Kenya. The study sought to rank of the drivers of strategy execution among insurance companies, to assess the effect of strategy execution drivers based on size of the of insurance companies and identify the contribution of each department to the strategy execution process among insurance companies. The population was the 53 Insurance companies regulated by the Insurance regulatory authority. The population was stratified in terms of their market share with companies in the top half of IRA ranking categorized as group 1 and those in the bottom half categorized as group 2. Simple random sampling was used to reach a total of 60 respondents, 30 in group one and 30 in group two. This study clustered the departments into three: business development, operations and support services. The respondents were the heads of these departments and their assistants. To achieve the research objectives, the study used a self-administered questionnaire as the data collection tool. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the findings were presented using tables, graphs and correlation matrix. Major research findings indicated that people are the main contributor to strategy execution gap, followed by alignment, systems and structure in that order. The second finding was that the bigger companies face system challenges while executing strategy while their smaller counterparts face challenges around people. Lastly, the human resource department contributes the most to the strategy execution gap, with the claims department contributing the least. Based on the findings, the study recommends adoption of more innovative strategies to manage human capital in insurance companies. Secondly, insurance companies need to investment in operational systems to match company growth. Lastly, insurance companies should enlighten their external customers on the claims processing cycle so as to manage the client’s expectations. The researcher suggests further studies be carried out how the human resource function can bridge the ‘people’ gap, why large companies with sufficient resources suffer ‘system’ problems and lastly how to manage the expectation gap between the insurance practitioners and customers on claims processing.
Effect of Electronic Medical Record Systems on the delivery of hospital services in Kenya: an operational efficiency perspective
(Strathmore University, 2018) Marete, Kevin
Delivery of hospital services has been experiencing various challenges such as escalating costs of care delivery. Spending in healthcare is wasted due to operational inefficiency leading to poor healthcare outcomes. Health information technologies, such as Electronic Medical Records Systems (EMRS) are critical to transforming the healthcare industry. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of EMRS on the delivery of hospital services from an operational efficiency perspective. The study adopted a descriptive research design both in identifying factors that influence service delivery in hospitals and analyzing observed operational throughput, followed by both descriptive and correlational research design aiming to establish a relationship between EMRS and operational efficiency of service delivery in hospitals. The study gathered primary data by administering questionnaires to a sample size of 51 hospitals, 357 hospital workers which achieved a response rate of 85.71%. Findings revealed that factors that most influenced operational efficiency included; availability of ICT infrastructure (22.22%), lack of valued analytical skills among hospital staff (20.57%) and staff limited time to access information (18.37%). On the analysis of observed operational throughput, the most relevant measures were total patients served (27.24%), waiting times (22.65%), throughput times (21.08%) and costs saved (18.95%) and on the effects of EMRS on operational efficiency, the effects were; better decision support mechanism (11.83%), faster access of information (11.36%), reduction of waiting times (11.30%), improvement of commodity management (11.15%), faster lab results access (10.36%). Correlation analysis established a relationship where total patients served would lead to (2%) increase in operational efficiency, waiting time would increase operational efficiency by (3%), throughput time would decrease operational efficiency by (4.4%) and cost saved would increase operational efficiency by (5%). Through these findings the study recommends that hospital administrations should work towards building the capacity of the hospitals to improve on the use of EMRS through ICT infrastructure.
Effect of increasing core capital on the Kenyan banking sector performance
(Strathmore University, 2018) Mwangi, Anne Wangui
The Kenya Vision 2030 envisions a globally competitive financial sector and proposes transforming the banking sector to have fewer, stronger and larger scale banks. In this regard, the National Treasury proposed and implemented an increase in the minimum core capital requirement in 2008 and proposed a further increase in 2015 and 2016 to improve competition in the banking sector, increase the level of savings in the economy and strengthen banks. This study sought to find out the effect of the 2008 increase in the minimum core capital requirement from Kshs.250 million to Kshs.1 billion on bank performance in the Kenyan banking sector. The specific variables that were studied to evaluate their impact on bank performance following an increase in core capital were competition and profitability. The study focused on the Kenyan banking sector from 2003 to 2016 and adopted an exploratory study approach. The research relied on secondary data from CBK and therefore took a quantitative approach. The entire population of 39 banks as provided by the CBK as at 31st December 2016 was studied. The study was conducted according to the three peer group classification provided by CBK as presented in Appendix B. The paired t-test was used to evaluate whether there was a change in competition and profitability pre and post increase in the minimum core capital requirement. Regression models were further included to assess the strength of the relationship between the dependent variables competition and profitability and the independent variable core capital and control variables total deposits, profits before tax, inflation and GDP. Results indicate that the regulatory increase in the core capital requirement had an inconsistent effect on profitability and competition in the three banking peer groups. In particular, as indicated by the paired t-test, there was no statistically inferred difference for both competition and profitability in all the three peer groups except for competition in peer group one. The policy recommendation arising from this study is for the regulator to have similar policies for the entire industry as well as different policies tailored for each peer group to increase the attainment of desired outcome of regulation.
Effect of mobile banking investment on financial profitability - A Case of Tier one banks in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Waiganjo, Catherine Wachuka
The movement from traditional branch banking to mobile banking has caused banks to come up with strategies to attract more customers and retain existing ones. The desire to reduce both operational, administrative cost and competition has driven banks to adopt mobile banking. Technological advancements in the area of telecommunications and information technology have continued to revolutionize the banking industry. The Kenyan banking sector has witnessed many changes since the beginning of digital transformation. While the rapid development of information technology has made some banking tasks more efficient and cheaper, technological investments are taking a larger share of bank’s resources. There is a paucity of published work on the effect of mobile banking investment on financial profitability of Tier I commercial banks, particularly in the context of developing countries in the dynamic African region and specifically in Kenya. This study intended to bridge this gap in the knowledge that exists. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mobile banking investment on financial profitability in Tier 1 Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. The unit of study for the research was tier one banks in Kenya. The survey was administered to 190 participants as a representative sample of the entire population. The data for this study was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Another type of data that was used is secondary data which will be derived from the previous studies and Tier I commercial banks’ financial statements. The quantitative data collected from respondents was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to produce descriptive analysis and inferential statistics. Qualitative data obtained from the open-ended questions in the questionnaire was analyzed thematically. The study concluded that: Monthly value moved through mobile banking, and that the number of users of mobile banking do influence financial profitability of the banks to a very great extent. Therefore, this study concluded that there exists a positive association between perceived increased customer base, mitigating fraud and cybercrime, investing in security systems, and risk management practices that suggest that when one increases, financial profitability of the banks increase. The study recommends need for policy makers to consider mobile banking in their formulation of policies because of the technological developments and the expected switch from physical branch networks to technologically supported banking channels. There is also a need to conduct a study on the challenges faced in the adoption of mobile banking in commercial banks in Kenya.
Effect of organizational changes during receivership on employee engagement: a case of Imperial Bank Ltd-in receivership, Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2018) Jerusha, Catherine Githatu
Change 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
The Effect of remission in schizophrenia on employee absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace
(Strathmore University, 2018) Ngarachu, Elizabeth Wambui
This study aimed to advance insight on remission in schizophrenia in the workplace by examining absenteeism and presenteeism of employees. It measured the absenteeism and presenteeism of employees in businesses in Nairobi with remission in schizophrenia attending Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital follow up clinics with the aim of recommending a strong talent management strategy. The study adapted a quantitative method of research. All the questionnaires were filled. The Health and Work Performance Questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization was used to measure absenteeism and presenteeism. Remission in schizophrenia was measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Organizational support was measured by the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was used to measure social support. A Pearson’s correlation was done to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between remission in schizophrenia and absenteeism and presenteeism. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to predict the value of absenteeism based on the value of remission in schizophrenia, social and organizational support. The correlation analysis revealed that remission in schizophrenia has a weak negative correlation with absenteeism, that is, when remission in schizophrenia was increased, absenteeism decreased. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between remission in schizophrenia and presenteeism. The multiple regression analysis revealed that when remission in schizophrenia was changed by one unit, absenteeism decreased by three and a half working hours. However, there are other factors that explain absenteeism in employees with remission in schizophrenia. Based on the findings of this study, the main recommendation was employers should investigate what these factors are in order to retain talent in their organizations.

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